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.

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.

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.

Elton John coming to Asheville

For the second time in a decade Elton John will be playing in Asheville. He is gracing the stage of the Asheville Civic Center to perform on the Greatest Hits Tour. His music has spanned the decades giving him worldwide fame from an early age. He has produced numerous gold and platinum albums and has sold more than 250 million records worldwide.

The concert is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 16 starting at 8 p.m. Tickets ($47/$87/$137, plus applicable fees) go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 4, online at www.ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets, or via charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000. There is an eight-ticket limit per customer.

If you are traveling from out of town and are looking for a great hotel check out Biltmore Farms Hotels, Asheville's premiere hotel group.

Leaf lookers prepare for a colorful season in Asheville

This year promises to be a colorful leaf season in Asheville. Check out this information released by the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

ASHEVILLE, NC (September 14, 2010) – In the tricky business that is forecasting the whims of Mother Nature, it is rare that experts agree as they make fall color predictions. This year, biologists and naturalists in Western North Carolina and the Asheville area are singing the same tune: Seasonal weather patterns and early climate indicators may trigger the most colorful leaf season in years.

Good News for Colorful Fall Vacations

As the last week of summer arrives, travelers can look to fall foliage experts to learn what is in store for autumn travel in 2010:

Expert Forecast Quotes

“A long spell of dry weather during the spring and summer could provide some of the most brilliant colors seen in several years for leaf-lookers headed to the mountains of Western North Carolina this autumn,” reported Katherine Mathews, Western Carolina University’s assistant professor of biology specializing in plant systematics.

“While there were periods of low rainfall with some higher than normal temperatures, the mountains around Asheville have had plenty of rain toward the end of the summer. With cooler, clear weather moving in this September, fall seems to be setting up nicely,” said Parker Andes, director of horticulture at Biltmore in Asheville.

“A few weeks ago the weather transitioned to clear, sunny days–the ideal combination for a really beautiful fall,” said Dr. Howie Neufeld, professor of plant physiology at Appalachian State University.

“When people remember a good color season, it is usually because they got those brilliant reds contrasting against the rest of the fall color spectrum. The bi-product of photosynthesis is sugar, and sugar triggers red pigment production. So, these bright sunny days we’re seeing will build up that intense red pigment in the leaves. We’re on course for a colorful fall season,” continued Dr. Neufeld.

Fall Color Wars: Scientifically Substantiated Bias

Extreme elevation variations and biologically diverse microclimates combine to give the Southern Appalachian Mountains one of the longest and most colorful leaf seasons in the country. Regional experts weigh-in on who has the best fall color:

“New England’s color comes primarily from birch, beech and maple–a beautiful, bright autumn display with big blotches of color. But, the South has more than 100 species of deciduous trees. The combination of topography and color diversity here can make our fall colors spectacular. Out West you see more evergreens and yellow, but you don’t get a lot of that vibrant red that makes up the eastern fall patchwork. I’ve lived in the Northeast and the West, and I think North Carolina has some of the best fall color in the country,” said Dr. Neufeld.

“The mountains of Western NC have the most forest diversity of anywhere in the country, which gives us a uniquely broad range of fall color and a longer season. From the yellows of cucumber magnolias around Balsam Mountain to the burgundy of black gums along the Davidson River, there is a rainbow of colors to be seen here. And, because of the different altitudes, microclimates and mild weather, visitors can always find good color and lots of activities throughout the region,” said Andes.

Timing Your Fall Vacation

“We’re already starting to see signs of color at the highest elevations here at the end of September. Our American ash trees are beginning to tinge with purple and the bright red berries on the mountain ashe are putting on a good show. Leaf peepers should look for high elevation habitats to color-up first, such as heath balds on mountain ridges,” said Jesse Pope, chief naturalist at Grandfather Mountain.

“I’m very optimistic about the intensity of color we could see this year. However, the duration and timing of fall greatly depends on these last couple of weeks in September. Rapid changes in temperature could start the color action early, and we want to avoid wind events that would stress and prematurely down the leaves,” continued Pope.

Weekly Fall Color Reports:

To help visitors locate where the autumn color is peaking from week-to-week, the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau is working with park officials, attractions and biologists around the region to compile weekly fall color reports for the mountains of Western North Carolina at FallintheMountains.com. Asheville’s fall color experts will also be tweeting up-to-the-minute color updates, travel tips and deals at @FallColorHunter on Twitter.

With the fall season fast approaching now is a great time to book your room reservation as hotels in the Asheville area will start selling out. Check out these great hotels and plan your getaway today.

