Asheville Travel Blog

Ghost Brothers of Darkland County

2013-05-17T11:20:00.001-04:00

A Southern Gothic Supernatural Musical Comes to Asheville.

Photo by Kevin Mazur

What happens when the minds of Stephen King, John Mellencamp and T Bone Burnett converge? You get Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a ghost story set to music. Coming up in October 2013, this traveling show will make its way to the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Asheville.

Asheville is the only city in North Carolina that will host the show so don't miss out. The musical was recently highlighted in USA Today so check out their review here.

On June 4, 2013 the Ghost Brothers album will be released. It features numerous artists including Rosanne Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello and so many other major names in showbusiness.

Special Pre-sale

Today only: Friday May 17, 2013, from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., purchase tickets in advance by visiting the official site. Use this password: Ghost

Here's the trailer...

Baby Bear Rescued

2013-05-16T16:04:00.000-04:00

Rangers at Chimney Rock State Park Rescue Injured Bear Cub.

Warning! This blog post is adorable. Our friends at Chimney Rock State Park sent us these photos of an adorable bear cub who sustained a leg injury and was rescued by a park ranger. Mama bear was no where to be found.

Here's the latest from their Facebook page:

UPDATE on the bear cub rescued at Chimney Rock: He's doing well! (Yes, it's male.) Somehow its left leg was injured, either by a fall or a birth defect. A wildlife biologist took care of it the first night. The next day it was eating well and walking around, although it was still favoring its left leg. It was transported to a private rehabilitation center and will remain there until it is old enough to be moved to a state rehabilitation facility. After a full recovery at the state facility, bears usually go back to the same region they came from and are released in bear sanctuaries. Thanks for all your care & concern! And NEVER attempt to feed or approach bears yourself - call on a wildlife professional.

Learn more about Asheville wildlife!

8 To-Do's at Biltmore this Summer

2013-05-15T15:55:00.000-04:00

Biltmore Offers Up These Summertime Recommendations.

A destination for rejuvenation since the 1800s, George W. Vanderbilt chose the outdoor playground of Asheville to build his family estate. In the century that has lapsed since family and friends of the Vanderbilts came for long stays at Biltmore, time has seemingly stood still. Travelers today enjoy the slower pace of summer’s backyard season in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre landscape, a space that has been preserved and perfected over time for future generations.

8 To Do's at Biltmore

Take the family time travelling

Visit the 250-room Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt’s dream home that he lived in more than 100 years ago. Kids stay engaged with a NEW treasure hunt through Biltmore House. Kids marvel at the sheer size of Biltmore House, the bowling alley and pool in the basement, and the massive front lawn and backyard for playing.

Have a unique adventure

Try your luck at outdoor sports like fly fishing or sporting clays, or go off-road behind the wheel of a Land Rover (our Land Rover Driving School offers courses for adults AND kids!). Go to an awe-inspiring location: the rooftop of Biltmore House. The guided Architect’s Tour takes families to the massive roof of America’s largest home for a look at architectural details, to count gargoyles, and for expansive mountain views of a spectacular backyard.

Reconnect with nature

Set out on foot on a network of nearly 22 round-trip miles of hiking trails. Or, take in views from a bike, on the back of a horse, while floating down a river, on a Segway, or a carriage ride. Go rock-skipping at the lagoon or play hide and seek among rare and native trees.

Stop to smell the roses

Biltmore’s renowned summer gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and picnicking spots near tropical palms, roses, giant sunflowers, and colorful lily pads and koi in Italian Garden pools.

Set the kids free

Get lost together in a maze comprised of 500 trees. Kids run and climb in the NEW Pisgah Playground. At the barn, explore farming life at the turn of the century and antique farm equipment. Ask inquisitive questions to our staff and play with chickens, roosters, goats, horses and sheep in the farmyard. Demos, crafts and period games available select days.

Embark on a tasty tour

Taste wines at the most visited winery in America (complimentary grape juice for the kids). Restaurants offer a range of options from barbeque to fine dining. Pick up a family-themed picnic from the Creamery. And save room for a sweet treat from the Creamery.

