Oakland Cottage - A Bed & Breakfast
Innkeeper(s):
Mary & Byron, Pat, Jim
Asheville Beer Week, Thursday May 24 through June 3rd 2012, 11 Days of Celebrating Beer! 19 May 2012, 9:10 am
The first ever Asheville Beer Week, Thursday May 24 through June 3rd 2012, is comprised of 11 Days of celebrating beer in Beer City USA, Asheville, NC."Our mission is to celebrate that nectar known as beer—to taste many different styles of beer and variations on those styles; to pair beer with a smorgasbord of delicious foods; to learn about and explore beer in all its delectable complexity; and, most of all, to have fun drinking beer in the brewery-centric mountains of Asheville, NC."
Over 40 breweries will appear. There will be festivals, tastings, contests, prizes, seminars and more. The 11 day long event has been organized by Asheville's own regional beer industry professionals and will include as many bars, restaurants and breweries as possible. And timing couldn't be better with Asheville's recent yet again win for Beer City USA (in a dead heat tie with Grand Rapids, Michigan)!The event will kick off on Thursday May 24th at the Highland Tasting Room (12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Asheville) with a benefit for Ben Harris, a former employee of Redhook Brewing in Portsmouth NH, who was tragically killed in a keg explosion. There is no cover and all donations will go to the Ben Harris and Alysha Miller Baby Fund.
The rest of the 10 days will be sandwiched between two festivals, the Just Brew it Homebrew Festival, and the Beer City Festival.
The 3rd Annual Just Brew it Homebrew Festival will be held at The Wedge (125-B Roberts Street, River Arts District, Asheville, NC) on May 26th from 2-5pm, sponsored by Just Economics. The event is free to members of Just Economics (a not-for-profit organization that identifies and promotes local employers who provide a living wage) and for non-members, the $16 basic membership may be purchased for entry to the Festival. There will be over 100 home brews from which to sample, live music, contests and prizes.
What better way to culminate Beer Week than with the Beer City Festival on June 2nd at the Roger McGuire Green in Asheville's downtown park. Tickets are $40 each and may be purchased at local Breweries, as well as at Brusin' Ales, Barleys Taproom & Pizzaria and The Thirsty Monk.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit the Asheville Beer Week website or the official guide presented by the brewers of Asheville and Mountain Xpress
Call Vacation-In-Asheville for your lodging needs. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast or Vacation Rental within easy access to the local breweries, River Arts District and downtown Asheville, as well as activities in and around Asheville, NC, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Western NC Mountains! Offices are open 9am - 7pm daily, 828 994-2627.
Vacation-In-Asheville is a certified area employer of Just Economics.
The Blue Ridge Parkway along the 20 mile Asheville NC Corridor 24 Mar 2012, 8:37 am
The Blue Ridge Parkway is ranked as the number one recommended attraction on TripAdvisor, by travelers visiting Asheville, NC and there is a reason why. Designated as a "motor park" the 400 plus mile long Blue Ridge Parkway is easily accessible for incredible scenic drives with your car, motorcycle or bicycle, it is a free National Park, there are seemingly unlimited, breathtaking and long range views of the Western NC Mountains, via pull-outs and hikes, there is easy access to hiking and bicycling, amazing creeks, swimming holes and waterfalls, access to the highest points in elevation east of the Mississippi, bird watching, amazing fall foliage, beautiful spring wild flowers... the list goes on.The Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), while often closed through mid-April due to inclement weather, seems to be staying open fairly regularly this winter season, 2012, as we experience low snowfall and unusually warm spring weather here in Asheville, NC. However, be sure and check for road closures, as with snow, rock fall or construction, parts of this incredible scenic highway can be closed, seemingly on a whim at times.
And while most of the Parkway can remain closed in winter months, the 20 mile Asheville, NC "commuter section" between the NC Arboretum and Bull Gap (around MPM 395, south end to MPM 375, north end) stays open almost all year round, and both the Folk Art Center and Park Head Quarters may be accessed from this corridor. The "Mountains to Sea Trail," more commonly referred to as the "White Dot Trail" meanders along this section of the BRP, so hiking along this section of the parkway is almost always accessible. The NC Arboretum, Bent Creek Experimental Forrest and Lake Powatan border the Blue Ridge Parkway at the southern end of the Asheville commuter section where there are many access points to abundant walking, hiking and mountain biking. Cyclists, hikers and joggers alike often enjoy the road closure from Bull Gap to Mount Mitchell, as the roads are free and clear of motor traffic during these closures.