Black Keys change date of Asheville performance

Due to a death of a family member, The Black Keys are rescheduling their September 14th show at The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC to Thursday, September 16th. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date. All show details will remain the same - the show will start at 9pm with doors at 8pm on Thursday. If you are unable to attend the new date, refunds will be available at the Orange Peel box office until Thursday, September 16th at 5:30pm. For questions, contact the Orange Peel at (828) 225-5851 or by email, info@theorangepeel.net before Thursday at 5:30pm. No refunds will be offered past this deadline. The band and the Orange Peel apologize for any inconvenience to our fans. We'll see you at the show on Thursday, September 16th

Flower Carpet starts next week at Biltmore

The Flower Carpet returns next week to the South Terrace of Biltmore Estate. Daytime guests can admire a living work of art from August 20 until September 12th, 2010. The Biltmore's horticultural team have used their artistic abilities to select and weave 155,000 plants into a pattern inspired by a rare stained glass window now on display in The Biltmore Legacy.

On select Friday and Saturday evenings, guests can experience the magical combination of a candlelight visit to Biltmore House, the flower carpet dramatically lit, live jazz music and soft moonlight. Reservations are required and guests and upgrade their daytime tickets to an evening visit for only $10. Evening visits are available August 20, 21, 27, 28 and September 10,11.

If you're traveling to the Biltmore and need a place to stay we have three hotels conveniently located in Biltmore Village, just next to the Estate.

Anticipation builds for the WNC Wine & Food Festival

Well known for being a culinary destination, Asheville will be celebrating its local “foodie” community with a weekend filled with delicious activities.

The WNC magazine Asheville Wine & Food Festival will be held indoors on August 14, 2010, in the new expo facility at the WNC Agricultural Center across from the Asheville Regional Airport and adjacent to Interstate 26 with easy connections from Interstate 40. With more than 60 regional, national, and international wineries already committed to this year’s festival, along with regional restaurants and local food producers, this event will allow attendees to experience the diverse culinary offerings of Western North Carolina. (More information about the festival can be found at WNC Magazine's official site.

In conjunction with this event, the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park is providing you a special package that includes:

- Deluxe overnight room with King Bed or Two Queen Beds
- Complimentary Hilton Shuttle service to and from the event
- (2) Tickets to the Asheville Wine & Food Festival
- Champagne Sunday Brunch for Two

Total cost of this package is $189 per night, plus tax. To book, call the Hilton directly at 828-209-2700 or click here to book on-line.

Charles Schwab info session at the Hilton Asheville

On Wednesday May 19th, investors of all experience levels are welcome to attend an educational seminar presented by Charles Schwab & Company at the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park. The topic for this session will be how best to use Schwab.com to research investments; place online trade orders for stocks, bonds and mutual funds; and manage your finances with convenient online tools.

There are two sessions planned for the day. The first one starts at 9:30 AM and the other begins at 2:30 PM. The seminar is free for anyone who wants to attend. If you have questions regarding this event you can e-mail William.Wells@schwab.com for more information.

To learn about how you can book your next meeting with the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, visit us here.

Fanaticon this weekend in Asheville

This weekend the streets of Asheville will be inundated with comic book and sci-fi characters as Fanaticon makes it's inaugural debut. This free convention will be held at the Asheville Art Museum downtown this Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, hand there are special events planned all weekend long.

Exhibitors will be on hand selling many types of costumes, collectibles and comics. Special guest Butch Guice will also be on hand to meet fans. He has worked on many notable characters in the comic book world including Captain America, Superman, X-Factor and more. For the Star Wars fans out there be sure to look for the Rebel Legion which specializes in exact costume replicas of your favorite characters. This may be a great time to buy a Wookie costume for Halloween (or any other day you feel like dressing up like Chewie).

Speaking of dressing up, one of the activities planned is a costume parade. Come dressed in your favorite hero (or villain) attire and make a scene on stage of the Diana Wortham Theatre. Everyone who participates will receive a special prize.

To learn more about this event check out the Fanaticon website. If you are traveling into town and need accomodations there are still rooms available at these great hotels.

HATCH Asheville starts this weekend

The second year of HATCH Asheville starts this weekend with a number of panels, workshops and events open to the public. What is HATCH? It is a program that provides mentorship, education, inspiration and recognition to the next generation of creative innovators. The focus is on creative industries and how to best leverage creative professions to impact the community and the planet in a positive and sustainable way. HATCHfest brings together luminaries in the arts and entertainment world to serve as mentors to groundbreaking new creative talent. They host panels, workshops, keynotes, exhibits, networking parties, and mentoring sessions for four days in the heart of downtown Asheville.

