Simple Mountain Luxury at its Best

For those seeking the best in simple mountain luxury, Creekside Chalet is not one to disappoint. From the pristine Blue Ridge Mountain views to the spacious and beautifully decorated interior, this Western North Carolina cabin invites you to escape and find complete bliss on your vacation.

Tucked away in a gated mountain community in Rutherfordton, Creekside Chalet is perfect for getting some much needed rest and relaxation with plenty of room for everyone.


Start the day off with a stroll over to the scenic community park complete with a gazebo and picnic area while the kids have fun on the playground. A small creek borders the edge of the property and offers tranquil sounds of water trickling over the creek stones. This makes for ideal background music while enjoying your family outing or a romantic picnic.


When you and your guests are ready to take the fun inside, there's plenty of entertainment to be had. Choose from a challenging game of foosball or pool in the fun game room or curl up in front of the living area's stone fireplace with a good movie. Before turning in, you'll want to experience the peaceful evenings out on the large covered deck with ample seating for everyone. Be sure to have your morning coffee out here too where the majestic views await!

On days for getting out and about, take a quick 30-minute trip and explore the natural beauty of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock State Park. If everyone is in the mood for further venturing, Creekside Chalet is only about an hour south of the Biltmore Estate and downtown Asheville. Your home-away-from-home vacation is ready for you at Creekside Chalet! And Carolina Mornings is offering great fall specials so you can take advantage of this simple mountain luxury.

Now thru September 30th, stay four nights or more and your next night is only $11! - OR - Enjoy our new 2-night minimum in October thru the 11th! Call Carolina Mornings today to take advantage of either fall special.

Bite into Apple Season in Hendersonville

An apple a day? A day spent outdoors picking apples in the fresh mountain air surely can't hurt either. Hendersonville apple farmers produce 65% of North Carolina's crop and many of the orchards are open to the public, offering tours and baskets to fill with your own bounty. JH Stepp Farm's Hillcrest Orchard, Grandad's Apples, and Lyda Farms are all within a few miles of each other. In addition to tasty apples, the orchards often offer other local treats like baked goods and crafts. This guide of Hendersonville apple farms (PDF download) will help your family navigate the way to a day of fall fun.

Finish off your yummy day with a stay at Pumpkin Patch, one of Carolina Mornings several vacation homes in the Hendersonville area. Pumpkin Patch is a peaceful cabin with a wide front porch and a hot tub, perfect spots to spend time soaking up the beautiful fall colors of the changing season. So bite into your autumn vacation with apple picking and a reservation for relaxation!

Asheville, NC's New Vacation Rentals

We've been extremely busy here at Carolina Mornings getting our vacation properties ready for the fall season. The leaves aren't changing quite yet, but before you can say foliage, there will be a panorama of color right out our backdoor in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. We have four new vacation rentals to suit your needs, each unique in their strategic locations around Asheville. All four are centrally located and convenient to the Biltmore Estate and downtown Asheville.

If you're having a family reunion or large gathering and want to be in the heart of Asheville, check out Eagles Wing Lodge, just across the street from Elkhorn Cabin. Together, the two homes can sleep up to 23 people. And just look at that expansive mountain view!

Lady Victoria is conveniently situated in the historic Montford district of Asheville. The owner of Lady Victoria has meticulously and lovingly restored the home, which sits on a quiet tree-lined street with a huge and inviting backyard that is just begging for kids (and dogs!) to playfully pounce while the adults enjoy the amenities.

In funky and hip West Asheville, City Retreat is perfect for families who desire urban living. This home is close to the River Arts District, famous for its abundance of artist studios, unique shopping and delicious restaurants, such as the renowned spots The Admiral and Sunny Pointe Cafe. And complimenting its neighborhood vibe, City Retreat boasts a mountain view from the front porch!

Hillside Charmer is conveniently located only ten minutes from downtown Asheville, yet is tucked away so you can enjoy all of the sights and sounds of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Easy access and comfortable living make this four-bedroom home attractive for large families.