This year in Western NC, there has been little snow to speak of. Temperatures are abnormally warm this March. Flowers are bursting and Spring is certainly here. We will keep our fingers crossed against a hard freeze that can spoil our beautiful mountain spring flowers... But spring flowers are bursting, and the Parkway is open, except for the long term closures due to construction.
And if you are looking for lodging near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Asheville, NC, be sure and call the reservation offices of Vacation In Asheville, 828 994-2627, open 9 am to 7 pm daily, for Asheville bed and breakfast stays, cabin or vacation rentals, all with easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Where will there be Easter Egg hunts, in Asheville, NC this Easter, April 2012 15 Mar 2012, 7:44 am
An Easter Egg hunt is a favorite for all. There will be several in Asheville, NC on both Saturday April 7th and Sunday April 8th (Easter Sunday), 2012. Following is information about four egg hunts for this 2012 season, all within Asheville city limits:"Easter on the Green" will be held on Saturday April 7th from 2-5 pm in downtown Asheville on the Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park ... right in the middle of historic downtown Asheville. There will be music, entertainment, a large scale Easter egg hunt, games and activities. Gift certificates and other freebies will be hidden in some of the eggs, donated by many of the downtown merchants. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance for photo opportunities. AND it's all free, sponsored by Asheville's Downtown Association.
Also on Satruday April 7th Grovewood Galleries (next door to Grove Park Inn) will be hosting its 4th annual Easter Egg Hunt and this years hunt will benefit Manna Packs for Kids (Manna Food Bank). For admission, bring 5 food items to donate to the benefit (be sure to check out the Manna site for the top 10 food items to donate). The hunt will begin promptly at 11:00 am in the wind sculpture garden - be sure and bring your own basket. The easter egg hunt is for children ages 2 to 9. Lemonade and cookies will be available for hungry egg hunters and the Easter Bunny will be stopping by of course, for photo ops (busy bunny this easter!)
On Easter Sunday April 8th, The Grove Park Inn (GPI) will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt in the Grand Ballroom (A) at 10:00 am, $10 per person, and baskets will be provided - or bring your own. There will also be an Easter Party and Easter Hat making so be sure and check out the GPI website for information, pricing and other details about how to register for any of these Easter themed events.
| Front lawn of the Biltmore Estate |
And if you're looking for an Easter service, Chimney Rock Park will be holding its 57th annual Easter Sunrise service. Gate opens at 5 am and closes at 6 am for the 6:30 am service, and admission is free for entry to the Sunrise Service.
If you need a place to stay, Oakland Cottage B&B is just a mile from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, 2 miles from Pack Square Park and 5 miles from Grovewood Galleries and the Grove Park Inn, and about 25 miles from Chimney Rock Park. If you are looking for an Asheville Cabin or Vacation Rental for your Easter or Spring Break week, just call Vacation In Asheville reservation and information offices, 828 994 2627.
24th Annual Comedy Classic at Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC 6 Mar 2012, 5:27 pm
The 24th Annual Comedy Classic will be at the Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC, in Western North Carolina, this weekend, March 9-11, 2012.Host for the weekend will be actor, comedian and writer Jeff Jena. Friday night comedians include Andrew Kennedy - Comedy Central, Rachel Feinstein - TV show, "Comics Unleashed", Mike Armstrong - regular guest on The Bob and Tom Show, Mike Green - subject of a new documentary, Be Funny, Ralph Harris - one of today' s"hottest comedic and acting talents in the country." Saturday night performers include the weekend's headliner and one of the country's best known and funniest performers, Kathleen Madigan - veteran of Tonight With Jay Leno, Last Comic Standing and star of the new Showtime special, Gone Madigan, along with Ryan Hamilton - NBCs Last Comic Standing and JR Brow - finalist in SanFrancisco's presticious international Comedy Competition..
General Admission is $30 per ticket on Friday night and $40 per ticket on Saturday night. Be sure and read all the details about the comedy shows and other goings on at the Grove Park Inn by reviewing the Comedy Classic Schedule of Events at Grove Park Inn, March 9-11, 2012. For more information call 800 438 5800. Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa is located at 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804. Besides general admission tickets, Grove Park Inn has packages with room accommodations available.
