At The Residence at Biltmore we want your Asheville mountain vacation to be everything you imagined it would be! That is why we have created our signature Asheville hotel and vacation combo packages. If you are looking for an affordable, all-inclusive option for your romantic mountain getaway or the perfect solution for your family vacation then look no further!  Our Asheville travel packages have something for everyone.

The Romance & Celebration Package…A Romantic Mountain Getaway You Will Never Forget
Celebrating a special birthday or anniversary? Looking to plan a romantic mountain getaway with your sweetie? Our Romance & Celebration Package is an excellent choice for couples of any age.  Starting at $859.00 per couple, this package includes the following:

•    Three nights accommodations in our One Bedroom Suite (Stay two nights at our Summer Travel Rate and get the 3rd night FREE–3 night minimum stay required)
•    A Chilled bottle of Biltmore Estate Champagne in-room at arrival
•    One hour Couples Massage en-suite from Around Town Massage
•    Two adult admission tickets to the Biltmore Estate good for TWO consecutive days of admission to the Estate
•    Two adult admission tickets to the Asheville Art Museum
•    A $50 gift certificate for one of these fantastic local restaurants: BAR100, Frankie Bones, Grovewood Cafe, The Marketplace or Vincenzo’s

Two adult tickets for the Gray Line Trolley Tour of Asheville can be added for an additional $40.00.

The Family Escape Package…Family Vacation Planning at Its Best!
Do you need help planning a vacation that is fun for the WHOLE family? Then head for the hills and discover an engaging and exciting family vacation in Asheville, NC that won’t break the bank. Explore Asheville  and the Blue Ridge Mountains as a family and make memories to last a lifetime.  Starting from $792.00 per family for 2 adults and 2 children this Asheville travel package includes the following:

•    Three nights accommodations in our One Bedroom Suite (Stay two nights at our Summer Travel Rate and get the 3rd night FREE–3 night minimum stay required)
•    Two adult admission tickets to the Biltmore Estate good for TWO consecutive days of admission to the Estate, Children under 16 are FREE with paying adult (Free Biltmore Estate Youth tickets through September 5, 2008. As of September 6, Youth Tickets are an additional $23.50 each.)
•    Two adult tickets and two youth tickets to Chimney Rock Park
•    Two hours of playtime with pizza and soda for 4 guests at Asheville’s Fun Depot
•    Two adult tickets and two youth tickets for the Gray Line Trolley Tour of Asheville
•    A $50 gift certificate for one of these incredible Asheville restaurants: BAR100, Frankie Bones, Grovewood Cafe, The Marketplace, Vincenzo’s

Please contact us in advance if there are additional guests in your party beyond the package maximum.

The Explore Adventure Package…Discover Excitement and Outdoor Fun with this Special Asheville Hotel and Travel Package
Escape to Asheville and explore the city’s rich architectural legacy, locally owned shops, unique art galleries, distinctive restaurants and exciting entertainment venues…all while actively challenging and experiencing the beauty and grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains!  Starting at $720.00 for two guests this unique vacation package includes the following:

•    Three nights accommodations in our One Bedroom Suite. (Stay two nights at our Summer Travel Rate and get the 3rd night FREE–3 night minimum stay required)
•    Two adult tickets to Chimney Rock Park
•    Two adult admission tickets to the Biltmore Estate good for TWO consecutive days of admission to the Estate
•    Whitewater rafting trip for two with Wildwater Rafting**
•    A $50 gift certificate for one of these amazing local restaurants: BAR100, Frankie Bones, Grovewood Cafe, The Marketplace, Vincenzo’s

Two adult tickets for the Gray Line Trolley Tour of Asheville can be added for an additional $40.00.

**Please be advised that the driving distance for a rafting trip is 1 to 2.5 hours depending upon which river is available during your requested day/time. Also, there is a 7-day cancellation policy in effect for rafting trips. Cancellations for the Explore Adventure Package received within 7 days will be charged for the rafting portion of the package.

