That should be a nice time. I'd also recommend you take a day trip to the Ashboro/Seagrove area IF you love pottery. There are over a hundred potteries in the Seagrove area==a true treasure trove. And in October they should be really building their inventories toward the holidays. There is lots to do in the Raleigh area too--Chapel Hill, Hillsborough (Vietri outlet). Even going north to the Parkway for some October colors.

Are you planning on visiting Biltmore Estate? If so, that will take an entire day. The downtown area has many shops and restaurants and art galleries. We love to go to the Grove Park Inn for drinks and visiting (great historic hotel). Without knowing your interests I would say go with 2 nights. There are many areas around Asheville to visit - so a day trip might work out with 3 nights (Brevard, Black Mountain, etc.)

We are planning on visiting the Biltmore Estate, do we need advance reservations?

You say 2 nights and then 3 nights so I'm confused, we would love to do day trips from Asheville. Our interests, we like art galleries, we like short hikes, we love walking, we like people, we love nature.

You do not need advance reservations for Biltmore, but check the website to see if there is any other advantage.

Personally I stay three nights on most of my visits to Asheville. There is terrific hiking in the area, great dining options, and some marvelous high quality crafts. If you would like to break up the drive from Raleigh to Asheville with a very interesting stop, consider Old Salem (www.oldsalem.org) in Winston-Salem. It is one of the premier attractions of our beautiful state. Welcome to North Carolina.

I agree - with Biltmore plus some hiking, I'd do 3 nights. If you were only going to focus on Asheville proper, I'd say 2. Black Mountain is a cute nearby town worth a stop.

Oct is a popular time - consider lining up accommodations soon.

3 nights it is, any suggestions for hotels under $150

I agree that I would stay 3 nights if you are going to do a day trip - Black Mountain and Brevard are two of our favorite towns nearby.

We stayed at a Hilton in a neat little "village' type setting last year and loved it. There were several restaurants, a movie theater, a few retail shops, etc all within the large parking area. The hotel has a spa as well that was nice and a happy hour in the lobby hour with free sample drinks. I do not remember the cost.

Are you willing to consider Priceline? I have friends who have had great success with it in Asheville. If not consider
http://www.sourwoodinn.com/Rooms.html

As Brian mentioned October is peak time in our state because the fall colors are spectacular and the weather is generally fine. Perfect time to visit, but book quickly!

Do you all think that October 15 or October 22 would be the safer bet for the fall colors.

The 15th should be closer to peak leaf season but it varies each year. As they say book early. Also if you can visit during the week rather than weekend you will have better look finding someplace nice reasonably.

I think the 15th also. There will always be some color by that time-- and maybe a lot. It really depends on our rainfall from now on almsost.

I was afraid I'd get October 15th as a response, that's when I really want to go but we're using frequent flyer miles and they only have a good schedule for October 22nd. As you said, no one can predict the fall colors. When I look at the Asheville web site from the previous years they still have color until the end of October so if I can't get a decent plane schedule soon I'll have to settle for the 22nd.

If you haven't made your plane reservations try to schedule your trip so that you are in Asheville during the week rather than weekend. Finding someplace nice for $150 a night during the weekend in leaf season will be difficult.

We're planning on arriving on a Monday and leaving Thursday morning.

Excellent.That will open up alot more options for you.