Hi All,
I’m often a last minute “planner” but this is good even for me. We’re driving towards Asheville now (trying to beat the 3-5”snow forecast for tonight?!). I’ve done some research and just not sure of which direction to go and thought some of you may have some expertise to share.

The debate: Where to stay.
Downtown Asheville in a vrbo within walking distance of shops/restaurants? I’m a fan of French Broad Chocolate and East Fork Pottery and excited to see them. I know I buy spices from a place there too. But we’re not craft beer aficionados and can only eat so much. I heard there’s a place to watch glass blowing?

Or stay at the Inn at Biltmore for triple the price (which is fine if worth it)…

Looked at Omni Grove Park but their spa (available to overnight guests only at this time) is booked through our stay and that would be primary draw for their pricing.

Definitely plan to do the Candlelight Tour at Biltmore and seeing the grounds. Trying to determine if we should plan to eat dinner earlier and be there for like a 7:30 tour or is there a convenient option to try to get reservations at nearby. And then either spend the full day earlier there or come back the next morning to explore grounds when weather forecast is nicer. Read mediocre reviews on the VanGogh exhibit so will probably let that go this time.

Other options include great hotel deals at Kimper Arra?, or basically anywhere chain.

Looking for safe. Convenient parking would be nice. Free parking even better.

12 Bones and Biscuit Head are on short list for restaurants (suggested by friends) and welcome recos (nice morning coffee shop?).

I want to get this posted, but thanks in advance for any help. DH offers no input, but at least he’ll come along.

Also, I’ll be checking back even after this evening for any ideas on food or activities these next few days.

I vote for downtown. Lots to walk to. Not sure about free parking though. Expect this is too late? Please share your info!

FWIW, here's my Asheville TR:

Arty Asheville NC

Thank you! Your report was a helpful read on the drive to Asheville.

We ended up staying downtown at Kimpton Arras. Nice employees and bed but impractical bathroom design elements would actually have me choose elsewhere in future. Great location though.

Biltmore’s Christmas candlelight tour was $280+ for two of us but really an astonishing experiencing with the size of that house. Loved it. I also actually really enjoyed their wines. Especially the Orange Muscat. The Stable smelled like good food but we couldn’t get a reservation.

We were very surprised at how spread out the Biltmore estate was. I was glad we hadn’t paid the premium to stay on the estate since it wasn’t awalkable like I’d imagined. We also noticed the signs stating 45min travel times for 2 mile distances on the estate so guessing off-season was a benefit that way.

We struggled with restaurant hours not being consistent with websites, etc. due to Covid. But enjoyed brunch at Biscuit Head and tacos at white duck tacos and chocolate cake at French broad. Couldn’t get the timing right for dinner at grove park inn either but wandered around it and saw what was left of the gingerbread houses from the competition they host. Would def go back for cocktails around those large fireplaces.

in any case, most like a trip report but wanted to follow up. Thanks Tdudette!

Happy to help and thanks for following up, geanster. Glad you visited Biltmore but stayed at more walkable down town. When my hub and I toured Biltmore (in the 80s?), the dairy was open but the wine business wasn't if I recall. A fabulous house!