| Autumn is here and the first signs of color | | | | Mountain Getaway |
| are beginning to surface. And, one of the | | | | |
| best places to view the colors of the season | | | | Taking a scenic drive, going for a mountain |
| change is Western North Carolina, and more | | | | hike, exploring the many bike trails of |
| specifically, Asheville. This southern city | | | | Western North Carolina or jumping on |
| is close to popular leaf-viewing destinations | | | | horseback, are all viable options for |
| such as the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway and | | | | leaf-viewing activities. In the early fall, |
| one of the most visited parks in the country, | | | | the best scenic drives are at the highest |
| Smoky Mountain National Park. It is also a | | | | elevations in the Asheville area such as |
| short drive from several southern cities such | | | | Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell, Grandfather |
| as Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and Atlanta. | | | | Mountain and Pisgah National Forest. In the |
| | | | mid-Fall, the fall color moves to new |
| Since leaf season vacations are so popular, | | | | elevations and there are many colorful drives |
| finding tips for planning the perfect | | | | and day trips to areas such as Transylvania |
| Asheville vacation is important. For example, | | | | County, also known as "the land of the |
| many travelers will find that visiting during | | | | waterfalls," Hot Springs, Cherokee, and |
| the week is much better than a weekend. | | | | Maggie Valley. Late fall visitors will find |
| | | | the best splash of color in places like |
| Where to Stay During Your Asheville Mountain | | | | Kimberly Avenue in Asheville, the Hickory Nut |
| Vacation | | | | Gap region, and the North Carolina Arboretum. |
| | | | |
| The first item to consider is where to stay | | | | "My family and I have visited Asheville |
| and when. The choice will depend on whether | | | | several times to view the fall foliage. We |
| you are planning a family vacation, romantic | | | | have visited during the early and late part |
| getaway, or business retreat. Do not assume | | | | of the season," Mollie Page of Naples, FL, |
| that you will find a room when you are in | | | | said. "I find that visiting at the beginning |
| Asheville; hotels in Asheville experience | | | | of the season, early October, and then |
| their busiest time of year in the fall, so | | | | towards the end, in say early November, are |
| book ahead. | | | | great times to escape the majority of leaf |
| | | | viewers and still have a wonderful Asheville |
| "I planned a North Carolina mountain getaway | | | | mountain experience." |
| last year," Janice Kennedy of Greensboro, NC | | | | |
| said. "I started researching Asheville hotels | | | | Enjoy the Autumn Harvest in Asheville |
| about two weeks before I wanted to go and | | | | |
| found that many were already booked. While | | | | In addition to scenic drives and hikes, this |
| we were able to find accommodations, they | | | | is also a wonderful time of year to |
| were not as nice as we would have liked. This | | | | experience the Asheville area's commitment to |
| year, I will plan a few months ahead of time | | | | agriculture and locally-grown produce with |
| to ensure a romantic mountain getaway with | | | | some autumn harvest adventures that include a |
| luxury amenities." | | | | trip to one or more of over farmers markets, |
| | | | dinner at a local restaurant that serves |
| Asheville is home to many luxury mountain | | | | regional fare, a visit to Harvest Celebration |
| getaways, family vacation rentals, and luxury | | | | at the Biltmore Estate where the Appalachian |
| condominium rentals. Many of these hotels | | | | heritage is celebrated through craft |
| and property management companies will offer | | | | demonstrations, storytelling, music, and |
| travel concierge services to help you to best | | | | dance. While there, a visit to the winery |
| determine your personal travel needs. | | | | may be a nice way to break from the |
| | | | sightseeing activities. |
| Now, while getting away during the week may | | | | |
| be a challenge for some, it may well be worth | | | | Many hotels in Asheville will offer vacation |
| the effort. Many Asheville vacation rentals | | | | planning tips and provide you with the best |
| and luxury mountain getaways are less | | | | ways to enjoy your mountain/city travel |
| expensive during the week, and the crowds are | | | | vacation. So, remember to plan ahead and book |
| much thinner. This will allow you more time | | | | your room or Asheville condominium before you |
| to view the leaves and to explore fall | | | | go. The Asheville Chamber of Commerce is a |
| harvest festivals; it will also leave you | | | | good source for travel and tourism in |
| with more money in your pocket. | | | | Asheville and can act as your travel and |
| | | | experience concierge. |
| Explore the Leaves During Your Luxury | | | | |