Planning a Vacation in the Asheville Area? Don't Forget Your Pet!

When it comes to vacation planning, a lot of time and consideration goes into the process. On behalf of your four-legged friends, we request that you don't overlook this important part of your family when it comes to vacation time.

An increasing number of vacationers are choosing to bring their pets with them on vacation, and so it should be. While it's easy to overlook the daily sacrifices your pet makes as constant companion, avid protector, and giver of unconditional love—we think pets deserve vacations, too. What about the constant pressure of maintaining the title as man's best friend? That can't be easy.

Now that we've got you thinking about it, we'd like to suggest that you and your pet come to Asheville and the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina for your vacation this year. Load up the car, roll down the windows, and let your pet inhale the fresh cool mountain air, take in the glorious mountain views, and feel the breeze rustling through his (or her) fur. 

According to DogFriendly.com, Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway recently ranked number two in their list of Top U.S. Vacation and Resort Regions for dog-friendly travel! Now you're really considering it, right? Allow us to convince you further.

In addition to a wide selection of pet-friendly vacation rentals to choose from and lots of land to roam, there are also some great activities both you and your pet will enjoy while vacationing here. We wish we had the time and space to tell you about all of them (but we don't), so here are a few of our favorites.

Pet-Friendly Activities To Do While Vacationing in the Asheville Area:

• Walk the Urban Trail. Leash your pet and stroll the 1.7-mile walk through downtown Asheville. Take in the historical and architectural highlights on a self-guided tour or with a guide.
• Roam the grounds of the Biltmore Estate. Although pets are not allowed in the buildings, leashed pets are allowed to explore the grounds of the great estate. Be aware that  if you don't hold a season pass, a day charge will be assessed.
• Behold the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You and your pet are welcome throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway as long as your pet is leashed (leash can't exceed six feet) and you clean up after your pet.
• Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Leashed dogs are allowed in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and roadside of the park. Two trails are dog-friendly: the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee trails (leash mandatory and cannot exceed six feet).
• Do the dog parks. Your pet will thank you for the exercise and socialization found in the local dog parks. The French Broad River Park meanders along the river and is one of west Asheville's most beautiful parks. Azalea Park is located along the Swannanoa River in east Asheville and offers 155 acres of park pleasure. The fenced dog park has areas for small and large dogs.

Well, we hope you have taken paws (sorry, had to say it) to consider us and are now convinced that Asheville is the ideal vacation destination for you and your pet. We hope to see you here in the very near future!

Have you and your pet already vacationed in the Asheville area? Tell us what you did while you were here!

We always love hearing from you, so please share with us in our comment section.

Asheville, North Carolina Receives Readers' Choice Award for Top Romantic Destination

Ooh-la-la, romance is in the air. Have you heard the news? Asheville, North Carolina has been chosen as one of the world's most romantic destinations! The About.com 2012 Readers' Choice Awards were recently released and Asheville took the top honor in the category of Most Romantic Place in the USA/Canada 2012.

We know we are biased, but we fully agree and are proud that Asheville was voted a Readers' Choice winner in the category of romance. You will find a myriad of romantic moments in our Western North Carolina countryside as well as in the streets of downtown.

With brilliant sunsets sinking softly behind majestic mountain peaks, hiking trails nestled in the pristine beauty of the Pisgah National Forest, and the rushing waters of mountainside rivers and waterfalls, the allure and breathtaking beauty of nature abounds here. We find that to be romance in one of its purest forms and think you will, too. Whisk your loved one away from the demands of life and escape here for a while, and plan your own intimate romantic adventure.

In addition to the romance of the scenic natural charm, downtown Asheville also offers romance of another kind (or two, or three). In our streets you'll find historic, cultural, and culinary charm. Enjoy local fare during a cozy dinner for two before taking in a show, stopping by a museum or art gallery, or dropping in at a local club to listen to some live music. Take a leisurely stroll along our streets hand-in-hand with your loved one and visit our unique shops and boutiques. There is an ever-changing array of local events to choose from, no matter when you decide to plan your romantic getaway. 

Whether your day is spent in our countryside or in our cityscape, finish each and every day you're here at your romantic mountain getaway. Savor this intimate time by re-living the day's adventures, sipping some wine, drinking in the luscious views, and making some memories.

We don't think one can ever have enough romantic adventure in one's life. What do you think?

What is your favorite romantic Asheville memory? We'd love to hear about it in our comment section. If you haven't been here yet, Mother's Day is right around the corner. Maybe you could squeeze in a romantic getaway this weekend? Just a thought!

Asheville Connections Is Now on Pinterest!

Who are you following? Who is following you? Have you liked something enough to repin it on your own board? If you have been on Pinterest, this lingo is quite familiar to you. If you haven't, you might want to check it out and see what all of the buzz is about.

