elizabeth

Downtown Asheville: Mark Your Calendar for Summer Events

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Jun
7

 

by Sandy McLeod

Downtown After 5 is held at the bottom of Lexington Avenue, near the ramp to 240.

Asheville, North Carolina is a popular tourist destination year ‘round, but it is especially popular in the summer because the cool mountain air offers respite from the heat of the coast, the cities, and the Piedmont.  Because of its huge popularity during the summer months, Asheville has become known for street music and art festivals, designed to showcase nationally acclaimed and locally celebrated artists.   

The three major festivals in the summer are free to the public. Come out and enjoy the Shindig on the Green, Downtown After 5 and the Art Walk.  All three events are appropriate for all ages. Alcohol can only be consumed by those with pre-purchased wrist bands. Listen to music, dance, view art, eat and drink during a cool summer evening in Asheville. 

 

Shindig on the Green (6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31)

One of Asheville’s oldest and most beloved music festivals is Shindig on the Green.  The Shindig in its present form started 47 years ago, and is designed to bring the best of mountain music to the stage in Downtown Asheville. This includes anything from blue grass to ballads – with plenty of pickin’ and grinnin’ and traditional mountain dancing. Shindig on the Green is held in Pack Square Park on the Roger McGuire Green.  It is free and open to the public.  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy a Saturday evening with friends and loved ones at the Shindig beginning around sundown. 

Downtown After 5 (Fri June 21, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 20)

The Secret B Sides are a favorite for the Asheville crowd and will be taking the stage again in 2013.

For the past 25 years, Downtown After 5 has been one of the most popular music events, and is a favorite of the locals. The music festival occurs on the third Friday of every month from May-September.  Over the years, Downtown After 5 has been held in different locations.  For many years it was held in the heart of City County Plaza at Pack Square. Currently, Downtown After 5 takes place at the bottom of Lexington Avenue at the intersection of Route 240. Some top bands appearing this year include Shonna Tucker and Eye Candy, from nearby Athens, Georgia.  The Hermit Kings will also be on the stage in 2013.  A $2 wrist band is purchased by adults who want to consume local craft brews on tap at Downtown After 5.  Enjoy a wide selection of food vendors and restaurants. 

 

Art Walk (June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6)

Asheville has long been known as a destination for fine art, folk art and craft.  For over one hundred years, there have been notable artists living in Asheville and showing their work here.  In the past few decades, many fine galleries have opened in Downtown Asheville and they have attracted some big names and phenomenal talent. 

This year, celebrate summer by experiencing the exquisite galleries in Downtown Asheville firsthand. Works by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists are highlighted.  The Art Walk is sponsored by the Asheville Downtown Gallery Association and occurs the First Friday of every month.  Pick up a copy of the Downtown Gallery Guide with a map at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce or other locations. Visit up to 25 participating galleries, studios and museums between 5-8 p.m. every first Friday from April through December.  Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while viewing some of the finest art in the Southeast. 

Whether you are visiting Asheville for the first time or come over and over again, attending a festival is always a great time. Have a meal at an Asheville restaurant and enjoy the fun, colorful atmosphere of Downtown Asheville while partaking in any of these free festivals this summer. 

Stay in a luxury cabin, right in Asheville, and only 10 minutes from Downtown art galleries.

sandy@willowwinds.com

Enjoy Biltmore Estate Concert Series this summer

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Jun
7

 

With spectacular views of the Biltmore House and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains enjoy open air performances by award winning artists under the stars.

Tickets sell out quickly. Get yours this week for Heart who preforms on July 25, 2012  and Sheryl Crow  for August 4, 2012 are On Sale Now.

 

The Heart

Sheryl Crow

 

 

 

 

 

Tickets go on Sale on June 12, 2013 for the following:

 

Casting Crowns — August 16, 2013

 

 

 

The Temptations & The Four Tops  — August 23, 2013

 

 

 

The Beach Boys — August 30, 2013

 

 

 

Comedian Bill Engvall — August 31, 2013

 

 

 

These are always very popular with tourists and locals alike.  Get your tickets soon, and you will not be disappointed.

elizabeth

South Asheville Restaurants

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May
31

 

By Sandy McLeod

Biltmore Estate is the number one attraction in Asheville, North Carolina. This American ‘castle’ and surrounding acreage was the vision of George Vanderbilt. Biltmore home was constructed in the late 19th Century and is visited by over 900,000 people each year. The Biltmore Village section of South Asheville was actually built during the same time period as Biltmore house. Some of the same laborers and artisans that created Biltmore’s delicately handcrafted and original features were in need of housing near the Estate, so the village emerged. To this day this section of Asheville retains its Late 19th and Early 20th Century architecture and mystique.       

