Oakland Cottage - A Bed & Breakfast
Innkeeper(s):
Mary & Byron, Pat, Jim
Asheville's Best of the Best - #2: Amazing Food and Beer Scene 27 Apr 2013, 2:45 pm
Reason #2 of my top five reasons to visit Asheville, NC is the never-ending, always changing, amazing Asheville Food and Beer Scene. Asheville has awesome food and beer with a culture that supports "farm to table" dining. And an abundance of microbreweries with fantastic tasting rooms, restaurants and bars - Asheville has been voted "America''s Beer City," the last four years in a row (beating out cities like Portland, Oregon and San Diego, California). To sample what downtown restaurants and microbreweries have to offer, be sure and take the Eating Asheville Walking Food Tour or Beer Tour.
These are wonderful ways to sample what the city has to offer in both food and drink as well as learning more about this fascinating city through a guided walking tour of the historic downtown area (with wonderful guides, I might add!). Asheville has received numerous awards and national recognition for its wonderful cuisine as well as organic, vegan and vegetarian options at many of the restaurants, some with exclusively vegan or vegetarian menus - enjoyable by all kinds of "eaters!"
The community of Asheville is in support of the small independent restaurant, and independent restaurants are alive and well in this city. Be sure and look for members of the Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR) and others supporting the farm to table culture.
Favorite and distinct Areas to drink and dine - check them out! These are all very distinct areas within Asheville City limits, all within a few miles of each other:
- Historic Downtown
- West Asheville
- Biltmore Village
- River Arts District
- The Lot - Food Truck Court (yes, even the food trucks have some great food!)
Park in any one of these distinct area and walk around enjoying the sights, sounds, musicians and street scenes, until you are drawn to into one (or more!) of the many amazing restaurants and micro-breweries.
Microbreweries and tasting rooms abound in Asheville and the Asheville Area. If you wish to get a quick overview, try a tour for an introduction and overview, or check out the Beer City Guide and take yourself on a tour to the one or many of the local breweries. There is enough of a concentration in downtown Asheville to enable you to walk to several in a reasonable amount of time. Some are further afield and worth the visit. Many host live music, events and more.
And if you don't want to dine out for every meal, or if you wish to take home local gifts and food, look for one of the many Tailgate markets in Asheville and the Asheville area. Meats, vegetables, cheeses, jams, jellies, pastries, crackers, honies, flowers, local crafts and gifts, all locally grown and made, will entice you at every turn. The tailgate markets are wonderful to find and a great place to shop - for gifts and for yourself!
If you are visiting Asheville and need a place to stay, try one of the many bed and breakfasts, Cabin or Vacation Rentals, for which Asheville is well known. Just give our information and reservation offices a call, 828 994 2627, 9am - 7pm daily.
April 2013 Best of Asheville's Best 14 Apr 2013, 10:42 am
Formerly the Festival of Flowers and now called "Biltmore Blooms," late April likely will be the best time to take in this annual extravaganza at the Biltmore Estate, and is our "best of Asheville's best" for the month of April. The "Biltmore Blooms" will continue on through most of May, so if your journey brings you here in May, it will still be a splendid time to take in the flowers and grounds of the Biltmore Estate.Azaleas are just beginning to pop, Tulips are looking absolutely gorgeous. Sunny days and cool nights are bringing out the fruit trees; the Dogwoods are blooming in mass. Spring in Asheville is an absolutely gorgeous time of year - well worth celebrating. The flowers and blooms in the Mountains of Western NC are dependent on the weather... and this year we're having a later bloom, and thankfully (SO FAR, KNOCK ON WOOD), no hard freezes to diminish the beauty of spring in the mountains. Again, "Biltmore Blooms" will continue on through May, usually until Memorial Day weekend when the summer season officially begins, so be sure and take in the glory of the Biltmore Estate's 8000 acres of grounds and gardens during this very special time of year.
