Asheville Travel Blog

Fine Arts Five Dollar Deal

2013-06-18T15:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Every Tuesday is $5 Move Night at Fine Arts Theatre.

The Fine Arts Theatre is a downtown icon that presents first run, art and independent films in two auditoriums. Each Tuesday you can catch an indie flick for only five dollars all day long.

If you're not a fan of big budget studio films, then you will definitely enjoy the cool selection of film that play at the Fine Arts Theatre. They offer an array of art and independent films that celebrate the art of filmmaking. You can enjoy matinees and evening performances.

Learn more here.

VIDEO: This is American Craft

2013-06-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

Sneak Preview: American Craft Week.

Each October American Craft Week celebrates American handmade arts and crafts. During the week of October 4 - 13, 2013, you can participate in a number of activities across Asheville. Want to see what to expect? Check out this great video and make plans to attend this year's Craft Week.

65 Acres of Cultivated Gardens

2013-06-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Explore the NC Arboretum, an Outdoor Masterpiece.

Located on the intersection of Brevard Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 393), the North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre campus containing 65 acres of cultivated gardens. Here you'll find the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails, garden tours, Art Walk, nature activities for families, and changing exhibits on the fields of science, art and cultural history.

Parking is $8 per person vehicle, $30 per commercial vehicle and $50 for buses. Insider tip: Plan a visit on the first Tuesday of the month and parking fees are waived.

Learn more about the Arboretum.

Through the Grapevine

2013-06-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

Talking Wine with Jeff Frisbee of Addison Farms Vineyard.

Guest post by Lindsey Grossman.

Jeff Frisbee’s family has been the traditional mountain farming family. They raised cattle, a few chickens way back when, the family garden plot, and tobacco. But when it comes to stomping grapes, he’s just getting his feet wet. “I had done a little bit with home wine making prior to beginning this venture, but our real exposure to making wine came when we did our first crush in 2010,” he says.

The venture he speaks of is a relatively new vineyard on the NC wine scene called Addison Farms Vineyard. They've gone from producing just under 300 cases following their first crush three years ago to a projected 1000 cases this year. The budding viticulturist shares with us what to expect from them at the Asheville Wine & Food Festival in August, a first look at their new releases, plus wine pairing tips from an industry insider.

What are you sipping on this summer?

Aside from our own wines, we are enjoying a really nice Petit Manseng from our friends at Overmountain Vineyards in Tryon, NC; and of course, some Buncombe County-sourced craft beers, including my favorite Gaelic Ale from Highland Brewing. And since it is summer, some ice cold lemonade or my mama's sweet tea always hit the spot.

Can you offer advice on pairing wines with food?

The best advice I can give is to drink what you like. Explore wine and food... you will learn which wine pairs well with different dishes. Tradition, though, is your best guide to pairings for someone just starting to appreciate the wonder of wine and food pairings. In a very general sense, white wine with poultry and fish, red wine with red meat. Food usually pairs well with wine from that same region (think of an Italian food with a tomato-based sauce pairing with a nice Sangiovese).

Enzo, the Vineyard Dog.

We’re excited to hear that you have two new wines on the market. Can you give us a little “taste” of what to expect?

As of last Saturday, both Coming Home 2011 and Orion 2012 are available! Orion is a Chenin Blanc with a nose of green apples, with a floral hint, and a very light and crisp body. Coming Home is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is the first wine made with fruit from our vineyard. To say we are excited about it is an understatement.

Can you give us a preview of your presence at this year’s Asheville Wine & Food Festival?

This is our first year participating in the Asheville Wine and Food Festival. We are really excited to experience the event! We will be pouring a couple of our wines, though we have not made final selections yet. It will likely be our 2011 Gwinn (a white wine blend of Traminette and Chardonnay); our Smokehouse Red (a non-vintage red wine blend of Sangiovese and Chambourcin) and maybe even our Gratitude (a non-vintage dessert-style wine made from 100% Chambourcin).

