Enjoy Life More in 2012: Gather Together in Asheville

The results are in: spending more time with family is America's number one new year's resolution. If trying to squeeze valuable moments into already hectic schedules just won't do, everyone will celebrate when you plan a family vacation.

Downtown Asheville, North Carolina, on a Snowy Day

Asheville, North Carolina, has all the elements to make a family vacation memorable. There's the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville's small town charm coupled with gourmet restaurants and top-notch entertainment options, and an amazing selection of outdoor sports to experience. You want to go shopping at the boutiques in Biltmore Village and the kids want to go skiing? Good thing you're staying for a whole week!

Carolina Mornings wants to help you stay true to your new year's resolution. Staying at an Asheville vacation rental cabin is a great way to spend time with family. There's the advantage of family gathering areas, such as sitting around the fireplace or enjoying the panoramic mountain view from the deck of your mountain vacation house. There's the bonus of having a fully-equipped kitchen so the whole family doesn't have to eat every meal out while you're on vacation. Start a new tradition for the new year with home cooked family dinners!

Enjoy a Family Dinner at Eagle's Wing Lodge

Plus, at a vacation rental, everyone in the family gets their own space at the end of the day. While you may all enjoy watching a movie together after dinner, part of a relaxing vacation is getting a good night's sleep. And who can do that in a cramped hotel room? Just imagine, at your luxury vacation home, the kids are tucked in their cozy beds and you get your own master bedroom with a king sized bed and a jacuzzi bathtub! Even the family dog can come--many of Carolina Morning's luxury vacation homes are pet-friendly.

From convenient in-town homes, like Eagle's Wing Lodge, to country living without a compromise in luxury, like the fabulous creature comforts at Pie in the Sky, Carolina Mornings has your family's wishes covered.

Luxuriate at Pie in the Sky with Wintertime Goodness

Call our Vacation Planners at (877) 902-9441 to learn more about the North Carolina vacation cabins offered by Carolina Mornings. Happy New Year from the Carolina Mornings Team!

Winter Sports in Asheville, North Carolina: Free Lift Tickets!

It's just about time to get outside and enjoy winter sports, and Wolf Ridge Ski Resort offers the best snow season outdoor adventures in Western North Carolina! Every Asheville vacation rental from Carolina Mornings comes with a complimentary Mountain Discovery Pass, which covers one free lift ticket for each night you stay. Book your reservations for a luxury vacation cabin now and give yourself something to look forward to: it'll help you get through January with a smile on your face!

Go Snowboarding with the Mountain Discovery Pass

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort offers a little something for everyone and is conveniently located only minutes away from Asheville. They've got 22 ski runs, three of which are black diamond rated, a Snow Sports School for all levels and ages, plus two tubing runs. The ski lodges at Wolf Ridge offer tremendous views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, along with rental equipment and gift shops. At the end of a thrilling day of riding the slopes, there's a roaring fire to sit by and warm your bones, and a delicious meal at The Lodge Steak and Ribs Restaurant will fill your growling belly.

Wolf Laurel Cabin's Hand-Hewn Warmth

Carolina Mornings has two vacation rental cabins within two miles of Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, and both are located inside the luxurious Wolf Laurel Country Club, a 5,000 acre resort bordering Pisgah National Forest. The Appalachian Trail runs through the property, and the resort offers 80 acres of alpine skiing. Wolf Laurel View and Wolf Laurel Cabin both include private hot tubs and stone fireplaces so you can enjoy the ultimate in relaxation during your winter getaway!

Enjoy Wolf Laurel View from the Hot Tub

Call our Carolina Mornings' Vacation Planners at (877) 902-9441 to make reservations and get your complimentary Mountain Discovery Pass. Western North Carolina winters are postcard perfect and snow season is here ~ come get your vacation fix on the slopes at Wolf Ridge!

A Riverside Stroll in Dog-Friendly Asheville

The French Broad River Park, Carrier Park, and Hominy Creek Park are three great spots to get outside in Asheville and walk the pups without making a mountain trek. All three West Asheville parks are connected by paved trails and are easily accessible.

