Asheville get snow.
Folks don't shovel out of their homes when it snows. It's light-years away from the Boston snow experience.

http://www.exploreasheville.com/abou...ville/weather/

I agree that NC is in a very different league than Boston when it comes to snow. However, I don't know what part of the state you live in, but I can assure you that in the Research Triangle area they do indeed shovel snow to get out of their homes. I just did it myself. Although it is also true that the roads are cleared much more efficiently than used to be the case, while the powewr outage situation hasn't noticeably improved.

BTW, I've just arranged to spend four nights in Boston in the middle of July. Will I need AC? (Can't believe how expensive hotels are, looks like I'll be sleeping in Cambridge.)

Boston in July without AC is a gamble I wouldn't take. But really, what hotels are you considering that don't have AC?

I'm considering a B&B that doesn't mention AC.

In honesty, I came to hate the race scene, which is superficially more civil than you might expect, but there's still a lot under the surface,
AND Boston is SO very tolerant of everyone!

To everyone who says Boston and NC are very different--in the immortal word of homer--Doh!!

Thank you everyone for taking the time to give me your feedback it is really appreciated.

Keep them coming. I will keep you all posted. We are planning a trip in July to check out all these areas you all have mentioned and see what we think.

BTW, I've just arranged to spend four nights in Boston in the middle of July. Will I need AC?

Yes.

Can't believe how expensive hotels are, looks like I'll be sleeping in Cambridge.

Depending where in Cambridge, that isn't a big deal. Many of the most exciting restaurants are in Cambridge because rents and liquor licenses are cheaper.

@travelgourmet - thanks.

Harding House, 288 Harvard St. Says it's seven min from Central T stop. Notice it is also close to Whole Foods. Also wondering about Brookline.

Just to move it in a slight different direction. What are your reason for choosing NC? Is that the only alternative? I started my working life out of college in Charlotte, NC. While I liked Charlotte and NC, and it was decent place to live for awhile, there are nicer areas in the US. No area is perfect in all respects but some of your goals might be better met in other parts of the country.

Harding House, 288 Harvard St. Says it's seven min from Central T stop. Notice it is also close to Whole Foods. Also wondering about Brookline.

That is a really good location if you ask me. Near a lot of great restaurants, good location in Cambridge, and the Red Line will quickly get you from Central Square to Boston proper. If you like the place, no reason not to stay there. Frankly, depending upon your interests, it could be as good or better than staying in Boston.

Personally, I wouldn't do Brookline. Cambridge has better restaurants and the Green Line in from Brookline is interminable.

@travelgourmet - thanks again! Have sent a query about AC, if the answer is yes will stay there. If not, looks like College Club will work. Will post a restaurant query closer to arrival. Will still cost me more than New York or London!

Harding House's 'sister' B&B is Irving House, also in Cambridge. Both are well located, nicely run. Pay attention to parking arrangements. Yes, you may miss AC in July, but you may not - hit or miss re: weather.

It's spring here!

just sayin'