During "Biltmore Blooms," one day tickets to the Estate grounds can vary in price quite a bit and will range from $44 to $65 and possibly higher. If you purchase your one day tickets more than 7 days in advance and online, you're likely to get the best deal. And if you are staying at a local Asheville Bed and Breakfast, you can often get a two day pass right at your inn on the day of entry into the Estate (tickets are non-dated); and usually the two day pass is around $55 - which again, will be good for two consecutive days of entry rather than the one day pass you will get online or at the ticket center at the Estate ticket and welcome center. Be sure and plan for a good amount of time at the estate during "Biltmore Blooms," or any time of year for that matter. Some people think the Estate and all things to do at the Estate are within walking distance in and around the mansion. Not so. The Estate is more accurately a driving park. Because of its vast size, areas to see at the Estate are miles and miles apart. Even driving to the mansion itself, once you enter the Arch at the entrance off of Biltmore Avenue, you will have 4 miles or so to drive before getting to the actual mansion. And, while you will be guided by Biltmore staff to park your car in the main large parking areas - with shuttle pick-up and drop-off to the mansion, I recommend parking behind the conservatory - past the main parking area. It looks as if there are just a few parking places there, but if you keep driving back behind the paved area, you will find plenty of overflow parking in a gravel area off the paved parking lot. As you are driving in, when you see the parking attendant, just flash your lights and he/she will know you wish to park within the gates or elsewhere. Parking behind the Conservatory puts you in a central location amidst the gardens, and just a few steps below the mansion. Driving through the main gates is quite dramatic - enjoy the view to your right of the front of the mansion as you pass by ... it will take your breath away indeed. The road winds you around the rose gardens in a funny way, to the back of the conservatory where you can park. Paths and steps will take you up to the mansion, or trail heads abound from this parking area - to the bass pond and spillway, or to the Deerpark and Lagoon trail system over hill and dale - with wonderful views of the mountains and the estate that others rarely see.
After visiting the main gardens and Bass pond, The Lagoon Area is a beautiful place to drive into with your car... plan ahead and pack a picnic, have your "soccer mom" chairs in the car, a blanket to spread out and your picnic basket with picnic supplies. Most first time visitors just don't realize that the grounds are there to take in - hike the extensive trail system, visit the conservatory with beautiful orchids and palms, enjoy the rose garden and coi ponds, take the short hike to the Bass Pond and spillway, drive or hike to the Lagoon area (or both) - for the best views of the mansion and great photo ops.
And after your picnic, plan on time for Antler Hill Village and working farm. Be prepared to walk and relax around the demonstration farm - and if you take in all the Estate has to offer, one day just isn't enough. The working farm is a true charm. Enjoy watching demonstrations of butter making, angora or sheep wool thread making. Visit the chicks, horses and sheep at the farmyard. Play checkers in the barn or old fashioned games on the lawn in the middle of the old barn. Enjoy special craft activities
with your kids, all included in your ticket. The winery is right at Antler Hill Village, and a self guided tour and wine tasting are included in your ticket. The gift shop at the end of the wine tour often has ciders and dips to taste, along with wine and gifts to purchase. The Bistro restaurant is a wonderful place to dine. There are several other restaurants on property.
And remember, the grounds are pet friendly, so bring your pooch. Fountains and ponds offer drinking water. Take a longer hike and enjoy the Deerpark trail and many others - there's much more to explore on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate - and most guests stay close to the "castle," never venturing out to the vast grounds, so you can enjoy lovely and quiet hikes away from the crowds. Enjoy spring in the Mountains for the Best of Asheville this April!
5 Reasons to Visit Asheville, NC - 1st of 5: Vibrant and Historic Downtown Asheville 13 Apr 2013, 5:19 am
Asheville may be just a big little town, yet it is has a fantastic vibe along with an amazing culinary and microbrewery scene, all set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina - with easy access on the crossroads of two interstates, I-40 and interstate I-26. There are numerous reasons to visit this little city - I'll focus on my top 5 reasons over the next 5 blog posts:
1) Vibrant Downtown Asheville
2) Amazing Food and Beer Scene
3) Stunning Blue Ridge Parkway
4) Historic Biltmore Estate
5) Abundant Outdoor Activities
Here's the first of five - Look for blogs about the other 5, coming soon!
