Hilton Asheville celebrates Mom!

Hilton Asheville celebrates Mom!

At the Hilton Asheville, we want to honor all mothers! Show Mom how much you love her by treating her to a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch at Roux or a luxurious spa treatment at our Sensibilities Spa.

Our Sensibilities Spa Mother’s Day package begins with a Sweet Red Rose Facial. A potent blend of Bulgarian roses, rosehips, calendula and honey provide “exercise for the skin.” This stimulating treatment encourages circulation and strengthens capillaries to leave the skin’s tone and texture renewed. Following the facial, your mom will receive a Radiant Retreat Body Wrap, where she will experience the antioxidant properties of acai berry, ginger and plum, which fight free radicals and aid hydration while rice peptides and white clay purify the skin. Our Mother’s Day package is available for $199 and can be booked as an appointment through May 8th or may be bought as a gift certificate through May 8th to be used whenever the recipient would like to schedule.

Roux will be offering a special Mother’s Day Brunch, which is highlighted by a scrumptious buffet as well as a delightful selection of soups and salads, sandwiches and entrees. Below is the full menu. If you’re in Asheville for Mother’s Day, we hope you choose to spend it at the Hilton Asheville!

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet 19.95
includes beverages, cooked to order eggs, omelets, waffles, pancakes and french toast, carved to order salmon florentine, pasta primavera with feta & olives, roasted potatoes, tarragon chicken salad, mixed green salad & watermelon gazpacho

Brunch Enhancement: add an 8 oz cut of slow cooked Prime Rib with au jus 6

Chef’s Kettles - our daily selection of soups 3/5
Smoked Salmon- toasted bagel, cream cheese, traditional garnishes 9
Roux House Salad - lemon-herb vinaigrette 5.95, grilled chicken 7.95, blackened salmon 8.95
Caesar Salad – shaved parmesan, focaccia croutons 5.95 grilled chicken 7.95, blackened salmon 8.95
Short stack and bacon – two fluffy cakes, maple syrup, whipped butter 7.50
French Toast – french batard, blueberry syrup and sour cream 8
Kitchen Sink Omelet – you name it we throw it in, extravagance is extra, home fries 9
Seared Salmon Bennie, tomato, poached egg* and hollandaise, home fries 13
Crab Cakes - jumbo lump, grilled nappa slaw 7/11
Steak and Eggs* - any style, hand cut fries, roasted tomatoes 15
10 oz Prime Rib – garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, au jus 18
Fish-n-Chips - beer batter, lemongrass tartar, spicy nappa slaw 8/12


Sandwiches
comes with choice of chips, hand cut fries, or grilled spicy nappa slaw (sub cup of soup 1.95)
Broken Yolk Sandwich* - bacon, tomato, cheddar, mayo, grilled sourdough bread 8
Roux Burger 8 oz angus beef, roasted red pepper, chevre, kaiser 8.95
Chicken Caprese - pesto mayo, fresh mozzarella, roasted tomato, grilled ciabatta 8.95
Chicken Salad Croissant – tarragon and sun dried cherries 8.95
Hot Turkey Club - texas toast, melted swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and spicy marmalade 8.50

World Peace is coming to Asheville!

On Wednesday May 4th, World Peace and Other Fourth Grade Achievements will be screened at the Diana Wortham Theater. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the film’s star, John Hunter, followed by a regional education leadership dialogue.

WHEN: May 4, 2011 at 6:45 PM
WHERE: Diana Wortham Theatre

TICKETS: K-12 Educators: Free
Non-Educators: $16

To learn more about the film, as well as the screening, please visit WorldPeaceAvl.com.

Get Wild at the WNC Nature Center in Asheville

The WNC Nature Center in Asheville is gearing up for a big year. The Nature Center is the best place for close up views of Otters, Foxes, Coyotes, as well as Gray and Red Wolves. Currently exhibits are being revamped for public viewing. Get ready, because this year there is a special surprise being unveiled, but this blogger has been sworn to silence. Here's a hint: Cute, but dangerous.

Check out the new Appalachian Friends Donor Garden and watch as the peacocks freely walk around. Also be sure to catch the annual interactive Butterfly Exhibit. There's a lot happening this year so be sure to visit them online and learn more.

If you're traveling from out of town be sure to check into these great hotels.

Valentine's Day Dinner in Asheville

Love and romance are in the air as Valentine's Day in Asheville is quickly approaching. Make plans now to visit Roux, located in the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park. For three days, February 12 - 14th, Roux will be serving a delicious menu crafted by our chef, Randy Dunn. Enjoy some of these delectable dishes.

Valentine's Weekend Dinner Menu

Soups: Mushroom Bisque and Oyster Stew

- Crab Avocado Stack - jumbo lump crab with a spicy aioli
- Lobster Un-Ravioli with garlicky spinach served in a creole alfredo sauce.
- Bibb Salad - shredded duck confit, dried cherries, gorgonzola and
smoked tomato vinaigrette.

