NC- Raleigh to Asheville
 

My boyfriend and I are taking a vacation to North Carolina. We are flying into Raleigh to stay with his sister in Wilson and then want to head to Asheville. Any suggestions on the best way to go, rent a car, bus train??? and if we should stop in any other towns for a night on the way? I've never been to NC so any suggestions or information is appreciated! Thanks!!!

The best way to see NC and get from Wilson (you must have some BBQ while you're in Wilson)to Asheville is to rent a car. The quickest route will definitely be I-40... it will take you straight to Asheville, but it isn't very scenic.

For some carolina "charm", you could take 40 to Chapel Hill, spend a night in Chapel Hill- a beautiful little town and home to the Tarheels. Stay at the Carolina Inn (pretty pricey) or at the Holiday Inn Express (typical, generic, but a convenient cab ride to Franklin Street). Eat at Mama Dip's (awesome Fried Chicken), Crook's Corner, or a Southern Season, have cocktails on the Terrace at Top of the Hill, or stop by the wine-bar. Chapel Hill is really a neat town.

Asheville is an awesome town as well- funky, eclectic, and artsy. I would stay in downtown Asheville or in Biltmore Village. Eat at La Paz in Biltmore Village or downtown at Tupelo Honey.

There are lots of cool places to stop between Wilson and Asheville. It just depends on your interests and wants. However, a car will be necessary to see the state. How much time do you have?

Definitely car. Not possible on train and too painful via bus. Rentals are cheap in Raleigh.

Good advice, shormk2, although I might add to the dinner list either Allen's Barbecue or the Barbecue Joint. If they are there for a non-weekend, walking down Franklin St. toward Carrboro will show them the array of good restaurants - from hamburger/microbrew to upscale and ethnic.

How much time do you have in NC? Wilson to Asheville is a "fur piece" but going a little further north and stopping by Blowing Rock before heading south to Asheville could be fun.

Stand by for the Charlotte contingent to holler out that you you should stop by there, too.

What's your pleasure? What are your tastes?

Where are you coming from? And Asheville is a great town, but as someone said, a "fer" piece from Wilson. Is there a reason you chose Asheville?

HKP - Why the hate ? How much time will you have ? I would spend some time on the Parkway as well as the Mts. if time allows www.visitnc.com, www.blueridgeparkway.org

Sounds as if you are younger than most folks who usually post here. If so, I'd break up the trip with a stop in Chapel Hill for lunch and take in some of the University vibe and then head straight for Asheville. It's an easy drive from there. No real need to stop anywhere else.

SAnParis2 what IS the problem? I really can't figure out what you think I was attacking or 'hating'.... are you objecting to the "Stand by..." statement? I can't tell the OP what's good in Charlotte, but thought a "holler out" from a native might do it.

Wow.

"Stand by for the Charlotte contingent to holler out that you you should stop by there, too" I apologize if this statement was not meant as inflammatory. Read it again, & tell me what you think. Since Charlotte would be significantly out of the way, it seems a bit over the top. Particularly since 4 of us have already 'chimed in' & not mentioned CLT.

Just rent a car and drive to Asheville.
There's so much to see and do in Asheville, I'd just drive through - be there in less than 4 hours and eat lunch there.

SAnParis - from Raleigh to Asheville is 3 1/2 - 4 hrs., whereas Charlotte is only about 2 -2 1/2. I thought maybe someone would suggest that.

She's coming from Wilson, not Raleigh, so it will take a bit longer than 4 hours.

Since you going to Wilsonto see family, fly into Raleigh and either get your family to pick you up or rent a car near the airport. If you family is picking you up, get them to drive you back to Raleigh at airport and rent a car. 4 hours to Asheville. Might not be senic but not bad. Great transition from the coastal plain (WIlson) to the Piedmont (Raleigh to Greensboro) and then head into the mountains (Asheville). Drive a little west to get a little deeper in the mountains. Also drive on the parkway but watch for exits that get you off or you could be on for miles. Stay downtown so you can walk to places to eat and drink. Days Inn was there and still might be for very cheap stay (not fancy at all, a little desperate) but downtown.

4 hours is not bad from Raleigh and WIlson is only 45 minutes more. For a young traveler, no big deal.

For what it's worth, I thought it was baiting also.
I am asking the OP "why Asheville" because a trip to the coast might be as much fun, if there is not a compelling reason for the mountains and Asheville. Just a thought.
Oh, wait, I think she is from NJ, so the coast might not be as unusual, although it is certainly fun. It might be as well to go to Asheville first, and then go to Wilson for the visit.

Thanks for all of your replies! we are arriving in raleigh friday night, may 29th and then will leave sunday and venture west. I chose asheville from doing internet searches on funky/artsy towns. It seemed right up our alley. The drive doesn't bother us at all so it seems that's what we'll do. I was just thinking we might get some ideas about what is along the way, pack in what we can. thanks again for your responses!

Your route could be a great barbecue tour. Parker's and Bill Ellis in Wilson, Bullocks in Durham, Stamey's in Greensboro, and a diversion to Lexington for Lexington Barbecue.