Hello All, we are heading to Asheville for a birthday weekend(mine) in Nov. We are going to do the Christmas display at the Biltmore, and just wander through the area. I did a search on Fodors and found some info. Any tips?
I checked out some of the B&Bs there, and found them to be just a little expensive, so I made reservations at the Residence Inn. Has anyone stayed there?
Any restaurants that you truly liked?
Did anyone do the Winery tour and tasting?
Thanks for any input, Judy

We did the winery tour in the fall of '99 when we stayed at the Richmond Hill Inn in Asheville for a couple days. Tour and tasting was fun! Last year, we stayed at the Black Walnut Inn and toured Biltmore in mid-Dec. when it was decorated for the holidays. It was bitterly cold that day (like 10 degrees F.) and we nearly froze being bused from the parking lot to the mansion ! But once we got in the mansion and warmed up, we really enjoyed it. Have fun, and don't miss the little shops in the basement of the mansion.

As for restaurants, there's an interesting vegetarian place, Salsa's (?), in town. The food is a cross between Carribean and Mexican or something, and it is good!

Just returned from Asheville/Biltmore trip. Stayed at the Inn on the Estate, but ate most meals in Asheville. Salsa's is a must, but not totally vegetarian. Defies description, but don't miss the chance to eat there! (And come hungry!) Around the corner from Salsa's is another local favorite, La Caterina Trattoria....homemade pastas and great "ambiance." Not light northern Italian...more Sicilian, but with the cooler temps, it hit the spot. For an experience at breakfast/brunch/lunch, try the Blue Moon Cafe. We had a late breakfast there, but it would be a super place to order a picnic lunch to take to the estate. The crowd is eclectic (as is Salsa's) and I was reminded a bit of the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld, but it was worth it! At the Estate, I highly recommend the audio tour. Then, sign up for a "Behind the Scenes" guided tour--it was mind boggling...the docent takes you into un-restored rooms, up to the servants' quarters, into the baths and dressing rooms, the butler's pantry, and down into the mechanical areas in the sub-basements. Biltmore actually exceeded its hype. Enjoy!

Thanks Cheryl and Tess for your feedback
Salsas and Caterina Trattoria sound like the places to eat.
I think the behind the scenes tour sounds great....
I think a weekend getaway is going to become more popular for the time being, yes? We live in Atlanta, and it is not that far to Asheville.
Thanks again, Judy

Judy, another lovely place to stay is Richmond Hill. The restaurant there, Gabrielle's, is supposed to be wonderful. It's somewhat expensive, but definitely worth checking out. I had my wedding reception there many years ago. Two more restaurants near the Biltmore House that you might want to try are Cafe Pacific and Wildflower. Both are located just south of Biltmore Village. Hope you have a lovely time!

we stayed at a Super 8 in Asheville last Friday...what a joke! the room was 89 bucks with tax...and it was terrible, ...indifferent desk clerk,small...no fan....no amenities...they advertised "continental breakfast"...it was glazed donuts and coffee. We had driven for 14 hours, so we were too tired to fight! We are going back to Asheville this Friday, and I hope we find a nicer place. All the Motels seem pricey...even the budget chains....

Last time I was in Asheville, I stayed at the Haywood Park Hotel, which is right downtown amid all the shops and restaurants. We loved it. The room -- and the bathroom for that matter -- was HUGE. Very nice, exceptionally clean, great service, and the price was reasonable. (800) 228-2522

You'll love the Christmas candlelight tour at the Biltmore. Do tour the winery- the tasting is quite good! You may need to return during the day to do the winery tour. As for lodging, we usually stay in Bryson City, since we like to hike. We have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express directly off the highway at the Biltmore exit; accommodations were acceptable, but the road noise was not. Will ask for a room on the back side of the property should we stay there again.

There's a very good Italian place downtown called Vincenzo's. Highly recommend it!

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We stayed at the Residence Inn in June in a two bedroom suite and it was fine. Typical Marriott property - clean, well-appointed, and comfortable rooms with a decent breakfast buffet (for a chain). There's a small indoor pool as well. And we appreciated the kitchen in the room. The hotel is not far from the entrance to the Biltmore and is close to the shops at Biltmore Village. I can't really recommend restaurants -- we were there with young kids. If you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway south, you might consider a stop for lunch at the Pisgah Inn -- the food was pretty good and there was a wonderful view in June, although I don't know how it would be in November.

Hi there...My husband and I are going to Asheville for a 3 day weekend. We are staying at the Inn at the Biltmore for the 1st night. And we are thinking about the Richmond Hill for the next two nights. Are there any better suggestions then the Richmond Hill?

Michey - rather than tagging on to an old, outdated and now mostly invalid post - set up a new one with your queries.

Thanks. I am new at this.

Michey - I just realized that you are the one that has asked this question exhaustively on another post....hopefully you have made a decision by now!