"Oompah" Fun at Asheville's Oktoberfest

For the third year running, by popular vote Asheville is Beer City USA, and what a better way to celebrate than by filling your stein with frothy delight at Oktoberfest, also in its third year. On October 8th, cobblestoned Wall Street will transform into "Little Germany," featuring traditional Polka music by The Stratton Mountain Boys and beer tastings from your favorite local breweries, including Highland Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company, Pisgah Brewing. A limited number of tickets are available in advance for $25 ($35 at the event). So break out your lederhosen for the costume contest and ready your appetite for bratwurst, Oktoberfest is sure to rock your October!

Just around the corner from Wall Street, the site of Oktoberfest, Studio Lex offers all of the modern comforts you desire plus unparalleled convenience. This vacation rental from Carolina Mornings allows you to enjoy the splendor of fall's changing colors from the heart of downtown Asheville. Experience Beer City's eclectic mountain vibe from stunning Studio Lex, just a hop, skip and stumble away from Oktoberfest.

Vieux Farka Touré

Be ready for a musical experience universal in nature, but reaching deep into the history and culture of Mali. Vieux Farka Touré, singer, songwriter and guitarist, makes his Asheville debut at The Orange Peel at 9 pm today. Worldly music in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains – now that’s a Labor Day weekend event that can’t be missed this mountain vacation. The creator of ‘the secret of blues’ and performer at the 2010 South African FIFA World Cup awaits!

Umbrella Market Saturdays at Pritchard Park

If you decide to explore the swanky streets and alleys of downtown Asheville early this Saturday afternoon, be sure to stop by Pritchard Park’s newest outdoor event. From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every Saturday this summer, the park’s Cultural Arts Program has organized a charming umbrella market right in the heart of downtown. Enjoy a spread of handmade or homegrown local products, such as arts, crafts, flowers, herbs, and much more. A good place to purchase gifts for friends and family - or to find the perfect souvenir from your relaxing mountain vacation in Asheville. Hope to see you there!

Shindig on the Green

It’s time to bring out your sweet talking fiddles and hopping clogging shoes – some of Asheville’s finest bluegrass is coming your way! Every Saturday this summer join a variety of performers at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville for Shindig on the Green, a night of musical revelry and celebration of local mountain traditions. Watch a stage show while relaxing on a blanket or lawn chair, then walk around the park and find informal jam sessions to join or enjoy from afar. From 7 to 10 pm, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening as the sun sets in the beautiful mountains of Asheville, an outing worthy of any weekend getaway. Don't miss this true local tradition!

Summer is in the air…. with Bele Chere!

Bele Chere, Asheville’s one-of-a-kind summer music festival, is almost a month away! From July 29^th to the 31^st, enjoy great music, food, beer and arts & crafts in a celebration of summer and the artsy wonderfulness of downtown Asheville. Over 300,000 people attend this premier summer affair every year, and we hope you’ll be one of them! Be sure to buy your tickets fast and reserve vacation rental accommodations early - with Carolina Mornings, you can choose from a number of extra-comfortable and spacious lodgings. Whether you stay in the heart of downtown or up in a secluded mountain cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be sure to have a great festival experience to remember for many years to come. Call us today to make your reservation!

Film Spotlight: Midnight in Paris

Our beloved Asheville, NC, also known as ‘the Paris of the South’ to those who visit, is the best setting to watch Woody Allen’s newest movie, Midnight in Paris, at the Fine Arts Theater in downtown Asheville.

See Owen Wilson star as a young man disillusioned with his current life and love, finding magic and mystery in the midnight happenings of a secret Paris still alive with the parties and vivacious energy of famous American novelists and artists.

Catch a show at 1, 4 and 7 pm daily, or 9:15 on Friday and Saturday this week. It’s the perfect beginning to a night on the town in the South’s most beautiful vacation getaway location.

Downtown after Five

Downtown after Five is a once-a-month summer event you can’t miss (a true tourist and local favorite). The 2^nd show of the season starts today! Stop by Lexington Ave. after 5 for a FREE outdoor concert, where The Blue Dogs and The New Familiars will play their hearts out. You’ll find local food vendors of all flavors and styles for a tasty evening meal, and plenty of local beer to sample. Proceeds from each beer sale go towards local non-profits, so drink freely and be ready to have a good time. After the show, explore downtown and all the attractions Asheville has to offer. It’s the perfect start to a great weekend getaway in beautiful Western NC!