- Filet with white truffle yukons, sherried mushroom brushetta
- Tuna 2-ways: Poké and flash fried, pommes frites, ginger aioli
- Pan Seared Breast of Chicken, sweet potato ravioli, peach demi
- Eggplant-Potato Pie with barley pilaf and winter vegetables

Mini Dessert Tray Sampler

Roux also offer a great selection of wines and local brews to complement your dining experience.

This menu will be served from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM. Reservations are recommended. Please call 828-209-2715 to secure your table. Learn more about Roux on the web.

FringeArts Festival Returns to Asheville

For the ninth year in a row the FringeArts Festival is returning to Asheville. There are three shows running from Thursday, January 20th until Sunday, January 23rd and are being held at multiple venues including the BeBe Theatre, Asheville Art Museum and Wedge in the River Arts District.

The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival provides artists with opportunities to explore the edges of their work, collaborate across genres and bring new and innovative performances to culturally adventurous audiences.

This year you can see performers such as Jim Julien and Kathy Myers who have been with Fringe from the beginning. Also see the antics of The Runaway Circus and the Loose Caboose. For a full listing of acts please visit the FringeArts Fest website.

Tickets for the events are $12 ($10 for seniors and students) per each of the three shows.

If you are traveling to the mountains and need a place to stay, please check out these great Asheville hotels.

Asheville for free

If you're traveleing on a budget, then there are plenty of great thing to do for free in Asheville. Take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway which offers breathtaking vistas. Take a stroll downtown Asheville, through Bilmore Village or around Beaver Lake and if you're feeling more adventurous go hike the Appalachian mountains to search for a waterfall.

Throughout the year there are plenty of things to do that cost you absolutely nothing. The drum circle, the River Arts District Studio Stroll and countless street festivals (Bele Chere for example) are just a sampling of what you can do at no cost.

Visit the exploreasheville site to learn about more things you can do for free and check out their calendar of free activities. When planning your trip be sure to check out our great hotel offerings.

You can also visit our Doubletree Facebook Page. In our favorites section you can find 365 Things to do in Asheville. Be sure to "like" us while you're there and we'll keep you up to date on ativities going on in the Asheville area.

Save up to 50% at Biltmore

Asheville always slows down a bit during the winter, but that means you can avoid crowds and take advantage of better deals around town. Biltmore is now offering up to 50% off their admission rate from January 1st through March 31st. Children 16 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Plus tickets are good for two days so you can take the time to explore the home in detail. The gardens, winery and Antler Hill Village are also a great way to spend the day.

If you haven't eaten at one of the Biltmore restaurants you're really missing something great. My favorites are Deerpark and the Bistro. You really can't go wrong with either of those.

We also have great rates at hotels located conveniently next to the Biltmore. If you're interested in staying the night check out one of our great hotels.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Asheville

Coming to Asheville for New Years? Check out these shows recommended by the Asheville Citizen Times.

The Avett Brothers play a two-night stand Thursday-Friday at the Asheville Civic Center arena, and that promises to be the largest gathering anywhere in town.

Officially, it's sold out, though tickets can still be found at various online sites. The show will bring thousands of fans downtown, adding to the overall madness.

Another brother act

Sons of Ralph, one of the city's most popular bands, mixes bluegrass and rock New Year’s Eve at Jack of the Wood, 95 Patton Ave.

These boys are sure to pack the place, so get over there early, get something to eat and bring in the new year.

Groove at the Grove

The historic Grove House, 11 Grove St., downtown, has a solid New Year's Eve package planned with entertainment in three venues.

Club Eleven brings out electronic and video production with A/V Club producers Nicodemus and VJ Loopy Jenkins and Tech Tribe producers Yorgo Simou, J-Hecht & Luis Armando.

Scandals Nightclub has DJ Stratos and dance music.

And the Boiler Room has drag performers and DJ Acolyte with club house, tech house and Top 40 music.

Admission is $15 for club members, $20 everyone else (ages 18 and older). Visit www.thegrovehouse.com/specialevents.htm

On the Avenue

The new Avenue M restaurant, 791 Merrimon Ave. (that's the former Usual Suspects location) is celebrating with a band featuring Whitney Moore, Chuck Lichtenberger, Ozzie Orengo and Grant Cuthbertson.

Everybody smile

Mangolia's, 26 Walnut St., has Crocodile Smile Friday night at 10 p.m. The next-door Cinjade's nightclub will be thumping with dance music.

These folks have been toasting in the new year since well before downtown was so hot (Cinjades opened in 1984; Magnolia's in '88).

All you need is love

White Horse Black Mountain, 105 C Montreat Road, Black Mountain, is one of the area's finest music venues. Their New Year’s Eve party features John Leo and the Eggmen with a John Lennon tribute, plus Asheville's own Swayback Sisters.

It's a $20 cover and worth it.

Family fun

We still miss Asheville's old First Night celebration, but Marion has picked up the tradition. That town's second annual First Night New Year's Eve Celebration happens Friday evening and features music, food and entertainment.