Visit Addison Farms Vineyard in Leicester, NC, during its tasting room hours: Saturdays, noon-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m.; Weekdays by appointment. Be sure to stop by their booth at the Grand Tasting, Asheville Wine & Food Festival’s signature event on August 24 at the U.S. Cellular Center. Tickets are sale here.

Learn more about the Asheville Wine & Food Festival!

Extreme Stargazing

2013-06-17T15:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Night Vision Tours Offer High Tech View of the Stars.

Want to see thousands of stars you've never seen before? Star Watch Night Vision Tours utilizes military-grade equipment that opens up the night sky in ways you've never experienced.

It doesn't take a ride on the Virgin Galactic to get an incredible view of space. Stay perched safely on a mountain top and take in the amazing view of our final frontier.

Book a nighttime tour and see for yourself.

Free Birthday Bubbly

2013-06-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Free Birthday Bubbly at Battery Park Book Exchange.

Are you celebrating another trip around the sun? Make sure you head to the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar at the Grove Arcade to collect your gift - free bubbles!

Their shop offers you the marriage of two of earth's finest pleasures, books and wine, side by side. Peruse thousands of books in dozens of categories while sipping a fine wine, sparkling wine, or Champagne.

They purchase used books from customers so their selection is constantly expanding. The wine list changes and they have great snacks to enjoy.

Learn more about Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar.

Daytrips for Cheese Addicts

2013-06-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: WNC Cheese Trail Offers Taste of Southern Culture.

Taste your way across the Blue Ridge along the newly formed WNC Cheese Trail. You can sample of of the region's best handmade cheese and buy products directly from the producers. Be sure to pack a cooler to keep your dairy fresh and before heading out check the scheduled of each farm to make sure they are open to the public on the day you're traveling. Maps are available at the Asheville Visitor Center.

Break for Cheese
Here's a list of the current participants:

Blue Ridge Creamery
Daddy's Girl Dairy
Heritage Homestead
Looking Glass Creamery
Mountain Farm
Oakmoon Creamery
Round Mountain Creamery
Ripshin Goat Dairy
Yellow Branch Cheese

Learn more!

How to Beat the Heat Downtown

2013-06-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Splasheville is a Free Way to Cool Off this Summer.

As the days get warmer during summer, you can find a way to cool off while in downtown Asheville. Splasheville is an interactive water fountain located in the Roger McGuire green of Pack Square Park. This is a perfect way to find relief during summer festivals (like Bele Chere) and the kids love it. Just remember to pack a towel.

The hours of operation are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., seven days a week. The park has a pavilion that offers restrooms as well as a tourism information center. They remain open the same hours from April 1 to November 1.

Other water adventures in the mountains.

Early Girl Eatery Gets Urbanspoon Love

2013-06-15T15:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Early Girl Eatery Rated Best for Family Dining.

If the scratch-made biscuits, all-day breakfast offerings or the plethora of locally-sourced ingredients wasn't enough to tempt you to dine at Early Girl Eatery, then perhaps knowing that they are rated a top spot for families will.

Urbanspoon included this popular downtown restaurant on a roundup of the best family restaurants in the country. They Their decision was based on the most positive reviews from professional food critics, bloggers, and the Urbanspoon community of diners. Each restaurant on the list was chosen as a nice option for the whole family. Here's the entire list.

Learn more about Early Girl.

Black Mountain Rocks!

2013-06-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Find a Spot to Rock in Black Mountain.

Take a trip to small town Black Mountain and stroll through a variety of shops and art galleries. Along the way you'll notice a variety of hand painted rocking chairs lining the streets. It's a new art installment that represents the community, whether it be a local business, landmark or area icon.

If you see a rocker you like, then place your bid in an October auction and bring it home with you. Proceeds will go to build a new Town Square. Rock on!

Make plans to visit Black Mountain.

Catch a Ride to RiverMUSIC

2013-06-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Gray Line Trolley Offering Free Concert Shuttle Service.

For people who want to experience downtown Asheville and the RiverMUSIC concerts, the Gray Line Trolleys (the red trolleys) are offering a free shuttle service between the two.