One of the highlights for 2010 is the participation of the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus and acclaimed singer/songwriter Matt Morris. Matt released his chart-topping debut album, “When Everything Breaks Open” in January. The record has received critical acclaim, radio airplay and has landed him on several TV shows including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the George Lopez Show and David Letterman. Matt’s has toured extensively with such artists as the Indigo Girls and Joan Osborne and has been featured at the Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits Music Festivals. Matt is one of music’s most renowned songwriters. His songs have been performed by Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguillera and Kelly Clarkson.

For a full schedule of events visit here. If you are traveling from out of town and need a place to stay visit here.

David Sedaris in Asheville April 16, 2010

Celebrated author and humorist David Sedaris will be speaking in Asheville at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Friday, April 16 2010 starting at 8:00pm. David's writing style is best explained by his publicist (see below).

David Sedaris may well be the closest thing the literary world has these days to a rock star. His speaking engagements are now consistently standing-room-only, a far cry from his early days as a housecleaner in New York City. Sedaris made his comic debut recounting his strange-but-true experiences of his job as a Macys elf clad in green tights, reading his SantaLand Diaries on National Public Radios Morning Edition. His sardonic wit and incisive social critique have since made him one of Americas pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which Sedaris slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that he is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. David Sedaris is the author of the bestsellers Barrel Fever and Holidays on Ice, as well as collections of personal essays, Naked and Me Talk Pretty One Day, both of which became immediate bestsellers. Sedaris and his sister, Amy Sedaris, have collaborated under the name The Talent Family and have written several plays which have been produced at La Mama, Lincoln Center, and The Drama Department in New York City. These plays include Stump the Host, Stitches, One Woman Shoe, which received an Obie Award, Incident at Cobblers Knob, and The Book of Liz, which was published in book form by Dramatists Play Service. His essays appear regularly in Esquire and The New Yorker. Sedaris original radio pieces can often be heard on This American Life, distributed nationally by Public Radio International and produced by WBEZ in Chicago. In 2001, David Sedaris became the third recipient of the Thurber Prize for American Humor. He was named by Time magazine as Humorist of the Year in 2001. His book Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim was published in June 2004, and an anthology of stories, Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules: An Anthology of Outstanding Stories, edited by David Sedaris, was published in April 2005. In 2005, David Sedaris was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word Album ("Dress Your Family in Corduroy & Denim") and Best Comedy Album ("David Sedaris: Live at Carnegie Hall").

Tickets for this show start at $32.50. You can purchase them through the Civic Center Box Office by calling (828) 259-5736.

If you are traveling from out of town to see the show and need a place to stay for the night, please check out one of these fine hotels.

Dine to Be Kind in Asheville

On Tuesday, February 23, join Animal Compassion Network and for the 7th Annual Dine to Be Kind event. Dine in or take out from any of the participating restaurants and they will donate a percentage of the day's dining to ACN's Spay/Neuter Assistance and Foster Programs. Since 2000, ACN's Betty Fund has funded the spay/neuter surgery for 10,000 pets belonging to low-income families, and the demand on the program has never been higher.

Please click on the restaurants below to find menus, directions, or hours!

Apollo Flame Bistro * Asheville Ale House * Battery Park Book Exchange * Blue Sky Cafe * Brixx Wood Fired Pizza * Bone-a-fide Bakery * Cafe Azalea * cafe ello * Cats & Dawgs * Charlotte Street Grill & Pub * Chorizo * Corner Kitchen * chai pani * Cucina 24 * Curras Dom * Dripolator Coffeehouse * Doc Chey's Noodle House * Filo Pastries * Frank's Roman Pizza * Green Sage Coffeehouse & Cafe * Grove Park Inn: Blue Ridge Dining Room, Horizons, Sunset Terrace Chophouse * Kilwin's Chocolate, Fudge & Ice Cream * Laughing Seed Cafe * Lenny's Sub Shop *  Madison's Black Mountain * The Market Place * Morning Glory Cafe * Mellow Mushroom * Mountain Brew Cafe & Bakery * Nine Mile Inc * Oakie Dokie Smokehouse * Pomodoros * Province 620 * Rise 'N Shine Cafe * Rosetta's Kitchen * Roux at The Hilton * Sazerac * Sante Wine Bar * Sunny Point Cafe * Sunnyside Cafe * 12 Bones Smokehouse * Thai Basil * The Hop Ice Cream * Tomato Jam * Urban Burrito * Usual Suspects * Waggers Dog Depot * Wayne's Restaurant * Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe * West End Bakery * Wine Studio of Asheville * Wild Wing Cafe

Help us spread the word! Download an event flier from here and post in your office, school, church, community center, grocery store and any place else you go. Interested in being a Dine to Be Kind Advocate? Email Kelly Stoner for details: kellystoneracn@gmail.com.

