Myer

We're thinking (me with wife) of a short trip to Asheville to chase the changing of the colors and look around the area. Maybe some towns, etc.

Considering going 10/13 and returning 10/18. Thought of returning 10/17 but several things actually got less expensive by staying that extra day.

I've never been to Asheville.

What's the airport like and how much time is required when leaving to return a rental car and clear security? From the pictures it looks like a very small airport.

I wanted to be in the downtown area (not sure why) so I looked at three hotels; The new (I think) Hyatt Place Downtown, Hilton Garden and Marriott Renaissance.

At first I shied away from the Hyatt Place because every time I went to Google Maps or Earth I couldn't find it. Then I think I got the answer that it just recently opened. Now it appears to be my first choice.

Is there anything special about 10/14 - 10/15?

Any help of these or other good info?

Gretchen

It is THE mid-October weekend days that the colors are always purported to be at their height, if you are referring to the fact of heavy expensive booking.

brdcollie

Asheville has a great regional airport (AVL) http://flyavl.com/flights-and-airlines/airlines/ served by daily flights with American, Delta, United and Allegiant. Security lines are never very long, compared to major airports. Usually only a few minutes’ wait time. All major rental car companies’ counters are located right next to baggage claim. Baggage claim can sometimes be a bit slow, but you should be able to pick up your luggage and get a rental car in 30 minutes.
Both the Hyatt and Hilton hotels are brand new. Also located downtown are; the Haywood Park Hotel, the Indigo, and the Aloft (although we not fans of Aloft’s minimalistic room style.) All are within easy walking distance of downtown restaurants, breweries, bars, galleries, shops, and music venues.

plambers

the Renaissance is walkable to downtown. A loft is a perfect location if you can book that.
be sure to reserve Curate now! is a fabulous tapas restaurant that books up months in advance.

Gretchen

And the airport is basically in Hendersonville, the apple capital of NC so grab some while you are near.

brdcollie

AVL to downtown Asheville is about 15 miles (20 minutes in normal traffic). Hendersonville is another 15 miles further on beyond the airport. So I would not characterize AVL as being in Hendersonville. It is however right next the the Sierra Nevada Brewery, a great stop either coming into or going out of AVL.

Gretchen

OK OK. 15 miles on I26 is just about there. Hendersonville IS a worthy stop for apples--just another thought for someone coming TO the area.
Another worthy stop on that side is the regional farmers' market.

LEHE

October is one of the busiest times of year in the Asheville area. If you're adverse to crowds and bumper to bumper traffic I'd consider coming at the very end of October or the first week in November. If not, be prepared.
The airport is tiny and charming, compared to most, and the security lines are never long. The road into the city (26) can be a real hassle during that time of year and may take you far longer than it should. Consider, instead, taking a side road into town. All the hotels are conveniently located and will allow you to walk around the city. But if you want to get a feel for the mountains and rural living so near to Asheville you might want to consider renting a VHBO just out of town, in Fairview or Haw Creek or Leicester. It will probably be less expensive and give you the option of getting out of town and seeing the spectacularly beautiful area.

Myer

I see where hotels have all booked up so I expect people to be there.

I didn't expect gridlock in a place that size.

Well, I have reservations and plane tickets so my dates are fixed.

I may look at getting from the airport via side roads instead of expressways.

Gretchen

I didn't expect gridlock in a place that size.

You haven't been to Asheville, as you said in your post!! It is the poster child for mountain nicety!! LOL
You'll love it. Lots to do and don't forget to drive up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway for a few miles from there. You might even consider doing it from the airport--take a little road trip over to the Parkway and then up to Asheville.

Myer

Our plane arrives in Asheville at 4:40 so it might be a bit late to start with the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Typically I'm up quite early in the morning and then come back to get my wife and have some breakfast. So I can easily do some early morning scenery.

I have reservations at the Hyatt Place Hotel. A bit concerned about low rooms in the back having road noise. They appear to have a more expensive ($20/night) reservation for High Floor. I could request high floor and side room but you never know what you'll get or reserve a higher floor. Is this really an issue. I did see a few comments about that.

The Biltmore looks to be one of the more commercial sights anywhere. That normally turns me off. But is it really worth going?

I did look for historic houses and came up with Smith-McDowell House that may look interesting. Any comments on it?

Restaurants. Breakfast is included and lunch usually on the fly. Looking for plain, simple dinners. Not real foodies.

brdcollie

Yes, it will be busy that time of year, but you will still be able to get around. Arriving at rush-hour you may as well take the interstate (I-26 to I-240) to get to your hotel. The traffic is always busy that time of day, and especially that time of year, but it keeps moving - eventually. Your other option is to drive 5 minutes to the Sierra Nevada Brewery and wait for traffic to clear while you have a beer and some very good food.