Pinterest is an online pinboard especially created to entice those of us who are visually and categorically inclined. By that we mean you can find a vast photographic selection of ideas to peruse. Pinterest has created its own categories to help you search for things of interest to you whether it's art, DIY & crafts, gardening, fitness, humor, photography, sports, and the list goes on.

 

By creating your own categories, or in Pinterest terms—your own boards, you can organize this virtual sea of visual information into nice neat categories with your own catchy titles. This becomes a place for you to pin some of your own ideas or repin the ideas of others. 

Pinterest also gives you the option to  follow other Pinterest members that you find particularly interesting or who post things that you have an interest in seeing. So, you can follow your favorites and in turn, they can follow you.

Asheville Connections is now part of the Pinterest community! What does that mean? It means we have another great way to share all of the things we love about Western North Carolina and all this area has to offer. We already love sharing our luxury vacation rentals and other accommodations with you, but we want to do more! Be sure to check out our boards which include stunning photography and helpful information on Asheville, NC, the Biltmore Estate, the NC mountains, and other highlights including travel tips, decorating ideas, and so much more. 

If you're already a member, be sure to follow Asheville Connections on Pinterest. We think you'll love what you see. If you're not on Pinterest yet, you should consider it. But be forewarned, it is addictive!

We love the Travel & Places category on Pinterest. What is your favorite category? We'd love to hear from you so please feel free to share it in our comment section!

Springtime in Western North Carolina

Springtime in Western North Carolina is an awakening for the senses. While every season here in Asheville and its neighboring towns has something unique to offer its visitors and residents, there's nothing quite like the renewal of life and the burgeoning beauty you'll find this time of year.

Perhaps you have stayed here during a family vacation or special family gathering. Maybe you were here for a secluded romantic getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Possibly you visited downtown Asheville for the day or for the weekend. Regardless, we are sure you noticed the stunning flora that besets the mountains and the rivers of the countryside, the verdant landscapes that abound, and the dotting of downtown streets and structures with flowers and greenery.

If you haven't been to Asheville yet, it's a great time to come and see it for yourself! There are a couple of ways you can learn even more about our surroundings here (and even have the chance to take some with you).

This weekend presents a perfect opportunity to get first-hand insight and access to what's growing in this part of the state. The 18th Annual "Growin' in the Mountains" Spring Garden Show kicks off on Friday, April 27 from 9a.m. to 6p.m. and continues through Saturday, April 28 from 9a.m. to 4p.m. Here you'll find everything from herbs, vegetable starts, annual and perennial flowers, irises, shrubs, and succulents to dwarf conifers, Japanese maples, hostas, edible landscaping plants and so much more. This is a free, one-time yearly event where you can purchase from and talk directly to the growers themselves. Also on-site you'll find experts from the America Iris Society, North American Conifer Society, and North American Branch Maple Society. 

The Western North Carolina (WNC) Farmers Market is the venue for the Spring Garden Show. It's conveniently located near downtown Asheville on a thirty-six acre site that boasts a panoramic view of the mountains, and the Biltmore Estate. If you can't make it to the WNC Farmers Market this weekend, be sure to stop by any day of the week. The market is open 7 days a week from 8a.m. to 6p.m., April through October (8a.m to 5p.m. November through March). You'll find high quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, fresh baked breads, cookies, and so much more.

When we're talking about the floral beauty of this area, we can't forget to mention that the Biltmore’s 27th Annual Festival of Flowers is going on now and continuing through May 20. Tulips numbering in the thousands accompanied by dynamic floral displays across the estate celebrate master horticulture planner Frederick Law Olmsted's legacy. While you're here, be sure to check out Biltmore’s restaurants for special menu items and commemorative Festival of Flowers wine and wine seminars at the winery.

Whew, we have so much we love about Western North Carolina in the spring, and we enjoy sharing it with you. We also love hearing from you, so be sure to tell us about some of your favorite springtime sights and sounds in Asheville and beyond in our comment section!

Celebrate Earth Day in Asheville

It's hard to imagine a more idyllic setting than western North Carolina to celebrate Earth Day this upcoming weekend. If you live in the area, be sure to come out and celebrate with us and learn more about promoting and protecting our local environment . If you don't live here, it's the perfect opportunity to bring your family or your friends (or better yet, bring them all) to Asheville, NC. Drink in the spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, inhale the cool fresh air, and gaze upon all of the lush spring foliage this area has to offer this time of year.

In addition to immersing yourself in our relaxing natural surroundings (which is reason enough to visit or reside here), plan to take some time out to visit some of the Earth Day celebrations that are going on locally. There is something for everyone to enjoy with an educational and cultural focus on what we can all do to increase sustainability, conservation, and appreciation of our earth.

