My daughters and some friends are planning a birthday getaway to Asheville and would like to know what places they should consider. They want something close to restaurants, and also to the Appalachian Nat'l Park/trails, so that they can park their cars and walk to most everything. Any recommendations?

Also, regarding the Asheville area, has anyone done the hot air balloon?

My husband and I met friends last fall at the Princess Anne Hotel and loved it! It's small (16 rooms), safe, and has the best afternoon wine and cheese setting, besides a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast. We two couples booked a one bedroom suite plus a single bedroom which connected to the suite, so we had a sitting room between our bedrooms for visiting. While not within walking distance of all on your list, the concierge service more than makes up for the bit of driving. Our Biltmore House tour tickets were waiting for us, and the dinner/lunch suggestions resulted in fastastic food both at downtown Asheville eateries and at Biltmore Village restaurants. Please check out their website at: http://www.princessannehotel.com/site/index.php By the way, we are returning next month to do the trip all over again with family. I love this hotel!!

Phyllo, this place looks great. I have no doubt it's what I'd want for a getaway for my husband and myself. I'm thinking it's a bit more 'stiff' than my daughters are looking for, considering they are focusing the trip on a couple hikes along/through the Blue Ridge Mtns. One daughter actually wanted a hostel type place, while the other wanted a few more ammenities. Still I'm saving this as an option for them, and even more so, for future reference for me! Thanks.

We're taking a trip to the Black Mountain area in a few months; it looks really nice with art galleries, trails and hiking, restaurants. We're staying at a spot called the Arbor House and plan to drive in to see the Biltmore estate.

LoisL,

Since the two words "hostel" and "hike" are no longer a part of my traveling vocabulary and are making me hyperventilate just typing them, I guess I am not the one to help out your daughters and friends. But do remember Miss Anne in your future plans, especially if visiting family and friends over a glass of wine is a major part of your agenda. Good luck to The Girls!!

Volcanogirl, where is the Black Mountain area in relation to Asheville? Asheville was not so much their destination as was an 'outdoors', adventurous weekend. My one daughter climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro this past summer, and her idea of getaway weekends tends to be a bit more extreme than her sister's...............

Lois, I believe it's about 15 miles. The inn where we're staying is on a lake and has hiking trails, views of the Smoky Mountains, etc. I think it's a good combo of nature and good restaurants, etc.

Correction: I meant Blue Ridge Mountains - sorry about that. If you do a search for Arbor House Inn, they have a nice website with pictures of the area.

Volcanogirl, I checked out the place, and it definitely looks like a good option if they decide to stay away from town. I'll pass along the info. Thanks.

They can stay in Asheville and do the restaurants, etc. Then drive to one of the nearby accesses to the National Forest and park there.

how old are they? they might want to think about a small vacation rental - couples can get privacy but by splitting the cost can end up getting a much better deal than a boring/non private hotel room!