The atmosphere of South Asheville is characterized by its proximity to historic Biltmore Estate. The restaurants in and around Biltmore Village draw some of the best chefs and finest restaurants to the area.  As owner of Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds in South Asheville, I receive guest inquiries about the best restaurants nearby on a daily basis. So, I have put together my top five picks for restaurants.  These are the places I would enthusiastically recommend to guests and the public.  There are many fine restaurants in South Asheville that do not make my list.  Feel free to try them, too. 

Corner Kitchen

Located in the heart of Biltmore Village, just outside the gates of Biltmore Estate, the Corner Kitchen is a popular restaurant for locals and visitors. The Southern fare here is served with sophistication and an excellent presentation.  The Ploughman’s Lunch of soup, salad, two cheeses and terrine comes with the option of a roasted portabello for vegetarian farmers. Pecan crusted mountain trout and Sesame Catfish are examples of inventive ways to cook these traditional dishes.   The Corner Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.   

 

Rezaz serves a wide list of small plates and entrees and provides an excellent wine list. It is located in historic Biltmore Village. 

Rezaz

Rezaz combines an elegant atmosphere with fine food and a carefully selected wine list. Located at 28 Hendersonville Road, the restaurant is situated right in historic Biltmore Village.  The Mediterranean Cuisine is spiced perfectly and colorfully presented.  Diners may choose appetizers or small plates or full sized entrees for dinner.  Some entrees include: Braised Rabbit Cacciatori, Grilled Wild Boar Sausage and Taleggio Walnut Ravioli. For a light snack over a glass of fine wine, try the Antipasti. Choose from a large selection of seafood, meats, cheeses, olives and dips to make your own plate.  Rezaz is an ideal place to meet for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres or have lunch or dinner.    

 

Biltmore Park Town Square, South Asheville

Biltmore Park Town Square is a new, mixed-use town center with fine dining, entertainment, shopping and residences. It is located just off Route 191 (Long Shoals Road). There are many fine restaurants located in Biltmore Park Town Square in South Asheville, but I have my two favorites:  131 Main and Travinia. 

 

131 Main, Biltmore Park Town Square

For those who like continental cuisine and generous selection of fine wines and freshly mixed cocktails, 131 Main is an excellent choice.  The restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Some entrees include: Fresh Fish Tacos, Maryland Style Crab Cakes, Homemade Meatloaf and Danish Baby Back Ribs.  The Gluten Free Menu accommodates those on a special diet. The atmosphere of 131 Main is inviting and comfortable – with a simply designed urban interior.

 

Travinia, Biltmore Park Town Square

A meal at Travinia is a surefire way to indulge a love for Italian cuisine. Whet your appetite with pasta dishes with a variety of fresh made sauces to choose from or fresh seafood, meats and poultry cooked and seasoned Italian style. Or, try one of Travinia’s specialty pizzas.   Choose from a list of fine wines or cocktails to complement any meal. Enjoy the open, light filled, relaxed atmosphere of Travinia with friends, family and business associates.    

 

Tupelo Honey, South

For those who love traditional Southern cuisine, eating at Tupelo Honey is a real treat. The restaurant has been a longtime favorite in Downtown Asheville and has a second location in South Asheville.  Sample some of the best: fried green tomatoes, southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits, catfish and fried okra. Most food is sourced from local farms and is always served with an innovative and creative touch. There are many other tasty menu selections and even a Gluten Free Menu. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner and experience the informal atmosphere and savory flavors of Southern hospitality. 

Visitors coming to Asheville, North Carolina in search of excellent dining experiences will find plenty of options in South Asheville.  These are some of my favorite places to dine. Many of our guests at Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds have returned with rave reviews, too.  Bon appetite!

Book a luxury cabin in South Asheville, and savor the delectable restaurants nearby.

sandy@willowwinds.com

Hundreds of roses make Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds unique

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May
29
Roses at the Waterfall

Our waterfall is just filled with Roses

Since we began operating over 15 years ago, we have made it our goal to have the best and most unique Vacation rental resort possible.  We are the only cabins located five minutes from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate and are the only cabins located in a Woodland Garden in North Carolina.  Our Resort is adjacent to the Mountains to the Sea Trail in the Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

Roses line the road at many locations

 

We have added hundreds of red and pink rose bushes that bloom from early Spring to first frost.

