Susan J., budget traveler extraordinaire, inherited her Yankee frugality from her mother and it has served her well on trips across the US and the UK. Whether scoping out the nightlife scene or searching for that perfect pair of shoes, Susan loves writing and travel. She has lived outside of Seattle, Washington, and in Boston, Massachusetts and Albuquerque, New Mexico. She recently returned from a trip to Hawaii, where she made full use of her Go Oahu Card!
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 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.
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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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.
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 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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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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Photo uploaded by Fragments of Sobriquets
For those of you who are planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway this fall or winter, we’ve just unveiled a new sightseeing option. The Blue Ridge Explorer Pass lets you choose 4 attractions to visit anytime during a 30 day period, plus gain free admission to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial and special discounts at area restaurants and stores. Choose from top area attractions including Biltmore, Chimney Rock Park, The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Wheels Through Time Museum, and others. Happy travels!
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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Asheville will get a taste of Hollywood November 8-11 with the Asheville Film Festival. Last year the festival attracted over 8,000 people and over a quarter of them were visitors. Here’s a sneak peak at the 2007 festival:
Tickets to individual screenings are $7 in advance, $8 at the door (or buy a “Cinemtic 6-Pack” for $39). Click here for ticket information.
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Saturday and Sunday November 10 and 11, the Asheville’s River Arts District offers two days of open studios and festivities. Currently in its 14th year, the Studio Stroll lets visitors chat with local artists about their work, watch live demonstrations, and enjoy the sense of artistic community found in the old factories and warehouses lining the French Broad River. The Studio Stroll is free. Many of the art studios are close together and offer ample free parking.
While in Asheville, you might also want to visit Biltmore, Chimney Rock Park, and Grove Arcade.
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Photo uploaded by Pamela V. White
On Saturday, October 27, the town of Franklin, North Carolina celebrates Halloween with their 11th annual pumpkin festival featuring pumpkin decorating, hayrides, costume contests, a parade, and a nationally-recognized “pumpkin roll.” While in the area, also check out Rose Creek Mine and the Great Smoky Mountain Fish Camp.
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