In downtown Asheville on Saturday April 21, you can find the 5th Annual Asheville Earth Day Festival happening on Lexington Avenue beginning at noon and continuing until 10p.m. This is a free festival that has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Check out some of the featured Asheville Earth Day Festival highlights this year:

• Musicians from various genres including special performances from Underhill Rose, New Orleans Suspects, Mark Farina Mushroom Jazz, The Fritz, and Floodwood (members of Moe).
• Leaf in Schools and Streets performance.
• Eco-friendly speakers.
• A Kids Village that provides fun and educational activities encouraging environmental awareness.
• An Eco-Village highlighting non-profit and local business organizations providing demonstrations, exhibits, and performances on community involvement in environmental change.
• Food from Green Light Cafe, local vendors, and more!
• (We could tell you more but we think you should come and see for yourself!)

If you're thinking of heading out of downtown Asheville that day, Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa is also hosting an Earth Day celebration on its campus from 8a.m. to 4p.m. which features a family-friendly day of presentations, workshops, and old-time music. Events are free except that some workshops require a small materials fee. The theme here centers around Sustaining Our Mountain Culture and Environment and promoting skills for acting locally.

Some additional Earth Day at Warren Wilson College features include:

• Western North Carolina Plein Air Painters (WNCPAP) will be on hand painting various pastoral scenes from the Swannanoa Valley setting. The artwork painted that day will be available for sale from 4-5p.m. with WNCPAP donating 30 percent of the sales to support programs of Warren Wilson's Environmental Leadership Center. 
• Fiddles & Folklife is an annual Appalachian folklife festival and old-time music competition held from noon to 5p.m. at the Bryson Gym on campus. There are categories for fiddle, banjo and string band, including a youth category (ages 16 and under) for banjo and fiddle.
• Other activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, cakewalks, jam sessions, food and craft vendors, fiber arts, blacksmithing and other folklife demonstrations. 

We hope we have whet your appetite for some of the fun (and informative) things happening here this weekend. If so, make your plans now! If you can't make it this weekend, come see us any time of the year. There are always things to see and do here that we know you will enjoy.

Asheville Connections has a wide variety of vacation rentals to suit your specific needs. We offer everything from condos to cabins, chalets to luxury homes, and so much more. We can help you find accommodations in downtown Asheville if you're looking for convenience to this weekend's festival.

Do you have a favorite Asheville activity? We always love hearing about your Asheville adventures so please share them with us in our comment section!

Spring Flowers

An abundance of flora and fauna herald the arrival of spring to the Asheville area. Among the first to bloom are cherries, dogwoods, and common daffodils closely followed by wild irises, and native trillium. Hiking in the Western North Carolina mountains is always a treat, and this time of year promises to infuse the body, mind and spirit with the fragrance of abundant life unfolding. Even in the city, find the Asheville Botanical Gardens on W.T.Weaver Blvd. near UNCA to be filled with carefully maintained native plant guilds. This time of year you might find 3 or 4 different kinds of trillium in bloom.

After a full day of hiking and seeing spring sights, you might want to sample some truly local fare. Many local restaurants feature the products of our local farms. Map out your Asheville culinary experience with the 'Farm to Table Dining' search on Explore Asheville. Local products sure to stimulate your appetite range from local tempeh at Rosetta's Kitchen to the yummy local chorizo sausage to be found in the breakfast burrito at Sunny Point Cafe on Haywood rd. in West Asheville. Check out the website at Hickory Nut Gap Farm to find out which local restaraunts carry their grass fed beef. For the vegetarians in the group, we have many eateries that cater specifically to your preferences, but in our fair city,

even more traditional fare is offered with options to delight the diner with specific requirements.

Hunger satisfied, you may want to catch a movie or a show. For alternatives to the commonly available current movie theater releases, check out the Fine Arts Theater in lovely downtown

Asheville. For a more theatrical experience, The Montford Park Players whose season begins April 12th with "As You Like It". Of course Asheville has venues where you can satisfy your social, culinary and entertainment goals in one stop.

Many of our local pubs and eateries feature live music on select evenings. Catch a movie with locally brewed beer and pizza at Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company, or catch "Singers, Songwriters in the Round" on Tuesday April 3rd from 7-9pm. at Jack of the Wood. They feature some of the areas most famous micro-brews plus some of the best bar food you will find anywhere. Check out their schedule for more showtimes.

At Asheville Connections we specialize in helping people to have a truly memorable vacation in the Western North Carolina mountains.

Picture Yourself in Asheville

There is nothing quite like sitting in Asheville enjoying the crisp mountain air and amazing winter scenery, but Asheville is a whole experience made better when you share it with someone. So that’s what we want to do. Over the next 2 weeks we will be sharing our favorite Asheville photos on our Facebook page and we want you to join us! It could even win you a Kindle Fire! Here’s how to join in…

30 Finalists will be chosen and posted on our Facebook wall March 6th. So make sure you take a look at Asheville Connections Fan Page and cast your vote March 6th through 13th. The winner with the most likes will be announced Wednesday March 14th at Noon. We will also be giving away a $50 iTunes gift card for the runner up. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and Post!