There are other attractions as well at Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds.  We have just added a new water feature close to the office.  Plan your trip to Asheville Cabins this summer and enjoy the beautiful setting and relax atmosphere.

 

New water feature just across from Office

 

 

sandy@willowwinds.com

The First Rose of Summer at Willow Winds

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May
18

The owners are rose lovers. At a former home, they had over 400 rose bushes. They tried the same thing when they established the woodland gardens at Willow Winds. Unfortunately, it did not work because the roses had such short bloom cycles and were too disease prone.

Double knock out roses, just beginning to bloom

Then we discovered the Double Knockout roses, which bloom from early spring to first frost. We don’t yet have 400 rose bushes, but we are well on our way. The first roses of the season have bloomed and they look more beautiful every day .

 

 

 

 

 

Our Rhododendron of many colors are in full bloom, with more on the way.

Our azaleas in red, white, and pink colors are still in bloom.

For many people this is the most beautiful time of the year in our Asheville Cabins and woodland gardens. There are only a few vacancies in our luxury Asheville resort cabins. Book now and enjoy our spring color at its best.

elizabeth

Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home in Asheville a Great Place for Literary-History Enthusiasts to Visit

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May
16

 

by Sandy McLeod

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is the site of the ‘Old Kentucky Home’ boarding house, owned and run by Wolfe’s mother, and is well worth a visit on a trip to Asheville. Photo by Ken Lax.

One not-to-be-missed Asheville literary pilgrimage is the Thomas Wolfe House and Memorial, which has been one of Western North Carolina’s most renowned attractions for generations. The Memorial, a sprawling, historic house, is famously known as “The Old Kentucky Home.” It is equally famous for being depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s iconic novel, Look Homeward, Angel. This local, national and international literary treasure is a treat to visit for many reasons.

Thomas Wolfe, was a contemporary of writers Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and F. Scott Fitzgerald (who also famously spent time in Asheville at the Grove Park Inn). He was born in Asheville in 1900, the youngest of eight children. The Old Kentucky Home was originally a boarding house run by Wolfe’s mother; the noted Asheville figure Julia E Wolfe. When Wolfe was six, his mother opened the boarding house and moved there with Wolfe; the rest of the children, and their father, remained at the residence on Asheville’s Woodfin Street, where Wolfe spent his infancy and very early childhood.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial Presents a Vivid portrait of early 20th Century life in Asheville

Thomas Wolfe lived at the Old Kentucky Home until he set off for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at the prodigious age of fifteen. He later drew heavily upon his boyhood in Asheville for his acclaimed debut novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Some locals thought his depictions of life in Asheville drew too heavily on the real people of the City for comfort. As an expression of local outrage, the book was famously banned from Asheville’s local library for a number of years. In the wake of the book’s tremendous success, which catapulted Wolfe to fame, Wolfe himself did not return to Western North Carolina for almost a decade.

In the contemporary age, Wolfe—like F. Scott Fitzgerald—is one of the city’s most beloved ghosts. And Wolfe’s novels are celebrated for their excellence in craftsmanship as well as being priceless snapshots of day-to-day life and culture as it existed in the early 1900s in Asheville.

Some travelers came to the ‘Old Kentucky Home’ with nothing more than a suitcase and hat. Photo by Monty Combs.

The Wolfe Memorial is a North Carolina Historic Site that welcomes hundreds of tourists a year. It is open for tours Tuesday-Saturday, from 9-5, for only $5.00 per person, or $2.00 for students. Visitors can purchase tickets at the visitor’s center, which is located conveniently on Market Street in downtown Asheville, behind the house.

The house’s rooms are the scenes of many celebrated episodes from Wolfe’s novels, like the bedroom where Wolfe’s father died, as chronicled in Of Time and The River. Thomas Wolfe’s own bedroom (where the seeds of his novels formed), the house’s piano parlor where the guests gathered, and the kitchen and dining areas are highlighted in the tour of the rambling home. Guests are treated to a fascinating video presentation as a primer, and led around the house by knowledgeable tour guides. Much Wolfe memorabilia is viewable, and the full oeuvre of the author’s novels is for sale.

The Old Kentucky Home suffered an act of arson in 1998, which did considerable damage to it that took seven years to repair. However, the damage was fully restored, and the house reopened to the public in 2004.

The parlor of the boarding house was a popular place for guests to gather and share stories about their travels. Photo by Monty Combs. 

