Asheville Travel Blog

Sample the Best of Asheville's Culinary Scene

2009-11-09T16:49:00.005-05:00

It’s a foodie’s dream come to life: the best of Asheville’s Foodtopian scene all under one roof. A Taste of Asheville, on November 19, wraps up the flavor of the city with an evening featuring small-plate entrées from Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR).For just $50 per person (or $75 per couple), you receive admission to A Taste of Asheville dining event AND a 2010 Main Course

New Comedy Club Opens in Asheville

2009-11-06T09:22:00.004-05:00

There’s a new kid on the block when it comes to fun things to do in Asheville. Funny Business Comedy Club opens today in the lower level of the historic S&W Cafeteria Building in downtown Asheville. The club will present nationally recognized stand up comedians every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Performers will include comedians that have been featured on “The Tonight Show,”

Fall Beauty in Asheville

2009-11-05T15:06:00.001-05:00

Check out this stunning video of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Craggy Gardens near Asheville, NC.

Asheville Hosts International Children’s Film Festival

2009-11-02T14:59:00.005-05:00

Unleash your inner child (or just entertain yours) at Asheville’s International Children’s Film Festival, November 2-8. This weeklong weekend features 70 films from 25 countries and three hands-on workshops for kids.This year’s festival is a one-stop destination for the very best in international children's cinema including eye-popping animation, comedy, fairy tales, adventure, gripping

An Asheville Ghost Story

2009-10-30T09:48:00.003-04:00

Blogger superstar Ashvegas shared this spooky video on his web site this morning. It’s too ghostly good to keep under wraps this Halloween Eve. (Made my skin crawl!) Check out paranormal activity at an Asheville-area high school. Looking for more Halloween fun? Check out Asheville’s Halloween festivities.

Asheville's Holiday Fun Includes Seasonal Sizzle

2009-10-29T14:04:00.007-04:00

Add a little sugar and spice to your holiday with Asheville’s Seasonal Sizzle at Seven. Beginning December 5, Asheville will host 19 days of not-so-silent nights. Make downtown Asheville your official Christmas stop on weekends in December to enjoy:• Fireworks on December 5, 12 and 19 beginning at 7 p.m. Fireworks will be choreographed to Christmas music on local radio, and Asheville’s famed Art

Navigate Around I-40 Rockslide to Asheville

2009-10-27T11:14:00.011-04:00

A rockslide has temporarily affected I-40 along the North Carolina and Tennessee border, but Asheville is still easily accessed from Tennessee thanks to the I-26 scenic highway. This stretch of highway is more than just a convenient detour; it’s a gorgeous drive through the heart of the mountains.Enjoy a Beautiful DriveTwo strategically scenic overlooks offer sweeping views of Madison County,

Halloween Fun in Asheville

2009-10-23T11:34:00.006-04:00

Halloween is just a week away, and Asheville is filled with spooky fun for all ages. Check out our Halloween events and activities:Only-in Asheville Halloween Fun• “The Legend of Tommy Hodges” walking outdoor mystery, October 23 and 24• LaZoom Haunted Halloween Bus, October 29-31• “Skeered,” an Evening of Local Ghost Stories, October 29-31• Appalachian Ghost Stories Beneath the Stars, October 30•

Bonsai Trees at NC Arboretum Show Fall Color First

2009-10-22T14:42:00.006-04:00

Experience fall on a different level with the bonsai trees at the North Carolina Arboretum. The leaves on these living masterpieces turn early because they are potted plants. The potting soil loses more heat at night, and the roots are exposed to lower temperatures. This produces the ideal condition for fall color.Visit this weekend, and you’ll see the bonsai trees in full color plus a range of

Dine on Catfish at The Lobster Trap Tonight

2009-10-20T10:32:00.001-04:00

Tonight is the big night for The Lobster Trap’s Catfish Supper. Local fisherman Eddie Kiefer caught nine catfish this morning, so there is room for 24 guests at The Lobster Trap. Supper begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are limited; call 828-350-0505 to reserve your spot.Local Catfish Supper MenuFirst CourseShrimp Spring RollCurried Sweet Potato & LobsterMain CourseVietnamese-style Steamed Catfish

A Different Kind of Balloon Boy

2009-10-19T16:32:00.003-04:00

Who needs the media hype around Balloon Boy? Especially when you can have a bon-a-fide fall adventure in Asheville, NC with a hot air balloon ride. It’s a wonderful way to see the fall foliage and enjoy panoramic mountain views.

See Local Wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2009-10-19T11:16:00.005-04:00

Looking for an offbeat fall adventure? Check out the elk herd at Cataloochee Valley, part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Now is the breeding season for elk, so visitors can see and hear the males “bugling,” the distinct call they use to lure females and warn other males.The herd at Cataloochee consists of 110 elk. The elk were reintroduced into the park in 2001, after being absent

Fall Color in Asheville, NC

2009-10-16T16:38:00.002-04:00

We hit the roads with a film crew this week to capture some of the gorgeous fall color in and around Asheville. (And this is authentic fall color, folks. No post-production tinkering with the footage around here!) Enjoy a desktop vacation with this clip, and then start planning your visit. We’ve got the scoop on where the fall color is with our weekly report.