A Dog's Delight Strolling Along the French Broad River

Amboy Road offers access to the parks and is within minutes from any part of town; it's conveniently located between the Biltmore Village area and the River Arts District; click here for a Google Map.

The 2.5 mile paved riverside path rings Carrier Park, cuts through an RV area, and then connects to Hominy Creek Park. Delight in wildlife sightings and catch glimpses of the Biltmore Estate across the river. The path offers plenty of picnic tables, is great for runners, and is well maintained and always clean.

Carrier Park is home to Asheville's Mellowdrome, a paved track that was once the Asheville Speedway where NASCAR races occurred. Now its a spot for numerous recreational activities, mainly bicycle racing and rollerblading, and also the site of the annual Mountain Sports Festival in May. Carrier Park has volleyball courts, lawn bowling courts, basketball courts, and a large playground, all next to the steadily rolling river. The whole area is dog-friendly with wide open fields, plus there's a fenced-in dog park that gives your pup a chance to get off the leash and socialize.

Walk Your Dog from Lady Victoria to Downtown Asheville

Carolina Mornings welcomes dogs to many of our Asheville vacation rental cabins. Whether your vacation calls for in-town convenience like you'll find at Lady Victoria, or a mountainside getaway like Hillside Charmer, Carolina mornings has a wide variety of pet-friendly luxury vacation homes to choose from. Call our vacation planners at (877) 902-9441 to find the one that's just right for you and your furry best friend!

Gift Finds in Asheville, North Carolina, for Our Feathered Friends and Their Faithful Fans

Wintertime brings challenges for birds who live in the North Carolina mountains as they seek shelter to stay warm and forage for food among the bare trees and bushes. Show your holiday spirit by finding the perfect gift for the bird watcher on your Christmas list, or by showing a little love to our backyard friends. Erecting a birdhouse or feeder will draw a flurry of color and activity to your backyard this winter. During the snowy season, the birds are especially grateful for a helping hand!

Happy Birds Bring Joy to Your Yard 

Outdoor Bird Company, at 946 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville, offers a wide array of great gift ideas for bird enthusiasts, including bird ornaments, calendars, wind chimes, clocks, and even toys. This locally owned shop is Asheville's go to spot for backyard birding supplies.

Wild Birds Unlimited, at 1997 Hendersonville Road in South Asheville, is an independently owned by bird enthusiasts Chris Jaquette and Simon Thompson. Wild Birds Unlimited has everything you could possibly need to share your love of feathered friends, from feeders and food to gifts and gear, plus they offer educational birding tours and trips to places as far away and exotic as Chile and Tanzania, and spots as close as Fletcher Park, where they host a bird walk on the third Saturday of every month.

See Birds Soaring at Eagle's Landing

The Compleat Naturalist, at 2 Brook Street in the Biltmore Village, carries all kinds of gifts, tools, and toys inspired by nature, including art, books, and clothes, and of course, birding supplies.

By staying at an Asheville vacation rental cabin, you'll have opportunities that would never fly at a hotel. What good is a yard in winter, you ask? Besides the wonderful wildlife you might encounter, especially North Carolina's bright blue jays and cardinals, a yard also means Fido can come along on your vacation! Most of Carolina Morning's luxury mountain vacation cabins are pet-friendly, because we love our dogs too!

Enjoy Treetop Scenery at Fabulous Red Wolf 

Plus, with a view like the one you'll find at Eagle's Landing, you're sure to see more than just chickadees -- there's hawks, owls, and eagles soaring the sky. Or if a majestic view right from the living room is more your speed, a spread like Red Wolf is perfect for you. This luxurious log cabin is perched up on Burney Mountain in Fletcher, North Carolina.

Call Carolina Mornings' Vacation Planners at (877) 902-9441 to find the vacation rental home that best suits you. Don't go batty this winter, go birdy instead with a beautiful Blue Ridge mountain getaway!

Nothing Improves Christmas Cheer Like a Good Glass (or Bottle) of Wine at One of Asheville's Wine Bars

If you're vacationing in Asheville, North Carolina, this holiday season, you're already on the right track for a wonderful winter break. You're hip, so surely you've booked a week at a luxury Asheville vacation rental cabin from Carolina Mornings, all you need now to complete your relaxation package is a delicious dinner at one of Asheville's many fine dining establishments, followed up with a fine bottle of wine. Here'a few suggestions on where you might find that perfect wine for your palette.