So check out our four new Asheville vacation properties, as well as dozens of other listings that we're proud to share. We're excited to hear your feedback.

A Family Adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect for a day of fun activities during your family vacation in Asheville, NC. Come to the Blue Ridge Parkway Family Outdoor Adventure Day, and be ready to enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest! This safe and exciting family event is designed for children and their families to appreciate their environment and the outdoors, while learning about the Blue Ridge Parkway.

You’ll find plenty of games, activities, hands-on displays, and demonstrations from rangers and local outdoor partners. From 10 am to 3 pm tomorrow, June 25^th, all activities will be located at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center (MP 384) and Julian Price Park (MP 296), close to many of Carolina Mornings vacation rental cabins. You won’t resist stopping by!

10 Reasons to Celebrate the Beginning of Summer in the Asheville Mountains!

1. Waking up every morning to stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside your window.
2. Delighting in the whimsical sounds of nature, where congested city noise is worlds away.
3. Waterfalls always warm enough to swim in.
4. The exhilaration of white water dancing around you as you raft down the French Broad River.
5. The freedom to walk in the sunshine or relax in the grass as you enjoy the music of an outdoor festival.
6. Cold, local brewed beer in America's #1 Beer City. Enough said.
7. Trendy downtown entertainment only minutes away to suit all your interests, from baseball games and bar-hopping, to art gallery tours and film festivals.
8. World-famous, presidential-quality, North Carolina Barbecue.
9. True Southern comfort, as simple as watching a breath-taking sunset with friends and family as you recount the day's adventures.
10. You'll love it so much we know you'll never want to leave. Call us today to start your summer in Asheville!

Father’s Day in Asheville

Attention to anyone with a father, stepfather, grandfather or godfather – Father’s Day is fast approaching! And what better way to celebrate this special day than a family vacation in Asheville? Spend time with dear Dad and all your loved ones in the most beautiful of settings, and with the space, comfort and other fantastic benefits of a vacation rental with Carolina Mornings.

Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains offer many kinds of attractions to treat your father like royalty. Whether your Dad prefers golfing or the opera, rafting or touring art galleries, fine dining or good old barbecue, there is always something exciting to do. Don’t forget to visit the Biltmore Estate, which has a ‘Bring your Father for Free’ special on Father’s Day. Combined with Carolina Mornings’ special packages, any excursion is affordable. Call us to set up a reservation today!

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!

White Squirrel Lovin’ Weekend

Brevard’s famous White Squirrels take center stage this Memorial Weekend at the White Squirrel Festival. Voted one of the best spring music festivals in Western North Carolina, this FREE festival boasts headlining bands like Sol Driven Train and Jill Andrews, along with plenty of food and arts & crafts vendors.

Start the day early with a Memorial Day Parade and 5k/10k White Squirrel Race, then relax and mosey around Brevard’s charming downtown and listen to some good music. Plenty of activities both May 28^th and May 29^th. Add this fun filled festival to your vacation repertoire - an easy drive from Asheville and any of Carolina Mornings’ vacation rentals in nearby Hendersonville.

Property Spotlight: Get Away to the Downtown Loft in Asheville, NC

This week's featured property listings are for our city dwellers: all three are getaways right in the town of Asheville. To start, we have Asheville's Downtown Loft, right in the heart of downtown Asheville. This loft is wisely separated into separate sleeping areas for sleeping a total of 6, while keeping the open atmosphere of studio space. You can enjoy cooking meals from your fully- equipped kitchen, or walk right up the street to any number of incredible locally- owned restaurants. Don't forget that Asheville was named Beer City USA in 2009!! We have soooo many great breweries in town, and most of our local restaurants support these breweries, bringing their brew to you while dining wherever your heart desires! Quaint enough for you and your honey, or enough space for the family, Asheville's Downtown Loft shares a great experience. And, it's one of our pet friendly rentals here at Carolina Mornings, so be sure to bring along your furry friend!
Until May 26, if you stay at Asheville's Downtown Loft for 2+ nights, you get your third night for only $75! We are also sharing discounted rates for all of 2010!! We have many specials to share, and with all of our rentals we give FREE TICKETS TO AREA ATTRACTIONS!