Minor Detour on Parkway for Fall Leaf Peepers

2009-10-15T13:56:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, Blue Ridge Parkway officials temporarily closed a small section of the road approaching Mt. Pisgah. The closure was a precautionary measure; officials feared the slope might slide due to recent rainfall.The Parkway is closed from Milepost 393.6 at the French Broad River junction to Milepost 405.5 near the Pisgah Campground Country Store.The remainder of the Parkway is still open and

Signs Go Up at Hotel Indigo in Asheville

2009-10-14T14:00:00.004-04:00

Asheville’s newest hotel, Hotel Indigo, gets one step closer to completion. The hotel’s signs were delivered and hung on Monday, October 12. The hotel, conveniently located in the heart of downtown, will open its doors to Asheville guests on November 3.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Asheville

2009-10-08T11:55:00.001-04:00

We received a welcome distraction in the office this morning, when a hot air balloon decided to take a journey over Asheville. We watched his progress over the skyline and snapped this beautiful fall shot.

Asheville Appears on “The Price Is Right”

2009-10-06T10:58:00.003-04:00

We were pleased as punch when we got word that a getaway to Asheville, NC was featured in Monday’s episode of “The Price is Right.” Who doesn’t love the over-the-top enthusiasm of the show? Get caught up in the bidding war as Kelly names her bid for an Asheville getaway.

Friday Fun Kicks off Fall in Asheville

2009-10-02T13:57:00.003-04:00

It’s the first Friday in October and downtown Asheville is THE place to be tonight.Get Help Planning Your EveningAsheville Downtown docents will be out across downtown. These knowledgeable Asheville residents are happy to point you in the right direction to fun shopping and great dining. Spot the Downtown Docents by looking for their shopping bags with the Asheville Downtown Association logo and

Ken Burns Documentary Highlights Great Smoky Mountains Park

2009-09-28T18:15:00.004-04:00

One of Western North Carolina’s most precious treasures—the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—is highlighted in Ken Burns' documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” this week.Tune into PBS on Wednesday evening at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to see the how the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was created. The fourth installment in the series, titled “Going Home,” highlights the

Nonstop Flights from Chicago to Asheville Coming in December

2009-09-21T17:10:00.000-04:00

Good news for those looking to escape the Windy City this winter, United Airlines will offer two nonstop flights from Chicago to Asheville Regional Airport beginning December 17.Flights will leave Asheville at 6:30 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. Flights from Chicago will leave O’Hare International Airport at 2:10 p.m. and 7:00 pm. Flights will be on a 50-seat regional jet.

Fall in Asheville

2009-09-17T12:44:00.013-04:00

Editor’s Note: We are pleased to welcome guest blogger Shao Zhi Zhong, the foodie blogger associated with friedwontons4u.com. Shao planned a perfect fall adventure focused on all things local—including locally grown food!The colors. The smell. The breeze. In Asheville, fall is a hit on all your senses. Walk down any of the awe inspiring trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway and you will be

Good-Bye to Patrick Swayze

2009-09-15T14:03:00.003-04:00

Patrick Swayze passed away yesterday evening after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Asheville fans are particularly sad at his passing, because it was his signature role as Johnny in “Dirty Dancing” that put nearby Lake Lure on the map.Filmed in 1987, “Dirty Dancing” was a low-budget film that used Lake Lure, NC as the backdrop for numerous scenes in the movie. When the film became a blockbuster,

Nanci Griffith Performs for Parkway Benefit

2009-09-14T16:45:00.004-04:00

Music lovers take note, some of the most acclaimed names in the industry take the stage on November 14 at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Tickets are now on sale for this incredible evening of music that benefits the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary.The evening will be hosted by local Grammy-award winning musician and storyteller David Holt and will feature:Grammy winning singer and songwriter

Local Beer Scene Expands to South Asheville

2009-09-09T11:38:00.003-04:00

Beer lovers rejoice! The Thirsty Monk, a Euro-pub that made its mark in downtown Asheville by serving premier Belgian beers and American craft beers, has expanded into South Asheville. The new location on 1836 Hendersonville Road will tempt with 30 drafts brews ranging from local to European. The south location offers outside seating, darts, to-go cooler, and a modest menu.

Fall Color Prediction for Asheville

2009-09-03T14:53:00.005-04:00

Asheville’s been blessed with a sneak peek of fall weather this week. Cool mornings, clear, crisp afternoons and brisk evenings. It’s no surprise we began to wonder around the office what sort of autumn Asheville would experience.A little research and a call here and there revealed we are in for a particularly fantastic leaf peeper season:“Every year is a good year for autumn color, depending on