Rock out!

Dance under the stars select summer nights during the concert series kicking off July 25. The 2013 line-up includes Heart, Sheryl Crow, Christian group Casting Crowns, the Four Tops and Temptations, the Beach Boys and comedian Bill Engvall. Local bands provide FREE entertainment Fridays June through August at the Antler Hill Village Green and Bandstand.

Make Biltmore your home away from home

Extend your visit with an overnight stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate or with our local accommodations partners and take advantage of packages on select dates this summer.

Information on Biltmore’s summer offerings can be found at www.Biltmore.com. View suggested itineraries for more family travel ideas.

Downtown After 5 Begins Friday

2013-05-15T15:27:00.001-04:00

2013 Marks 25th Anniversary of Asheville's Friday Night Street Festival.

Get your dancing shoes ready! The 25th Anniversary Season of Downtown After 5, presented by Harmony Motors, kicks off Friday, May 17 from 5-9 p.m. with Big Sam’s Funky Nation taking the stage following local opener, Empire Strikes Brass.

Taking place the 3rd Friday of the month from May through September, Downtown After 5 is located at N. Lexington Avenue and I-240 and is always free.

A driving force of urban funk led by Big Sam on trombone, headliner Big Sam’s Funky Nation’s horn-heavy sound masterfully blends funk, rock and jazz. Big Sam has shared the stage with Widespread Panic, Elvis Costello, U2 and Green Day. Local opener, Empire Strikes Brass’ 10-piece stage band includes members from Squirrel Nut Zippers, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Big Ol’ Nasty Getdown.

The fun doesn’t end when the music stops. After this Friday's event Asheville On Bikes will host “Bright Light Biker,” a moonlight ride through downtown ending at Asheville Brewing Company on Coxe Ave. Participants are encouraged to “light up” both their bikes and themselves and prizes will be awarded for best decoration and best costume. Plus, it’s the perfect way to wrap up Strive Not to Drive Week.

Thirsty concert-goers will find local brews from Highland Brewing Company, Pisgah Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company and French Broad Brewing Company. Plus, regional favorites Sierra Nevada, SweetWater Brewing and Foothills Brewing as well as national brands from Budweiser and Empire Distributing will be on tap. Wine and water will also be available for purchase.

To purchase alcohol attendees will need to show a valid picture ID and buy a $2 wristband. Proceeds from wristband sales for May’s event support Asheville GreenWorks. An affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, GreenWorks is a volunteer-based organization working to achieve a clean and green Asheville and Buncombe County through community organizing, education and environmental stewardship.

From sandwiches to pizza and ice cream to tacos, food vendors offer a something for everyone’s taste. Downtown After 5 is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and features a solar-powered stage, complimentary bike corral, compostable food and beverage containers, and staffed recycling and compost bins. Since implementing its greening initiative, the event has reduced the number of bags headed to the landfill to just a handful.

More information about Downtown After 5 and the Asheville Downtown Association can be found online at www.ashevilledowntown.org.

Asheville By Horse

2013-05-14T13:18:00.000-04:00

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Now Available in Downtown Asheville.

Meet Silver, downtown Asheville's newest star.

New to the Asheville scene is Silver Lining, a 2,000 pound Percheron Horse who is taking people on a fun and romantic tour of downtown Asheville. This newest addition to our city streets is a throw back to the early 20th century, when Asheville's elite would parade through what is now Pack Square Park on their horses.

You can take one of these special tours every Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m. through midnight, Saturday from 4 p.m. through midnight and Sunday from 2 p.m. through 7 p.m. Rates are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

To book a tour call 828-280-5682.

Here are some other ways to tour Asheville.

Hop and Go Brewery Shuttle

2013-05-14T12:33:00.001-04:00

Introducing Asheville's First Brewery-to-Brewery Shuttle Service.