If you are looking for alternate lodging and accommodations, call Vacation In Asheville, 828 994-2627 for a B&B room, suite, cabin or Vacation Rental in Asheville, NC and the surrounding area.
Visit Chimney Rock Park, spectacular waterfalls, 25 miles south of Asheville, NC 5 Mar 2012, 11:10 am
| View of the Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Beyond |
| Walking through the tunnel to the elevator |
| DATES: March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st, 1-2pm |
| No additional cost with paid Park admission |
Park hours and Ticket Pricing during March 2012:
| A spectacular gorge, Hickory Nut Gorge in Western, NC |
Other special events and classes are scheduled at Chimney Rock Park this March (and throughout the year), including a Survival Skills Workshop series, Backyard Habitats Workshop and more, so be sure and check the Chimney Rock website for more details on classes and events.
And if you need a place to stay, consider an Asheville Bed and Breakfast, Cabin or Vacation Rental. Call 828 994-2627 for detaiils, options, and reservations, 9 am - 7 pm daily, info@vacationinasheville.com, www.VacationInAsheville.com.
First Annual Tattoo Fest Asheville NC March 15 - 18 2012 23 Feb 2012, 7:29 pm
The first annual Tattoo Fest in Asheville, NC, March 16-18, 2012, will be held at the downtown Renaissance Hotel. I confess, I know very little about tattoos and don't even have a tattoo, but this sounds like lots and lots of fun and bound to be totally amazing.The Tattoo Fest officially opens on Thursday March 15 at 8:00 pm in the extraordinary "Top of the Plaza" at the top of the Renaissance Hotel, just after early set-up for the Artists and Vendors. The Festival will continue daily thereafter at the Renaissance from 11 am to midnight, Friday March 16, Saturday March 17, and Sunday March18th.
The hotel itself has wonderful conference facilities and is within walking distance to bars, nightclubs, restaurants, shopping and art galleries.
Tattooing will be in two rooms of the hotel - the Grand Ballroom and the Windsor Ballroom; there will be live tattooing by top artists from around the world, live music, seminars, competitions, prizes, not to mention, Custom Car and Bike Show (in the Renaissance Parking Lot), The Cut Throat Freak Show, Scavenger Hunt, After Parties, Art Walk, live celebrity appearances, children's activities, and much more! Several of the seminars are free and open to the public, so be sure and check the schedule.
Tattoo contest's begin at 4:00 pm daily during the conference. Register to enter a tattoo contest of your choice and liking! $10 per category - tattoo contests are open to anyone. Categories include, Best in Show, Best overall Male/Female, Best Irish (in honor of St. Patricks Day!), Large/Small Color, Best back piece, Best Traditional, Large/Small Black and Gray, Best Color Portrait and many, many more!
The VIP Weekend Pass for March 16 through 18 is $40 each pass; one day passes are available for $20. For more information about tickets, list of artists and schedule of events, visit the official First Annual Asheville Tattoo Fest Website.
If you're looking for alternate accommodations, check with our local Asheville Bed and Breakfast, Asheville Cabin or Vacation Rental in the Asheville area, Reservation offices, 828 994-2627, info@vacationinasheville.com. Hope to see you here in Asheville for this bound-to-be-amazing weekend!
The Biltmore Estate in Winter in Asheville NC 9 Feb 2012, 5:18 am
There are many fantastic reasons to visit The Biltmore Estate anytime of the year and while winter might not seem like the best time, we beg to differ. If you enjoy discounted prices, incredible views that only winter can offer, low crowds and time to take in the stories and history, winter is one of the best times to visit The Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC and the Western NC Mountains.Plan your visit at least 7 days in advance and buy your tickets online, saving $10 off the $45 winter ticket price (Biltmore daytime passes the rest of the year are $60 and up).
Or, for an even better bargain, stay in a nearby partner bed and breakfast or Asheville Vacation Rental and get your winter daytime tickets for $39 each, good for two consecutive days of entry. Additionally, all winter through March 31st, add an Audio Tour to your walk through the House for free (usually $10 each audio tour) and soak up the history and stories of the sights as you see them - and without bustling crowds pushing you through the house. Youth 10 to 16 are also free during the winter season, usually $30 each youth ticket (children 9 and younger free year-round).