The Hyatt should be fine. It's brand new and I'm sure the windows are double glazed for soundproofing. It might be worth the $20/night for a higher floor because they do have some wonderful views. They also have a new bar/restaurant on the roof. I haven't made it there yet, but it should be worth a visit.

I'm not a big fan of the Biltmore (that will probably get me some negative reactions from other Fodorites). It is very commercial and that time of year it will be a mob scene. But if you've never been before, and you don't mind the crowds, it might be worth a visit. The Smith-McDowell House is worth a short visit. There is also the Thomas Wolfe Memorial House http://wolfememorial.com/. The Grove park Inn is also an architectural gem. All of downtown Asheville is a great for historic architecture.
Here are a few sites within easy walking distance of your hotel http://www.asheville-mountain-magic....hitecture.html

The food scene in Asheville is top notch. And in the downtown area it can also be expensive. For mid-range, good food I'd recommend, Bouchon, Pack's Tavern, Strada, Mela, Wasabi, Buxton Hall, Chai Pani, Salsa, Farm Burger.

I suggest avoiding the Blue Ridge Parkway on the weekend that time of year, but if you get get up early on Friday, you can pick up the Parkway in Asheville. Heading south, drive about 30 miles to route 276. Take take it down the mountain toward Brevard. Along the Parkway you'll have plenty of overlooks for view stops, and coming down 276 you'll see waterfalls, the Davidson River, the Cradle of Forestry and the NC Fish Hatchery. As you exit the Pisgah Forest you can turn left on Hyw 280 to head back to Asheville, or turn right to go into Brevard, a great little mountain town, for lunch and walking around. I'm sure your hotel can give you details and maps.

Leave plenty of time to just wander in Asheville, the River Arts District and West Asheville.

Gretchen

That's a great trip going south.
If you love beautiful crafts be sure to see the Appalachian craft show room on the Parkway north of Asheville.
Do visit the Grove Park Inn.
I'm not a huge Biltmore fan either but it IS there and it IS the largest house in the US.

Myer

My wife saw something about the Biltmore somewhere and asked me if I had included it. I told her I hadn't but we could. I felt it's over-commercial.

Good info brdcollie & Gretchen. Just what I need.

We arrive Thur late afternoon and don't leave until late Tue afternoon. So we should be able to get in a fair amount.

My wife is a retired librarian so anything books gets her attention. I'm into photography so I'm interested in scenery and anything of interest.

I started to make a list of dinner restaurants and I think a few mentioned above got on the list. I don't need fancy but I'm fussy about what I don't want. I go over the list mentioned.

Thanks so far.

Gretchen

RAther than just label it "commercial" it is interesting to think about the place the family has in the area. They gave the land for the two sections of the Pisgah Forest. Biltmore as it is is relatively new--the family was pretty close to bankrupt until about 30 years ago when a grandson (the Cecils) brought the mansion to the point it is now.
DD and her family went on a behind the scenes tour that was really interesting. It is easy to pooh pooh commercialization but....Biltmore is a little more than that.

brdcollie

If you let us know what type of food you like, we could give you some specific suggestions.

Among the better top-end restaurants in Asheville are: The Admiral, Posana, Chestnut, The Market Place, Cucina 24, Bouchon, Limones, Isis, Isa's, Bull and Beggar, the Junction, Curate, Rhubarb and Nine Mile.

For coffee and pastries: Karen Donatelli or OWL. Donuts: The Hole. Ice cream: The Hop.

Your wife should visit Malaprop's Book Store and the Battery Park Book Exchange. Asheville and the surround area is a photographer's paradise. Definitely visit the River Arts District. Hope you get good weather and great leaf color.

Myer

More good info.

I already had Malaprops and Battery Park Book Exchange on the list.

What can you tell me about the library on Haywood and The Captain's Bookshelf?

Food. We are not really high end foodies. Seafood, Italian, French, BBQ & ribs, Chinese, Burgers until I had a health issue.

We stay away from Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, etc.

My wife drinks coffee but I don't. We stay away from pastries, donuts though I may convince myself to have some ice cream once.

I see the restaurant list has changed somewhat so I'd go thru the new one.

Thanks.

Myer

Let's try to separate the questions.

BILTMORE.

I took a relatively quick look at their web site and decided it appears to be one of the more commercial "sights" I've ever considered.

Looking for reasons to tgo or not to go.

Myer

Next.

ASHEVILLE.

The original intention of this trip was to try and catch some "changing of the seasons" or it might be called "changing of the color of the leaves".

So this question focuses on Asheville itself. I've never been there.

What are the areas of interest? What time of day or week are they best visited?