Vibrant & Historic DowntownAsheville:
Vibrant & Historic DowntownAsheville:
Fans consider Asheville to be the "hippest city" in the south, with it's downtown vibrancy, street scene, abundant musicians (live on street corners), local arts and crafts, fantastic restaurants with farm to table culture, sidewalk cafes and microbreweries. And, the historic downtown center is made for walking.
Historians and Architects will want to check out the Urban Trail, a 1.7 mile trail noting the history and architecture of Asheville as it meanders through and around the downtown blocks of Asheville. Sculptures big and small, sidewalk markers, historical plaques, all point out little nuggets about Asheville. As you walk you will have the opportunity to see street musicians and artisans, smell delightful hints of the fabulous culinary scene and shop at galleries and gift shops, many featuring local arts and crafts wares, and other fun and whimsical items.
City parks and green spaces offer entertainment, people watching and often a moment of needed rest. In summer months and with Children (or without), enjoy Pack Square Park and Spl-Asheville, or perhaps a special event, band or other entertainment that will often be featured in this City Park. Pritchard Park, on Patton Avenue, is another not to miss park, (just across from the S&W Art Deco building) always a great people watching park - Tuesday evenings enjoy "hoop jam," and Drum Circle on Friday evenings.
For history and architectural buffs, be sure and check out are the St. Lawrence Basilica, if it is open, boasting the largest free standing elliptical tile dome in North America, built in 1905 by Spanish Architect, Rafael Guastavino. The Basilica is located just across the street from the US Cellular Center (formerly the Asheville Civic Center). Additionally, Asheville boasts having the 2nd largest number of Art Deco Buildings (2nd to Miami's South Beach) in the world, which are enjoyable to view as you walk through the downtown streets. The old S&W Cafeteria is a favorite, as well as Asheville's Town Hall with it's iconic dome with pink granite accents.
Literary buffs will likely enjoy visiting the Thomas Wolfe Memorial and Boyhood Home, which costs $5.00 to tour. There is limited and designated free parking at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, and it can be a little hard to find, as the front of the home is located on a wide park-like sidewalk between the original boyhood home and the Renaissance Hotel. The back of the home is the front of the Museum, with parking located on Market Street, just behind the Asheville Community Theater (great little local theater, be sure and find out what is playing there).
Don't miss the revived warehouse area reclaimed by artists, now the River Arts District - view local artists right in their studios at work on their arts. Purchase small or large works of art. The Jonas Gerard Studio is often alive with interesting demonstrations, often combined with live music. Or watch glass blowers at work at the Asheville Glass Center. You can even blow your own glass ornament there. Look for special Studio Stroll weekends, held on 2nd Saturdays and twice yearly, although studios are always open and welcoming to visitors. Fun and funky restaurants are in and about the River Arts
District, including 12 Bones, White Duck Taco Shop, The Junction and Clingman's Cafe. Walking through the River Arts District is enjoyable, but we recommend having your car, as it is quite spread out. And, when your feet are tired and your tongue is thirsty, take a rest at the Wedge Brewery on Roberts Street. No food here, but often one of Asheville's food trucks will be selling their sandwiches and other food delights.
Music and entertainment venues to consider include, The Orange Peel, a wonderful Music Hall on the south side of downtown, so be sure and check out their impressive music schedule. For a variety of entertainment opportunities be sure and find out what is happening at The US Cellular Center and the Diana Wortham Theatre. Additionally, many restaurants and breweries around and about town will have live music acts integrated into the evening. And, for the baseball fan, or if you just want to have a fun evening out, be sure and take in a baseball game in at the Tourist Stadium, on the edge of Downtown. "Thirsty Thursdays" are always a favorite!