Also, through the entire month of February, Sensibilities Day Spa will match any donations to ACN (up to $1000). Just bring your ACN donation to 59 Haywood Street or Two Town Square Boulevard in Biltmore Park, and help twice as many cats and dogs in need. Thank you, Sensibilities Day Spa, for all of the support you have given ACN and our rescues over the years!

If you're traveling from out of town, check out the Hilton which will be participating in this year's event.

Sneak Peek of the new Hilton Asheville - opening soon!

The new Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park Hotel is scheduled to open within the month and once completed will be the greenest hotel in Western North Carolina. Located in the Biltmore Park neighborhood of south Asheville, the Hilton is working towards becoming a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Design) certified property.

This 165 room hotel is one of the first in the nation to utilize a large scale solar water heating system. This system will eliminate twenty five tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is the equivalent of planting 7,377 trees. Other sustainable elements included in the development of the Hilton are the use of CFL light bulbs, a linen reuse program, an airport shuttle that relies on alternative fuel, special parking for Hybrid vehicles and the use of only environmentally friendly cleaning products. Also, during the construction of the hotel they used building material consisting of low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) which will result in lower emissions of toxins from the building.

The hotel will offer guest rooms that are decorated with a modern utopian appeal designed to match the exciting surroundings of Biltmore Park. Each guest room offers a 37 inch TV, refrigerator, and various other creature comforts you would expect from a Hilton property. The bathrooms are appointed with floor-to-ceiling marble and an inviting glass enclosed shower. The executive suites are spacious and inviting. They boast luxurious bathrooms some feature Whirlpool tubs.

The entire hotel is 100% non smoking and will feature complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet. The hotel's ultra-modern fitness center contains Precor® cardio-theater equipment, an indoor lap pool and whirlpool. The Hilton Asheville will also be home to Sparrow Spa, a luxurious destination spa featuring natural, organic products and a full menu of relaxing and rejuvenating services.

The really convenient aspect of the Hilton's location is that guests can enjoy walking the shops and dining at the various restaurants of Biltmore Park. Local businesses include REI, Barnes & Noble, Sensibilities Day Spa, Reuters YMCA, PF Changs, Brixx Pizza, 131 Main, Roux, and more. There is also a stadium seating movie theater, the Regal Biltmore Grande 15, which is just a few steps away from the Hilton's front door.

For more information or to reserve a room you can visit here.

HATCHfest comes to Asheville for its East Coast Debut

Next week ushers in a new event for Asheville. It’s called HATCHfest and it will run from April 15 – 19th. This event originated in Bozeman, Montana and for the first time it has moved east to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

So what is HATCHfest? It’s a festival that provides mentorship to young artists in the fields of film, music, photography, architecture, fashion, journalism, design & technology. It’s designed to connect the young innovators of tomorrow with the veterans of the arts communities.

With special events planned all over Asheville there are many opportunities to take part in this festival. HATCHfest Asheville's panels, workshops and educational presentations during the day are free and open to the public. Tickets to screenings, opening receptions and some other evening events and performances may have a minimal ticket cost.

The Mountain Express has a list of the mentors being featured at the festival. For more information please visit the HATCHfest website. If you’re traveling from out of town please be sure to stay at one of these fine hotels. Look for me at the festival. See you there!

Asheville is alive with the sound of music

There's a lot of great entertainment to be had in Asheville. Check out some of the upcoming events that you won't want to miss.

The Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club

There are some fantastic shows coming to the Asheville area over the next couple of months. Be sure to get your tickets early to enjoy the music of Ben Folds, Ani DiFranco, G. Love & Special Sauce, 311 and many more.

The Orange Peel was voted one of Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 5 Rock Clubs in the country. It is Asheville’s premier downtown live music club and is a smoke free facility that features a state of the art sound and lighting system.

Be sure to secure your hotel rooms with one of the Orange Peel’s official hotels to receive a discounted rate. These hotels and phone numbers are listed below.

Doubletree Biltmore Hotel   828.274.1800

Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore South    828.684.6688

Residence Inn Biltmore   828.218.3361

Sleep Inn Biltmore   828.277.1800

www.biltmorefarmshotels.com

www.theorangepeel.net  

WNC Jazz Society presents the Christian Tamburr Quartet

The 2009 season of the Western North Carolina Jazz Society starts Sunday, March 8 at 7:00p. Come celebrate the new season and enjoy the sounds of Christian Tamburr, a vibrant and talented vibraphone player who recently completed a stint as a musical director for vocalist Julio Inglesias. Christian has performed as a guest artist with Dave Brubeck and opened for Harry Connick Jr. In 2009, he will begin his roll as director of a new Cirque du Soleil production. He will be accompanied by pianist Scott Giddens.