Cabin Spotlight: A Mountainside Getaway Near Asheville, NC

Mountainside Getaway is a beautiful, 1800 sq. ft log home located just 22 miles north of Asheville, NC in the quaint town of Mars Hill. Mountainside Getaway has three bedrooms and the capacity to sleep eight, so it is a perfect family gathering place where your pets are also welcome! This large cabin has beautiful interiors, which include cedar- lined walls, antique furnishings and modern amenities. And then there are the views... and don't forget the wrap- around deck!!
Mountainside Getaway is only 4 miles from the Appalachian Trail, and there are many trails around the property that are great for mountain biking. A stream across the street provides a perfect place to fish, stocked for the angler in you!
Whether you want to relax in the mountains of North Carolina and never leave the cabin, or have a home- base or your jaunts around town, Mountainside Getaway is great for all occasions. Now through May 26, 2010 you can enjoy discounted rates in this beautiful home. As always with the properties offered at Carolina Mornings, you can enjoy ONE FREE TICKET PER NIGHT'S STAY to area attractions!! Check out all of our specials!

Billy Jonas in Asheville, NC April 30

A family favorite is playing in Asheville!! Billy Jonas is joining the Blue Ridge Orchestra for their 10th season grand finale at the Diana Wortham Theatre on April 30. Both Jonas and the Orchestra are considered locals, but it is a rare treat to have them play together. Billy Jonas is known for his family- friendly shows, captivating and entertaining audiences of all ages. Then pair this with our wonderful Orchestra, and who could beat that show??
If you are looking for a great time to bring the family to Asheville for a visit, this last weekend of April would be perfect! We have many NC mountain vacation packages to offer, and great FREEBIES gifted to you for each night of your stay!! Besides your night at the Theatre, you could enjoy rafting on the French Broad River; golf at Reem's Creek; and two different tours of Asheville- ONE FREE TICKET TO EACH for each night of your stay!! Can't beat that- most of your planning is taken care of for you!!! Join us at Carolina Mornings for a relaxing vacation retreat, enjoy a night at the Theatre, and enjoy local attractions for free!!

Historic Johnson Farm Festival April 24 near Asheville, NC

This year marks the 20 year anniversary of the historic Johnson Farm Festival. Keeping in mind that WNC thrives on the small farms so integral to our community over the years, here is a chance for you to celebrate farming festivities!! Johnson Farm is no longer a farm, but a heritage farm museum that educates and celebrates the farming life. On the property are historic buildings that date back to the 1880's, as well as pasture, fields, streams, woodlands... you get the picture. It is a great place to share with your children "farming in the old days," and discussing how it has changed (or has not, in the matter of many a small farm in this area).
The festival is their biggest fundraising event of the year, so I'm sure they go all out. Wagon rides, storytelling, crafts, animals, music, food... you can make a day of it and the kids will be thrilled! You can sit back and relax in the sunshine and leisurely watch the day go by as the activities whisk your kids along.
Then, you can return for a leisurely evening to your Asheville, NC vacation cabin, cook a good dinner (or stop on your way back!), and relax into the evening. The day is low- energy, and the feeling is goo-ood!! Carolina Mornings offers some great NC vacation packages that can save you money, and we have FREEBIES for every night of your stay! You can't beat a spring trip to Asheville and a stay in a mountain cabin- the kids will love it (and so will you!!)