A Winter Hike on Asheville's Roan Mountain

Celebrated for their fine cuts of meat, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse just opened in the Biltmore Village, and their wine collection is unparalleled in the area. The picture below says it all. They've established their commitment to community involvement by donating all sales of Silver Oak wine during three pre-opening events to the local Habitat for Humanity. You can't miss the impressive brand new building just outside the Biltmore Estate entrance.

If drinking fine wine and meeting a few eclectic Asheville residents sound like good evening activities, the 5 Walnut Wine Bar is the neighborhood bar for you. Located, of course, at 5 Walnut Street downtown, this casual bar regularly features live music and also has beers on tap. Just down the block at 85 Walnut Street, Zamba has hundreds of wines to choose from, and also serves absinthe. Zambra, a tapas restaurant serving contemporary twists on the food of Spain and North Africa, was awarded the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence in 2011.

The Expansive Wine Cellar at Ruth's Chris

Battery Park Book Exchange Champagne Bar is a lovely spot in the Grove Arcade offering wine tastings and book signings with over eighty different wines and champagnes on their menu and cozy leather chairs for reading, plus dogs are always welcome! Sante Wine Bar, also on the Grove Arcade block, is for both the connoisseur and the layman, boasting an oft-changing menu of bottles from around the world, and offering half-pours so you can create your own tasting flight, or choose their Flight of the Month. They're hosting a GRINCH PARTY on December 23rd!

Warm Up at Biltmore Villa Hideaway

So, did you do yourself a favor and book that dream week at a North Carolina mountain vacation cabin? Let Carolina Mornings help you out with that one! Call our Vacation Planners at (877) 904-9221 and tell us what you need; we'll do the rest of the work to get your dream winter vacation all lined up. Cheers!

New Year's Eve Plans? Why Not Treat Yourself with a North Carolina Mountain Getaway? Polar Plunge Your Worries Away!

Decompress your holiday stress with a relaxing stay at an Asheville vacation rental cabin. The Carolina Mornings team thinks you deserve some pampering! Our Vacation Planners and on-staff Concierge are ready to help you design your dream winter wonderland escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains. While in the Asheville area, take the Polar Plunge for charity at Lake Lure on New Year's Day, or, if you're not down with an arctic dip, just take it easy.

Snowy Mountaintops Over Lake Lure

If your pleasure is post-holiday rejuvination, peace, and quiet, Ekho Cottage is perfect for you. Ekho Cottage has a private spa and a bedside wood stove for warming up on freezing winter nights, and the firewood is provided compliments of Carolina Mornings. Located in Fairview, Ekho Cottage is conveniently situated between Asheville and Lake Lure.

Warm Up Your Spirit at Ekho Cottage

Take a load off at Leatherwood, a quaint cabin located just a couple miles from historic Hendersonville, and a short drive from Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. At Leatherwood, there's a quintessential cabin feel, with a giant river rock fireplace and a rough, wooden exterior, plus the luxury of modern furnishings and comfortable surroundings.

The River Rock Fireplace at Leatherwood

If you're looking for a spot custom designed for festivities, Cloud 9 at The Camp has the ultimate amenities and accommodations--all you need to provide is the party! Cloud 9 is an entertainer's delight with room for over twenty guests, a fully-equipped kitchen, multiple lounging areas, and access to The Camp's myriad of facilities, including a bubbling hot tub, an indoor gymnasium with a full basketball court, a recreation hall, and endless outdoor adventures.

Call Carolina Mornings at (877) 902-9441 to make reservations for New Year's Eve, or anytime you desire, at one of these amazing North Carolina mountain vacation rental homes. Start your year off right, treat yourself!

