Ashville NC in November
 

Two adults staying at the Grove Park Inn weekend of Nov 19th for 3 nights. We will have a car. What should we see and do? I understand we also need to spend some time at their wonderful spa. Any suggestions for some sightseeing, shopping at quaint stores, and dinner at a very nice restaurant or two? Is the candlelight tour at Biltomore worth seeing? Someone told me they it is too crowded...

Don't miss the Biltmore House. Although pricy, it is well worth every penny of the admission. The candlelight tour might be nice, but I think you'd really want to see it during the day. Be sure to rent the audiotape for the tour--it will make the tour that much more enjoyable.

Do the candelight Biltmore tour if it is offered.

I believe a candlelight tour ticket allows you access to the grounds and winery the next day as well.

The candlelight tour is no more crowded than other times of the day. There is staggered admittance to the house by half hour. It's not really a "tour" - no guide, but you move through the house and docents are there for limited commentary. Biltmore at night in candlenight is gorgeous.

Thanks for the suggestions. We'll definitely do a Biltmore tour. Any suggestions for a sightseeing drive, maybe 3-4 hours? We enjoy getting out and taking photos, etc,. but aren't big hikers. I also read something recently about some train rides through the mountains with I believe, the Smokey Mountain Railroad. Is this close to the Grove Park Inn?

Chimney Rock is not far from Asheville. You can hike up the mountain or ride an elevator up (you can then hike farther up from the elevator). Beautiful view. Also,at GPI, if you plan to have a massage, be sure to allow enough time to take full advantage of all the spa facilities. Last year, we were nervous about spending so much money for the massages but failed to allow several hours to enjoy the whole thing (if you pay for a massage, you have access to the whole spa for the day - next time we'll just plan to hang out there for most of the day). If it's a pretty day, it's nice to just sit in one of their rocking chairs & just enjoy the view or read. We plan to return there this year & will do more relaxin' & less doin'!