Smaller venues to check out are The Grey Eagle, on the fringe of the River Arts District, is a smaller music hall venue, featuring many excellent local musicians, the Magnetic Field Theatre is also a smaller theatre venue located in the River Arts District, and The Altamont Theatre, nestled on Church Street is in the middle of downtown, all featuring smaller more intimate acts.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Asheville, be sure and check out Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast, which is within 3 miles or less of all the places mentioned here. Reservation and information offices are open daily from 9am - 7pm, just call 828 994 2627.
Where to start? Be sure and visit Asheville's Visitor Center on Montford Avenue. This is an exceptional Visitors Center, with extremely knowledgeable staff and volunteers who are there to help. You can also catch the Trolley Tour from the Visitors Center (with 2 day hop on hop off privileges) - a great way to get a quick overview of this charming city. And perhaps, for a real glimpse and flavor of Asheville's history and charm, try the Lazoom Comedy Bus Tour - "get on the [purple] bus" for a hilarious view of Asheville.
Historians and Architects will want to check out the Urban Trail, a 1.7 mile trail noting the history and architecture of Asheville as it meanders through and around the downtown blocks of Asheville. Sculptures big and small, sidewalk markers, historical plaques, all point out little nuggets about Asheville. As you walk you will have the opportunity to see street musicians and artisans, smell delightful hints of the fabulous culinary scene and shop at galleries and gift shops, many featuring local arts and crafts wares, and other fun and whimsical items.
City parks and green spaces offer entertainment, people watching and often a moment of needed rest. In summer months and with Children (or without), enjoy Pack Square Park and Spl-Asheville, or perhaps a special event, band or other entertainment that will often be featured in this City Park. Pritchard Park, on Patton Avenue, is another not to miss park, (just across from the S&W Art Deco building) always a great people watching park - Tuesday evenings enjoy "hoop jam," and Drum Circle on Friday evenings.
For history and architectural buffs, be sure and check out are the St. Lawrence Basilica, if it is open, boasting the largest free standing elliptical tile dome in North America, built in 1905 by Spanish Architect, Rafael Guastavino. The Basilica is located just across the street from the US Cellular Center (formerly the Asheville Civic Center). Additionally, Asheville boasts having the 2nd largest number of Art Deco Buildings (2nd to Miami's South Beach) in the world, which are enjoyable to view as you walk through the downtown streets. The old S&W Cafeteria is a favorite, as well as Asheville's Town Hall with it's iconic dome with pink granite accents.
Literary buffs will likely enjoy visiting the Thomas Wolfe Memorial and Boyhood Home, which costs $5.00 to tour. There is limited and designated free parking at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, and it can be a little hard to find, as the front of the home is located on a wide park-like sidewalk between the original boyhood home and the Renaissance Hotel. The back of the home is the front of the Museum, with parking located on Market Street, just behind the Asheville Community Theater (great little local theater, be sure and find out what is playing there).
Don't miss the revived warehouse area reclaimed by artists, now the River Arts District - view local artists right in their studios at work on their arts. Purchase small or large works of art. The Jonas Gerard Studio is often alive with interesting demonstrations, often combined with live music. Or watch glass blowers at work at the Asheville Glass Center. You can even blow your own glass ornament there. Look for special Studio Stroll weekends, held on 2nd Saturdays and twice yearly, although studios are always open and welcoming to visitors. Fun and funky restaurants are in and about the River Arts
District, including 12 Bones, White Duck Taco Shop, The Junction and Clingman's Cafe. Walking through the River Arts District is enjoyable, but we recommend having your car, as it is quite spread out. And, when your feet are tired and your tongue is thirsty, take a rest at the Wedge Brewery on Roberts Street. No food here, but often one of Asheville's food trucks will be selling their sandwiches and other food delights.
Music and entertainment venues to consider include, The Orange Peel, a wonderful Music Hall on the south side of downtown, so be sure and check out their impressive music schedule. For a variety of entertainment opportunities be sure and find out what is happening at The US Cellular Center and the Diana Wortham Theatre. Additionally, many restaurants and breweries around and about town will have live music acts integrated into the evening. And, for the baseball fan, or if you just want to have a fun evening out, be sure and take in a baseball game in at the Tourist Stadium, on the edge of Downtown. "Thirsty Thursdays" are always a favorite!