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!

Downtown Theater Entertainment

If you’re looking for some family-friendly evening entertainment in the heart of downtown Asheville during your vacation getaway, why not attend one of NC Stage Company’s quality stage productions? From June 1^st to June 19^th, get your tickets to see The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, a compelling story about a family in St. Louis, Missouri at the end of the Great Depression.

Come tomorrow, Wednesday, June 8^th, for a NC Stage Special Event! Stop by the lobby before the beginning of the show to celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of Tennessee Williams' birth with a slice of birthday cake! (and dressed in costume, if you wish).

5 Reasons to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Asheville

Get ready to pack your bags and head to the Blue Ridge Mountains for the official beginning of summer! Carolina Mornings has 5 reasons why you should make this remembrance weekend a fantastic vacation in Asheville:

1. Fine Dining – Whether it’s at one of Asheville’s renowned restaurants or on the deck of your vacation cabin rental, delight in delicious and innovative summer dining made from local and seasonal foods.

2. Outdoor Activities – Hike the trails, swim at a waterfall, or go rafting, golfing, rock climbing, zip-lining and millions of other outdoor activities in Western North Carolina’s perfect summer weather.

3. Summer festivals –Celebrate the summer with the famous Asheville vibe: friendly people, unique fun, and plenty of local music, food, arts and crafts.

4. Music – From the drum circle downtown to the many concerts at all of Asheville’s venues, find music everywhere you go! Enjoy all genres with a wide range of performances this summer.

5. Beer – Asheville is once again America’s No. 1 beer city! Enjoy local brews in the sunshine, refreshing after dinner drinks, or brewery tours made for aficionados. Don’t miss this chance to sample all of the city’s flavors and styles!

Property Spotlight: Get Posh in Asheville, NC at Studio Lex

Studio Lex is one of the two properties in downtown Asheville that is offered by Carolina Mornings as a vacation getaway for those looking to stay in our upbeat town. A renovated modern loft, Studio Lex offers comfort in an artistic fashion, right in the heart of downtown! Radiant hardwood floors keep you cozy as you snuggle in front of the gas fireplace or flat screen television. Or, cook a meal and relax on the sofa all while watching your favorite show- this studio has an open floor plan where you and your honey can hang out together no matter what you want to do. This is a great property for 1 or 2, and as with many of our properties, Studio Lex is a pet- friendly rental!
Now through May 26, 2010, you can enjoy a savings of $70+ for your stay- part of our Spring Specials!! Studio Lex also offers a Romantic Getaway Package: stay 3+ nights and receive a complimentary lunch for two at Bistro 1896; stay a week or longer and receive a complimentary dinner for two! Check out our other offers: FREE TICKETS to area attractions and more!
Lexington Ave. is known for it's boutiques, galleries, and the LAB, one of Asheville's many local breweries that opened recently. Come for a visit and see why everyone just loves Asheville, NC!!

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.

Has Halloween Gone to the Dogs?

Image by istolethetv via Flickr

A new trend is sweeping the nation and is headed to Asheville, NC this Halloween!
(And you thought a Kate Gosselin costume -- from Jon and Kate Plus 8 -- would be the new craze for Halloween!)
Dog costumes are becoming more popular showing up in mainstream stores like Target, Petsmart and specialty costume shops.
Looking for a good way to get your pup out of your Asheville cabin and enjoying the holiday? Bring your dog to the Blaze-n-Skyy's Halloween Dog Festival! Dress your pooch in Halloween gear and come on down to Downtown Asheville on Oct. 24, 2009!
The contest begins at 1 PM and winners will be announced at 3:30 PM. To enter a dog, onsite registration begins at 11 AM and costs $5/dog per contest. Bring your dog early to hang out downtown at the many dog-friendly restaurants and shops!
There are several categories including: large dog, small dog, best ensemble and best trick. The Best in Show winner will be featured as next year's Poster Pooch.
Register online at www.blazenskyy.com or in person:
Blaze-N-Skyy Pett Boutique & Wellness Center at 30 Battery Park Ave. in Downtown Asheville.
Don't have a dog? Doors open at noon and is free for all spectators.
Don't know what to dress your dog as? The Top 10 costumes for this year include: Bumble Bee, Pirate, Devil, Prisoner, and Pumpkin, just to name a few!
And DID YOU KNOW: Carolina Mornings has pet-friendly vacation rentals in Asheville, NC? Come stay at one of our beautiful mountain cabins in Asheville during the dog festival!
Do you dress up your dog? Send Carolina Mornings pictures of your pup's costume or pics from the contest! Post them to our Carolina mornings facebook fan page or twitter account!