RiverMUSIC is an outdoor music festival located in the River Arts District on the banks of the French Broad River. Food and beer vendors are on hand and it's a great event for everyone, including families.

The trolley runs from the Aloft Hotel in downtown to the concert venue starting at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 10:00 p.m.

Learn more about RiverMUSIC including the 2013 concert schedule and lineup.

Father's Day Deal at Biltmore

2013-06-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Dad's Get Free Admission to Biltmore on Father's Day.

Each Father's Day, Biltmore honors Dad with free admission to the Biltmore. The deal is good with the purchase of a youth or adult ticket. The special is valid only on Sunday.

There are a ton of ways to explore the estate with Dad. Aside from the house tours, gardens and winery you can reserve an off-road Segway tour, take a driving lesson on the Land Rover Adventure Course, or enjoy a relaxing trip down the French Broad River. You can also choose to fly-fish, shoot at sporting clays, or rent a bike to explore the grounds. Horseback riding and carriage rides are also available.

Learn more about Biltmore!

Fun Depot Expands

2013-06-13T16:30:00.000-04:00

Asheville Fun Depot Adds New Games and Challenges.

Fun Depot, Asheville's premier family entertainment center, has added some exciting new offerings for kids and families to enjoy.

What's New

Bigger Mini-Bowling: How's that for an oxymoron? Their indoor mini-bowling course has expanded to include more lanes and a large sitting area.

Putt-Putt in the dark: The 18-hole indoor mini-golf course has been tweaked to include several black light holes.

Feel the Rush: "Atomic Rush," a cool new LED light game has one or multi-player options.

Be a Ninja: Lazer Frenzy will have you weaving your way through lazer beams without touching them.

Fly a plane: This 360 degree M4 simulator will make you feel like it though. You even get a CD of your fun time to take home with you.

Kids Utopia: Kid’s Adventure Express is for kids 54” or less and includes a large 7 obstacle inflatable, a large bounce house with mini-slide and basketball hoop, an under the sea soft play area with slides and tunnels, and a rainforest soft play area with a “water” slide, alligator pit, tunnels and more.

Tot’s Turtle Lagoon: Made for tots 3 and under. Kids can crawl under an octopus, slide down the coral, or captain their own boat.

Other offerings include go-karts (indoor and outdoor), climbing wall, bumper cars, arcade games, Depot Diner, laser tag and batting cages.

Learn more about Fun Depot.

Sunsets at Skybar

2013-06-13T15:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Take in the Best View in Downtown.

Skybar is by far one the best spot in downtown for a great spectacular mountain view. Perched atop the Flatiron building, you can enjoy a beverage or light snack while watching the Asheville nightlife from above. Visit during sunset hours for a beautiful show behind the western mountains.

SkyBar may be accessed through the main entrance of the Flatiron Building (next to World Coffee). The doorman will escort you on a ride to the eighth floor of this landmark building for views on four terraces with formal seating and views of the Western horizon and Smokey Blue Mountains.

Learn more about Skybar.

Oyster Happy Hour

2013-06-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Lobster Trap Offers Oyster Deals.

If you're looking for great seafood in downtown Asheville, then check out The Lobster Trap. Head over there any Monday through Thursday from 5 - 6 p.m. and you can take advantage of their happy hour specials.

Oyster special - Get a dozen of the gulf coast oysters for .75 cent or order their specialty oysters for 25% off. Keep in mind you have to buy a minimum of one dozen to activate the deal, but that's nothing for die-hard oyster fans.

Lobster special - They also offer an entree deal including two Maine lobsters and four side items for only $50. The lobsters are flown in fresh from New England. Thanks Captain Tom!

Try one of their signature Oyster House beers brewed in-house. If you're feeling adventurous, order their beer brewed with oysters!

Learn more about The Lobster Trap.

Get on the Bus!

2013-06-12T14:56:00.001-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: LaZoom Lets You Bring Your Own Beer

What's a comedy show without a little libation? The LaZoom Comedy Tour allows you to bring your own beverage on the bus, and for those 21 and older, that includes beer.