At midnight, a replica gold nugget will be dropped onto the platform of the Marion Fire Department's tower truck. Rock!

If you are traveling this way and need a place to rest your head after the ball drops then check out these great hotels.

Be Festive with Santa in Biltmore Park

Santa Claus is coming to town - Biltmore Park Town Square that is. This Friday, December 24th from 3PM to 6PM Santa will be available to hear all the last minute requests. As an added bonus you are welcome to have your child's photo taken for free. Just be sure to bring your own camera with you.

Biltmore Park is located off of I-26 at exit 37. If there is inclement weather then you can find Santa in the lobby of the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park. While you're there you can enjoy a delicious meal or appetizer at Roux, one of the best values for a meal in Biltmore Park.

Special thanks to my friends Michael and Chance for use of their photo.

Happy Holidays from Biltmore Farms Hotels

From all of us at Biltmore Farms Hotels in Asheville, North Carolina - We hope that you have a bright and happy holiday season.

Manna Food Drive at Doubletree Biltmore Hotel

If you're in the Biltmore Village area this weekend, please drop off any canned good items or other food donations at the Doubletree Biltmore Hotel in support of Manna Foodbank.

The food drive was started as a collaboration with the Doubletree and Estes Elementary School to teach children the importance of caring about world hunger. Doubletree representatives went into each classroom at Estes and the students have banded together to try and collect 2,000 cans of food for hungry families across Western North Carolina.

The Doubletree Teaching Kids to Care campaign goes into the classroom twice a year each time with a different message of why it's important to care for others. Previous topics include planting trees for Arbor Day, sending out cookies to U.S. troops in Iraq and aiding the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The food drive is scheduled to wrap up this week, but there is still time to get your donations to the hotel. Click here for directions.

Dickens in the Village this weekend in Asheville

This weekend in Asheville you can experience Dickens in the Village taking place in Historic Biltmore Village. There are special events planned each day starting this Friday, Dec. 3 and ending Sunday Dec. 5th. Here you will find strolling musicians and vocalists, horse drawn carriage rides and old fashioned holiday cheer.

Here are a few hightlights of what to expect:

Friday - From 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - The Village comes alive with the annual holiday lighting display. Also, the Montford Park Players will present scenes from "A Christmas Carol".

Saturday - From 11:00 am - 7:00 pm you can enjoy entertainment from the Vance Chorus, Flat Rick Youtheatre and the Biltmore Brass Ensemble.

Sunday - From 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm check out the Men's Morris Dancers, N8 the Great (juggling and magic), and the Appalachian Folk Choir.

There is of course so much more planned. Visit the Biltmore Village site or click here for the full list of events.

Of course there are also many great places to eat and shop while visiting. We offer hotels in Biltmore Village if you are looking for Asheville accommodations.

Photo taken by Mark File with Romantic Asheville.

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.

Halloween 2010 in Asheville

It's that time of year to find fun activities all geared towards spine tingling fun and eating candy. I'll opt for the eating candy part myself. There are a ton of activities going on in Asheville this weekend. The largest of the events is MoogFest which still has some day passes available. I'll be going to see Big Boi, Pretty Lights and the School of Seven Bells. Other big artists like Massive Attack and Thievery Corporation are on the list as well. You can visit here for more information on that.

For other options check out what ExploreAsheville.com has to say. They have a great list of kid friendly and adult only activities.

For those in the downtown Asheville area Sunday night around 8PM, you may be lucky enough to catch a Thriller flashmob which will be a true Halloween treat.

During the day you can still see a lot of great leaf looking as the trees are in full color. Be sure to check out the fall color report.

Hotels are booking up fast, but we still have some availability at our Biltmore Farms Hotels. Be sure to check us out if you're looking for a place to stay.

Jeff Hamilton Trio this weekend in Asheville

This Sunday, October 24th starting at 7:00 PM, the Jeff Hamilton Trio will be performing at the Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville, NC.

Renowned drummer Jeff Hamilton has mastered dynamics and subtlety, an exceptionally rare achievement. Fortunate audience members on October 24 will experience why jazz bible JazzTimes magazine assessed Jeff's Trio's 2009 recording "Symbiosis" so glowingly:

"Jeff Hamilton's Trio integrates parts like a master chef integrates components to make a mouth-watering dish. Individually each instrument has a neutral glow, but when the parts are bridged together, the result metamorphoses into a grand montage with big band muscle. The trio's rapport is inspiring and their dialogue is aurally melodic, producing music with dancehall style and swing-jazz sophistication. With tracks that are sentimental, exuberant, and consoling, Symbiosis exudes characteristics that touch human emotions."

Tickets are $25 for members of the WNC Jazz Society and $35 for non-members. Students p[ay $10 with ID. This will be the final performance of the 2010 series. There will be a pre-show meet and greet with refreshments and entertainment starting at 6:10. For more information visit WNC Jazz Society's website.

If you are traveling form out of town and need a place to stay please check out these great Asheville hotels.