Vacation Rentals for the College Life

Summertime… the season for graduations, orientation sessions, campus tours, or visits to college-attending relatives. For all school related trips this summer in the Western North Carolina area, why not stay in a vacation rental? One of our guests described her rental experience as “Cheaper, nicer and bigger than a hotel!!!” At Carolina Mornings, we provide a comfortable and convenient option for you and your family for all your academic times of need. Stay at any of our vacation homes near Warren Wilson, UNC Asheville and Brevard College, and be close to waterfalls, hiking trails, and plenty of other outdoor activities and attractions to enjoy in your time off. Call us to reserve a vacation rental today!

5 Reasons to Come to Asheville, NC in the Winter: Reason #4 Organic Growers School

So I'm cutting it close, but March 6 & 7, 2010 is still considered winter, and the Organic Growers School
is one of my favorite events held here in Asheville (check out my past winter blogging for reasons 1-3)! The weekend is a gathering of growers young and old, from near and far, to learn and celebrate growing and harvesting your own food. I have been the last two years and find it not only informative, but lots of fun!
Classes range over many topics, such as Growing Communities Through Gardens, Soil Ecology 101 and Down to Earth Biodynamics- there is so much to learn here, even for the seasoned gardener, that it is definitely worth your while. There is a weekend pass available, or you can pay by the day. To top it off, there is childcare! Tasty food is sold by local vendors, products ranging from books to seeds to trowels are available for purchase, and many very kind and knowledgeable people are present for some great talks. The School has grown so much over the years that this is the first time it will actually be held in Asheville, at UNC-A (in the past it was held in Hendersonville at Blue Ridge CC). This makes for a perfect venue- large enough to hold all of the participants, and close to all of the fun you can have afterward in Asheville proper.
To add to it all, Carolina Mornings is offering a discount to all School participants: $35 off of any property that is not already having a special, and we are waiving the early check-in/ late check-out fee for the event (as long as there is no schedule conflict)!! Not to mention our other winter specials, which can be utilized for the School weekend! And, then there are the freebies!! This really is a perfect weekend to bring the family and enjoy Asheville!

Top 10 FREE Things to do in Asheville THIS WEEKEND

Image by ~libby via Flickr

Just because the economy is down doesn’t mean your weekend should be also!

1. Explore UNC-Asheville or Warren Wilson College! UNC-Asheville, which has more than 3,600 students, is located near the heart of the Asheville community. Explore the changing foliage on campus, the vibrant student life or venture just off-campus to the beautiful botanical gardens. Warren Wilson College is located in the Swannanoa Valley- ten miles east of Asheville. The College has more than 900 students, and the campus features hiking trails throughout.

2. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway! Even if the weatherman is calling for a bit of rain this weekend, the Blue Ridge Parkway will be sure to brighten your day! Take out that Western NC map and drive along the breathtaking views, making sure to stop at the many drive-offs to take perfect pictures! 2010 marks the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway!

3. Parade of Homes: The annual showcase of beautiful Asheville cabins, homes and gardens comes to town Oct. 10-11 and 17-18 noon until 5pm. See the some of the nicest luxury cabins in North Carolina!

4. Art in the Park: For three Saturdays in October, artists from the area and the region come together in Pack Square Park, bringing a buzz of creativity and excitement to the area! Oct. 10 and 17th are the final two Saturdays! You don’t want to miss this!

5. Friday Night Drum Circle- This 8-year tradition of local citizens dancing and playing music is a perfect way to spend a Friday evening. Bring your own percussion instrument or just enjoy the music and buzz.

6. Browse the unique stores and sites in Downtown Asheville: This is the tried-and-true standout for locals and tourists alike. With more than 200 shops, restaurants, galleries, etc., everyone will have a good time from morning to night!

7. Asheville City Market: This producer-only market is located at S. Charlotte St. in the Public Works Building lot. Come every Saturday through Dec. 19 from 8am-1pm for fresh local produce! Save money, support our local economy by cooking at your favorite mountain cabin!

8. The Botanical Gardens at Asheville: These gardens may be the most beautiful in the area. The 10-acre preserve is just off the UNC-Asheville campus and features native plants from the Southern Appalachian area.

9. Asheville Urban Trail: Don’t just limit your idea to hiking as getting away climbing mountains near your cabin in Asheville or sprawling wildlife. Take a different approach on the Asheville Urban Trail! This 1.7 waking tour throughout downtown Asheville provides a glimpse of history and culture during this 30-stop hike.

10. The North Carolina Arboretum: Located on more than 430 acres of natural beauty, the NC Arboretum features cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking/biking trails and indoor and outdoor exhibits for all to enjoy. Get out there in on of those beautiful North Carolina mornings and if you are daring, take the “A Glide Through Nature” Segway Tour!

What are you doing FREE this weekend?

Carolina Mornings wants to know!