Cruisin' for a Brewsin'

The creators of Asheville Brews Cruise just launched their newest brewery service called Hop and Go, and it's a great way to experience Asheville's craft beer scene at your own pace. This brewery-to-brewery shuttle service begins in downtown Asheville and travels to Pisgah Brewing Company, Highland Brewing Company and French Broad Brewing Company, with 90 minute intervals between each one.

Currently the shuttle operates on Saturdays only from 1:30 p.m. through 9 p.m. You must register for the shuttle in advance and the total cost for a day pass is $25 (much cheaper than a cab!). Be on the lookout for new routes and breweries to be added to their schedule in the near future.

Book a ride!

Moog Receives National Honors

2013-05-13T16:20:00.000-04:00

Bob Moog Inducted Into Inventors Hall of Fame.

Bob Moog, musical pioneer and inventor of the synthesizer, was just inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Moog called Asheville his home up until he passed away in 2005.

Here's the news from the Moog Foundation Website...

The National Inventors Hall of Fame, founded in 1973, annually honors “the individuals who conceived, patented, and advanced the great technological achievements since the birth of our nation.” Bob Moog, was identified today on the Invent.org’s website as the man behind Patent Number. 3,475,623, (Electronic High-Pass and Low-Pass Filters Employing the Base to Emitter Diode Ristor for Bi-Polar Transistors).

The organization cite’s the following:

“In 1964, Moog introduced the first complete voltage controlled modular synthesizer, an instrument capable of producing a wide variety of electronic sounds. The Moog synthesizer helped revolutionize the face of music by giving artists and composers the capability to create a brand new palette of sounds. Composer Wendy Carlos was one of the first to usher the synthesizer into the spotlight with the 1968 Switched-On Bach album. Since then, countless performers and composers have utilized the original Moog synthesizer and the Minimoog®, a smaller, portable version of the original instrument.” Read more...

Learn more about the Moog legacy in Asheville.

Now Open: Isa's Bistro

2013-05-13T13:48:00.000-04:00

Enjoy a Sneak Peek of Asheville's Newest Restaurant.

A popular downtown corner is now home to a brand new restaurant. Isa's Bistro opens its doors today, May 13, and is located on the corner of Haywood St. and Battery Park Avenue. The spot was formerly home to another restaurant, Solace, and prior to that it was The Flying Frog. Chef Duane Fernandes heads up the culinary team and most recently, he served as the Chef de Cuisine for Horizon's at Grove Park Inn.

Enjoy this sneak peek from the Asheville Citizen-Times.

Other great spots to eat in Asheville.

Sunshine and Rain

2013-05-10T12:08:00.000-04:00

Photo of the Day: The Mountains Shine Despite the Rain.

Spring showers have been making way for some beautiful May flowers. Thanks to J Smilanic for sharing this beautiful photo he took in the Montford neighborhood. Check out some of his other great photos here.

Want to submit your photo for consideration in our Photo of the Day series. Send a high-res version to dholston@exploreasheville.com.

Beer City Sunshine

2013-05-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

Winner Announced in the Name the Asheville Brew Contest.

Our Grand Prize Winner: Terry J of Saranac, MI.

The votes have been tallied in our name the brew contest, and the one with the most public support (by a huge margin) was "Beer City Sunshine" sent in by Terry J. from Saranac, MI. Terry will receive a vacation prize pack to Asheville including overnight accommodations at the newly renovated Doubletree by Hilton Asheville Biltmore and other beer-centric goodies. His face will also grace the label of his new Beer City Sunshine brew crafted by Asheville Brewing Company. Smile for the camera and say "Beer City!"

Brewer's Choice (SURPRISE!)

There were hundreds of beer names submitted in our brewcation contest and the folks at Asheville Brewing Company had a hard time just limiting it to one winner. So, as a surprise, they have awarded "Perfect Day IPA" by Sadie S. the brewer's choice award! They are currently crafting the recipe for her newly named beer.

The runners up:

Look Homeward Ang-Ale by Lori T.
Keep Asheville Hoppy by Des. M
Land of the Sky.P.A. by Pauline A.
Brewridge Ale by Marcia V.
Altitude Adjustment by Pamela A.
Blue Ridge Bohemian by Jim M.
Asheville Brewhaha by Susan S.
Hoppy Hiatus by Kim J.

