itsv

Recently, I realized my dad is starting to have some signs of "old age". I am taking him to visit my daughter at Georgia Tech for family weekend because I don't think he will make it to her graduation in a few years. I thought I would take him to Asheville to see the Bitmore Estate and the surrounding area. Which area would be the best to stay in? Which hotel? My dad likes to go to restaurants and walk around a bit discovering new areas. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

brdcollie

The Haywood Park Hotel, right in the middle of downtown Asheville easy walking to lots of great restaurants.
http://haywoodpark.com/

Good restaurants in close proximity include Isa's (in the lobby of the Haywood Park), The Market Place, Cucina 24, Bouchon (a bit of a walk back up hill after dinner). For breakfast or coffee definitely go to Karen Donatelli's bakery right across the street from the hotel. Other restaurants a bit further, but still within easy walking distance include Limones, Posanna and Curate, among others.

From downtown the Biltmore Estate is a 15 minute drive. There are several hotels in the Biltmore Village area adjoining the Estate, but staying downtown is a lot more interesting, and the restaurants are fantastic.

Gretchen

Ummm, also take your dad to his doctor. A bit sad to write him off, but great that you are taking him on this trip. Age IS a number.

LilyP53

I agree that staying downtown is your best bet, but there is a lovely hotel near the entrance of the Biltmore Estate called the Grand Bohemian. It has a decent restaurant inside, and there are cute little shops and restaurants in Biltmore Village which is just a few steps away.

If you do stay in town, the Aloft hotel is also in a very good location. And I believe it's a Starwood hotel.

starrs

I would stay at the Grove Park Inn and enjoy the gorgeous hotel and beautiful views. Drive into town to walk around but dinner on the Sunset Terrace along with a stay at the Grove Park is the best of Asheville IMO.

happytrailstoyou

I agree, Haywood Park Hotel would be ideal.

A bit sad to write him off.... Age IS a number.

Oh, Debby Downer is up early. Your Asheville suggestions?

Gretchen

Well, at 80 she hurt my feelings. And I'd go to the Grove Park for that experience.
AND I was serious about taking him to his doctor for his "signs of old age". People need some education about growing old--and how to care for folks properly.
Take it for what it is worth, for high horses. ;o)

Gretchen

Oh, yes, also, where is the Haywood Park Hotel--not familiar.

starrs

Gretchen, you are 80? If so, you certainly don't sound like it. I thought you were half that age. Forever young!

lantana

The Inn at Biltmore Estate is very, very nice. I've stayed there several times over the years and it gets better and better.

You can't walk around town from there, but you can walk around the hotel grounds which are very nice (a bit steep down to the winery area but you can also take shuttle) and the shuttle to the house is convenient.

There is a very nice lounge with a big fireplace and you can have light bites and drinks there. You can also sit out on the veranda which has gorgeous views. Relaxing, elegant hotel with lovely rooms.

You could drive downtown one day and walk around and have lunch, etc.

sl2013

The Grand Bohemian is a great boutique hotel right outside the Biltmore. The area is great to walk around, with shops and restaurants.

crckwc1

monica2's post does not belong on this forum - needs to be removed.

AustinTraveler

I reported it. All you have to do is hit the red triangle to report a post.

maxima

not that your dad would necessarily need it..but if mobility is a problem especially in the bathroom, as in getting in and out a bathtub for the shower, you can see if any of the hotels you are looking at have a stall shower instead of a tub. or what they call an accessible tub.. it has lower sides to step over, or even a roll in shower..no tub at all.

Gretchen

Thank you Starrs--it IS just a number!! LOL

starrs

I would have never guessed. I thought you were about my age or younger. You ARE forever young.

HotWheels

On our last visit to Asheville, we stayed at the Doubletree near Biltmore Village and very much enjoyed our stay. Our room was quiet, comfortable and had a large walk-in shower. Biltmore Village, within a few blocks of the hotel, has several restaurants located among the small shops. The hotel has a restaurant adjacent to the property, as well as a bar area. I believe they also have a trolley that stops out front that will take you to the Village or downtown (short drive to downtown). You can also make your Biltmore Estate arrangements/buy tickets there. It was a very convenient, but relaxing location.

itsv

Thank you all for your suggestions. I appreciate them very much. Sorry I didn't reply right away, I was in Georgia moving my youngest back into her dorm.

Also Gretchen I am sorry I hurt your feelings. It was not my intent. The past 16 months have been filled with more funerals that I every thought I would attend (even suicides of my friends my age). At the last funeral in July (which was of my uncle close in age to my dad), my sisters and I noticed that my dad was starting to show signs of confusion. I have been lucky, my parents have been filled with energy and live life "young" with their grandchildren. It was surprising to see my father not be able to answer simple questions like his address or wonder who certain relatives were. He also said told us that he is having some difficulty at times physically which surprised us since he looks like "Jack Lalane" and works out religiously. With so much tragedy around us this past yearand it clear my dad is starting to show early signs of dementia, I just wanted to make sure to take my dad to visit his granddaughter at Georgia Tech as soon as possible because he loves college football and was a university professor. He is also excited to "see leaves."

Thank you also for your suggestion that we take him to a doctor. He goes to his doctor regularly, but this time one of my sisters is going with him to raise our concerns.

I am excited about our trip and thank you all of your suggestions.

Gretchen

I am glad that at least my tongue in cheek "hurt feelings" literally brought you to your senses, if not late to the party. The best thing for dementia is EARLY diagnosis. There are drugs to slow it. Eventually there will be a cure.
He needs care immediately and for heaven's sake, life is not over.
Have a great trip.
A little fact--the family position that most "diagnoses" dementia is the daughter in law. Families deny too long.
My husband was an AD specialist prior to retirement.