We are traveling from South Florida and trying to get the best airfare. We are looking into other airports within driving distance. We are going to be in Asheville 4 days. Other than the Biltmore which is on our to do list. Has anyone gone mining? We make jewelry-beaders. Any recommendations of must do is appreciated. Also how is the weather during the Summer some say it is hot others say it is great. We are from South Florida and used to warm weather and would find cooler weather refreshing.

Have you considered driving? Are you renting a car once there?
Charlotte or Spartanburg would be candidates for air.

We enjoy visiting Grove Park Inn. They have an amazing spa -it's expensive, but you can enjoy the pool area outside and inside and basically stay in the spa all day as long as you have a massage, treatment, etc. It's a beautiful place just to visit and walk around as well. The Asheville area also is great for hiking. Interesting shopping downtown. It can be pretty warm (not by Florida standards though!) but you should be able to find some cool air on the Blue Ridge Parkway, along with the beautiful views!

You'll need a car & I would fly into CLT (it is on the west side of town anyway)& go from there, it is an easy drive. I have a fairly recent trip report on here. The Gem Mining is really a kitchy/touristy thing for the most part but there may well be some legit mining if you look around. If you were to fly into Asheville it will likely take longer & you'll likely connect in CLT anyway...

One must-do would be to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway to Smoky Mountains National Park or north from Asheville, or both.

Fly into GSP (Greenville SC). It is just an hour to Asheville and an easy drive on the interstate. You will be riding through the mountains for the last 45 minutes.

GSP has cheaper rates because it is served by Southwest. It also used to have Allegence which had dirt cheap fairs to Florida but I haven't checked it lately.

Greenville is worth a trip by its self. But it is also a great gateway to Asheville.