We will have 5 to 6 full days in Asheville.

Need ideas. Into nature and birding plus sightseeing. limited as to hiking & boating.

1 day biltmore,
Notice there are a few gardens around which sound interesting.

any other ideas appreciated.

Will be there in early May.

thanks

Where are you from? Are you driving?

What are your ages. . . will you have children?

no kids - in 60's. not driving in - but will have car

The arboreteum (excuse my spelling) and Black Mountain will be two must dos. There are several other excellent suggestions on this board. Do a word search for Asheville. We have some locals who contribute regularly and they can answer detailled questions.

Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit Mt. Mitchell State Park (highest peak in the eastern US). Visit Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Park http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/.

Chimney rock park.Paul

Check the Asheville Civic Center for shows that will be playing while you're there. Surely in five or six days you'll be tired of hiking!


Also check out the Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina's State Theater. They have a great show in early May. I've seen the first two plays in this series of Sanders Family shenanigans, and they are hilarious.

http://www.flatrockplayhouse.org/

It's a popular venue, so you should make reservations as soon as your dates are firm.

sorry, the Asheville Civic Center is at

http://www.ashevilletransit.com/civic/calendar.htm

But the calendar I saw only goes through March. You may have to call them. They books events ranging from country music to boat shows to Harry Connick Jr. to Wynton Marsalis. Have fun!

Brevard is a wonder town to check out and there is a place called the Cradle of Forestry I think....let me search

http://www.cradleofforestry.com/crad...s_location.asp

You can raft on the river that goes thru the Estate. Hiking at Chimney Rock is just spectacular!!

There is also Carl Sandburg's house not too far away

http://www.nps.gov/carl/

If you are into a bit of gambling you can drive to Cherokee for the casino. I don't think the actual Indian Village tours/show are open until June.

Children love Chimney rock park.Paul

Asheville is a great food town. Shift eating from the "dining" to the "activities" category when you are in Asheville.

My favorite is Picnics on Merriman. Run by a nice Mother and Son, you'll get great service and a variety of incredible southern comfort food. Eat in or take out.

Try Tupelo Honey for a sit down meal. Breakfasts are great, but don't go too early. I think they open at 9 or 10.

There is a great local Italian spot that the locals love, too, but I can't recall the name. I'm sure someone will provide it on this thread.