We are thinking of traveling to Asheville NC in April. I'm wondering which airport to fly into from New York? Also, can you point me to a 5 day itineary. We like the outdoors and am looking forward to the Biltmore Estate. Thank you

Which airport?
Asheville.
The connection may be through Charlotte, so you could fly to Charlotte and drive two hours if you prefer.

A new boutique hotel has opened up in downtown -
http://www.windsorasheville.com/

The hotel is near one of my favorite bookstores and lots of restaurants to choose from -
http://www.malaprops.com/about-us

The Biltmore is lovely and the gardens should be gorgeous at that time of year.

There are plenty of hiking choices. If you want something a bit different, consider a rafting trip on the French Broad river -
http://noc.com/plan-your-trip/french-broad-river

As Starrs said, it would be Asheville or Charlotte. You will need to rent a car.

There are plenty of nonstop flights from LGA to Asheville.

There are?
I just checked via Kayak for dates in June and found only 1 nonstop (out of 510) and that's on United from Newark. Who flies non-stop from LGA? My boss lives in Asheville and always has to connect (usually through Atlanta).

I didn't know that.

Check on flying to Greenville SC which is about an hour from Ashevile.

These all sound terrific! would love to do the rafting but not sure about April. I'm thinking 5 days but I would like to enjoy both the town, Biltmore and some hiking. Thanks to all of you for your help.

I've been doing some more research on the Asheville area and the Blue Ridge Mountain Hgwy.
It all sound so nice. I want to make sure we allow enough time to see much of what is around there.
Is a week too much is 5 days too little?
We would like to do some 2 hour hikes or if there is a really special hike, longer,
Spend, I guess, a day at the Biltmore Estate,
Enjoy the downtown, food, art, more,
Enjoy the waterfalls and scenic drive both north and south
Not sure what else.

In past vacations I've learned to fly into one airport and out of another to maximize the time on the ground with out duplicating or doubling back. I'm not sure it's necessary in this area. Thinking of flying into Charlotte NC and driving maybe to Chimney rock for the afternoon.

I'm not sure if we should stay someplace other than Asheville for one or two nights, perhaps north then a few days in Asheville or use Asheville as the central location.
Is it worth staying in Charlotte for one evening?

If you would suggest a reasonable amount of time to enjoy much of the Asheville area, that would help. Thank you

There's probably enough to do around that area with hiking, etc.
I don't know if I'd stay in Charlotte (and I live and love it here) although a special dinner could be quite nice. Depending on a date, there might be a good show at the Blumenthal also.
There are a lot of interesting little mountain towns--you might want to travel up and down the Parkway.

Look at Brevard for the second location.

yeah, Doug, put that in your corncob pipe and smoke it!!!

Thank you. still researching..... My goodness the Biltmore Estate area seems overwhelming. Looks like you really need two days and we are Downton Fans.
Hubby just told me mid April is not a good time for him now. Is late March too early?

You buy tickets for the tour of the house and that includes access to the grounds the day of or the day after the tour. There's a winery on the grounds and the grounds were designed by Frederxik Law Olmstead who also designed Central Park. Asheville has a small but vibrant downtown with great restaurants and music venues. March may be colder than April but still warmer than "home". It's a good destination anytime of year. You need to go to the Grove Park Inn. It's a fabulous place to stay (I like the historic rooms but the new rooms are much larger. The fireplaces in the lobby are huge and wonderful and a great place for a drink and nice restaurants too. They have a nice spa with a gorgeous grotto pool. Golf course too. The little shops next door have unique items. Anyway plenty to do in town and hiking in surrounding area. Brevard would be a good second town if you want one or maybe BAnner Elk/ Boone depending on the airport you choose. I love the Mast Farm Inn for a special (but pricey) place. I think Valle Crucis is one of the prettiest valleys anywhere You could also drive a segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway - unless it's closed due to bad weather. There's always the chance of snow in March.

Asheville is wonderful. I was down there on a RoadScholar trip for 5 days in August while my bathroom was being demolished. Plenty to do. In addition to Olmsted, Guastavino designed the pool tiles in Asheville and redesigned the church where he had himself buried and my hotel room overlooked Thomas Wolfe's house - It would be difficult to look homeward angel today. If I had a car and more time I would probably do lots of hiking. Fun little sister city to NYC.

A Guide Named Sue
http://thestarryeye.typepad.com/expl...rt-museum.html

I can't wait. Thank you I'll write back and share as I learn more.