Archive for the activities category
April 29th, 2008 by susan j
Biltmore in the spring photo uploaded by
Although Biltmore is open 365 days a year, spring is one of the best times to visit the estate. Encompassing 8,000 acres of lush landscaping and lavish architecture, Biltmore both impress and inspires visitors from all over the world.
From now until May 18, visitors can enjoy the Festival of Flowers, an annual event showcasing hundreds of azaleas in a dazzling array of colors and hues. Plus, enjoy live music on Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 am-3:30 pm in the garden. You can also take a self-guided tours of the gardens, which is included with estate admission.
In addition, the Biltmore is offering free admission to Moms on Sunday, May 11 with the purchase of a youth or adult ticket. Starting May 30, the Biltmore will host a new interactive exhibit entitled If These Walls Could Talk. More information is available on the .
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
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March 24th, 2008 by susan j
Tweetsie Railroad photo uploaded by
Despite a fire on Sunday, March 16 that destroyed much of the Tweetie Railroad’s collection of train memorabilia, tools, and photos, the Blowing Rock attraction plans to open for its 51st year on May 2, as originally scheduled. The old-fashioned park Tweetsie Railroad holds an extensive archive dating back to the 1880s, so many of those pieces will be on display when the museum reopens. Train collectors have also offered items from their personal collections to fill the void left by the fire.
The Carolina’s first family Wild West Adventure theme park, Tweetsie Railroad opened a year after Disneyland and has since hosted generations of visitors with its fun, imaginative activities. Guests can role play as a cowboy, cowgirl, or a train engineer. They can shop along Main Street, pan for gold, or even learn to clog. The park’s highlight is the historic steam locomotive train. Hop aboard for scene three-mile ride through the mountains of North Carolina!
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
March 13th, 2008 by susan j
Flowers along the Blue Ridge Parkway Photo uploaded by
Spring is fast approaching in the Blue Ridge Parkway. Blue Ridge visitor centers have announced their , and several of our Blue Ridge area attractions will be opening soon. Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and Lake Lure Tours open in mid-March, while Rose Creek Mine and Smoky Mountain Jet Boats open in April. Check out our full list of seasonal attractions.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
March 6th, 2008 by susan j
Sunset at Shenandoah National Park Photo uploaded by
Visitors to state parks and recreation areas, including those in the Blue Ridge area, will have extra time to enjoy the scenic views thanks to daylight savings time. . That means more time for hiking, picnicking, or just admiring the sunset.
In past years, most state parks closed at 7 pm during those months. The closing time at most state parks in June through September is 9 pm, although some areas and facilities, such as swimming areas and visitor centers, close earlier. State parks open at 8 am. View a .
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
January 3rd, 2008 by jamie a
On the Blue Ridge Highway
Photo uploaded by
Get ready for the , a fantastic event for children and adults alike! From January 24-27, there’s a myriad of events to choose from. From wine tastings and auctions to chili cookoffs and hayrides, everyone’s bound to have fun.
If you’re in the mood for some great music, there’s the WinterGrass concert with the , featuring acoustic tunes from the album Tattoo, considered to be some of the best creations of his career. There’s also the , starring Chick Willis, Big Ron Hunter, and The King Bees, all revered as some of the blues greats.
For all the foodies, there’s the WinterFeast on January 24th, where the best chefs of Blowing Rock come together to create a mouthwatering array of delights. If breakfast is more your style, there’s even a pancake breakfast to benefit Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue.
Whatever you like to do to celebrate in the winter, Blowing Rock is sure to be a great time, so be sure and stop by!
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
December 25th, 2007 by susan j
Christmas tree photo uploaded by
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.
December 20th, 2007 by judy c
Champagne photo uploaded by
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 “” event. Check out such artists as , , , and .
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 and .
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.
December 4th, 2007 by jamie a
Photo uploaded by
This holiday season, treat yourself and your family to a trip to the Biltmore Estate for . 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.
November 12th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by
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 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 to see one of the grand prize winners from a previous year’s competition!
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
November 2nd, 2007 by susan j
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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.
