ISO: Info on Ashville, NC or Gatlinburg, TN

[SandyM]

I'm hoping some of you can help me out here.

My DH has been really struggling with school, and I want to take him on a vacation this summer to escape for a while. I love the south, and he's never been there (we're from Michigan). We want to drive, and we figure this would be a 12-14 hour drive.

We picked Ashville because of the scenery in one of our favorite movies "Last of the Mohicans"; we picked Gatlinburg because..... well honestly, I can't even remember why.....

There seem to be so many wonderful places to stay (we're hoping to find nice B&B's) and places to visit, things to do.....the possibilities seem endless! We don't know anyone in that area, and all we know for certain is we're going to hike in the Smokeys!

Any suggestions on accomodations, awesome recommendations, dining, or sites to see would be so appreciated....thanks everyone.

[Maggie]

Hi SandyM,

My DH has also been struggling with school and, thankfully, will graduate next Saturday. DH is from Wisconsin but he now lives in Alabama, with me.

Oddly enough, we are also planning a trip to Asheville, NC (to celebrate the end of a very long two years of grad school) and will go at the beginning of June. We went to Asheville a few years ago and visited the Biltmore. On that trip we stayed in a B&B about 10 minutes outside of Asheville in a town called Black Mountain. I personally was not too fond of the experience. I did not like eating breakfast with a bunch of strangers, there was absolutely NO privacy at all, and I guess I like to have a phone in my room and maybe even a TV. This trip we will NOT be staying at a B&B! I'd like to stay at the Grove Park Inn but it's pretty expensive so I don't know if we can swing that. Otherwise, (since DH wants to go back to the Biltmore and take the behind the sceenes tour) we'll just try to stay somewhere close to Biltmore. We want to drive to Blowing Rock (a childhood favorite of mine), Hickory, Boone, and maybe Charlotte.

I know thats all fairly vague but we're planning to NOT make plans, beyond a visit to Biltmore. We'll just drive around, stop when we want to and visit as many antique shops as we can find. I can't wait!

[SandyM]

Hi Maggie,

Thanks for your feedback. I've only been to a B&B once, in northern Michigan, and we were actually quite fond of the experience. Everyone (even the other guests) were quite friendly. And we had plenty of privacy. My only request was a private bathroom - some don't have that luxury, and one thing I will NOT do is share a bathroom with a stranger!

I would very much rather "fly by the seat of our pants" with regard to this trip, but in mid-July, I don't think that's an option because of it being high tourist season. We do plan on touring Biltmore, and we of course want to go antiquing. Some golf is involved, but mostly hiking and viewing the spectacular scenery.

Thanks again for your feedback.

This is sort of a mid-break for him. He graduates in October with his MBA. Whew. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[KValley]

SandyM,

When DH and I were living in Ohio a few years ago, we took a week camping trip to the Smoky Mountains. It remains at the top of my list of heavenly places. We camped in the little town of Hot Springs, which is right on the French Broad River and is about 50 miles northwest of Asheville, and hiked along the Appalachian Trail and relaxed in the natural hot springs. If you like off-the-beaten-path places, just head anywhere west of Asheville (which is absolutely lovely, as well). I'd give anything to go back there- so much to do and see...someday!

If you want some inspiration, read Barbara Kingsolver's latest, "Prodigal Summer" which is set in the region.

Have a wonderful time- Julie

[Joyce]

I live in Charlotte. I know the Biltmore has just opened a brand new hotel on the grounds, but I don't know how much it costs. They do seem to be having some opening specials. Also, the buffet at Deer Park Restaurant at the Biltmore is usually a great meal for the price. In the village, there is a lovely little group of highly unusual stores (I can't remember the name, I think it's something like the shops at Biltmore.)

[Beth H]

OK, I hope I don't offend anyone here, but you might want to reconsider Gatlinburg. It is sort of the Niagra Falls of the Smokey Mountains. Very crowded, very touristy, very tacky.

