2011 Biltmore Summer and Fall Concert Series

Whether you are staying at a private vacation rental or staying at an upscale downtown loft, you may want to spend the evening listing to music at the Biltmore Estate. Asheville's music scene spans all genres. Perhaps the Orange Peel is not you cup of tea, then perhaps an evening at Biltmore Estate will be of interest.

Here is the Summer and Fall's line up:

July 29-31       Faith Renewed Celebration Weekend
July 29            Natalie Grant with comedian Jeff Allen
July 30            Michael W. Smith
August 5         Smokey Robinson
August 11       Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
August 12       Alison Krauss and Union Station
August 27       The Beach Boys
September 3    Styx
October 7        Eddie Money
October 14      The Fab Four-The Ultimate Tribute with Ed Sullivan
October 21      The Chairmen of the Board and the Embers

Some tickets may be sold out..

Summer Solstice Celebration

Happy Summer Solstice! If you can’t be in Stonehenge to watch the sunrise, what better way to celebrate than a vacation getaway in Asheville, NC? If you love brilliant daytime sunshine, starry nights, and the occasional warm summer rain to cool you off, leave the hot and stressful city craziness behind and come on up to the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll love waking up early to watch the sunrise from your cabin rental porch. If you’d rather sleep in, however, the sunsets over the mountains are just as spectacular in the evening. You’ll love this beautiful and relaxing place, a great opportunity to spend with friends and family. Make your reservation today!

Property Spotlight: Flying Fish Hill

The owners of this beautiful vacation getaway home have a charming story about how the place got its name. As the family was relaxing on the front porch one afternoon, a hummingbird came up to them and hovered right in front of their faces for a moment that seemed to last forever. After it flew away, the husband and father of the family was so excited, his words got mixed up and he exclaimed, “Did you see the flying fish?” Their intimate and hilarious family moment gave this beautiful place its quirky yet appropriate name.

When you stay in this huge hilltop home, wake up to a different sunrise every morning. Later in the day, watch the sun come down and change the colors of the mountain – the rest of the world just melts away. Call us today to reserve a vacation rental experience at Flying Fish Hill you’ll never forget!

Oh the weather outside...

is DELIGHTFUL! April is known for showers, of course specifically to bring May flowers, and these past few days were a call for May to begin. All of the rain did bring out the buds, and this weekend will bring out the blossoms: we have a weekend forecast in the 70s and 80s. Mmmm... that will be followed by rain next week (April showers...), bringing more... May flowers!! Nothing is better than to relax in the Smoky Mountains during spring rain, vibrant, fog rolling through.

Come join us! Carolina Mornings has some great specials on WNC vacation rental cabins that help you say hello to Spring!

Carolina Mornings' Mountain Discovery Pass= FREE FUN!

Each time you reserve with Carolina Mornings you get FREE TICKETS to area attractions. Yep, you read correctly: we give you free tickets for your vacation getaway!!

The Carolina Mornings' Mountain Discovery Pass offers our guests one free ticket per night of stay (excluding date of departure) to the following great attractions:

Reems Creek Golf Club: Unwind with a relaxing round of golf at Reems Creek Golf Club, who’s fairways and greens were sculpted by Hawtree & Sons, a British firm that truly knows what Scottish golf is all about. Nestled in a lovely valley with the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains all around, Reems Creek Golf Club is a place that will linger in your mind. One tee time may be made each day—no more than 48 hours in advance. Proper golf attire is required. No personal coolers or beverages are allowed.Reservations are required. Available April thru October.

Ghost Hunters of Asheville: Ready for one of the best ghost tours you’ve ever taken? Choose from three haunted tours: The Downtown Interactive Tour, Haunted Montford Stroll, and the Ghost in the Graveyard Adventures. Asheville's only tour offering free access to ghost-hunting equipment on all tours and guarantee paranormal photographs. Our guides are experienced, engaging, and on the hunt for the supernatural. Come join us on our next tour! Guests receive one complimentary adult ticket per day.Reservations are required. Available Year Round.