Unique Kid Specialty Stores Outside Of Downtown Asheville, NC: NO TOYS R US TO BE FOUND!

I've previously offered ideas on where in the downtown center to make souvenir purchases for the young folk in the family while staying in one of our Asheville vacation rentals, enjoying a break from the stresses of daily living. This is an especially good idea if you are taking advantage of our Last Hurrah Babymooners Getaway package" Last Hurrah Babymooners Getaway package (click on the link and scroll through our specials until you see these great money saving deals: coupons to 2 of the stores listed here)!

If you are still feeling adventurous after perusing downtown and you want to stop and shop for the kids while out and about, Dancing Bear Toys on Tunnel Rd. (very close to the mall, I might add) is a great children's toy store. You can check out Just Ducky in Biltmore Village, a store offering local, handmade clothing for children and a small selection of gifts and toys. Also in Biltmore Village is Once Upon a Time, a wonderful children's shop full of fun toys and books. One of my favorites is in West Asheville: The Littlest Birds. They offer a beautiful selection of organic infant-to-toddler clothing (many locally made) and non-toxic toys. This store also has consignment!

Asheville not only offers many great adventures for the family; the shopping is fabulous as well. And as you can see, there are many choices (and many not listed!) of possibilities when your children say to you, “There is nothing here for me to look at! What can I buy?!”

Asheville, NC: a shopping paradise, but where do I purchase stuff for the kids??

Image by So Sylvie via Flickr

We all like to bring at least one souvenir home with us when we travel and if you are like me, I love shopping for my children and friends' children. Grandma loves to gather goodies for her clan when she is vacationing as well. While staying in one of our Asheville vacation rentals, visitors are always enamored with the cute boutiques and funky shops that this quaint town has to offer, most of them locally owned. Many people don't know where to buy special gifts and treasures, for the young ones in the family.

While traversing downtown Asheville, NC, check out Earth Guild for those that are artsy and crafty. The Woolworth Walk offers fun, local artwork that your kids can take home and display as souvenirs. A book could be perfect for your child when you want to relax in our vacation cabins. Visit Malaprop's Bookstore, or their used store, Downtown Books and News.

One of my favorites is Nest Organics for natural and beautiful infant-to-small child purchases, featuring quality organic clothing and non-toxic wooden toys. Cosmic Vision is a non-profit storefront carrying gifts from around the world. Or Cornerstone Minerals, where children can pick from a variety of beautiful rocks and crystals. Mast General Store offers a children's section of both clothing and toys, some of which can be quite nostalgic for adults wandering through (beware: there is also a huge candy section that can also be quite nostalgic!). Lastly, there is Enviro Depot, the only store downtown dedicated soley to children's toys. Enjoy the uniqueness of downtown Asheville!

Octoberfest: How Do You Celebrate?

Image by hollaBackpackers via Flickr

I think I have been asleep for the last 20 or 30 years, because I did not know that all cities, including Asheville, NC celebrates Octoberfest. For some reason, I always assume that it was a local tradition in Munich, Germany as Wikipedia clearly supports this notion.
Asheville's brew pubs and local microbreweries are impressive for such small city such as Asheville. So it seems like a perfect marriage: Asheville Brews and celebrating Octoberfest!
Perhaps that is why the Asheville Downtown Association is sponsoring this gala event on October 10, from 1-5pm! By the looks of the food, beer and entertainment it looks like it will be loads of fun. October 10 we will be bringing a bit of Bavaria to Wall Street, Asheville, NC!
So tell me, if you decide not to participate in our local Octoberfest in downtown Asheville, how will you be celebrating the 16 day long festival? Perhaps you cannot celebrate on October 10, but there are 15 other days to come to Asheville sample our brews and delight in our fall foliage and endless free entertainment (Hiking, Blue Ridge Parkway, window shopping, people watching).
So feel free to let me know how you will be celebrating Oktoberfest!

