The Health Adventure in Asheville, NC

The Health Adventure in Asheville is a great place to share with your children when you come for a visit. Although they are planning a gigantic and exciting move next year (of which I will share when the time is right), they are still located in the heart of downtown Asheville in Pack Square. While you are perusing the town you can make a stop here for the kids and enjoy the stationary and traveling exhibits. One such traveling exhibit is up through May5, 2010: Mindbender Mansion. This exhibit, according to the website, is "...an eclectic place full of brainteasers and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers." There are 40 individual brainteasers and then group activities in addition, such as forming patterns in rolling chairs and keeping up with a conveyor belt. The theme for the whole exhibit is set within a mansion backdrop, making it quirky and (gulp) quite intelligent.
You can still take advantage of our winter specials here at Carolina Mornings (most through the end of March). It's best to book your vacation rental now and enjoy Asheville's downtown before tourist season arrives, especially if you need a little space to really think about these brainteasers!

Asheville, NC: a shopping paradise, but where do I purchase stuff for the kids??

Image by So Sylvie via Flickr

We all like to bring at least one souvenir home with us when we travel and if you are like me, I love shopping for my children and friends' children. Grandma loves to gather goodies for her clan when she is vacationing as well. While staying in one of our Asheville vacation rentals, visitors are always enamored with the cute boutiques and funky shops that this quaint town has to offer, most of them locally owned. Many people don't know where to buy special gifts and treasures, for the young ones in the family.

While traversing downtown Asheville, NC, check out Earth Guild for those that are artsy and crafty. The Woolworth Walk offers fun, local artwork that your kids can take home and display as souvenirs. A book could be perfect for your child when you want to relax in our vacation cabins. Visit Malaprop's Bookstore, or their used store, Downtown Books and News.

One of my favorites is Nest Organics for natural and beautiful infant-to-small child purchases, featuring quality organic clothing and non-toxic wooden toys. Cosmic Vision is a non-profit storefront carrying gifts from around the world. Or Cornerstone Minerals, where children can pick from a variety of beautiful rocks and crystals. Mast General Store offers a children's section of both clothing and toys, some of which can be quite nostalgic for adults wandering through (beware: there is also a huge candy section that can also be quite nostalgic!). Lastly, there is Enviro Depot, the only store downtown dedicated soley to children's toys. Enjoy the uniqueness of downtown Asheville!