Ashville is wonderful. There is a strong arts community there, and wonderful shops, restaurants, and a lively downtown. The Grove Park Inn is fabulous, but as mentioned by Maggie, it is expensive (in the $200 range). Biltmore now has a hotel on its grounds -- it's supposed to be great, but I'm sure it's also expensive. However, it just opened so they may have some specials. I would suggest making Ashville a base and driving around the mountains, going to places like Blowing Rock.

[HUNGRY!]

Asheville!!! Heaven on Earth, I swear.

The first time I went I was in college, and we loved it so much that my BF and I both got summer jobs on the Biltmore Estate at the Bistro resturaunt (near the winery--somewhat expensive and food is really heavy but its good too!).

My best place to stay isn't fancy--its actually a Sleep Inn. Its right near the entrance to Biltmore, almost new, spacious rooms, affordable, and right next to the Biltmore Dairy Farm--the best icre cream ever!!!

The new hotel on the Estate just opened this spring. It has a library, a cabana, and all sorts of other things--but its pricey. Same with the Grove Park Inn.

The Blue Ridge Parkway--its free, and it can provide hours of enjoyment (or days even!!!) If you go to Mt. Mitchell (North I think) dress warm--but its a fun trip. Mt. Mitchell is the highest point on the East coast. Another fun spot, in the opposite direction of Mt. Mitchell is looking glass falls and sliding rock. Also, there are plenty of places to go white water rafting if you like that.

Shopping--Accross the street from the Estate is Biltmore Village-a collection of little shops started by George Washington Vanderbilt's wife. Very cute and fun. On the other side of the railroad tracks is another really fun place. I forget what its called, but its on the same plaza as Trevi Italian. It is a big place with a bunch of different things by different artists for your home. Its a great place!!

Well, that was probably more than what you wanted to know, but you hit on my favorite subject.

Oh, and I too think you should avoid Gatlinburg, and also Bryson City. Ugh. You'll just get stuck in a traffic jam.

[SandyM]

Ok ok - I've done Niagara Falls, and I know what that's like (growing up in Buffalo) so I'll take your word on Gatlinburg. Looks like we're spending a week in North Carolina!

Thanks for the information - looking forward to any more feedback you might have.

[mightyh]

My DH and I took a vacation to Asheville two summers ago and had a wonderful time... We stayed at the Beaufort House Inn (www.beauforthouse.com) and really enjoyed the accomodations and the totally delicious and very gourmet breakfast. It was really a highlight of the stay http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif They also offer great afternoon snacks--like a variety of homemade pies. Yum yum!!

We spent a very full day at the Biltmore, taking the regular tour and then a behind the scenes tour, both of which were awesome. We wandered the gardens there, too, and hit the Biltmore winery for a tour and dinner.

The other highlight of our trip in that area were the hikes we took--we took one where Last of the Mohicans was filmed and it was neat to see the waterfall from the movie, etc (I can get the name of the mountain if you're interested), but by far our favorite hike (ever!) was on Grandfather Mountain. You start out way up high on the mountain and at the visitor center you can cross an amazing suspension bridge. But then we took a hike that was just tons of fun (and a little scary/exhilerating...) Parts of it were tough hiking-in between rock passages, up hills so steep they've installed wires for you to use as you scale the rock, and up the side of the mountain (literally) on stairs they have nailed into the rock. Some of these makeshift ladders have you climbing almost upside down backwards (if you can imagine what I'm saying)... It was a hard hike and we needed tons of water, but it was so awesome when we reached the summit and looked out over all below... Just tons of fun and I would think it would give your DH's mind a break.

We still talk about the trip fondly--one of our best together, definitely.

I notice you are driving from Michigan... We lived in DC at the time and were able to arrange our route to hit Charlottesville, VA on the way home (not sure if that would be on your way at all or not) and we really had a good time there, too. Stayed in another b and b and ate at great restaurants. Took the tour of Monticello (my vote for best tour of a President's home... I like those sort of things) and the tour of UVA. Jefferson was really an amazing guy... Also, if you have time, there are some wineries in the area and a cute pedestrian mall in downtown Charlottesville.

Your trip sounds like fun!!

