ASHEVILLE
 

Planning a trip to Dollywood and would like to spend a few days in Asheville. What is there to do in and around Asheville. Is the Biltmore worth the money or is it just boring?
Your help is greatly appreciated. [email protected]

Like Biltmore a lot more than too strippy crowded

touristic Gatlinburg/Dollywood...

Asheville the Smokies Blueridge far prettier for me.

That's a good question...I've been wondering that myself. We've been staying on Douglas Lake (about an hour west of Asheville) a couple of times a year for the last 8 years, but still haven't made it into Asheville. Maybe this year! Anyway, I've read a lot of rave reviews on the Biltmore, and it seems most people are happy with the $60 they paid to see it. Of course, you'll pay even more if you want valet parking, or to ride horses, or for the numerous guided tours they offer. (Sodas are $3 and ice cream sundaes are $6.) But you might be able to get tickets a lot cheaper online. In fact, if you're planning on going this month, you can get daytime admission tickets for $29. http://www.biltmore.com/buy_tickets/1dayadmission.asp
But you have to purchase them 7 days before your visit. Supposedly, you can get tickets on eBay for a good price, too, but I haven't checked yet.

I wish I could be of more help, but since I haven't been to Asheville myself, there's not much I can tell you. But I'm sure someone with knowledge of the area will be responding soon.

Apples Oranges. Not sure Dollywood/Gatlinburg and Biltmore/Asheville appeal to same people, but maybe.

Biltmore is one of the largest private residences in the US that you can tour (bigger than all Newport mansions, and depending on how you measure, larger than the Hearst Mansion). It's a grand old mansion of a particular era and a particular style, with lovely art works and views that are wonderful, as well as interesting "behind the scenes" stuff re: Kitchen, heating, etc. Did you like the TV series Upstairs Downstairs? Or the movie Gosford Park? You'll love the tours of the Biltmore house. The rest of the grounds include a winery and two or three other restaurants plus a huge modern hotel. But I wouldn't think of it as anything like a resort or theme park.

The rest of Asheville has some good restaurants, some interesting neighborhoods, a lot of arts/crafts galleries and shops, and really pretty driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Not far are Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and some pretty small towns.

We're going to Asheville this month. Already have our tickets to the Biltmore.

I am trying to decide whether we should eat any meals there or if we should find other restaurants in Asheville. Anyone want to weigh in?

My husband and I have been to The Biltmore a couple of times. Once in the Spring and the Fall.The home and grounds are amazing and the town is also very nice and has some great restaurants. There is a McDonalds across the street from the Biltmore entrance and it has been featured on the Travel Channel for amazing McDonalds.Its is worth seeing. Ive been to Dollywood a couple of times but not in the past 3-4 years but we did enjoy it.If you do go to Asheville I would also stop and look around Cherokee area and Maggie Valley areas too both are nice and has alot of different things to do and see.We are coming to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Cherokee area for over a week in April and I cant wait to go back.Last year I went 4 times and gets better every trip. Have a great trip.

We have been twice to the Biltmore in the '90s and really enjoyed it. I do believe you can get some ticket price reductions from AAA, if you belong or possibly AARP, if you qualify.

We really enjoyed all the art/crafty stuff in Asheville as well as a trip on the Blue Ridge Mountain parkway. There is a stop on the parkway that is essentially a craft workshop, forget the name. We also went to Black Mountain, another arty/crafty place and Lake Lure.

Biltmore is definitely worth the money! I have been several times and enjoyed all the different seasons there - the gardens are beautiful in the spring. While there I would recommend that you drive up to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville and at least have a look around (or a drink in the lobby) - it is an amazing hotel that is full of history. The spa there is world class. There are so many good places to shop and eat in downtown Asheville! I will be glad to recommend places to eat if you are interested. I live nearby and have to say that I have been to Dollywood only one time - it was OK but very crowded. If you are taking children with you I would guess that they would love Dollywood but be a little bored with Biltmore. Please do make it to Asheville!

Drive to the top of Mt. Mitchell (off the Blue Ridge Pkwy), pretty awesome view!

I dont know if you have done this but here is a few sites and you can request to have info. sent to you.I have them send me info a couple of times a year and they send all kinds of brochures and maps and some are very interesting and I enjoy reading them.Hope this helps.


http://www.exploreasheville.com/index.aspx

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

http://www.gatlinburg.com/default.asp

http://www.cherokeesmokies.com/

We both highly enjoyed Biltmore. We went in April, and the gardens were beautiful.We had a two-day ticket, and went back the second just to spend time roaming around the grounds. very relaxing and romantic. We didn't enjoy downtown Asheville as much, a bit too "crunchy" for our tastes, but did spend part of day walking around. Never been to Dollywood, so I can't compare.

I recently posted a trip report which covers Asheville and Dollywood. A couple of days if you are planning on visiting Biltmore will cover all the highlights in Asheville. We really enjoyed Dollywood a good mix of local musicians & entertainers and very scary rides!!! Just go with the flow.

The Asheville trolley tour is definately worth the money and will cover all the main highlights. There maybe some festivals or other city activities on for your visit as well.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...wilmington.cfm

Biltmore is definitely worth it - especially as spring rolls around. Yes, downtown can be "crunchy" but that is part of its charm. Plus some of the best restaurants are there - Laughing Seed, Salsa's, Corner Kitchen, & 12 Bones just to name a few. Another great restaurant close to the Biltmore is Rezaz. Enjoy your visit