Smaller venues to check out are The Grey Eagle, on the fringe of the River Arts District, is a smaller music hall venue, featuring many excellent local musicians, the Magnetic Field Theatre is also a smaller theatre venue located in the River Arts District, and The Altamont Theatre, nestled on Church Street is in the middle of downtown, all featuring smaller more intimate acts.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Asheville, be sure and check out Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast, which is within 3 miles or less of all the places mentioned here. Reservation and information offices are open daily from 9am - 7pm, just call 828 994 2627.
Where Can You Find Easter Egg Hunts in Asheville, NC this Easter, 2013? 8 Mar 2013, 1:28 pm
Again, this Easter, 2013, there will be several classic Easter Egg hunts in Asheville, NC and here are a few I've found, all at different times, so maybe you can get to all of them!- McDowell House Museum, on AB-Tech Campus, 283 Victoria Road - Sunday, March 24th, 2-4pm, $5 per child, adults free with your child. BYOB (Bring your own basket), singing, games, egg hunts and more, all on the lawn of the Smith McDowell House and Museum (on the AB-Tech Campus). The Easter Bunny is expected to make an appearance and light snacks will be available. There will be 100s of eggs, and a chance to find the golden egg, as well as many small prizes in many of the eggs. Younger children will have a separate egg-hunting area. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 828 253-9231, or send an email to education@wnchistory.org. I love the Smith McDowell House Museum and their events are always high in quality. Additionally, if you want to learn more about the history of Asheville, this is a great place to learn more.
- Easter on the Green (Roger McGuire Green), right smack in the middle of Downtown Asheville, 1 West Pack Square - Saturday, March 30th 2-5pm, FREE (!). This has become an annual favorite - the Easter Bunny will be on hand and available for visits and photos; and lots of activities will be taking place. There will be golden eggs with prizes, lots of freebies, an easter egg hunt, inflatable rides, games, obstacle course, parade, egg roll, crafts and more. This will be a fabulous family friendly event. Cotton Candy, popcorn and snacks will be available as well. This has become a city favorite annual event - all organized by the Asheville Downtown Association.
- The Biltmore Estate - Front Lawn of the Biltmore Estate - Easter Sunday, March 31st, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, free with your admission to the Estate. This is a national favorite annual event on the front lawn of the Biltmore Estate, perhaps the most spectacular Easter Egg Hunt setting in the World (!). Besides the egg hunts at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, there will be ongoing entertainment, music, story telling, magic and of course, visits with the Easter Bunny. BYOB (bring your own basket). And of course, make time for visiting the rest of the Estate, grounds, gardens, Antler Hill Village and Winery.
If you need a place to stay, Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast is a block from the Smith McDowell Museum, 2 miles south of Roger McGuire Green and 1.5 miles north of the entrance to the Biltmore Estate. Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast is family and child friendly as well as having pet friendly accommodations. Additionally, Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast has discounted tickets to the Biltmore Estate on hand (and good for 2 consecutive days of entry). Call Vacation In Asheville reservation offices, 828 994 2627 for your Asheville Bed and Breakfast stay, Asheville Cabin Rental or Asheville Vacation Rental and the staff will be ready to help you out with things to do in Asheville. Office hours are 9am - 7pm daily. We look forward to helping you with your lodging in Asheville. Happy Easter and Happy Easter Egg hunting!
