Archive for the trip planning category
November 27th, 2007 by susan j
Balsam Mountain Inn, photo courtesy of
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
November 2nd, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by
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.
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 23rd, 2007 by judy c
The Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall
Photo uploaded by
It’s not too late to see the foliage change and the seasonal flowers bloom along the Blue Ridge Parkway this season! According to VirtualBlueRidge.com, “wildflowers still dominate many areas, as Sunflower, Ironweed, Goldenrod, Beebalm, and Joe-Pye Weed light up the roadside especially in the agricultural lands adjacent to the Parkway.”
But catch the color while you can because the strong rain and wind expected later this week will force the leaves to decorate more of the ground than the trees themselves.
For weekly recorded updates about the foliage, dial the Blue Ridge Parkway Information Line at 828-298-0398 ext. 7. Click here for a listing of tree species’ along the Parkway, as well as details about they colors they burst into during fall.
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.