French Broad Rafting: French Broad Rafting Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting outfitter to Asheville, North Carolina (NC) USA. For a thrilling whitewater rafting experience on Western North Carolina’s most scenic and free flowing river, the French Broad River is one of the oldest and most playful whitewater rivers in Western North Carolina. Guests receive one complimentary adult fare for a 5 mile trip per day. Reservations are required. Available May 28th through October 31st.

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort (FREE lift ticket): When you ski or snowboard at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort you'll enjoy unmatched views, crisp mountain air, well-groomed slopes and new places to explore at Western North Carolina's top-rated ski slope. The top rated Snow Sports School provides lessons for beginners to intermediate in skiing, telemark skiing, and snowboarding. Wolf Ridge's instructors are trained to give you the highest quality instruction with your safety as a priority. There is something for everyone from beginner to expert at this family-oriented resort now with an expanded 82 acres of ski terrain. Available December through February.

Property Spotlight: Enjoy a romantic getaway at Ekho Cottage!

Ekho Cottage is a sweet little getaway for 2 near Asheville, NC. This cottage is perfect for the couple that wants to be close but just far enough away- you are only minutes from Asheville and the surrounding sites that the area has to offer, such as the Biltmore Estate, and this cottage is a perfect home base. Ekho Cottage is a relaxing retreat where you can get away from it all and melt into the hot tub under the stars next to a small fire in the chiminea. Cuddle up on the couch while your honey makes you dinner and pop in a movie for two. When you are looking for a great place to relax and reconnect with someone, Ekho Cottage provides a comfortable space to remember and connect.

Property Spotlight: Enjoy the music at Banjo Branch!

Kick your shoes off and come inside to Banjo Branch Hideaway! A cozy home-away-from-home, Banjo Branch has 3 bedrooms and sleeps eight, making it a great family spot. Situated in Mars Hill, the views from Banjo Branch are phenomenal, yet you are only 30 minutes outside of Asheville, a wonderfully quaint and eclectic town known for it's dining, arts, outdoors activities and shopping. Get away from it all and relax at Banjo Branch- enjoy a game of ping pong, or watch a movie on the satellite television with the family. Whatever is on your agenda, you will feel right at home at Banjo Branch Hideaway!

Cabin Spotlight: Enjoy the view at Alpine Valley View near Asheville, NC

Located in the southern Appalachian uplands, Alpine Valley View is a beautiful cabin with picturesque views. The five acres of rolling hills offers peace and serenity for your getaway, and the two bedroom cabin offers a wonderful space to share with the family. You will be surrounded with the warmth of wood in every room, and if you are still chilly you can cozy up to the fireplace while watching a movie on the flat screen television. Jump into the car and head into Asheville for a day in town- only 25 minutes away. Or, strap on your boots and go in the opposite direction for some hiking and relaxing in Hot Springs. Whatever you prefer, Alpine Valley View will be a wonderful home away from home, giving you a comfortable and beautiful mountain retreat.

Property Spotlight: Escape to the Great Escape in Asheville, NC

Grab your friends and family and escape to the Great Escape here in Asheville, NC! Sleeping 12, you can have a large gathering here, but with five bedrooms you still have enough room to relax and enjoy some alone time. The open floor plan of the home lets you flow freely between rooms and among a group without feeling enclosed or crowded. Close to Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can get out and about around this beautiful area, or view the beauty from the home! The Great Escape offers amazing mountain views and wildlife sightings from within the house, or step out onto the large deck and enjoy the views from the private swimming pool! If you are planning a trip to the Asheville area, look no further for a place to stay than the Great Escape!

Property Spotlight: Villa Artista for the artist within

Combining mountain beauty with artistic Mediterranean flare, Villa Artista is a perfect getaway for those seeking peaceful inspiration. Located in Fletcher, Villa Artista is only minutes from Asheville but provides a tranquil space amongst over 3 acres of landscape and perennial cutting gardens. Relax in the hammock, stroll through the grounds, soak in the jacuzzi... whatever you enjoy for calming your nerves, Villa Artista offers much. Looking to veg out? Watch a movie on the plasma television with surround sound, or read a book in the sun-filled atrium. Sleeping up to six, this property is great for a small family event or a romantic getaway. Whatever your needs, check out Villa Artista for the artist within.

