Christmas tree photo uploaded by krisdecurtis
Here’s wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season! We’ll be back next year with even more posts about visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.
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Champagne photo uploaded by Waldo Jaquith
Are you still without plans to ring in 2008? Then look no further than Balsam Mountain Inn in Balsam, North Carolina. On New Year’s Eve, the Inn is hosting a group of talented folk artists to perform in a private setting at their popular “Songwriters in the Round” event. Check out such artists as Casey Kelly, Leslie Ellis, Todd Cerney, and Wood Newton.
Plus, indulge in a spectacular gourmet dinner buffet consisting of Stuffed Lobster Tails, Carved Pork Steamship Round, Grilled Asparagus, 100-Year-Old-Scotch Pudding, Individual Centennial Baked Alaska and more. And don’t forget the obligatory midnight toast! Good company, great food, excellent music and champagne…what more do you need? For reservations, call 828-224-9498.
Other North Carolina New Year’s Eve events include North Carolina Symphony’s New Year’s Extravaganza and Appalachian Mountain’s fireworks celebration, torch lighting and ice skating until midnight.
Do you have anything planned in the area for New Year’s Eve? If so, leave a comment and let us know.
Planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.
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Photo by Hugh Morton
Extending across parts of Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited place in all of the United States’s National Park System. And it’s no wonder with the area’s scenic vistas and rich heritage. The unspoiled beauty and natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains enchant visitors from all over the world.
To ensure the continued vitality of the local landscape, several organizations are worked tirelessly to preserve Blue Ridge’s rich history and natural beauty. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) was established by Congress in November, 2003 to “protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of Western North Carolina.” BRNHA awards matching grants to support projects in the areas of Agricultural Heritage, Cherokee Heritage, Craft Heritage, Music Heritage, and/or Natural Heritage. It is also developing region-wide signage that will help raise awareness about the region’s culture and encourage more visitors to drive through the Parkway. (more…)
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Big thank you to Mary Jo over at the Fly Away Cafe blog for including our Stumps, Boards, and Gourds post in her December blog carnival, which covers music from around the world. Check it out!
Planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.
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Photo uploaded by Silenceofnight
This holiday season, treat yourself and your family to a trip to the Biltmore Estate for Christmas at the Biltmore. America’s largest home will have more than 30 trees decorated as well as festive music and family activities.
You can discover the traditions of the Vanderbilt family, learn about building a gingerbread house, create a handmade wreath, sample chocolate and sparkling wine, and then tap your toes to the sounds of Saint Nick Swings!
A wonderful way to spend the Christmas season, Christmas at the Biltmore will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come.
Planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.
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Photo uploaded by Bruce Tuten
Last week, Frommers announced their Top Travel Destinations for 2007, and we’re pleased as punch to see that Asheville, North Carolina made the list. Asheville has a small town charm and several tourist attractions like Biltmore and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, among others.
Frommers says the area is “great for driving tours and shopping trips to numerous crafts and pottery shops (we suggest picking up a hand-made broom).” We at Go Blue Ridge Card couldn’t agree more! Check out Frommer’s guide to visiting Asheville.
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Balsam Mountain Inn, photo courtesy of Hotels.com
From cozy bed and breakfasts to the grandeur of Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway has plenty of places to stay during your next trip. Here are some of our picks:
Balsam Mountain Inn is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Part of the National Registry of Historic Places, this 100 year old inn is short drive away from Mast General Store and Dillsboro River Company. Pet-friendly room are available by request.
Blueberry Villa is run by the owners of Banner Elk Winery, so many of the rooms are cleverly identified with the names of wine (for example, the Cabernet Grande Fireplace Suite, which is swathed in rich shades of red and accented with dark wood furniture). Two of the bedrooms have fireplaces for a romantic weekend getaway.
Inn on Biltmore Estate has appeared on Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 100 Hotels for two years in a row. The Inn features an outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as a library and in-room movies. Breathtaking mountain views and elegantly decorated guest rooms make for a memorable stay.
Linville Falls Lodge offers lodge accommodations or quiet secluded cottages for a relaxing family or couple’s vacation. This family-owned establishment is a short drive to Linville Caverns and The Historic Orchard at Altapass.
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Photo uploaded by Cindy Funk
The Grove Arcade ARTS & Heritage Gallery recently opened a new exhibit called Stumps, Boards & Gourds: Handmade Instruments of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From dulcimers and lap harps to gourd banjos and stump fiddles, the exhibit explores the hand-crafted instruments and musical heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountain region. In addition to many of the instruments that are commonly associated with the music of Appalachia, the exhibit showcases some of the more unusual ones created by locals. A collection of photographs by the F32 photography group also document the local music scene. The exhibit runs through February 2. Click for more information on exhibits at Grove Arcade.
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Photo uploaded by the illustrious untitled13
Hard to believe, but the holidays are fast approaching, and that means it’s time for holiday shopping, Christmas cards, and, of course, gingerbread houses. The 15th annual National Gingerbread House Competition is today at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, North Carolina. After the judging, the Grove Arcade will display 40 gingerbread houses to be selected by The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Floral & Visual Design Manager Joe Hughes. Click here to see one of the grand prize winners from a previous year’s competition!
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View of the Black Mountains from Biltmore
Photo uploaded by isipeoria.
The NY Times recently ran a travel article highlighting the attractions in Asheville, North Carolina, calling it an “Appalachian Shangri-La.” The article mentions Biltmore, the Mast General Store, and several other Asheville area attractions. Check out 36 Hours in Asheville.
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