Which do you recommend? We have thought about The Sourwood Inn or The Red Rocker. Anyone stay at these properties? We'd like to be near downtown Asheville.

Two different properties, but both are solid choices in their different ways. And neither is really near downtown Asheville.

Sourwood qualifies as more of a mountain lodge kind of experience. It sits on a mountain on Elk Mtn Scenic Highway, about 25 minutes north of downtown Asheville. It is of relatively new construction, gorgeous, and very comfortable.

Red Rocker is located in the quaint community of Black Mountain, also 20-25 minutes from downtown Asheville on the east side. It is on a quiet side street a few blocks from "downtown" Black Mountain, in an older renovated large house. Good food and great service.

None of them is close to downtown Asheville

Weaverville, CA?
Weaverville, NC?
Is cable TV the most important thing when traveling?

The last post is my answer to another question you asked.

Yeah, it is awful, but cable TV seems to be a must to our 20 something sons. Why fight it? Weaverville apparently is 10 miles north of Asheville. We did book rooms at The Inn on Main St. It looks charming and affordable.

Just out of pure curiosity, why did you reserve an inn in Weaverville if you wanted to be near downtown Asheville?

You are aware that Asheville is just loaded with B&Bs?

Supposedly Weaverville is only 10 minutes from Asheville. I used a web site for Asheville B&B's and The Inn on Main St. appeared. They had a deal for stay 3 nights get the 4th free. They offer 2 beds in a room (a must for our 2 adult sons). They have cable TV (we're TV junkies--even on vacation). Most of the B&B's I checked did not offer the same. It looks charming online. Most of the B&B's listed online were a distance from downtown Asheville too. Asheville seemed to be a bit pricier. We figured 10 minutes away was close enough considering the deal we are getting.

I would suggest you abandon the B&B for your 20 something sons and opt instead for Best WEstern or Renaissance which are right downtown -both of which I am sure have cable. You can also probably find good deals on Priceline which would be better than the B&B rates. That way you can be downtown, have cable, and for the $ you save you can have breakfast at any # of cute places that are walkable to either of those hotels.

We do want the experience of a true Victorian Inn. The Inn on Main St. is supposedly "haunted" by the ghosts that died in the house (originally owned by a doctor who performed surgeries on premises). That kind of nonsense appeals to us. Is Weaverville not as interesting a place as Asheville? We figure 10 minutes away, and we will be in Asheville. Is parking a problem?

Hey, not trying to talk you out of your choice, just wanted to make sure you weren't confused by the geography (I know it's hard to plan when you are completely unfamiliar w/ an area). Weaverville is about 10 miles away from Asheville, no big deal. There are tons of B&Bs in Asheville, but mainly only the ones in the Montford area would be considered walking distance to downtown.

Here's a website that seems pretty comprehensive.

http://www.bbonline.com/nc/asheville.html

no pressure, though ;-)

Ok, if you are set on the historic aspect I would also try and work out something for Asheville as opposed to Weaverville. Depending on the time of year you may get better deals. Montford (the within walking distance neighborhood of Asheville) has a couple of dozen B&B's so there is some competition. If you are looking for haunted experiences you may want to sign up at the Vistor's center for the Riverside Cemetary night tour - this is where Thos. Wolfe is buried. It is a beautiful cemetary but it would be spooky at night. WEaverville is nice but there is little going on there - 2 restaurants, a coffee bar/bakery...that's about it.
Parking can be occasionally a problem in downtown Asheville depending on what events are happening - it's easier for locals who know where the garages are though.

leahinsc, can you tell me the best place to park (indoor or outdoor) for Biltmore Village? Thanks

I am trying to recall if there is an indoor lot in Biltmore Village - if there is it would be very small. There is street/off street parking primarily. This is not a very big area so your best bet if coming from downtown Asheville is to drive down Biltmore Ave, cross the tracks and turn left and try and find parking. At that point you will be in the "village". Don't forget to go to downtown Asheville - there is much more to see and do there.

Thank you leahinsc, do you recommend taking a trolley tour to get oriented?
Is April 19 or 20 proper time to see flowers at Biltmore Estate?

I think the trolley tour would be a great idea! I see it all over so I guess you can get off and on at will. I would think many flowers would be out by then at the Biltmore. OUr bulbs are already coming up thanks to the mild winter.

What about the Grove Park Inn? It isn't a B&B but for a large hotel, you can't get a closer feel.

It is a historic inn, is haunted, has cable TV, and a lot to do for your twenty something sons.

The Grove Park Inn is also near downtown.

The Grove Park Inn sounded great, but seemed a little over our budget for 2 rooms. We still have our reservations for Weaverville's Inn on Main Street. Unless anyone has negative comments on that property, we may just stay there.

Need any recommendations for dinners? You will enjoy the Stoney Knob which is between WEaverville and Asheville on Merrimon Ave. Dinners Tues-Sat - lunches and do a great Sunday brunch. Outside dining, casual sandwiches for lunch and more upscale offerings like shrimp, fresh fish, and prime rib for dinner.