The Estate lies on 8,000 acres at the confluence of the Swanannoa and French Broad rivers, with many stunning westerly views of Mount Pisgah (an Asheville, NC landmark) and the Western NC Mountains, just off I-40 at exit 50, bordering historic Biltmore Village of Asheville and just 3 miles south of Asheville's historic downtown.
A best kept secret, in my opinion, are the trails in and around the 8,000 acres. I love to park in the parking area behind the Conservatory, just below the House (*hint* this parking lot can look full when it isn't, as it expands further back into a larger graveled parking area past the paved area).
Step into the warmth of the Conservatory on a cold winter day! The Orchid Room is a favorite spot. The outdoor gardens in front of the conservatory are often grey and empty as they are getting prepared for the Festival of Flowers that begins in early April every year. But walking is so enjoyable even in the dormancy of the gardens. The trails around the Bass Pond are easy to find from the Conservatory. Additionally, one of my favorite trails is the Deer Park Trail. Walk up to the back veranda of the Biltmore House and go out the gate at the far end to find a trail map and hook up to the Deer Park Trail for hours of walking and sights and scenes that most other guests choose not to see. And, you won't find safer trails to hike on in Western NC.
The Winery and Antler Hill Village are always fun, interesting, and yes even relaxing, with low key activities for the whole family, and easy places to stop, rest and relax. All of the Antlert Hill farm, barn and village and the winery are included in your ticket price and a basic wine tasting is free (they have grapejuice for kids, too!). If you wish, you can upgrade your wine tasting for a broader wine tasting experience and souvenir. The Bistro restaurant and a wonderful gift shop are attached to the Winery for your shopping and dining pleasure.
Antler Hill Village, farm and animal barn are a newer addition to the estate. Shops encircle a "square" at Antler Hill Village and most weekends a small band will be playing in the Gazebo on the green. Cedric's Restaurant is on the square. A few steps away is the Barn, often (esp on weekends) with turn of the century demonstrations of farm type activities, such as blacksmithing, butter making, ice-cream making, spinning wool, and so forth. Arts and crafts activities and "old timey" games are also often available, making the grassy area in the middle of the old barn an extremely relaxing place to take the kids. The open animal barn is further afield, but not too far, and worth the visit to see and touch farm animals. The chickens and rabbits are always a favorite of mine. Professional docents are often available to demonstrate and explain various uses of the animals on a farm of the turn of the 20th century.
This winter, take advantage, get your one or two day pass and "explore George Vanderbilt’s extraordinary home, beautiful gardens, and Antler Hill Village & Winery, nestled on 8,000 acres in the mountains of Asheville, NC."
Contact the Biltmore Estate directly for tickets and more information about special events, hours of visitation, dining and lodging needs on the Estate grounds. Or, call Vacation In Asheville for reservations with nearby area lodging that offer discounted and extended day passes, 828 994 2627.
Asheville Small Plate Crawl, Three Days of Special Small Plate Menus 25 Jan 2012, 2:00 pm
Enjoy three days of special small plate menus this February in Asheville, NC, Tuesday 21st through Thursday February 23rd, 2012, lunch-time through dinner-time (times vary each day), with the first ever Asheville Small Plate Crawl.Asheville Chef's from 26 area restaurants and counting will be showcasing their cuisine and talent, in historic downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village, North Asheville, South Asheville and other area locations. View the map of restaurant locations, and especially take a look at the menu offerings from the various participating restaurants to get your appetite ready.
For the occasion, the participating restaurants each have several special and scrumptious offerings in their small plate menus ranging in price from $3 to $8. A sample $3 small plate menu offering from Blue Water Seafood is "Asparagus vichyssoise with gingered crabmeat and lardoon," or from Grove Park Inn's Horizons Restaurant for $7, "Fried Green Tomato & Blue Crab, Shaved fennel, citrus & spiced pumpkin seeds;" from The Lobster Trap, at $6, "Lobster Pot Pie, warm and creamy filling, puff pastry and fresh Maine lobster;" or a $5 dessert option from the Neo Cantina in Biltmore Village, "Chimi de Chocõ, Fresh pastry fried brownie with brandy cream anglaise and cinnamon whipped cream."