Marathon at the Biltmore Estate, First Ever!! Sunday March 3rd, 2013 24 Feb 2013, 9:55 am
The first ever USATF certified and bib chip timing Marathon running event to be held at the Biltmore Estate - with the entire course on the 8,000 acres of the Estate's expansive grounds, trails, dirt and paved roads - will be held this March 3rd, 2013. The marathon will cover 26.2 miles on both the east and west sides of the French Broad River, taking runners throughout the property with part of the course going right by the "front door" of the Biltmore Estate, for magnificent views throughout the run of the estate, gardens, mountains and the French Broad River. Click here for a vimeo of the course. This is history at the Biltmore and a not to miss event for runners, spectators and volunteers; the race will begin at 7:00 am from the Antler Hill Village area of the Estate grounds with line-up and announcements beginning at 6:45 am.- All runners must be on the grounds of the Estate no no later than 6:30 am and note that the event is sold out for runners!
- Volunteer opportunities are available beginning on Monday February 25th and continue throughout the week including race day.
- For spectators, annual Passholders may arrive anytime after 9:00 am on the race morning - and children 16 and younger are free. If not a passholder, spectator tickets are available and required for $35 each ticket.
The first runner is expected to be at the finish line around 9:30 am, at which time the post-race "party" and ceremonies will begin!
For more details about the logistics of this event, for runners, spectators and volunteers (volunteer spots are still available), be sure and visit the Asheville Marathon website, which is chock full of great information.
And, if you are still looking for nearby lodging, be sure and call Vacation In Asheville and Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast, located just 1.5 miles from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate. Reservation offices are open 9am - 7pm daily, 828 994 2627, or 866 858-0863, toll free. Have a great run and/or fun at perhaps one of the most beautiful Marathon courses in the world!!
Grovewood Gallery and the Homespun Museum in Asheville, NC 19 Feb 2013, 10:43 am
The Grovewood Gallery, museums and shops are located on the historic site and grounds of six original English style cottages, formerly known as "Biltmore Industries." In its heyday, Biltmore Industries was known world-wide for its hand-loomed fabrics (and woodworking) - and locally known in Asheville as the "Biltmore Homespun Shops." The history of the "Biltmore Industries" and Homespun Shops spans a century, with its origins beginning with George Vanderbilt at the Biltmore Estate. Enjoy learning more about the history at the Homespun Musuem located within the Grovewood Gallery complex.
The Grovewood Galleries are easy to miss, yet conveniently located right next to the Grove Park Inn, and well worth a visit - or two, or more! This is a quiet and fascinating little historic corner, home to the Homespun Museum, the Antique Car Museum, the Grovewood Cafe, working artist studios, galleries, exhibits and exhibitions, classes and shops, a small and delightful wind garden to stroll through along with complimentary and convenient parking right by this charming, historic and most interesting complex.
Admission to both the Antique Car museum and the Homespun musuem is free. Take time to walk through the shops that display local artists' beautiful and high quality arts and crafts works. Visiting the shops is like walking through a museum in and of itself - shop for unique locally made items, or just enjoy looking. The wind garden is small but worth the stroll and will bring a smile to your day! Take a rest and a lunch at the Cafe.
It is always a good time to visit the Grovewood Galleries, and late February is an extra special time to visit both the Grove Park Inn and Grovewood Galleries - for the annual National Arts and Crafts Conference held next door at the Grove Park Inn. This year the conference is celebrating its 26th year and will be held on the weekend of February 21 - 24, 2013.
For the conference and in conjunction with the Grove Park Inn, Grovewood Galleries will be hosting and sponsoring many not to miss themed events, titled Grovewood Gallery's Arts & Crafts Legacy. Be sure and visit during this most interesting conference.
For Grovewood Gallery hours, information and contact, click here. There is so much going on in this quiet and tiny space so be sure to check the calendar regularly.
Enjoy a nearby Asheville bed and breakfast for convenient and unique lodging needs as well as a fantastic breakfast. The folks at Oakland Cottage can help you with your Vacation In Asheville. Or inquire about a nearby vacation or cabin rental. Reservation offices are open 9am - 7pm daily, 828 994 2627, 866 858-0863, toll free.
