Archive for the family attractions 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 .
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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?
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January 3rd, 2008 by jamie a
On the Blue Ridge Highway
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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 4th, 2007 by jamie a
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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
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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 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?
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October 29th, 2007 by susan j
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:
- This year’s festival features 93 films (14 of which were shot or produced in Western North Carolina).
- starring Laura Linney and Phillip Seymour Hoffman is this year’s opening film.
- in French and English concludes the festival.
- Over the four day festival, movie pros will offer 12 professional development seminars including new technology from Apple.
- Academy award nominee Tess Harper will receive the festival’s Career Achievement Award.
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.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
October 22nd, 2007 by susan j
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.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
October 17th, 2007 by susan j
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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.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
October 12th, 2007 by susan j
Inside Asheville’s Grove Arcade
Photo uploaded by .
Envisioned by architect E.W. Grove as “the most elegant building in America,” the historic Grove Arcade features shopping, dining, and Appalachian arts and crafts. Artists-in-residence give craft demonstrations of weaving and painting on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Now through October 31, visitors can also enjoy the , an art sale showcasing the work of over 30 local and regional artists. From handmade pillows to turned wood bowls to woven rugs, the art will explore harvest themes. Other highlights include a cider tasting and wine tastings. Slow Food Asheville will also conduct fresh mozzarella making demonstrations several times a day. .
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
