cmcfong

I visit Asheville in the spring as part of a business group. I was there the third week of March this year. The weather wasn't great, still pretty chilly and windy. Otherwise it was an excellent trip.

Where I stayed: I had the Timberlake suite in the Grove Park Inn. It is furnished at a very high level. Beautifully decorated and well equipped, I could have happily moved in there for a few months. It has beautiful views of downtown Asheville and those gorgeous mountains!

Where I ate: I have posted reviews of all the restaurants I visited this trip on Trip Advisor. The best meal was at Stoney Knob Restaurant in Weaverville. The best dessert was at Well Bred Cafe in Weaverville. About a ten minute drive from Asheville, Weaverville is worth a stop. Fig was new for me and I liked it quite a bit. Fairly small but well staffed, the food is quite good. I went back to the Grovewood (still good) and Corner Kitchen (exceptionally good). Also new to me was the old Savoy now reopened by the same chef as Vinnie's. It is fine but I preferred Savoy. This is more a pizza and spagetti place. I guess it was a good decision economically...the place was packed. Also new was 131 Main. Loved the food, but staff needs work. Not professional and very sloppy with service.

Spa? I don't go to the Grove Park Spa. It is gorgeous and has all the bells and whistles but I can spend a week in Bermuda with the same money. I had a massage with Lisa Lorr 9828-236-9003 on Merrimon. She was at Secret Garden in Weaverville till they closed. Lisa is fantastic! I just wish she were closer. I also went to the Spa at Biltmore for a champagne manicure and pedicure. The professional was Tamara from Russia. She is very good and I enjoyed the visit. Very nice spa in the same complex with Fig.

Auction Houses: My mother died this past year and there were some items in her estate which I wanted to sell. I am not ebay savvy and found excellent help from Brunk Auctions on Tunnel Road, Asheville and Terry Wilson Auctions in Weaverville.

Summary: Asheville is a wonderful town to visit. In the last twenty years it has had explosive growth and traffic is an issue. I highly recommend it.

suewoo

Nice report, thanks! I need to get up there.

My granddaddy was born in Weaverville. My guess is he wouldn't recognized it!

cmcfong

Weaverville is growing and there is a lot of development in the residential areas, Sue. But I think your granddaddy would recognize downtown. It still has a nice small town feel.

suewoo

He was born in 1898. Maybe not, lol! Glad to know some of it is still there! And I'm glad you had such a great time.

cmcfong

You are right, that might be a bit of a stretch!

kodi

Champagne manicure and pedicure!! Sounds like my kind of weekend.
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself in spite of the weather.
I enjoy reading your reports.
It makes me want to visit Asheville again.

cmcfong

Absolutely you should go. It isn't Buenos Aires, but it isn't bad!!!!

lindaco49

My husband and I are planning a trip to Asheville in May and would like to know what we should see & do. Also, We are flying into Charlotte and thought we would take a day to see the Lake Wylie area. What do you think? Are there any places on the lake that you would recommend staying at?

Thanks,
Linda

Birdie

Sounds like a fun trip, cmcfong. I love Ashville! I've also stayed at the Grove but didn't indulge in the spa.

If I didn't do so in an earlier post, I send my condolences on the loss of your mom.

cmcfong

Birdie, how very sweet of you to mention Mom. Thank you.

Linda, I have not been in the Lake Wylie area in some time. We have several regular Charlotte contributors who will be able to give you some ideas. Perhaps they will check in on this thread. If you don't get any responses here you might consider starting a thread with Lake Wylie in the title to catch their eyes.

Asheville is a beautiful mountain town. It has some wonderful art galleries and restaurants, but the main attraction is the outdoors. Great hiking trails are very near the town. If you are interested in historic homes the Biltmore Estate is a full day's adventure.

If you decide to overnight in Asheville I recommend the Haywood Hotel in downtown. Great access to all the lively arts and music entertainment but very quiet and luxurious. Enjoy your trip.

lindaco49

cmc

Thanks for your help - can't wait to go! Will fill you in on Lake Wylie when I get back.

Linda

SAnParis2

Too bad the Secret Garden has closed, any idea when that happened ?

cmcfong

Jacob converted it into a rehab home for women with substance abuse issues around the end of the summer. I think it was a very hard decision for him, but these are pretty tough times for the spa business. Thank goodness we know how to find Lisa. She is fantastic.