Mother's Day at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa is known for many things, including the restaurants and events that take place there, and Mother's Day is no exception. The best idea, if you ask me, is to stay in a Carolina Mornings' vacation rental- a whole house for the price of a hotel room, plus Fido can come along!- and enjoy a meal at Grove Park for Mother's Day on May 9. They are offering a Mother's Day prix fix Brunch at Sunset Terrace, as well as a Mother's Day Grand Buffet at the Blue Ridge Dining Room. Then, wander through this historic Inn and enjoy not only the Arts and Crafts style furniture and decor, but also the 11th Annual Decorated Birdhouse Competition. Contestants show their creativity in the art of birdhouse making through May 10, so touring the entries after brunch or before dinner is a great way to ensure you get to view these creations before they are no longer on display.
Then you can return to your cozy vacation home, cuddle up with your furry friend or jump in the hot tub to relax and unwind, hike the many trails that surround your oasis... your options are limitless! We have many specials and packages for you to choose from to celebrate your beloved mother while saving a bit on a beautiful retreat!! Plus, we offer FREE TICKETS TO AREA ATTRACTIONS, such as trolley tours and rafting, with each night of your stay!! Happy Mother's Day!!

Cabin Spotlight: Find Yourself in the Hidden Pond!!

Hidden Pond is a gem in the not-so-out-in-the-country country: Alexander is only a quick trip to downtown Asheville (20 minutes from the cabin), but feels miles away from the bustle of city life. Hidden Pond is a cabin that can hold up to 8 sleepers comfortably, but is also cozy enough for just two, and a pooch! Many of the properties at Carolina Mornings are pet-friendly properties, and Hidden Pond is no exception. There is a large front porch for Fido to enjoy, with rocking chairs and a swing for you! The back deck area is a great size for a gathering, and it leads to the lower deck where the hot tub sits. Surrounding the area are trees, trees and more trees, and although there are neighbors, you are secluded enough to be in your own world. Wander into the woods out back for a short jaunt with your four- legged friend; Hidden Pond sits on 2.5 acres.
The cabin is comfortably decorated, and the beautiful wood interior provides an atmosphere of cozy mountain retreat. The open floor plan allows for easy sharing, while the bedrooms are closed off for times you may need seclusion (or just want to watch your own T.V. show! Each bedroom has it's own set). A jacuzzi tub in the master suite is perfect for those who want the comforts of the hot tub while bathing, or if you find yourself visiting on a beautiful mountain rainy day!
Hidden Pond is one of our properties offering Spring Specials, but hurry- the offer for 2 FREE BILTMORE TICKETS ends on April 30, 2010!! Don't worry- you can still take advantage of our other specials, and the Mountain Discovery Pass offering FREE TICKETS FOR EVERY NIGHT OF YOUR STAY with any of our properties!!

Asheville Botanical Gardens 50th Anniversary Celebration April 18

One of the gems of the downtown area is the Asheville Botanical Gardens. The Gardens are open from dawn until dusk every day, and are free to the general public. There are trails winding throughout beautiful native flora and fauna, and most of them are wheelchair accessible. Although it feels as if you are further out in the wilderness, the Gardens are located right next to UNC-Asheville and near many of Asheville's historic neighborhoods.
On April 18 the Asheville Botanical Gardens will have a 50th Anniversary Celebration from 2p-5p. This is a great time to visit the Gardens and show support while socializing with a branch of the Asheville community. There will be tours of the garden which will help you become familiar with and spot some of Appalachia's native plants.
April is a beautiful time to visit the Asheville area, and this event is one of many that take place in the spring. If you are looking for a NC mountain vacation package or an Asheville, NC mountain cabin, look nor further than Carolina Mornings! We offer many properties to fit many different niches and needs- just let us know what you are after!! Besides a great place to stay, complete with a full kitchen, many with hot tubs and game rooms, many that are pet-friendly or eco-friendly, Carolina Mornings includes FREEBIES for grat activities around town with every stay! You can't beat the comfort and value, and you can't beat a visit to Asheville in April!