House a treat for history-buffs

The appeal of the home is by no means limited to literary-minded visitors; those who love history and historic buildings for their own sake will also find much to delight in a tour of it. The house’s architecture and period-era furnishings are marvels in themselves. The Memorial’s location on Spruce Street, in vibrant and bustling downtown Asheville, makes visits easy to incorporate into a full day of sightseeing, wining, dining, hiking, and relaxing.

Wolfe himself died of tuberculosis at the tragically young age of thirty-seven. He is buried in Asheville at the Riverside Cemetery, for literary enthusiasts who want to visit Wolfe’s grave. His grave has been visited by countless fans over the years, and many people have incorporated their pilgrimage to his peaceful resting place with a tour of his childhood home. Visiting the Old Kentucky Home is something visitors to Asheville will always treasure and remember. More information can be found by visiting the Memorial’s official website.

Book a cabin in Asheville, only 10 minutes drive from the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. 

 

sandy@willowwinds.com

Dupont State Park… “Tour de Falls” – May 11th and 12th

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May
7

Triple Falls – Dupont State Park

Don’t miss Tour de Falls!

This Spring has been abundant with rain which has resulted beautiful spring blooms and swelled the rivers, creeks, and waterfalls.   The “Tour de Falls” offers families and those who have limited hiking ability the opportunity to see three of our most beautiful waterfalls – Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, High Falls, and Lake Julia in Dupont State Recreational Forest. Shuttle buses will run from 9 am to 2:30 pm every 20 minutes.  Prepare to be amazed at the majestic beauty of the falls which were featured in parts of the movie “The Hunger Games”.

Bridal veil Falls

 

This twice a year event is possible due to the efforts of The Friends of Dupont Forest who will be on board the shuttles and at the falls & lake to share the history of the forest and the work to preserve it. A donation of $6 per child ages 6 to 17 and $12 for those over 18 is requested and donations are used in the preservation of the forest and falls, construction projects, maintenance and educational efforts. Cash or check only, they cannot process credit or debit cards. Pets are not allowed on the buses. This year’s Tour de Falls dates are May 11th & 12th and October 12th & 13th, 2013.

High Falls

sandy@willowwinds.com

The Azaleas are in full bloom in the woodland gardens at Asheville Cabins

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May
4

The Azaleas are beautiful this year

 

After a cool early Spring, all of our trees are green with foliage. They are complemented by millions of white blossoms of our azaleas. With the ideal temperatures of the last week, our Delaware Valley Whites have burst into full bloom.

The Delaware White Azaleas are perfect this year

 

We have only a few vacancies for this week and for the next month–our peak azalea season. Give us a call to make your reservations for a visit to Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds.

A view of the Azaleas from the hill side

 

The pink Azaleas are beginning to bloom

elizabeth

Ramble Run – May 11, 2013 – Biltmore Park Town Square

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May
3

 

by Sandy McLeod

The Ramble Run occurs on Mother’s Day weekend this year.

Don’t miss the Ramble Run at Biltmore Park on May 11th. The 5k/12k race is organized by the Asheville Track Club and sponsored by Mission Health this year. Many other prominent local organizations and businesses are also supporting it.

Ramble Run Draws Runners and Their Supporters

Over one thousand runners and walkers are expected to participate this year, and since it is occurring on Mother’s Day weekend, there is even a special race for children.  There are two runs for adults:  one is a 5k run and the other is a 12k run.   For kids, the Kilometer Fun Run starts at 9:30 a.m.

Course Schedule and Description

The Ramble Run Course begins in Biltmore Park at the Reuter Family YMCA, with the 5k run starting at 8:00 a.m. and the 12k race starting at 8:15 a.m. Participants can expect some challenging climbs on each route and a few windy descents.  The Ramble Run neighborhood is on en route providing runners a great view of woods, fields and other landscape features to make the course both challenging and memorable. 

What to do After the Ramble Run

Awards Ceremonies are planned for 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., so runners and their loved ones can relax and grab a bite to eat at one of the many fine restaurants in Biltmore Park afterwards.   Some may even want to head up to the nearby 

Blue Ridge Parkway for a drive or hike. 

Book a Cabin in Asheville

For accommodations in Asheville, close to Biltmore Park Town Square, visit the Cabin Rentals page.

elizabeth

What’s Going on in Asheville this Spring

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Apr
29

by Sandy McLeod

The drum circle is on Friday nights in Pritchard Park in Downtown Asheville.

