Wee Naturalists at the NC Arboretum in Asheville

The North Carolina Arboretum is a great place for the whole family as well as a wonderful experience of Asheville's outdoors. Even better, the Arboretum offers programs for the youngest naturalists: the Wee Naturalist program is focused on ages 2 to 5, an age group that is often left out of arranged kids programs. The program is ongoing through the seasons (winter season classes are posted) and the next two are within January. The cost is a reasonable $6/ class, with adult admission and younger sibling admission free. Who knows, they'll probably teach both you and your wee one new stuff!

January 18, 2011: Lizards and Snakes

January 25, 2011: Terrific Turtles

Winter happenings 2011 in Asheville, NC

So the holidays are officially over, but there are still plenty of things to do in Asheville! If you are looking to get away from the daily grind, here are a few happenings around the town. Add these to the beauty of the mountains and the amazing outdoor adventures, the great local restaurants we have, the funky shopping experiences, and the relaxing and cozy vacation homes available through Carolina Mornings, and you really have no reason NOT to come to Asheville!

January 8, 2011: Hearts with Haiti Resurrection Dance Theater

January 15, 2011: Culinary Getaway Series at Grove Park Inn

January 18, 2011: Robert Plant & the Band of Joy

January 21 & 22, 2011: Pilobolus

January 23, 2011: Bill Cosby

Saturday, January 29, 2011: Donna the Buffalo

Happy New Year 2011 in Asheville, NC!

Looking for a way to ring in the New Year 2011 while visiting Asheville, NC?? Here is a list of a few haps around town:

Lindy Focus: Dance, dance, dance the night away to Big Band Swing at Crowne Plaza Resort!

Clutch: Hard rockers at The Orange Peel.

Reigning Sound: Alt-country at The Grey Eagle.


Or, just eat some dinner at one of our many delicious local eateries, enjoy the sights of town, and play it by ear! Check out the breweries, the bars, the nightlife... it's a wonderful place to ring in the New Year!

What to do in all of this snow??!

Okay, so the sun is warming the town enough to get around. That means, it's time to get out and play! Besides sledding (just look to your left or right- we live in the mountains so I'm sure there is a sled-able hill within sight!), tubing, skiing and snowboarding are all great possibilities to get out and enjoy the fluffy white.

What's best, when you make a reservation at one of Carolina Mornings' properties, you get ONE FREE SKI LIFT TICKET per night of stay to Wolf Laurel Ski Resort (this is the closest ski area to Asheville) with our Mountain Discovery Pass. The Resort is saying that they have 19-22 inches of snow right now, with it still falling!!

NC Mountain State Fair near Asheville, NC September 10-19

It's the time of year for the fair here in western NC! The NC Mountain State Fair is visiting the WNC Ag Center September 10- 19, 2010, and it's sure to be chock full of fair deliciousness and fun! Grab the kids (children under 5 are free!) and skip to the fair for fun that can only be had at the fair!

Leicester Studio Tour near Asheville, NC August 21 & 22

This coming weekend marks the 5th Annual Leicester Studio Tour, on August 21 & 22 from 10am- 6pm. Leicester, located about 15+ minutes north- west of Asheville, is beautiful country that is home to many of the area's well- known artists and craft folk. Jones Pottery is one of the studios on the tour, as is Friendswood Brooms, and Olga Dorenko (to name a few of my personal favorites). Come and find your own favorites and visit them all while takeing a drive through the beautiful WNC mountains!

Viewing Asheville, NC from above

What could be prettier than viewing the mountains from above? On your next trip to Asheville, take a hot air balloon ride over the Blue Ridge Mountains! I was surprised to find out that we actually have two separate companies offering a trip through the air in the area: R.O. Franks Aviation Company and Asheville Hot Air Balloons. A unique surprise or gift idea, a hot air balloon ride can excite and delight those of all ages. Gather your family and call for a ride!