There is a special Jazz Society Package available for this show which includes a discounted hotel room, tickets to the show and a $50 gift certificate to Vincenzo's, Asheville's premier northern Italian, Continental restaurant. For more information on this package please visit http://www.biltmorefarmshotels.com/doubletree/offers-jazz_society.aspx.

For more information on the WNC Jazz Society please visit http://www.wncjazzsociety.org.

Asheville is the perfect winter getaway

There are some great events coming up in Asheville over the next month. Be sure to check these out these special events and winter packages designed with you in mind. Come see us.

Chamber’s Culinary Affair

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce have come together to create a one-of-a-kind culinary evening in Asheville, a city that has become quite famous for its food and is considered a dining destination for many people. Now you can sample foods from a variety of local and independent restaurants in the Asheville area. Come join us at the Doubletree Biltmore Hotel for this special event. Ticket prices are $125, and the dress is black-tie optional. Proceeds benefit the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is being held on Thursday, January 22, 2009. The schedule is as follows: 7:00 – 8:00 PM – Welcome cocktail hour. 8:00 – 10:00 PM – A four-course dinner is being served. 10:00 – 11:00 PM – Music and dancing. Tickets are available at any AIR restaurant or at the Chamber of Commerce.

Superbowl Sunday at the Doubletree:

Not sure where to watch the big game this year? Then you should come spend it with the Doubletree Biltmore Hotel in our Burghley Ballroom. We’ll be broadcasting Superbowl XLIII on three big screens, the largest being 220”. You’ve never see the game this big! Tailgate food and beverages will be available for purchase. Kickoff is set to begin at approximately 6:30 PM. This event is free to everyone we ask only that you RSVP to adams@biltmorefarmshotels.com.

Valentines Day special packages:

That special day is less than a month away and we have the perfect place for you to celebrate with the one you love. We are currently offering two specials for Valentine’s Day.

The Cupid Special:

• This package includes 2 nights at the Doubletree Biltmore in an Executive Suite with Jacuzzi tub.
  
• You have your choice of dinner at Vincenzo’s, Frankie Bones or Savoy.
  
• Enjoy breakfast in bed with our in-room dining experience.
  
• Red wine and chocolates waiting for you in your room.
  
• An in room couples massage by Sensibilities Spa.

The hunk of burning love special:

• This package includes two nights in a standard room at your choice of the Doubletree Biltmore, Sleep Inn Biltmore, Residence Inn Biltmore or Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore South.
  
• You have your choice of dinner at Vincenzo’s, Frankie Bones or Savoy.
  
• Red wine and chocolates waiting for you in your room.
  
• An in room couples massage by Sensibilities Spa.
  

For more information or if you are interested in booking one of these packages please contact our package concierge at dholston@biltmorefarmshotels.com.

Asheville Holiday Getaway Never Looked Better

Great news! Hotels.com just picked Asheville NC as a Top 10 Underrated City!

Asheville is especially attractive to discerning travelers this holiday season. Here are just a few remarkable reasons you should consider a holiday getaway in Asheville:

Asheville Seasonal Sizzle

Saturdays in December are filled with fun and festivities! The Asheville Seasonal Sizzle offers holiday concerts, live entertainment, free fireworks, and many fun opportunities to visit with Santa! Even local restaurants are in the holiday spirit, offering delicious seasonal appetizer specials. Check out the Seasonal Sizzle Schedule.

Christmas at Biltmore

America’s largest home becomes even more spectacular when adorned with beautiful holiday decorations such as wreaths, bows, poinsettias, evergreen garland, ornaments, tinsel and beading. Enjoy literally dozens of Christmas trees, including a magnificent 35-foot Fraser fir. Daytime and candlelight visits are available.

National Gingerbread House Display

Marvel at the imagination shown by contestants from across the country as they display their gingerbread architectural masterpieces at the Grove Park Inn. Strolling through these delightful creations is sure to lead to complete holiday enchantment. Gingerbread houses are on display through Jan. 11.

Don’t forget about the Asheville City Market Holiday Bash. And you already know that holiday shopping in downtown Asheville and Biltmore Village is second to none.

This is just a start. There’s so much more. Don’t miss your chance to visit Asheville and experience it all firsthand. It could be one of your best holidays ever!