Our favorites that didn't make it to the final round:

Brewtopian
Asheville Brewhaha
Gladys Knighting Ale
Male Nun on a Bicyc-Ale

A big thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to our winners!

Don't forget: Vote Asheville in the 2013 BeerCity USA poll!

Beer City 2013 Poll Now Open

2013-05-06T12:10:00.000-04:00

Vote Asheville for Beer City USA!

The 2013 Beer City USA poll has officially started and this year Asheville is in the running to maintain the title, which it has held four years in a row. The poll will run from Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 10 and the winner will be announced on May 13. You may vote once per IP address.

According to Examiner.com, the "BeerCity USA poll highlights the spirit of support local, small town and big city Americans generate on behalf of their communities. BeerCity USA is not a measure of beer quality, number of breweries, volume of beer enjoyed nor any kind of 'best-of-show' measurement."

Vote for Asheville Here!

Win a Kindle Fire

2013-05-01T19:30:00.000-04:00

New Contest: Make Your Summer Travel Plans For A Chance to Win.

There's nothing better than curling up with a good e-book and this month we're giving you the chance to win one. One lucky fan will receive a Kindle Fire pre-loaded with great novels from Asheville's most notable authors.

How to Enter
Order a free Asheville Travel Guide between now and May 31 and you will be automatically entered to win. Pretty easy right?

Enter Here!

Mountain Oasis 2013

2013-04-30T09:29:00.000-04:00

Asheville's Newest Electronic Music Festival Announces Initial Lineup.

Nine Inch Nails - Photo by Charwinger21

For the past three Halloweens, Asheville has been home to Moogfest, an electronic music festival celebrating the life and work of musical pioneer Bob Moog. However, this year Moog Music chose to take a different path with their annual festival, moving it to April 2014.

For those of you craving an electronic festival experience this Halloween, all is not lost. AC Entertainment (think Bonnaroo) has created the Mountain Oasis Electronic Music Summit, a three day festival set for October 25-27, 2013. Here is ticket information for the event.

The Initial Lineup

Nine Inch Nails
Bassnectar
Pretty Lights
Neutral Milk Hotel
Animal Collective
How to Destroy Angels
Gary Numan
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Disclosure
Chromatics
Tricky
Zola Jesus and JG Thirlwell
The Bug
Jessie Ware
Rustie
Robert Delong
Bosnian Rainbows
Half Japanese
Jacques Greene
Daniel Johnston Bondax
Silver Apples

When You Get to Asheville

2013-04-29T12:33:00.000-04:00

Steve Martin, Edie Brickell Perform 'When You Get to Asheville' on Letterman.

Asheville received a musical tribute on The Late Show with David Letterman. Steve Martin and Edie Brickell performed the song When You Get to Asheville from their new album Love Has Come For You. Martin, a resident of Brevard, often performs with the mountain-based band Steep Canyon Rangers who are also featured in this video.

Asheville's event and festival calendar.

The Sanctuary

2013-04-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Photo of the Day: Rainbow Over Waynesville.

This beautiful rainbow appeared over Waynesville (just west of Asheville) late last week. You can see Lake Junaluska in the background on the right side of the tall tree.

Thanks to Bob Child for sharing this wonderful photo with us. Asheville residents may recall that Bob was a weatherman for local station WLOS once upon a time (not to be confused with Bob Caldwell). These days he's crafting and playing handmade Native American flutes. Check them out at Ugly Boy Flutes.

Want to have your image considered for photo of the day? Email a high-res version to dholston@exploreasheville.com.

"LOVIN" Official Video

2013-04-26T12:41:00.000-04:00

Friday Fun: Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band.

Here's a little groove for your Friday afternoon. This video for Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band just won an award for Best Visual Design at this week's Music Video Asheville. The Booty Band is Asheville-based, but they will be on the road all summer long. Check their tour schedule for a show near you.

Want to find some cool music events around Asheville. We've got you covered. Click here.