A Winter Wonderland Full of Christmas Cheer: Asheville Holiday Events Part 2

Asheville, North Carolina, is a magical place this time of year. With holiday music echoing through the valleys and festive celebrations all around around town, there's plenty of holiday cheer to make your mountain experience truly unforgettable. A few family fun activities not to be missed:

❅ The Nutcracker Ballet by the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville at Diana Wortham Theater, December 15-16 (note, The Asheville Ballet will also be performing The Nutcracker on December 9 & 10)

❅ A Swannanoa Solstice Concert, a night of music, dance and storytelling at the Diana Wortham Theater, December 18

A White Christmas on Roan Mountain

❅ 12 Dates of Christmas, a holiday comedy with Julia VanderVeen, North Carolina Stage Company, through December 18

❅ The 28th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular, 372 Depot Street in Asheville's River Arts District, through December 21

❅ Home for the Holidays, a yuletide story at the Playhouse Downtown in Hendersonville, through December 22

❅ David Sedaris' The Santaland Diaries by the Asheville Community Theater, December 12-24

❅ A Handcrafted Holiday Market sponsored by the Handcrafted Artisan Revitalization Program, 91 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville, through December 24

❅ "Autumn and Winter in the Southern Appalachians" photography exhibit, from the Carolina Nature Photographers Association at Deerpark Inn at the Biltmore Estate, through December 31

Soak Your Weary Bones at Laurelwood Glen

Carolina Mornings still has plenty of Asheville vacation rental cabins available for the holidays. Carolina Mornings is offering a Christmas Tree Delivery Service, and we'll even put up the Christmas decorations for you! Plus, all of our rentals include the Mountain Discovery Pass,which includes complimentary ski passes at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort. Call our Vacation Planners at (877) 902-9441 to find out which luxury home is just right for your North Carolina mountain winter getaway!

Christmas Tree Delivery Service from Carolina Mornings Vacation Rentals: Joy to the World!

Wouldn't a relaxing Christmas be a nice change of pace? Carolina Mornings wants to help. That's why we're offering Christmas Tree Delivery Service to all of our mountain vacation rental homes. All you have to do is:

Carolina Mornings Offers Christmas Tree Delivery

1) Make reservations at a Carolina Mornings vacation property by calling us toll free at (877) 902-9441

2) Mention Christmas Tree Delivery Service

3) Decorate your tree with your loved ones & enjoy!

Ideally, holiday time should be spent enjoying the company of your family and friends, not stressing out and rushing around. This year, avoid the hassle of tying a tree to the hood of your car, or messing up the minivan with a million little pine needles, and let Carolina Mornings bring the tree to you. Plus, we offer the luxury of having an on-staff Concierge who will help attend to your vacation planning needs.

A couple dozen of Carolina Mornings' Asheville vacation rental homes are still available for the holidays. Here's a few luxury properties to choose from:

❅ The Great Escape - Breathtaking views of the Asheville skyline, warm wood interiors, and a stone fireplace

❅ Mockingbird Hill - Two fully equipped kitchens, a downstairs suite, and a Japanese soaking tub

A Snowy Day at Deer Run

❅ Biltmore Villa Hideaway - The ultimate in convenience, located in Biltmore Village, with well appointed living spaces

❅ Reems Creek - A wood burning fireplace, mountain views from the covered porch, and easy access

❅ Villa Arista - A Mediterranean-inspired home with a sun-filled atrium, artistic furnishings, and a gourmet kitchen

Warm Up by the Stone Fireplace
at The Great Escape

❅ Deer Run - A newly-constructed, cozy cabin with wood beam ceilings, plus peace and tranquility in a park-like setting

Call the Vacation Planners at Carolina Mornings today to make your reservations for a holiday escape to the North Carolina mountains!

A Winter Wonderland Full of Holiday Cheer Awaits You in Asheville, North Carolina

Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains has a unique charm. Imagine drifting snowflakes and banjo picking, a cozy hillside cabin with a warm wood fire, and the sparkle of 57 decorated Christmas trees at the Biltmore Estate. Of course, Asheville, North Carolina, also has outstanding restaurants and shopping opportunities to make your end-of-the-year getaway truly wonderful.

A Picturesque Christmas in Asheville

The only difficult part of planning your vacation will be deciding which of Carolina Mornings' luxury mountain vacation rental cabins to stay in. A romantic log cabin with a fireplace like Little Knotty Pine Place? Or a spacious homestead with a woodstove like Pie in the Sky? (Both homes have bubbling hot tubs!)

