A Day or so around Asheville
 

We will be in the Asheville, NC area for a day or so in Spring - any suggestions on how to spend our time besides the Biltmore Estate?

To be honest, if you only have one day, the Biltmore Estate is going to take up a lot of that day. Seeing the house and the grounds takes up a good bit of time. And springtime is a particularly busy time there. But it is well worth it! Don't miss going over to the winery for a short tour and wine tasting. <BR> <BR>But if you do have time, I'd swing over to the Grove Park Inn. It has a lovely view of the mountains and the city. They just added a HUGE (and I do mean HUGE) underground spa that was under construction when I was there. The plans for it looked very impressive. They also have some restaurants in there that are pretty good. <BR> <BR>There's also Biltmore Village for shopping. And the Blueridge Parkway is very close so a drive around the area isn't a bad idea either. <BR> <BR>I've never had a BAD time in Asheville as that mountain view never gets old. <BR>

Take a drive up to Mount Mitchell, 30 miles north on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Has a nice place to eat with a great view. Highest mountain in the east and you can drive up to the top.

I spend almost every Sat. in Asheville, though I live an hour away. <BR> <BR>Must dine: Salsa - creative, fresh Carribbean cuisine. Owner is from Puerto Rico, cooked at 21 club in NY. Best food in Carolinas. His other, more formal ( and that's relative) restaurant is Zambra - Spanish tapas, wine bar, also very good. Other food food, Laughing Seed for veggetarian, Blue Moon for sandwich, salad & pastry. Avoid dining at Grove Park. <BR> <BR>The downtown is fun just to stroll and people-watch. If you have time the NC arboretum is great. Or get on the Blue ridge parkway and drive east toward Mt. Pisgah, fantastic views. <BR> <BR>Blue Spiral art Gallery on Biltmore AVe. is a treat, Fine Arts Theater next door plays first run independent and foreign films. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Danna, can you tell me where Salsa and Zambra are located? I've heard other people mention how good Salsa is, but I've never heard of Zambra. It's hard to believe that Asheville now has a tapas place! My, how progressive it has become! <BR> <BR>Sue, it's true that the Biltmore House will take most all of a day and is well worth the visit. I'll second the suggestion to go to Mt. Mitchell. It's a beautiful and short drive on the Parkway and if it's clear, you can see forever. Asheville is indeed a beautiful city.

I'd head over to nearby Black Mountain, check out its downtown shops, and eat dinner at the Red Rocker Inn, a B&B with attached restaurant. Good, honest, unfancy food. See website: www.redrockerinn.com

Do the Biltmore & experience the heavenly ice cream for an extra treat. We have been to many places all over the world & our times in Asheville stand out as some of the best.

Carrie - <BR> <BR>Salsa is at 6 Patton Ave. (Almost to Pack Square) Expect a short wait. <BR>Open lunch and dinner, except don't go on Sat. lunch, that's when I'm trying to get a table! ;-) <BR> <BR>Zambra is 85 Walnut (near the Civic Center) Dinner only <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Thanks, Danna! Can you also tell me what the nightlife is like there? Are there any bars or clubs that are particularly fun? Any British-type pubs, by any chance?

Danna; we are going next weekend, and I think we will go Friday night to Salsas. It sounds wonderful. We are going to Gabrielles for dinner Sat... a special birthday celebration. Can't wait. Judy

There's a great N.C. craft/artisan shop on the outskirts of town as you head north towards the Blue Ridge. Sorry can't be more specific, it's been a few years, but I dropped a bundle there.

When I'm in Asheville, I like to visit the New Morning Gallery (7 Boston Way, 828-274-2831). It's in Biltmore Village, across from the Biltmore House, and always has beautiful and interesting arts and crafts. <BR>

Carrie - sorry so long to reply. I am not really up on the nightlife, we usually drive home after dinner, but... I have been to a nice Irish pub called the Green Man, I believe. They are also a micro-brew and have really good beer. It is on Patton Ave. In case I have the name wrong, it is downstairs from the Laughing Seed Restaurant. I think Zambra's bar is opened 'til midnight. Stella Blue is a club that has live music every night, but I've not been there. Sorry not much help.<BR><BR>Judy, i hope you have a nice time. Please report back on Gabrielle, I am not familiar with that one.

If you're a reader, stroll over to Malaprop's Book Store & Cafe at 55 Haywood Street.