snowrooster

Did you go? How was the trip?

1willie2

Great info on the hikes. Is there a pet friendly (4 yr old medium size dog) cottage (only need one room -- don't cook, etc. Usually bring take out back to eat), that you would recommend in the Chimney Rock/Brevard area) I've looked through different sites, VRBO, etc. but most are more than what we want. We spend most of the day out hiking.

The "best" month to visit Asheville depends on what you're looking to do or what your favorite season is. Asheville is great year-round for different reasons.

Maj, to your questions, Oakland Cottage B&B is easy to get to and is also pet friendly (www.oaklandcottage.com or www.vacationinasheville.com). Breakfast is included in the rates and their rates, especially for a B&B in Asheville are very good, especially this time of year ($80-120 nightly and includes bfast). They do have a pet fee of $15 nightly. They do allow guests to use the kitchen there. You might also try the cabin, BreakAway Cabin (also on that website), a 2 bedroom 2 bath cabin w creek & views and also pet friendly.

Things to do in the Chimney Rock area Here's their link: http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/

The hiking there is limited, but there are some really fun hikes, all do-able in a day. There are spectacular views on many of the hikes within the park and they are all fun and unique. Some you would not be able to do with your pet - ladders and steps through cavey kindsof things - neat, fun & different, but not real doggie friendly. In the town of Lake Lure, there are fun little shops and restaurants.

Brevard has endless hiking opportunities and is a great and less expensive (typically) area to base out of. It has great access to Pisgah forest via hwy 276 (aka Wagon Gap Road, the same Wagon Gap Road referred to in the book "Cold Mountain"). Enter "The Forrest" via hwy 276 and there are 14 miles of pure fun all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Davidson River Campground, Park HQ with nice gift shop and great maps, there is a stable with Horseback Riding options, The Fish Hatchery with interperative center are at the foot of John's Rock - I love the hike to Pickleseimer Fields and a longer really fun all day hike is up and over Cedar Rock. If you hike with your dog, there is a difficult section up and over Cedar Rock that poochies might have a challenge with - we did take our dog (willie) on this hike many times, but when he got older, his hind legs just couldn't do the work. A hike to the top of Looking Glass, Caney Bottom, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Cradle of Forestry, Pink Beds, these are all wonderful stops along this 14 mile stretch of Wagon Gap Road, and many, many great hikes along the way, long and short - and THEN, your on the Blue Ridge Parkway - more great access to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!! Try this link: http://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/index.html. And, if that's not enough, check out Dupont State Forrest for some spectacular short hiking around and to some incredible waterfalls. Too much to mention here...

Sorry to bump up this thread but hope others will reply. This is an amazing forum, possibly the best on line!

Any info on Howard Johnson's motel? Read its an award winner but it must be an old property.

The WYNDHAM chain now owns HoJo so is it better or updated?

For this travel, one of our party specifically wants a balcony which is why it's being considered.

I know Asheville has many great places but the Ritz isn't necessary; only looking for clean, safe and not awful for this trip. : - )

Grateful for any feedback.

I'd be wary of a Howard Johnson's. Why do they want a balcony? If it's to smoke in a non-smoking room, you're asking for trouble.

No smoking issues, not at all. Too long to write and irrelevant for other travelers who may be reading, but a balcony is their choice. As an inlaw, I try to comply :)