Vacationing in Asheville With Teenagers!

Going to the mountains of Western NC with 2 teenage daughters has been a wonderful experience.
Perhaps you are thinking: "My teenage daughters don't like hiking, biking, rafting, or anything related to the outdoors, so why should I go to the mountains?" Well this is sort of true of my daughters who are not very athletic, nor enamored by the natural beauty of the mountain ranges.
However, our trip to Asheville has been nothing less than fantastic!
Shopping in Asheville! The teenagers delightful activity anywhere! Oh and going out to eat! Eating and shopping. And in Asheville these two activities will never cease to be boring-especially for my teenage daughters.
Shopping in Asheville's downtown, exploring the boutiques, art galleries, antiques, fine furnishings and bohemian shops, we have been enamored by the eclectic variety. We have only scratched the proverbial surface. We fell in love with the orange leather sofas and want to purchase all the furnishings in Mobilia Furniture. I am still considering the coolest lamp. Due to time restraints, we only skimmed Woolworth Walk , the newest art gallery and emporium in Asheville, North Carolina. A trip to Asheville is not complete unless we stop at Tops Shoes! Again, we seem to always be present for their penny sale. Buy one pair the second is a penny. This trip we managed to find so many shoes that I am not sure how they will all fit into our car. We are set for the year.
The shopping has not ended nor has our trip, more on Biltmore Village and Eating at non-chain restaurants later.

Honoring Father's Day @ Carolina Mornings

Father's Day will be honored @ Carolina Mornings
for the entire month of JUNE!

How? Thank you for asking.

We will be celebrating Fathers, Uncles, Grandpas, Sons and Husbands by giving them the gift of experience! How many men need more ties, shirts, mugs? Do the men in your life really want more "things"?

Or said in another way, How many men ever say:
"you know, I really have enough time to play golf or to go on a whitewater rafting trip".

Well at Carolina Mornings, Asheville's exclusive Mountain Discovery Pass (MDP) gives our Men (women and children) FREE golf, rafting on the French Broad River, cruises on Lake Lure and Trolley Tours around Asheville.

So imagine giving the man in your life a day to himself to play golf while you spend the day shopping downtown in Asheville's boutiques and unique galleries (unless you too want to join in the golf - Why not)?

Staying at one of our mountain vacation getaways is always a wonderful experience. Add free activities, good food and company and VOILA: A delightful, one of a kind gift is wrapped in a weekend to cherish for years to come!

New Year's in Asheville

Still looking for New Year's plans in Asheville?

The Mountain Xpress has some free - or at least cheap - ideas for those who'd like to hear some good music. Mo Daddy's, Zambra, and Barley's Taproom are some of the downtown spots foregoing a cover charge.

Downtown Asheville is the place to be on New Year's Eve if you want a guaranteed celebration all night long. Anywhere you go, there will be plenty of fun and plenty of people to have fun with.

West Asheville will also have music at the Westville Pub, for $5. This might be a better bet for those looking for more calm surroundings. Westville is really popular, but West Asheville has a much more manageable downtown strip than the heart of Asheville.

Hendersonville is probably another good bet for those wanting to do something fun, but not wanting to deal with lots of people and the difficulty of navigating a busy downtown Asheville.

Check out the full article for details on these happenings, have a Happy New Year, and of course be safe!

UPDATE: New Minimum Night Requirement for October!

We have just updated our October nightly minimum for all Carolina Mornings (Asheville Cabins) properties. While we usually only accept 4 night rentals, we've decided to drop it down to just a two night stay! Plus, many properties are offering discounts or other specials as incentive to come visit.

Some of our properties are keeping longer requirements, but almost all are allowing weekend-long stays in an attempt to increase bookings for October. This is a GREAT time to visit Asheville - I believe it's even better than a summertime visit (see reasons below). Most years you won't find this kind vacation rental opportunity since many rental home owners bump their nightly minimum for leaf season.

5 reasons why October is a better time to visit than summertime:
1. Fall feels so re-freshing after a long hot summer!
2. Typically beautiful weather, usually warm days and not-TOO-cold nights.
3. Clear mountain views, since they are no longer obstructed by summer smog (I always joke that the mountains hibernate in summer and come back out in the fall).
4. Leaf colors, of course.
5. Downtown Asheville is a bit less crowded with other visitors.