Easter in Asheville, NC

The bulbs are blooming here in Asheville, NC and Easter is next weekend!! It is a beautiful time for a family retreat and we have many weekend celebrations for this special time.
First, you can find a church almost anywhere in town, and you can start with a church search
if you are looking for a particular denomination. Most any will be offering some sort of Easter celebration.
Lake Junaluska has an annual Easter 5k & 10K run and walk on April 3rd, which includes a day of egg painting and hunting, and then they offer breakfast and brunch on the 4th.
Just in time for the kick-off of the Festival of Flowers, Biltmore Estate offers a day of fun for the whole family! Easter egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Rabbit, children's music and storytelling... all takes place on Sunday, April 4. Then you parents can stop for a wine tasting or take a tour yourself! We have NC vacation packages here at Carolina Mornings that offer FREE Biltmore tickets to boot!!
Spring is in the air here in Asheville, and the weekend is supposed to be beautiful! Grab the family (don't forget Fido- we do offer pet- friendly vacation rentals!) and take a scenic drive; let Carolina Mornings set you up in a Blue Ridge Mountain rental today!!

A guided spring canoe trip near Asheville, NC along the French Broad River

Spring is here! Spring is here!! And we are feeling it in Asheville, NC! The weather has been lovely, only to get better I'm sure, and great things are popping up all over town to fill these beautiful days with. One such adventure is the Signs of Spring guided canoe trip along the French Broad River.
Located in Transylvania County, on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest, this trip is offered by
Headwaters Outfitters through some of the most pristine wilderness found along the French Broad. The canoe trips are offered every Saturday from April 3- June 19, and it sounds like a great trip for the whole family! If you are intrigued by the Appalachian wilderness (we do have one of the most botanically diverse regions!) and delight in the beauty of Spring, then this is a grand adventure for you!! If you don't find yourself to be very agile outdoors, it doesn't sound as if it matters- this tour is meant for anyone to partake. And the life you get to experience is incredible!
Carolina Mornings offers many cabins near Asheville, NC and you can return from your adventure to experience the beauty right outside of your door!! We have properties to fill any need that you may have; just give us a call. The best part is, after your incredible day trip, we here at Carolina Mornings have other fun things for you to do: we offer FREE TICKETS to great adventures around the area (one free ticket per night's stay)!! And check out our SPRING SPECIALS!! It's an all- around wonderful time and great deal to visit the Asheville, NC area!

Biltmore's 25th Anniversary Festival of Flowers in Asheville, NC

This year marks the silver anniversary of the gardens at Biltmore Estate. Acres and acres of tulips abound each year during the Festival of Flowers, a festival that helps ring in spring at Biltmore, and this year is no exception. You will also note many an iris this year and the symbol of the iris- the fleur de lis- due to the iris being the silver anniversary celebration flower.
The Biltmore Estate is a must- see when visiting Asheville. An added bonus to your stay at one of our vacation rentals in Asheville, NC is that many of our properties have great NC vacation packages, some of which include FREE BILTMORE TICKETS!! Carolina Mornings has incredible specials we offer consistently, so always be on the lookout!
The Festival of Flowers runs this year from April 3- May 16.

Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville

photo courtesy of The Nature Center website photo contest, Ollie the Otter

My family and I just became members at The WNC Nature Center here in Asheville, and I couldn't be more excited! They adopt creatures from around the area (creatures that are to be rehabilitated and can't be returned to the wild), and even partake in such important and wonderful projects as the Red Wolf re-introduction program (one of only 32 centers in the U.S.!!). Their mission statement is as follows:

The WNC Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the southern Appalachian region. Our purpose is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences.

The history of the Center is pretty cool, and my favorite thing so far is that they are changing the idea of "zoos"- they say that they are free of bars! We are going to visit for the first time tomorrow (YAY!!), so I will learn all of these things for myself. There are so many great creatures to visit, and it seems that the Nature Center offers many educational programs and hands-on fun for the family; I'm really excited for my little fella to wake up from his first nap so that we can go!
Add this to the great list of things to do with the kids in Asheville when you come for a visit. March is still a great time to take advantage of the winter specials at Carolina Mornings, so get in touch! Load up the family (and Fido too- we have awesome pet- friendly properties!) and take a long weekend trip to the mountains!!