Crusin' for a Brewsin'

2013-04-25T14:48:00.000-04:00

Video Teaser: Ale Sharpton Presents Operation Asheville.

Asheville's burgeoning beer scene is once again in the spotlight. Ale Sharpton, a renowned beer aficionado and blogger, took to the streets of Asheville to produce an episode of his upcoming show Cruisin' for a Bruisin'. The show is currently in post production, but he did post this teaser which highlights the Brews Cruise, Highland Brewing, French Broad Brewing, the now defunct Craggie Brewing (RIP) and more. The full video is expected to be released soon and in the meantime, follow Ale's adventures on his blog.

Cruisin' For A Brewsin': Operation Asheville, NC (Teaser) from Ale Sharpton on Vimeo.

Weaverville Art Safari Returns

2013-04-24T13:45:00.000-04:00

Regional Artists Open Homes and Studios for Rare Glimpse Inside Creative Process.

Susan Webb Lee

Weaverville, a community ten minutes north of Asheville, is hosting their popular Art Safari this weekend. On April 27-28, take a unique self-guided tour to meet and talk with local artists featured in galleries across the region and nation. Learn about the process behind each piece and discover the passion and drive that keeps the creative process alive.

This year’s event includes 34 artists. On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., their studios are open to the public for a special viewing of their latest collections. Art demonstrations and door prizes at select studios make this self-guided tour an exciting experience for everyone.

Based on their interests and artistic tastes, this self-guided event encourages guests to go at their own pace through the town and surrounding areas of Weaverville. Works of art showcased include handmade pottery, glass, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, paintings, drawings, fiber art, and more.

John Ransmeier

A special preview party at the Weaverville Town Hall kicks off the event on Friday, April 26. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and includes live music, door prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and more. The highlight of the evening is a silent auction featuring art works donated by each participating artist. Event tickets are only $10 at the door, with additional door prize tickets available for $5 each. All event proceeds fund future Weaverville Art Safari events.

Weaverville Art Safari brochures containing maps and artist information are available at greater Asheville-area galleries, restaurants, and shops. Brochures will also be distributed from an Art Safari information booth located on Main Street in Weaverville during the show weekend. A downloadable brochure and full details about participating artists are also available at www.weavervilleartsafari.com.

Five Favorite Outdoor Adventures in Asheville

2013-04-24T12:00:00.001-04:00

Reader's Choice: Best Spots to Enjoy Asheville on a Warm Sunny Day.

We polled fans of the Visit Asheville Facebook page, and asked them to name their favorite outdoor experience in Asheville. Here were the top responses and some best bets for getting outside to enjoy them.

DuPont State Forest

Hiking the Blue Ridge

Asheville is surrounded by more than 800,000 acres of pristine wilderness and 2,000 miles of hiking trails, making the area an oasis for the health-conscious, active traveler.

Best Bets

- NC Arboretum - Stroll around the 434 acre public garden located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest and right off milepost 393 along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

- Chimney Rock State Park - Enjoy a 75-mile view from atop the 315 foot chimney. The park also offers numerous hiking trails, including the Hickory Nut Falls trail which leads to one of the highest waterfalls in the East.

-DuPont State Forest - Located near Hendersonville & Brevard, is 7,600 acres of forested land with over 90 miles of hiking trails. Enjoy a wonderful blend of incredible scenery, varied hiking levels and unbelievable waterfalls.

Carmel's

Dining Al Fresco

Outdoor cafes line the streets of downtown Asheville, giving it an old world charm reminiscent of Paris. Grab a bite or a bottle of bubbly and enjoy an afternoon of people watching.

Best Bets

- Carmel's Kitchen and Bar - Sit outside the beautiful Grove Arcade, dine on exceptional food and watch Asheville go by.

- Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar - The same really says it all. Books and wine, side by side, make this a must-visit spot in downtown Asheville.

- Posana Cafe - Enjoy a made-from-scratch dinner or weekend brunch on the spacious patio which looks out onto Historic Pack Square. You're likely to see street performances while you're there.