The North Carolina Arboretum, a North Carolina State Treasure in Asheville and Western NC 13 Feb 2013, 8:12 am
The North Carolina Arboretum is located in Asheville, NC, and may be reached directly from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost Marker 393, or via Hwy 191, Brevard Road (not too far from the Biltmore Square Mall). The North Carolina Arboretum is a wonderful treasure in the mountains of Western North Carolina and worthy of a day trip when you are visiting the Asheville area. There are many ways to take advantage of the Arboretum, from walking, hiking and mountain biking, to educational classes and lectures, to space rental for a wedding or special event.The Arboretum (click for map) borders the French Broad River (at the "Sandy Bottom" picnic area, just off Brevard Road, Hwy 191), the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Many trails may be linked up for a variety of distances to meet one's time frame and exercise needs - shorter walks through the 65 acres and 10 miles of planned gardens within the Arboretum boundaries, or longer hikes and extensive mountain biking, linking up the myriad of single track and gravel road quality trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Bent Creek Experimental Forest (click here for map).
Current exhibits for the 2013 season include local watercolorist, Ann Vasilik, "A Painter's Journey," and Quilts by Nancy Cook, "Seeds up Close" exhibits, both in the Baker Exhibit Center located in the NC Arboretum. Guided trail walks, plant shows, natural history activities, educational programs, group programs and more are all available for the Arboretum visitor.
Hours are 8am to 9pm daily, April through October, 8am to 7pm daily, November through March. Exhibits, Education Center (with bathroom facilities and cafe) are open 9am - 5pm daily and Greenhouse hours are 8am - 2pm daily. Contact information - phone: 828 665 2492 or email www.ncarboretum.org. There is a charge for parking of $8 per vehicle and the first Tuesday of each month, parking is free.
Pets are welcome at the Arboretum as long as you keep your pet leashed at all times and clean up any pet waste.
Lodging in nearby Asheville is ideal and Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast is convenient to the NC Arboretum and all of what Asheville has to offer, just call the Vacation In Asheville reservation and information offices at 828 992 2627, 9am - 7pm daily, for bed and breakfast accommodations, as well as cabin and vacation rental options.
Where to find a Groundhog on Groundhog's Day in Asheville, NC 29 Jan 2013, 3:29 pm
Where to find a groundhog on Groundhog's Day in Asheville, NC, February 2nd, 2013? There will be a few groundhogs to hear from this coming Ground Hog's Day in and around Asheville. Ground Hog's Day - what a funny little holiday - coming up soon yet again on February 2nd - what will the groundhog tell us this year? Long winter or early spring? Here are some places in Asheville to hear what our furry friend might have to say:The WNC Nature Center is having a special program of stories and song, exploring the folklore of the groundhog with a presention by Carlton Burke. Additionally, Nibbles the groundhog will be the feature guest of the day and perhaps predict what kind of winter and spring we can expect here in the Mountains of North Carolina. The presentation will begin at 2pm on Saturday, February 2nd at the Nature Center. Admission required and groundhog festivities are included in the ticket price.
Earlier in the day, from 11am - 1pm, be sure and be at Chimney Rock Park (CRP) for a special visit and celebration with Grady the Groundhog. Guided hikes at noon and 12:30, kids Groundhog Day crafts and an educational program on groundhogs will be part of the Groundhog's day celebration at Chimney Rock Park. Additionally, CRP will have discounted Grady's Kids Club memberships available on this day. Admission required and groundhog festivities are included in the entry fee.
And if you need a place to stay, Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast has it's own backyard groundhog - we'll see if Prickles the groundhog will come out and tell us how long or short the winter will be!!
For Asheville bed and breakfast lodging, Asheville Cabins or Asheville Vacation Rentals, call the Vacation-In-Asheville reservation offices at (828) 994-2627, 9am - 7pm daily.