[Beth Y]

As with HUNGRY, you have hit on one of my favorite places, so get ready for more info than you probably need. I live in Raleigh, and have spent LOTS of time in and around Asheville, for work and pleasure.

First, I second the comments about Gatlinburg...very touristy of the pancake house and cheesy tourist shop variety. But the scenary around it can be great.

About hotels in Asheville....it depends what you want. I, personally, love to stay at the Grove Park, you simply can beat the view and there is nothing like sitting on that big porch looking out over the mountains having a drink or dinner, or sitting in that main hall, on all that original Stickley furniture and next to those huge stone fireplaces. The downsides of Grove Park are the price (a lot) and the fact that it is away from town (although they have a shuttle to town). Also, they do lots of convention business. They just opened a spa, which is supposed to be nice, although they took out that great clay tennis court to do it (imagine, they didn't ask my opinion!). If you don't stay there, at least visit for a drink or dinner (you will need a reservation for dinner on the veranda).

My second choice is to stay downtown. Asheville has a incredible, funky downtown, that comes alive at night, with great funky and fancy restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, great places to hear music, etc. If you want to relax, this is the place to do it. It is a great place to hang after a long day on the trails. There is a large hotel right downtown, a Radisson or a Sheraton. They may have some deals.

My third choice would be a B&B in the historic district. There are other B&B's farther out, but I have not found one outside town yet that is better than most in the historic district and, if you stay in the district, you can get downtown for dinner much easier. I stayed at Wright House Inn years ago and it was great then (note the caveat, as things have this habit of changing in the hotel/restaurant business!!. It had all those things which makes a B&B great, huge bed with great linens, fresh warm cookies by the fire when we got back from hiking, good breakfast, etc. There are tons of websites where you can find them.

Regarding the Biltmore, I must confess that I am one of the minority that just doesn't get the Biltmore. I admit the grounds are incredible. I saw the Asheville symphony on the grounds one night and it was a great memory, but to pay about $100 for two people to poke around an old drafty house??? I know, to each his own. Likewise, I wouldn't stay out by the Biltmore. There are great shops in Biltmore Village, that is true, but otherwise, the area is highway and stipmall-city, which frankly, I can get plenty of at home.

Regarding what to do, if you let me know what types of things you are interested in, I can give you some hints..i.e. shopping, antiques, fancy restaurants, great cheap eats, music, art galleries, hiking, white water rafting, etc? For instance, if you are really into seeing the Last of the Mohican's stuff, head down the road to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. It is a beautiful drive down that way (about 45 minutes, I think) Chimney Rock is a fun place to climb around and is allegedly where they filmed the poignant indian jumping off the rock scene. They also have those binocular things where they point out some of the sets that they used. At Lake Lure, you can take a boat around this beautiful lake and see where they filmed Dirty Dancing, or have lunch at the Lake Lure Lodge. For hiking, there used to be a great Nature Conservancy property on the way to Chimney Rock that you could get access to (and a nature guide) with a call to the local office and a small donation. I have been numerous times, but heard they lost the bridge to the property a couple of years ago, although they may have it back now.....

Anyway, I can go on forever. If you have any specific questions, mention them here and I will check back. You may also want to look at www.asheville.com, (http://www.asheville.com,) and click on Attractions.

[This message has been edited by Beth Y (edited 05-10-2001).]

[SandyM]

Wow - you guys knock me out!

Tell me if this makes sense - we thought we'd spend half the week in Ashville, and half the week in Waynesville, on the outskirts, closer to the mountains, for some peace and quiet, hotsprings, etc. We have a B&B service checking on particular B&B's that we picked out. Supposedly this isn't an added cost, but we'll see. We know this is going to be pricey, but my feeling is, ya get what ya pay for.

We want to do some hiking, some white water rafting (although this scares me somewhat, even though I love love love the water, ocean, etc.), some golfing, some artsy-type things. We love all kinds of music, wine, and sitting on the porch watching the birds or wildlife sounds like a perfect way to begin or end a day.