Customize Your Vacation Plans With Our Asheville Hotel Concierge Service
If you prefer to customize your stay at The Residences at Biltmore you are welcome to book a room  at regular rate and add on any desired activities.  Our hotel Concierges will be glad to assist you with restaurant reservations, passes to the Biltmore Estate, tickets to local events, admission to local attractions and many other vacation planning tasks.
Ask our hotel Concierge about our other local event and activity discounts, which change throughout the year.  This summer we are pleased to begin a new offer for families. The Asheville Heath Adventure is now providing “Buy 1 Adult Ticket and receive 1 Free Child Ticket” coupons for our guests.  Families can also receive a free gift, a copy of The Health Adventure’s new CD: “Momentum: Songs About Science.”

The Residences at Biltmore-An Asheville Hotel Dedicated to Exceptional Personal Service and Superior Customer Value
The Residences at Biltmore is committed to providing the highest quality guest services and to offering Asheville vacation packages with incredible customer value. Our vacation packages are not available for booking online so please contact our hotel staff directly  to select any of the packages above.  Our travel and hotel concierge will schedule the included activities and select your restaurant of choice.
Reservations can be made 24 hours a day by calling (866) 433-5594. We suggest that packages are booked at least 72 hours in advance in order to secure the necessary arrangements. For packages booked within 72 hours, there may be little to no availability for certain activities. Packages cannot be modified and no substitution of activities is allowed.

Here at The Residences at Biltmore we know visitors to the Western North Carolina region are often on a budget. Whether you are in search of a romantic mountain getaway an Asheville vacation rental or a luxury hotel in Asheville we provide exceptional customer service, beautiful accommodations and travel vacation planning resources you won’t find anywhere else. Asheville is a unique city that prides itself on offering visitors and residents alike a superior quality of life found only in the heart of Appalachia. One rare characteristic of our beautiful city is the number of free activities available throughout the year. Of course the comfortable climate, typical of the summer here, makes for even more exciting opportunities with the increase in outdoor events in and around downtown.

Free Events You Don’t Want to Miss on Your Asheville Vacation!

The 36th Anniversary Season of Shakespeare in the Park Brought to You by The Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players Shakespeare in the Park is North Carolina’s longest running Shakespeare festival and the fastest growing outdoor theater in the country. This season brings performances of Antony and Cleopatra, Henry VIII, As You Like It and Doctor Faustus. The Montford Park Players will also be beginning a new series entitled “The Asheville Shakespearience”, which features a collection of scenes considered the best of Shakespeare and the Southeast premier of The Upstart Crow, a play about the life of none other than William Shakespeare himself. Performances are scheduled throughout the summer until August 30, 2008. All productions in the park are free to the public. Financial contributions to The Montford Park Players can be made to appropriately designated staff and all proceeds from the concessions stand go to support this wonderful program. Visit MontfordParkPlayers.org for dates, times and location.

Asheville Botanical Gardens: Explore Southern Appalachian Mountain Native Plants, Trees, Flowers and More!
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville include approximately 700 species of vines, trees, ferns, mosses, flowers, shrubs, lichens, herbs, grasses and more. Although peak wildflower season lasts from April to mid-May, in the Botanical Gardens there is something in bloom every season. In the ten acres that makes up the Asheville Botanical Gardens there is a meadow, a half-mile walking trail, a woodland ridge, a wildflower cove, bridges, picnic tables, streams, a springhouse and a gazebo. Admission to the Botanical Gardens at Asheville is free from dawn until dusk. Pets, radios and sports equipment are prohibited. A small visitor center houses the Garden Path Gift Shop, a well-stocked library and meeting rooms. Guided tours can be purchased for a whopping $3 and educational programs on a wide variety of subjects can be attended often for under $10. For more information on visiting the Botanical Gardens visit AshevilleBotanicalGardens.org.