LEAF Festival weekend May 6-9 2010

This spring marks the 30th festival celebration of Lake Eden Arts Festival, or LEAF as it is known. This festival takes place twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall, and this spring it will be held on May 6th- 9th. LEAF is a great family festival (sorry though, your four- legged member cannot attend; if you get a pet- friendly cabin from Carolina Mornings just leave Fido to relax while you play!), with music, art, poetry, movement, and camping all surrounded by the beauty of Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, NC. The line-up this spring is stellar, and as always the festival is complete with dancing workshops including salsa, swing, hip hop, Cajun, contra, and African- dance the weekend away! Kids under 9 are free, and for those over 9 there is a youth fee. This is a great place for kids, with all of the musicians being appropriate for everyone, plus there are music acts just for them! Not to mention the other great kid activities and festivities!

Camp Rockmont has beautiful camping sites, or if you'd like you can just make one day out of it with a day pass. Even if you'd like to enjoy the whole weekend of LEAF but aren't a camper, there is a pass for you. And contact Carolina Mornings for a beautiful place to stay- indoors of course- in your own home away from home. We can connect you with a cozy space near Camp Rockmont so that your commute to and fro is a breeze. And, you don't have to put your furry loved one in a kennel!!
If you are looking for a great time to visit the Asheville area, then this is it! Be sure to leave some relaxation time and time to visit the sites of the town either before or after the festival- you will not regret such a fun-filled adventure for the whole family!!

Asheville, NC and children's book artists

We have a lot of crafters and artists here in Asheville, NC, and many that work in the realm of book arts. Some of these artists are successful in the super- fun genre of children's book art. Gallery 6 of the Asheville Art Museum has a show running through July 11, 2010, called Nouns: Children's Book Artists Look at People, Places and Things, which actually features some artists from this area (Gail Haley among others). Other artists included are Eric Carle (internationally known and loved), Robert Quackenbush (illustrated over 200 children's books), Leo Espinosa, and Faith Ringgold, plus many more. This is a rare art show: really wonderful for the whole family; something that your children will actually enjoy.
The Asheville Art Museum is located in Pack Place. My last entry was about another exhibit for children located in Pack Place, so this is a great time to see the sights of the town and share in some fun for the kids, too. There of course are other great exhibits happening at the Asheville Art Museum that you can check out too, and other great places to visit in Pack Place.
When you visit Asheville, take advantage of the winter specials that Carolina Mornings has on vacation rentals. There is no better way to travel than a vacation rental: saves you money, gives you a whole house to enjoy, and gives you a taste of what living is like in the area!!

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!

The ultimate Christmas gift: a trip to Asheville, NC!!

Now that it has reached the first day of December, some of us have started realizing the inevitable: it is time to wrap up (or, if you really procrastinate, begin!) our Christmas shopping endeavors. If you are like me, you actually take time to buy thoughtful gifts for your loved ones, honoring and celebrating this giving season. One sure way to show anyone that you were thinking of them is to give them with a priceless gift: an Asheville, NC getaway!! The gift of experience! When looking for the perfect place, look no further than Carolina Mornings for your getaway destination. There are many different rentals available to meet the needs and wants of anyone you could be thinking of; check out our vacation rentals  to find that perfect getaway. And, Carolina Mornings has last minute specials and has a free gift offer  with the Mountain Discovery Pass (free ski lift tickets every day) with each stay, so the gift keeps on giving!
A visit to Asheville before Christmas Day will provide you with another perk:  Asheville is a great place to shop! Boutiques, jewelry stores, and book stores abound, just to name a few. This is not mall shopping; the gifts are far better (and the traffic as well!)!! So give an unforgettable gift to someone you love (remember yourself!) and send them off smiling to their retreat in the mountains.