If you're planning a holiday stay in Asheville, here are a few area entertainment events in celebration of the season.

✻ A Christmas Carol by the Montford Park Players at the Asheville Masonic Temple, weekends, December 8-23

✻ The Nutcracker by the Asheville Ballet at Diana Wortham Theater, December 10-12

✻ Blue Ridge Orchestra Holiday Concert at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, December 11

A Winter Wonderland at Little Knotty Pine Place

✻ Christmas on the Mountain, An Evening with Sheila Kay Adams at Thomas Wolfe Memorial House, December 17

✻ Asheville Symphony presents Holiday Pops! at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, December 18

✻ "Rediscovering Christmas" Theater Production at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, December 21-22

The Vacation Planners at Carolina Mornings are ready to assist you in finding an Asheville vacation rental cabin to suit your needs, and our and on-staff Concierge will help you plan your ideal holiday adventure. Happy Holidays from the Carolina Mornings Team!

Plan the Perfect Holiday Party at The Camp, A 150-Acre Paradise in Bat Cave, North Carolina

Are you searching for an extraordinary setting for this year's holiday party? If you're planning a gathering and need a unique location that can accommodate over fifty guests, with enough indoor and outdoor space to entertain a crowd, Carolina Mornings has exactly what you've been looking for: The Camp has it all!

It's Holiday Party Time: Plan the Perfect Event at The Camp

The Camp is the perfect place to host an unforgettable holiday party. The Camp is a 150-acre mountain paradise in Bat Cave, North Carolina, including three luxury homes and endless options for entertainment. Camaraderie comes naturally at The Camp no matter what adventure you choose: plan festivities in the social hall, shoot hoops in the gymnasium, play baseball on the athletic field, gather around a bonfire, or simply enjoy the company of your guests in one of The Camp's many large gathering areas.

The Camp's Spacious Social Hall

The Camp's Holiday Event Package includes:

• The Camp's 5,000 square foot Social Hall with a catering kitchen
• Three luxury homes, Cloud 9, Eagle's Nest and the Pond House, each with a fully-equipped kitchen and multiple gathering areas, with total sleeping accommodations for up to 55 people
• Set-up and breakdown of tables and chairs
• An on-site host to assist with event and guest requests

• Access to The Camp's Sports and Activities Facilities, including:

◊ Hot Tub
◊ Exercise Room
◊ Athletic Field (Volleyball, Soccer & Baseball)
◊ Indoor & Outdoor Basketball Courts
◊ Tennis Courts
◊ Giant Trampoline
◊ Ropes Course
◊ Recreation Hall with Game Tables & Coin-less Arcade Games
◊ Multiple Fire Pits
◊ Biking and Hiking Trails

The Camp has everything you need to make your holiday party unforgettable! For more information about The Camp's Holiday Package, call Carolina Mornings toll free at (877)902-9441. We look forward to helping you plan the perfect party for this holiday season!

Baby It's Cold Outside... Let's Go for a Hike!

Bundle up and grab your mittens; the North Carolina mountain views are better now than ever! Without leaves on the trees, you can see panoramas that are hidden in the summer and stretch far into the distance on a sunny day. Here's a couple of popular hikes to get you started.

Cold Mountain Views in the Wintetime

Take a drive above the tree line for a walk up to the peak of Pisgah Mountain, a 5,721 foot elevation. The 3-mile Buck Spring Trail starts from the Mt. Pisgah parking area, just down the road from the Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the observation deck at the summit, enjoy 360 degree views of the surrounding national forest, including an excellent vista of Cold Mountain and the Shining Rock Wilderness.

The AT Runs Right Through Hot Springs

Hot Springs, a scenic 45 minute drive from Asheville, is situated in the valley at the intersection of two winding rivers. A dozen trails, including the Appalachian Trail, start at the Silvermine Trailhead, just across the French Broad River bridge from town. While you're in Hot Springs, relax with a soak in the therapeutic mineral waters that have been enjoyed by guests for over 200 years. Private tubs are available by the hour at the Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Get maps of the area here.