Springtime in Asheville is always a thriving time, full of gorgeous scenery stretching as far as the eye can see. Spring in Western North Carolina draws crowds from all over the world, who come out as much for the region’s awesome natural beauty as they do for the wealth of festivities unique to Western North Carolina’s rich natural and cultural heritage. In addition to the area’s traditional happenings, there are always exciting new events to choose from in Asheville. Below are some highlights that visitors to the area will not want to miss.

 

Children who come to the Drum Circle in Asheville have a great time playing instruments and dancing.

Friday Night Drum Circles

Described as Asheville’s “favorite tradition” the Friday Night Drum Circles at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville have been drawing locals and tourists since 2001. The all-ages festivities, which run through the warmer months, start every Friday night at 6 p.m. Bring a drum, or just come to dance or listen and watch. Anyone can play in the drum circle with a drum or other type of percussion instrument. If you want to celebrate and dance under the stars, this is the place to be.  Drum Circles usually last until mid-October, or as long as the weather is warm enough for an outdoor gathering. Eat at one of the many restaurants in Downtown Asheville before or after the Drum Circle, which is close to Pack Square, Battery Park Avenue and Haywood Road.

 

Biltmore Park, the Outdoor City Farmer’s Market, and the Asheville Cinema Society

Biltmore Park is the new “town square” in bustling South Asheville. Described as “a reimagining of the Main Streets of the past,” this thriving neighborhood includes many attractions, like the Outdoor City Farmer’s Market, which just opened this April 3rd. The market, established with a mission “to help local farms thrive”, will carry a wide range of organic foods and handmade items, and will be open every Wednesday.  The area also hosts the Asheville Cinema Society, which, in cooperation with the Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15, will be screening alternative and independent films beginning on April 16th. Most visitors to Biltmore Park make a day or evening of their visit to town square that may include a meal at one of the many fine restaurants and a movie or some other form of entertainment.

The WNC Farmer’s Market and the 24th Annual Herb Festival

The Western North Carolina Farmer’s Market is another popular attraction. Open 7 days per week and all year round, the market boasts a melee of fruits, vegetables, preserves, jams, and many custom made items. It also includes a deli and, in the Garden Center, a greenhouse, bonsai trees, ponds, and a forty foot waterfall. The 24th annual Herb Festival—the largest herb festival in the Southeast—runs from May 3-May 5, and features a huge selection of medicinal herbs, soaps, herbal baked goods, and many other unique products. Vidalia Onion Day ushers in Memorial Day Weekend on May 24. Sample some carnival-fresh cooked onion rings and enjoy the sights!

 

 

The North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum, located in the Pisgah National Forest amid the Southern Appalachian Mountains, is a magnificent 434-acre garden, and one of the region’s most dazzling and popular attractions. Just a short drive from Asheville, the Arboretum, adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, has many scenic hiking and biking trails. The Arboretum offers the public guided trail walks, plant shows, and other events. On Memorial Day weekend, visitors can attend the annual Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition, which features a rainbow of magnificent roses in all colors and varieties. Visitors can see Asheville’s famous azaleas, rhododendrons, and mountain laurel in bloom, and enjoy the sight of Western North Carolina at the height of spring.

 

Festival of Flowers at Biltmore Estates

Asheville’s renowned Festival of Flowers runs through May 15th at Biltmore Estate. As its name would suggest, it features a paradise of blossoms, including a profusion of 100,000 tulips, featured in colored beds in the world-famous 8,000 acre Biltmore Estate. The Estate winery will be offering special Festival of Flowers wine, as well as fun weekly “grape stomps” for kids. Biltmore Estate restaurants will be featuring unique menu items. Visitors can enjoy live music daily at the Antler Hill Village Green and Bandstand and in the Biltmore House and Conservatory.

 

The Carl Sandburg National Historic Site hosts a music festival every spring.

Carl Sandburg Folk Music Festival

May 27 is the date of the Carl Sandburg Music Festival, which takes place at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in beautiful Flat Rock, which is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Asheville. The festival brings out musicians from all over the country, who play music inspired by Sandburg’s famous “American Songbag.” The entertainment includes spirituals, folk ballads, and instrumental arrangements, and the whole family is welcome.

 

Asheville is a city of natural wonders. The mountainous skyline contrasts with the changing seasons, with new things to see each time.  Spring is a time for enjoying the natural world.  Visiting Asheville in the springtime is guaranteed to be an experience visitors will always remember.  Choose from the many festivities going on in the city and the surrounding area or just explore some of these well-known sites at your leisure.

Explore Asheville this spring and stay in a luxury cabin right in town.  These cabins are affordable, family friendly and accessible to all areas of Asheville.