Swinging From the Trees

Experience the sensation of flight while you soar across the treetops. Asheville offers a variety of options, from an urban setting to a woodland habitat tucked in a mountain cove.

Best Bets

Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures - Located one mile from downtown Asheville, this course is set along the tops of +150 year old oaks and offers panoramic views of downtown Asheville.

Navitat Canopy Adventures - This zipline course has been called "one of the best in the nation" by USA Today. This adventure course sits on top of a 240-acre wilderness with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park - This aerial obstacle course contains 50 unique and exciting challenges and it's unlike any other park in the Southeast. With three different skill levels, it's a perfect place for adults and kids, ages seven or older.

America's Favorite Drive

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs directly through Asheville and offers an easy access point to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Best Bets

- Graveyard Fields - Located at mile post 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 3.2-mile trail is a popular family hike thanks to its beauty and ease. The trail will lead hikers to Lower Falls (a moderate descent) as well as through open, grassy areas and past nice pools for wading on a hot summer day.

Craggy Gardens - Covered with purple rhododendron and other late-blooming wildflowers in early summer and blanketed in spectacular fall color in the autumn, Craggy Gardens is a perfect spot for a picnic in the fresh mountain air.

Devil's Courthouse - According to folklore, a cave located along this jagged mountain is where the devil holds court. An ominous tale, but it really is quite beautiful. The steep cliffs provide not just panoramic vistas but also ideal hunting grounds for the world's fastest animal, the peregrine falcon.

Rafting the Rivers

Asheville was named the top whitewater destination in the U.S. by Outdoor magazine and is in close proximity to a number of excellent river adventures.

Best Bets

French Broad Rafting Expeditions - Enjoy a five or nine mile whitewater trip down the third oldest river in the world. Calm water rentals are also available.

Wildwater Adventure Tours - This is like a choose your own adventure with tours rafting down the Chattoga, Nantahala, Ocoee and Pigeon rivers.

Nantahala Outdoor Center - Take a leisurely rafting trip down the slower-paced Nantahala River with one of the "Best Outfitter on Earth" according to National Geographic Adventure.

Visit here for more outdoor adventure ideas in Asheville?

No Paparazzi!

2013-04-23T17:23:00.000-04:00

Celebrity Sightings Abound in Asheville and Black Mountain.

Noah Wyle - photo by starbright31

According to the popular Ashevegas blog, Asheville has been a hot spot for film and music stars this past month. Here's a round up of the numerous celebrity sightings around town.

John Oats (Hall & Oats) - He was spotted on Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. He wasn't performing while in town so perhaps he was playing tourist for the week.

Ellie Goulding (British pop star) - She was seen eating at 12 Bones (yum!) and then running through the River Arts District. A local journalist speculates she was here visiting her romantic interest Jeremy Irvine, yet another British celeb. Jeremy was spotted in the area during filming for The World Made Straight, a movie based on the novel by local resident Ron Rash.

Minka Kelly

Noah Wyle (Actor) Best known for his role in the television show ER, Noah was in Black Mountain filming scenes in the aforementioned film, The World Made Straight. Look for shots of downtown Black Mountain in the movie.

Minka Kelly (Actress) A star of Friday Night Lights, Minka was among the other celebs in town for The World Made Straight filming. During her trip, she shared images on her Twitter account highlighting her mountain hike up through Chimney Rock Park.

Other Celebrity Sightings in Asheville.

Biltmore Summer Concerts 2013

2013-04-23T12:16:00.000-04:00

Biltmore Announces 17th Annual Concert Series Line-up.

Fresh after their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, Heart will kick off Biltmore’s 17th annual concert series on Thursday, July 25.

In addition to Heart, a mix of Grammy Award-winning acts, as well as a contemporary Christian group, will highlight the series. Staged on the South Terrace of Biltmore House, the concert series will feature its own award-worthy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. All shows will start at 8 p.m.