I know I'm not giving you much to go on, but it really doesn't take much to get me going. We may do some light shopping, but not any knock-down, drag out stuff. Outlet malls? Strip malls? I can get that here.

And we're big on touring old historic homes, so we'll probably do the Biltmore thing.

Thanks again guys - I knew I could count on some gold old fashioned honest feedback!

[Beth H]

If you're going to tour Biltmore, make sure to pay the extra money (I think $5 - 10 extra) to do the "behind the scenes tour." It's really neat, as you get to see a lot of rooms not open to the public. Biltmore is really expensive, but the reason it costs so much is that it's still privately owned by the Vanderbilts. They have to pay property taxes on it each and every year -- which I imagine are a ton. So, unlike most museums, they structure everything around the idea of making the site finanically viable. My little two cents on Biltmore!

PS The winery there is really cool and the restaurant with it is less crowded than the restaurant by the mansion -- I guess families don't go up to the winery as much.

[Beth Y]

Sandy, that sounds like a good plan. I have not heard of a B&B service. Report back on how it goes. I have rented a cabin near Waynesville, but never stayed at a B&B there, so I am no help. There is supposed to be some place that has llama treks...sounds interesting?!?!?

For rafting, the old Reliable is Nantahala Outdoor Center. It is the biggest and the best run by a great bunch of people. There are other smaller operations, but I would go with NOC.

[SandyM]

For anyone that's interested, this accomodation service (cabins, b&b's, etc.) is http://www.carolinamornings.com

And....I'm still trying to understand the llama/Carolina connection.......I've seen it advertised in more than one place.......but, I'm a farm girl, so it might work for me! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by SandyM (edited 05-10-2001).]

[laughsandlaughs]

I'll have the also agree about Gaitlinburg, the scenery during the drive from Ashville is great, but unless you want to visit Dollywood (Dolly Parton's theme park), I'd skip it. (Yes, there is a bit of sarcasm there.) It is pretty tacky. Lots of tourist shops and outlet stores.

[kwormann]

I have lived in both Charlotte and Hickory http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif You all are making me miss NC! I HIGHLY recommend eating lunch outside at the Grove Park Inn! The view is SPECTACULAR!!!! The food is pretty good, too! Go for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway...stop at the lookouts, the roadside shops and stands and go for the hikes.

Maggie...I have to know, why Hickory (or is it furniture?)? We used to go to Boone and BLowing Rock several times a month. I have such fond memories of them both! Can I live vicariously through you????

Kim

[SandyM]

Well, we're back. What a vacation. I'm so relaxed, I'm numb. I have about 8 loads of laundry to do - thank goodness I have tomorrow off. Thanks, everyone, for the great recommendations. We started off at the Old Stone Inn in Waynesville, about 30 miles from Asheville. Quaint cottages in the woods. Spent 5 nights there. The accomodations are very rustic - a screeching owl kept us awake at night - ahhhh communing with nature. The food is top notch. The female half of the innkeeping couple is a chef, and the breakfasts were amazing. I got a cookbook from there and will be posting recipes soon. You could also eat dinner there too, and the food and wine selection was wonderful.

Toured the Biltmore on a hot, muggy day. The house isn't air conditioned, and it was a very busy Sunday there. We quickly toured the house, and strolled leisurely through the beautiful gardens. We toured the winery and ate at the Bistro (the restaurant at the winery). Very good food.

(We did other things on this vacation besides eat, believe it or not - in re-reading this, it seems that's all we did!!)

We then moved on to Asheville. What a neat town! We stayed at The Wright Inn and Carriagehouse (thanks to BethY for that recommendation! What a lovel home.) I will post the names of restaurants we visited there too - the names escape me at this point.

The best part of the whole deal is, even though we ATE ATE ATE, I only gained 1.5 lbs!

Thanks again, everyone, for the wonderful information.

And, I hope I get used to these new boards soon. I'm feeling like I'm wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes right now........

[Gail]

Ah, so it's time to start glancing back over my shoulder again, hmmm? :)

Welcome back. Thanks for sharing your impressions with us.

...and what an interesting title you've given yourself...