As a bonus there's a pit stop at Thirsty Monk midway through the tour where you can refuel with a brew to go. We recommend a local brew, but there are a ton of options so grab your favorite.

Comedy Tours depart from 90 Biltmore Ave., passengers must be 13 years to ride. Haunted Tours depart from The Thirsty Monk at 92 Patton Ave., passengers must be 17 to ride.

Learn more about LaZoom.

Free Crystal Method Concert

2013-06-12T09:34:00.000-04:00

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Presents a Free Night of Electronic Music.

Crystal Method - Photo by Jim Porter

Can't wait until the next Moogfest? Here's a show to help satisfy your electronic music fix. Just announced, the Crystal Method will be playing a DJ set at Harrah's Cherokee Casino and the show is absolutely free. The show is taking place at the casino's event center on Saturday, June 22, 2013 starting at 10 p.m.

About Crystal Method

Ever since they started making their first singles in the mid 90's out of the Bomb Shelter--their congested home studio in Los Angeles, California--Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland of The Crystal Method have held strong as forerunners of the electronic music revolution in America. The Crystal Method have distinguished themselves as two of the most recognizable faces in the American electronic music landscape, boasting over a million-and-a-half in album sales combined between all their releases.

Movie in the Meadows

2013-06-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Chimney Rock State Park's Outdoor Movie Experience.

It's not too often you can watch a movie in the same location where it was filmed. That's what's happening this weekend at Chimney Rock State Park.

Watch The Last of the Mohicans on a huge outdoor screen where the last 17 min. of this epic romantic adventure movie starring Daniel Day-Lewis were originally filmed. In the film you can see the Hickory Nut Gorge’s towering rock cliffs, lush landscape and 404-foot waterfall on the big screen, all the while you'll be sitting right in front of it all.

Discover other movies filmed in and around Asheville.

Bring a blanket or chair and a flashlight. Moviegoers should arrive from 7:30 to 8:30pm, movie starts at 9pm. Pre-show entertainment, concessions and movie merchandise will be offered. A guided hike to see filming locations will be offered at 3:15pm and 4:45pm.

Learn more!

Asheville's Hope Diamond History

2013-06-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: The Reynold's Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn is One of the World's Best.

One of Asheville's most historic Bed and Breakfast's is also one of the best in the world according to TripAdvisor.com. The Reynold's Mansion B&B Inn was named the ninth best B&B in the world in 2012 and continues to be number one in Asheville year over year.

Listed on the National Registry for Historic Places, The Reynolds Mansion was built in 1847 and is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War homes. Cool fact: When the Reynold's still called this mansion their home they had possession of the famed Hope Diamond, now on display at the Smithsonian.

The mansion sits on a four acre site, with spectacular views, near the foot of Reynolds Mountain. The home boasts over 3,000 sq feet of porches and 12 fireplaces.

Learn more!

Brevard Music Center Starts 2013 Season

2013-06-11T14:06:00.000-04:00

Brevard Music Center Announces 2013 Season Lineup.

The Brevard Music Center will open its 2013 season on Friday, June 21. The 2013 season features seven weeks of classical masterworks including Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto, Stravinsky’s Firebird, and Beethoven’s beloved Fifth Symphony.

The summer festival also includes an outstanding lineup of guest artists ranging from rising stars of the classical world, such as pianist Ji-Yong and violinist Bella Hristova, to two of today’s most celebrated soloists—pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and violinist Joshua Bell.

The 2013 season features over 80 performances, including 18 different orchestra programs, four opera productions, wind ensemble, chamber music, new music, recitals, and more. The season closes on Sunday afternoon, August 4, with BMC Artistic Director Keith Lockhart conducting the Brevard Music Center Orchestra in Holst’s orchestral favorite The Planets and Elgar’s Cello Concerto with soloist Johannes Moser.

Other Concerts
In addition to the full range of classical offerings, the 2013 season will include a number of concerts appealing to a range of tastes.