The full Biltmore Concert Series line-up is, with ticket prices:

Heart

Thursday, July 25: Heart

Adult Premium $87

Adult Reserved $72

Adult General $62

Sunday, Aug. 4: Sheryl Crow

Adult Premium $85

Adult Reserved $70

Adult General $60

Friday, August 16: Casting Crowns

Adult Premium $70

Adult Reserved $55

Adult General $45

Friday, August 23: The Four Tops and Temptations

Adult Premium $75

Adult Reserved $60

Adult General $50

Friday, August 30: The Beach Boys

Adult Premium $78

Adult Reserved $63

Adult General $53

Saturday, August 31: Comedian Bill Engvall

Bill Engvall

Adult Premium $70

Adult Reserved $60

Adult General $50

Tickets will go on sale for Heart and Sheryl Crow on June 5. Tickets for the rest of the line-up will go on sale on June 12. Ticket purchases will be available at www.biltmore.com/concerts, or by calling 866-336-1255 on the appointed dates.

A variety of ticket, dining and accommodations packages will be available for all of the concerts. Tickets do not include or require estate admission. Performers and dates are subject to change.

Cradle to Grave 30K

2013-04-23T07:30:00.000-04:00

Newest Mountain Race Offers Spectacular and Rarely-Seen View of Pristine Forest Land.

The Cradle of Forestry has designed a brand new 18.6 mile trail-running challenge through the heart of the Pisgah National Forest, the birthplace of modern forestry. This mountain trail challenge is set for Saturday, May 18 starting at 8 a.m.

The race takes you from the Cradle of Forestry over to Graveyard Fields and back. Along the route you'll enjoy the Pink Beds trail which will most likely be in bloom. You'll also climb up Pilot Cove taking you one of the rarely seen views in the mountains (rare because you have to earn it!).

Rock-A-Bye 5K

If a 30K sounds like more than you care to take on, there is also a 5K planned the same day at 8:30 a.m. in the same location. The run follows the Biltmore Campus Trail, lined with historic buildings and characters that once called this place home.

After the race lunch and beverages will be provided as well as live entertainment.

One Night Only - Beer City Dinner

2013-04-22T15:03:00.000-04:00

Five Breweries, Five Courses and Five Rare Beers.

Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, Wicked Weed, Oskar Blues and Highland are working together to bring you an incredible dinner during Asheville Beer Week. The breweries will all join forces, pairing specially brewed craft beer with delicious meals. It takes place at Wicked Weed on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, beginning at 6 p.m.

In the spirit of uniting the beer community, four of the newest Asheville breweries have teamed up with Highland Brewing to celebrate the craft beer tradition in Western North Carolina. Each brewery will be given the opportunity to showcase their flagship beers as well as a specialty variety they have hand selected for the event.

From 6 - 7 p.m., five representatives from each brewery will be available for a "Flagship Cocktail Hour." Five flagship beers will be pouring from the taps during this informal meet and greet.

Starting at 7pm, each guest will be invited to take a seat as the meal begins. Each course will be accompanied by a specialty beer provided by one of the five breweries. These courses will include rare beers and a few beers made just for the event.

Tickets are slated to go on sale at 12 p.m. on Monday, April 29th. Only 80 tickets are available so buy early!

Here's where to book!

72,000 Tulips

2013-04-19T16:44:00.000-04:00

Photo of the Day: Tulips in Full Bloom at Biltmore.

Springtime colors are popping up everywhere, and this week Biltmore is the best place to see amazing spring color. Right now 72,000 tulips are in peak bloom at the Walled Garden of the estate. Want to know where else you can see great spring color this week? Check out our weekly spring bloom report for more information.

Special thanks to David Simchock of Vagabond Vistas for sharing this beautiful shot. See some of his other amazing shots here.

Behind the Falls

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

Photo of the Day: Bridal Veil Falls.

This beautiful waterfall is located in Dupont Forest. Does it look familiar to you? Bridal Veil has made big-screen cameo appearances in Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games. Special thanks to Kendall Weaver for sharing this great photo.

Want to submit your photo for consideration in our photo of the day series? Email a high-res image to dholston@exploreasheville.com