Southern Conference Basketball Championships Back in Asheville, March 8-11, 2013 29 Jan 2013, 9:35 am
The Southern Conference (SoCon) Basketball Championships are back in Asheville, NC, this March 2013 for both the men's and the women's championship games. The Men's games, as well as the women's semifinals and finals, will be in the US Cellular Center. The US Cellular Center is conveniently located right in the middle of historic downtown Asheville and has been recently renovated, providing a wonderful venue for the games. The first two rounds of the women's tournament will be held at the Kimmel Arena on the UNC-Asheville campus, just a few miles from the US Cellular Center and Downtown Asheville. Participating Schools include Appalachian State University, College of Charleston, The Citadel, Davidson College, Elon University, Furman University, Georgia Southern University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Western Carolina University and Wofford College.
The SoCon basketball tournament is always an exciting one and a leading example of college athletics and basketball. 2013 brings SoCon's 92nd Season.
And while you are in Asheville, you will be sure to enjoy what this wonderful city has to offer - independent restaurants and pubs catering to local & healthy foods, most featuring local craft beers and live music, many within walking distance to the US Cellular Center. Crafts, galleries, shopping, hiking and motor touring. And if you are looking for unique lodging, Asheville is also known for it's abundance of delightful Bed and Breakfast Inns located throughout Asheville and its diverse neighborhoods around town - the smaller Asheville Bed and Breakfast will have free parking, area knowledge to share, and often discounted tickets to other area events. Plan extra time for a visit to the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway (check for road closures), River Arts District, Chimney Rock Park and all of what Western North Carolina has to offer the visitor. In-between games, plan in time for an Asheville Food or Brewery Tour, LaZoom Comedy Tour or a Trolley Tour to orient yourself to the various areas of downtown. There's so much to do in Asheville, we know you will be back!!
Western North Carolina Nature Center, Things To Do with Younger Children in Asheville, NC 20 Jan 2013, 9:54 am
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is located in Asheville NC. It is a pretty typical small town Nature Center, and if you are traveling with younger children, it is a wonderful place to visit during your stay in Asheville, NC. There are 42 acres in which to walk and explore - with award winning exhibits, perfect for younger children and adults who aren't looking for overwhelming entertainment. Walking trails, indoor exhibits as well as outdoor exhibits, farmyard, the delightful Otter exhibit, bears, cougars, birds of prey, native wolf and many other special animal exhibits to view as you walk along the Trillium Trail and take in all the Nature Center has to offer. Indoor exhibits will also educate and entertain you and your child with many hands on activities, all highlighting plant and animal life of Western North Carolina: underground world, night time animals in "the cave," snakes, fish, turtles and more.The center is open 7 days a week, 10 am to 5pm. Tickets are $8 adults, $4 children.
Preview the Guest Map.
Check out a "Wild Child" Pack to use for the day, at the front desk. Free to use, the packs include many handy items and educational tools such as a hand lens, monocular, field thermometer, compass and activity booklet. The packs are available for all to use (thanks to REI) and the activities are targeted for six year olds to sixteen year olds.
A sampling of upcoming special events to attend include "Ground Hogs Day," on February 2, 2013, at 2:00 pm, when the Nature Center will celebrate this special and quirky day with a "whimsical presentation" on groundhogs by Carlton Burke and a chance to meet some live and local groundhogs, including Nibbles.
Or join in on a field trip on Tuesday March 12th, 2013, from 3 to 8pm, to Cataloochie Valley and see the Native Elk species that have been returned to the Mountains of North Carolina, $20 per person, reservations required, (828) 259-8082.
On March16th join a behind the scenes tour of the Nature Center to see what happens behind the "Staff Only" doors. The next tour for this very popular event will be Saturday, March 16th, 1:45 pm to 3:15 with an admission cost of $25 per adult and $15 for children 16 & younger and includes admission to the Nature Center. Registration required, email americorps@wildwnc.org.
Again, this is only a sampling of activities and events to consider. Be sure and check out the website for more upcoming and current events to consider at Asheville and Western North Carolina's Nature Center.
If you need a place to stay with your family during your visit consider Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast, centrally located in Asheville, and about 5 mi from the Nature Center. For an Asheville Cabin Rental or an Asheville Vacation Rental, contact the offices of Vacation In Asheville at 828 994-2627, 9am to 7pm daily.