The annual Pendergrast Family Patriotic Pops concert is a beloved Brevard tradition, and it goes off at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 4. Maestro Kraig Alan Williams will lead the Brevard Symphonic Winds, joined by the Brevard Community Band, in marches, patriotic songs, and other favorites, finishing up with the 1812 Overture, complete with live cannon.

On Saturday, June 22, BMC will present The Ultimate Doo-Wop show featuring performances of doo-wop favorites from the 1950s and 60s. Don your poodle skirts and satin jackets and bring the whole family for an evening celebrating the golden age of popular music.

Tuesday, July 23, the Music Center welcomes comedian and radio host Garrison Keillor for A Prairie Home Companion’s Radio Romance Tour. Keillor will be joined by singer Aoife O'Donovan, comedian Fred Newman, Rich Dworsky and The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band with guitarist Pat Donohue and violinist/mandolinist Richard Kriehn, for two hours of duet singing, absurd improv with sound effects, Guy Noir Private Eye, poetry, outright foolishness, and the News from Lake Wobegon.

On Saturday, July 27, conductor and virtuoso trumpeter Jeff Tyzik returns to the Music Center to lead the Brevard Sinfonia in an evening of music from the movies. Film buffs and music lovers alike will enjoy hearing the themes from their favorite films such as Superman, Casablanca, and Star Wars performed live on stage.

Click here for more information.

Where to Find the Best Folk Art in Asheville

2013-06-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: The Folk Art Center Offers Amazing Handcrafted Art.

Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and about 5 minutes from downtown Asheville, the Folk Art Center displays fine craft work of the Southern Highland Craft Guild members.

Here you'll find the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. In addition to an Eastern National bookstore and Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, the center houses three galleries, a library and Allanstand Craft Shop.

Beginning in March each year, visitors can see live craft demonstrations daily in the Folk Art Center lobby.

Learn more about the Folk Art Center!

Where to Find an 85-Mile View

2013-06-10T15:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Mount Mitchell is the Highest Peak East of the Mississippi.

Rising higher than any other mountain peak in the Appalachian Mountains is Mount Mitchell. More than a mile high, the crest of the Black Mountains is home to the summit of Mount Mitchell State Park.

Here you'll find breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. The 1,946-acre park offers everything from tranquil moments to back country exploration. From the main observation deck you can see for 85 miles on a clear day.

Plan a visit.

Asheville's Music Makers

2013-06-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: Tour the Moog Music Factory for Free.

Pick any major artist from your iPod and chances are they use a synthesizer hand-crafted at the Moog factory in downtown Asheville.

Moog Music is the brainchild of Bob Moog, a pioneer in the world of electronic music. He called Asheville home, teaching at UNC Asheville and at the same time producing high quality electronic instruments to musicians across the globe.

You can tour the Moog factory to watch these electronic masterpieces being created, and in the Moog store you can play every instrument ever created.

Learn more about Moog Music.

Asheville's Urban Trail

2013-06-09T15:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: The Urban Trail Offers a Free History Tour of Asheville.

The Asheville Urban Trail has often been called Asheville's "museum without walls." The trail consists of thirty stations of bronze sculpture around downtown and each station has a plaque illuminating some of the very interesting history of downtown's development and the various notable people who once lived here.

Mostly local artists helped to create the whimsical bronze sculptures and other art works that are found at each station. The tour is a 1.7 mile walk that begins and ends at Pack Place and takes about two hours to complete in its entirety.

Learn more about the Urban Trail.

All You Can Eat Sushi

2013-06-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

Asheville Insider Tip: All You Can Eat Sushi at Champa.

Sushi lovers rejoice. Every Sunday you can gorge yourself on all the sushi rolls your stomach can handle. Champa in downtown Asheville is offering the deal and their sushi chefs are pros. The total cost for this special is $25.

If sushi isn't your thing, then you can enjoy a large selection of Asian cuisine. But really... how can you not like sushi? Bonus tip: The California roll is good for beginners.

Here's more information on Champa.