Vacation Renters' Paradise

The Boston Globe's Sunday magazine article Bargains in Paradise sites that the Cape Code rental market is "off to a slow start" this year. The article goes on to site that fly to destinations are taking a huge hit this year and presenting with big discounts. The drive to destinations are not feeling the same pain and in some cases not even offering any discounts.

Here in Asheville, we are seeing a decrease of the number of reservations and the stays are shorter then last year. And as the Boston Globe's article even suggests, and we at Carolina Mornings are witnessing first hand: more vacationers are looking for deals and freebies.

I would like to say this is not so, but I cannot tell a lie. So how have we responded to traveling public? or as Janet Jackson sang "What Have You Done For Me Lately?"

Some of our owners are offering amazing specials and as a company we have offered some free amenities such as $50 gift certificates to Zambra's Restaurant honoring the moms for the month of May. But regardless of any of these specials, we have also added more value and Freebies to our vacation rentals. Our area's one and only Asheville's Mountain Discovery Pass offers FREE activities: Whitewater Rafting, Trolley Tours, Golf, Lake Lure Cruise Tours. Now with each rental accommodation, our guests basically get close to $100 of free activities for each night of their stay. You gotta admit, where else can you rent a vacation rental and as a bonus receive FREE rafting? Free Trolley Tours? Golf? Really now? I think this is amazing! Don't you?

Our thoughts are with Tupelo Honey Cafe!

Tupelo Honey Cafe, one of Asheville's most popular restaurants, is temporarily closed due to flooding in its basement from a broken City of Asheville water line. The expected re-open date is May 6th at 9am. You can more about the situation, and get updates, on their home page.

We're looking forward to seeing you guys back in action, Tupelo! I'm always craving their Eggs Betty plate (2 poached eggs on a buscuit - I substitute asparagus for ham - and homemade hollandaise. YUM, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it).



Of course there are many other places to tide you over until then! If you're looking for a deal (who isn't these days?), we're offering Corner Kitchen and Zambra gift cards with many of our Carolina Mornings packages and specials.

Great Savings: Free Dinner on Carolina Mornings

Ok, Nothing is free. However the $50 gift certificate to award wining Zambra Tapas Restaurant is actually free when one books a reservation with Carolina Mornings. Now there are 2 conditions (always some fine print involved, but we will make this very simple): one must book a vacation rental from now until June 1st and this offer cannot be combined with other "specials".
That is it. Very Simple, Value Added Deal that we are offering to all. We want to reach out to our loyal guests new and old and let them know that Asheville's leading vacation rental company is offering a free night out on the town. And, get this: included in our reservations you get our complimentary free North Carolina Mountain Discovery Pass (MDP). This includes more free activities such as whitewater rafting, Asheville Trolly Tour, a round of golf, every day of your stay!!
Again what a Deal! Such Savings! So tell your friends and family to check us out! We really are trying to Simplify!

Carolina Mornings wants to help you celebrate motherhood

Celebrate Moms the Entire Month of May!

Relax Mom

Different Packages Available for Mothers Needing Value!

Carolina Mornings is looking for Moms who are stressed out, tired of schlepping the kids, dogs and friends all over town, soccer games, dance, making dinner for your family of 19, cleaning house, and looking at an endless list of chores and errands.

If you - or your loved one - suffer from these symptoms, please call Carolina Mornings and let us help you escape to the mountains. We have the perfect remedy for getting moms back into a healthy mind and body.

How do we do it?

Add any of the following Mother's Specials to any of our luxury mountain log cabins!
Our Specials include: massages, Biltmore tickets, and/or dinner to local area restaurants (which means you save money and your mind!).

Choose your elixir of life....

• Add Two Biltmore Tickets and Southern Season Sweet Treat for $100 (a savings of $25).

• Add a $50 Gift Certificate to Zambra's for only $25 (a savings of $25).

• Add a $40 Gift Certificate to Corner Kitchen for only $20 (a savings of $20)

• What Women Want: One hour relaxing aromatherapy massage at Relax and Rejuvenate followed by a spa manicure and pedicure. Delicious strawberries dipped in chocolate and spring flowers in a gift box. Add to any reservation for $129.

Visit our Web site to look at our selection of vacation homes available during the month of May. Then give us a call (800-770-9055) to book your Mother's special!

New Year's in Asheville

Still looking for New Year's plans in Asheville?

The Mountain Xpress has some free - or at least cheap - ideas for those who'd like to hear some good music. Mo Daddy's, Zambra, and Barley's Taproom are some of the downtown spots foregoing a cover charge.

Downtown Asheville is the place to be on New Year's Eve if you want a guaranteed celebration all night long. Anywhere you go, there will be plenty of fun and plenty of people to have fun with.

West Asheville will also have music at the Westville Pub, for $5. This might be a better bet for those looking for more calm surroundings. Westville is really popular, but West Asheville has a much more manageable downtown strip than the heart of Asheville.

Hendersonville is probably another good bet for those wanting to do something fun, but not wanting to deal with lots of people and the difficulty of navigating a busy downtown Asheville.

Check out the full article for details on these happenings, have a Happy New Year, and of course be safe!

ZAMBRA and David Sedaris-Some of my favorite things

Ok, I put together this great vacation getaway package because I love dining at Zambra and anything that David Sedaris writes puts me in a great mood. So with a dooming economy in the horizon, why not enjoy while we still have the opportunity. 

Zambra is amazing: Supports Asheville Sustainable Agriculture Project, using local produce, has been awarded the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence and the wine list was voted best in Asheville. The dining experience has been featured in Southern Living, on the Food Network and recognized in the New York Times, LA Times, the Boston Globe and Charlotte N & O. 

Couple dinner with a night with Mr. Sedaris' Santaland Diaries and you will temporarily forget this is 2008 when your money market funds plummeted 40% and your kids' college fund has shriveled up.  A wonderful way to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit.

Take advantage of slow winter season deals

A few updates from the executives and vacation specialists at Carolina Mornings:

*We now have a TWO NIGHT minimum across the board, including Christmas and New Year's!

*Our luxurious Biltmore Village Villas are now just $552 for two nights, $236 each additional night. This is a discount of $150 for a 2 night stay, and $75 off the regular additional night price!

exception: The Retreat is now $602 for a 2 night stay, and $261 for each additional night. This is a discount of $100 for a 2 night stay, and $50 off the regular additional night price!

*Take advantage of over 35 other property specials!

*NEW for the holidays: Dinner Theater Package
2 tickets to Santaland (a great David Sedaris play) and a $50 gift certificate to Zambra (tapas and wine bar) for just $55. Reservations are required for Zambra's.
Available Dec 13th only, with a minimum of a 2 night reservation.

With low gas prices and these great deals we hope to see you soon!