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.