Festival of Trees at the Doubletree Biltmore in Asheville

I just walked through the hallways of the Doubletree Biltmore Hotel in Asheville and took in the sites of the Festival of Trees presented by CarePartners Hospice Foundation. There are so many trees everywhere and viewing is open to the public. The event lasts from November 24th until November 28th with two special events planned.

On Saturday, November 27 from 10 am - 2 pm bring your children out for a milk and cookies with Santa event.

On Sunday, November 28 there will be musical performances with live choral music starting at 2 pm and followed by Harp & Bass by Michelle Bonn and Steve Jamesson starting around 3 pm.

All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the patients and families served by CarePartners Hospice. For more information about this event please call 828-277-4815. For more information including directions to the venue please visit the Doubletree Biltmore website.

The 2010 Holiday Season Hits Asheville

This weekend in Asheville the holiday season will be in full swing. With activities planned throughout the city, this would be a perfect time to get a jump start on your holiday shopping. For more information and a complete list of retailers please visit the Biltmore Park website.

Ring in the season at Biltmore Park Town Square with a Holiday Lighting Celebration this Friday, November 19th from 6 pm to 8 pm. There will be strolling carolers, children's storytellers and even Mr. & Mrs. Clause. It's a perfect family outing and there are some great stores and restaurants to visit while you're there.

This Saturday, November 20th starting at 11 am you can catch the Asheville Holiday Parade in downtown Asheville. Marching bands, dancing troupes and multiple floats will be taking over the streets to help spread some holiday cheer. The estimated time for the parade is about two hours.

If you're visiting from out of town and need a place to stay please check into these great hotels.

Food Drive this week at Vinnie's to support MANNA

Vinnie's Family Italian is hosting a food drive this week from November 15 through November 19th. Bring some extra cans of food when you come to dine this week and receive a free order of their famous garlic knots or a free cannoli for dessert (with the purchase of an entrée).

All food donations will help benefit MANNA Food Bank which helps distribute food to needy families across Western North Carolina.

Roux serves up Thanksgiving dinner in Asheville

Looking for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Asheville this year? Roux, located in the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, will be serving a fantastic menu - buffet style - from 1PM until 7PM Thanksgiving day. However, if you want to have Thanksgiving at home, and don't have the time to cook, then take advantage of the Thanksgiving To Go option. Your turkey will be slow cooked early so when you come to pick it up on Thanksgiving day it will be hot, fresh and ready.

The following is what you can expect.

- Organic Spinach Salad with Shaved Fennel and Bermuda Onions, Figs, Gorgonzola & Orange Cider Vinaigrette
- Curried Sweet Potato Salad with Honey and Pine Nuts
- Sesame Green Bean Salad with Soy Glazed Almonds
- Artisan Breads with Herb Butter & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Wild Mushroom Bisque
- Roasted Medley of Brussel Sprouts, Carrots and Parsnips
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel and Marshmallow Topping
- Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
- Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing
- Homemade Turkey Gravy

From the Carving Board:
- Roasted Tangle Wood Farms Turkey with Orange-Cranberry Relish
- Baked Ham with Pineapple-Mustard Glaze

Desserts
- Pumpkin, Pecan or Buttermilk Pie Served Table Side with fresh Whipped Cream

Prices for the Thanksgiving buffet are $21.99 per adult and $12.00 for children 12 and under. If you are interested in the To Go program then the prices are $164 to feed 10-12 people and $87.00 to feed 4-6 people. Please call 828-209-27145 for reservations. You will need to place all To Go reservations by November 19th.

For more information call the number above of visit the Roux website.

Hilton Asheville achieves LEED Silver Certification

The Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, announced that it has been awarded LEED® Silver certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

“The Hilton Asheville is a great example of how to combine sustainability with exceptional features and amenities to create a memorable guest experience,” said Ron Storto, Vice President of Hotel Development. “From a destination spa and fine dining to eco-conscious products and operations, this new addition to our hotel portfolio pairs environmental stewardship with Biltmore Farms legacy of service, style and innovation.”

Hilton Asheville achieved LEED certification for incorporating a variety of sustainable strategies. The largest factor being that Hilton Asheville is among the first hotels in the country to install a solar hot water system. It is the largest system installed in Western North Carolina to date. Water throughout the hotel, including the pool, is heated using solar power, eliminating 25 tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is the equivalent of planting 7,000 trees. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings, such as the Hilton Asheville, save money for families, business and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

“With each new LEED-certified building, we get one step closer to USGBC’s vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “As the newest member of the LEED family of green buildings, Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park is an important addition to the growing strength of the green building movement.”

LEED certification of Hilton Asheville was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include:

• Solar Powered Hot Water System.
• Low volatile organic compounds used as building materials.
• All ENERGY STAR® qualified CFL lighting throughout the hotel.
• Saline pool reduces purchase, transport & storage of chlorine chemicals.
• Full scale recycling program including guest rooms.
• Farm to table menu items.
• Donation of cooking oil for alternative fuels.
• Donation of food waste for composting.
• A linen and towel reuse program to reduce water consumption.
• Shuttle service provided in an alternative fuel vehicle.
• Special parking for all hybrid vehicles.
• Bicycle racks available for alternative transportation

Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park is the first hotel in Western North Carolina to achieve a LEED certification and it is one of only three in the state of NC. To learn more about the sustainability efforts of the Hilton Asheville and all of the Biltmore Farms Hotels please visit our sustainability site. For more information on the Hilton Asheville please visit here.

Essential Journeys Open House in Asheville

Buy local is a mantra in Asheville and here is a chance to take part in that. Asheville-based Kimberly Masters, is the founder of Essential Journeys which specializes in handcrafted soaps, lotion, lip lube and soy candles, all made from natural ingredients and inspired from travels around the world. The studio is hosting an open house for everyone to explore the studio and learn about the soap making process.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 1:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. The soap studio is located at 77 Vermont Ave, Asheville, NC. It will be a wonderful opportunity for some holiday shopping and mingling. Hot cider and snacks will be provided. There is no cost to attend and guests will have a chance to meet Kimberly and ask any questions.

For more information you can call 828-350-0395.