Begin Your Asheville Adventure at Doolittle Mountain Cabin

Carolina Mornings offers several NC mountain vacation rental homes between the thriving city of Asheville and the gorgeous Hot Springs area. Enjoy the scenic view from the front porch of easily-accessible Reems Creek, located in Weaverville. Escape to Mountainside Getaway, a modern log home with cedar-lined walls, located just minutes from the Appalachian Trail access point in Mars Hill. Or, after a day of adventure, cozy up by the fire at Doolittle Mountain Cabin in lovely Marshall, NC. Call Carolina Mornings' Vacation Planners at (877) 902-9441 to arrange the perfect Asheville vacation rental cabin for your wintertime getaway.

Go Local in Asheville, NC: Shopping Suggestions Part 2

"Occupy Black Friday!" has become a catch phrase. Skip the long lines and email spam. Change the pace by patronizing the local stores in your area. If you're in Asheville, you're in luck, we have a ton of amazing independently owned shops, offering just about anything you want.

Local shopping in support of independent retailers is catching on, and Asheville is quickly becoming a leader in this movement by setting a positive example of how a city can revitalize and its economy with community pride. The Asheville City Schools Foundation and the Asheville Grown Business Alliance have teamed up to offer the Go Local Discount Card. The card costs $15 and provides year-long exclusive discounts at all kinds of local businesses ($10 goes to Asheville City Schools, and if you have a preference, you can even choose which school you'd like $5 to go to directly!).

Catch Some Rays & Enjoy
the Breathtaking View from Sunset Haven

So far, 50 businesses are participating, and many more are expected to join in the program. The Go Local Discount Card will be available in January for use beginning on February 1st, and will be valid for a full year. They're on pre-sale right now, so you can give local savings as a holiday present; a gift that keeps on giving!

In a continuing effort to support Go Local this holiday season, Carolina Mornings has brought you a list of local boutiques, local restaurants, local bakeries and sweet spots, local places to spoil your doggie, and local toy stores. (Note: there's a brand new toy store in town! It's called curio and is located at 2 Battery Park Avenue in downtown Asheville.)

Here's a few more suggestions across the board. We hope you'll frequent these Asheville establishments!

The Littlest Birds, 647 Haywood Road - all natural clothing, diapers and kid's accessories, including locally made Tooth Fairy Pillows

The Natural Home, Biltmore Park Town Square - a unique collection of bedding, bath products, home accents and extraordinary gifts

Malaprops Books, 55 Haywood Street - the region's largest locally-owned independent bookstore specializing in local authors and hosting regular readings

Firestorm Cafe & Books, 48 Commerce Street - community powered and worker owned, offering offbeat, underground and independent literature

Second Gear, 444 Haywood Road - all types of outdoor gear, sporting goods, clothing, shoes, boots, and accessories

Black Dome Mountain Sports, 140 Tunnel Road - a full-service outfitter and core climbing store

Liberty Bicycles, 1378 Hendersonville Road - everything a cyclist needs, from repair to safety tips to classes to maps

True Blue Art Supply, 30 Haywood Street - an Asheville landmark with art supplies for atists of most mediums

Musician's Workshop, 319 Merrimon Avenue - carrying a wide assortment of instruments and accessories, with an emphasis on hand-played and handcrafted instruments

Guitar Mama, 610A Haywood Road - repairs, gear and parts for fretted instruments

Harvest Records, 415B Haywood Road - selling vinyl, record players, related accessories and original recordings

Foundry, 92 Charlotte Street - the place for upcycled goods and gifts

Charlotte Street Computers, 252 Charlotte Street - voted best of WNC Computer Repair for 8 years running, your local specialists for Macs and PCs, offering tutoring, data backup, repairs, and upgrades

After a Long Day of Shopping,
Relax in Mockingbird Hill's Soaking Tub

When you reserve a vacation rental from Carolina Mornings, you're going local! This is a major advantage of staying at a vacation rental property, rather than a chain hotel. Carolina Mornings is proud to offer the finest in Asheville vacation rental cabins. Many of our luxury vacation rental homes are pet-friendly and our Vacation Planners are dedicated to making sure your visit to the North Carolina mountains is so enjoyable that you'll come right back! Call (877) 902-9441 to experience the luxury of the mountains!