The event is being organized by Carolina Epicurean and Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR). Get your AIR pass and join in on the fun! The Diner with the most restaurant validations in his/her AIR pass will win a dinner for two at the Sunset Terrace, 1 nights lodging, and breakfast for two at the Blue Ridge Dining Room all at the Grove Park Inn - with a random drawing in the event of a tie. There will be other contests and prizes as well, so be sure and have your appetites ready!
And if you need a place to stay right in town or nearby, call Vacation-In-Asheville for an Asheville Bed and Breakfast option, Asheville Cabin and Vacation Rental options. 828 994-2627.
Asheville, NC Top 10 Most Beautiful Places 24 Jan 2012, 10:52 am
There are a lot of reasons to visit Asheville, NC, voted one of the top 10 most beautiful places in America, as determined by Good Morning America. Enjoy this video for a wonderful overview. Fun & funky downtown with an amazing art scene - be sure and visit the River Arts District (RAD) and walk right into the many artist studios - dining scene, with independently owned restaurants, many taking advantage of fresh and healthy local foods - the Biltmore Estate - hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway - and so much more.
Because of the beauty and accessibility of the area, many movies have been made in the Asheville area, several noted in the youtube video clip here. The Hunger Games is coming out in March of 2012 and was filmed in the area in 2011.
Asheville is also known for its abundance of Bed and Breakfast options. Stay with us at Oakland Cottage B&B right in town and just a mile from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, The Orange Peel Music Hall, and Historic Downtown Asheville and about 4 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Or for more independent, longer stays and often spectacular views and scenery from a private deck, enjoy renting a Vacation Rental in the area. Whatever your lodging needs when you visit one of the most Beautiful Cities in America, give us a call at 828 994-2627.
What is it with Asheville, NC and Beer? 15 Jan 2012, 3:39 pm
What is it with Asheville, NC and Beer? I'm not sure, but if you like Beer, Asheville is the place to be, no matter the season.Asheville boasts several breweries and tasting rooms, more than our fair share, for sure; and more events revolving around beer than I might care to admit - and, I'm not complaining! Enjoy the map below guiding you to the location of may breweries, tasting rooms and beer shops in the area (none to be missed!):
View Larger Map
Visit each brewery website for special events, robust music schedules; or get on over to one or more for great tasting beer and a bit of the very friendly local scene and Asheville vibe - first hand.
Tune in to the show "Beer Drinking Made Easy: Asheville" this Wednesday January 18th at 8:00 pm. It's sure to be a great primer on the area pubs and breweries. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqnN21dl4zo. "Zane and Steve hike their way through the 'Land of the Sky.' In an effort to embrace Asheville's newly won title as 'Beer City USA,' Zane and Steve attempt a pub crawl to each brewery in the city." Possibly a great introduction and primer to our little town, and, sure to get you in the mood for the upcoming Beer Festival which begins just a few days after the show airs...
Friday January 20th, 2012, stop by Highland Brewing Company from 6 - 7:30 for "No Whey" Friday, "Award winning international cheeses will be paired with world class local beer" - all in partnership with the Winter Warmer Beer Festival, to be held at the Asheville Civic Center, on Saturday January 21st, 2012. Lots going on about beer this coming weekend, so be sure to check it all out and be here in Asheville!
Check out Hops and Vines for home-brew classes (next class, Feb 19 11-4, 2012), or enjoy free beer tastings weekly at the shop from 5-7pm on Fridays (and free wine tastings on Saturdays from 3-6 pm), in West Asheville on Haywood Road.
Take a Cruise on the Asheville Brews Cruise for mobile and walking tour options. Visit the breweries, taste the beer and learn why Asheville has been voted Beer City USA 3 years and running!
Plan for a Vacation In Asheville soon, for all your beer drinking needs and desires! Oakland Cottage B&B is within 1 to 5 miles of many of the Breweries - a short drive or taxi ride away! Or enjoy your quaff by the fireplace in winter, on the front porch in spring and summer months - or in the privacy of your spacious Suite - and there are always frosted beer glasses waiting for you in the guest freezer here at Oakland Cottage!!
For more independent lodging options, mountain views, and maybe a hot tub or spa, check out Asheville Cabin Rentals and Asheville Vacation Rentals. Call us for more information, 828 994-2627, 9 am - 7 pm daily.