Celebrate Mountain Heritage at the Shindig on the Green During Your Asheville Vacation
Shindig on the Green is brought to you by The Folk Heritage Committee and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Community Betterment Foundation. In the past, Shindig on the Green has been held in City County Plaza, but in 2008, while the city of Asheville completes new park construction, Shindig on the Green will be held on Saturday evenings from 7 – 10 pm in Martin Luther King Jr. Park. July and August events are scheduled currently for July 5th, 12th and 19th and August 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. Shindig on the Green and The Folk Heritage Committee are dedicated to preserving and presenting the musical heritage of the Southern Appalachians. Admission to all performances is free. For more information visit FolkHeritage.org.

Taste the Flavor of Asheville at the Pritchard Park Drum Circle
If you are interested in a more spontaneous evening then spend your Friday night, from 5 - 10 pm, in Pritchard Park for Asheville’s Open Drum Circle. For more than 8 years drummers from around the country and throughout Western North Carolina have visited downtown Asheville in order to spontaneously come together and create a powerful blend of Reggae, Latin, African, Rock, Indian and Native American beats. Unable to resist the drums myriads of dancers of all ages begin to gather and let their bodies move to the beats. Taste the flavor of one of Asheville’s most popular community gatherings and soak in the free spirit of music! For more information visit the Asheville Drum Circle Myspace Page.

Free Tuesdays at the North Carolina Arboretum…A Perfect Idea When Family Vacation Planning
Located conveniently next to one of Asheville’s most famous free activities, The Blue Ridge Parkway, the North Carolina Arboretum is a gorgeous collection of trails open to hikers and bikers, educational programs, entertainment, tours and special events. The trails range from easy to moderate to difficult and inside the main building visitors can find a delicious café and gift shop full of information on native plants, hiking trails, wildlife and more. Entry into the NC Arboretum property generally costs a parking fee of $6 per car, with additional fees for commercial vehicles and busses. Every Tuesday the parking fee for cars is waived all day. Tours, special events, educational programs and exhibits may incur additional fees even on Tuesday, but most are extremely affordable and many are free as well. The Arboretum is also pet friendly with designated trails for visitors of the canine persuasion. Just remember to keep all dogs on a leash. For more information on Segway tours, the Bonsai Collection, Bamboo exhibitions and more visit NCArboretum.org.

You’ll Find Something For Everyone For Nothing At The Grovewood Homespun Shops
The Grovewood Homespun Shops once housed the famous woodworking and weaving enterprise of Biltmore Industries and shares a rich history as old as one of Asheville’s most well known historical sites, the nearby Grove Park Inn and Spa. The Homespun Shops sit on over 10 acres of gorgeous mountain grounds and is home to the Grovewood Gallery, Grovewood Studios, Grovewood Gardens, the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, The North Carolina Homespun Museum and the Grovewood Café. The museums offer wonderful information and exhibits on North Carolina history, especially in the Asheville area, and antique cars. The Grovewood Gallery, housed in a renovated 1917 English style cottage, shows 9,000 square feet of handmade American crafts created by over 500 artisans. Visitors will find ceramics, glass, jewelry, furniture and garden sculptures featured throughout. Admission into the Homespun Shops is free for all ages.If you’d like to grab a bite to eat give Grovewood Café a taste and enjoy fresh ingredients and Nouvelle Southern Cuisine in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Reservations are suggested.

At The Residences at Biltmore we are committed to making your Asheville mountain vacation everything you dreamed it would be. Don’t forget to peruse the rest of our web site for more information on local events, summer vacation planning tips, ideas for family vacation planning and always feel free to contact one of our friendly Travel Concierge to find out more details, directions or tickets to events anywhere in downtown Asheville.

You shouldn’t be deprived of your opportunity to escape the daily stress with a cool mountain getaway to Asheville. Check out CoolAshevilleSavings for free things to do, coupons and adventures that allow you to park the car and save gas.

Making honeymoon arrangements can easily cause stress since there are so many details to remember. As Asheville travel experts we understand that your romantic mountain getaway is a time for you to relax, enjoy and take a break from every day life. Here at The Residences at Biltmore we believe your honeymoon vacation in Asheville should be fun, easy and exactly what you dreamed it would be. Whether you’ve stayed with us in the past or may be in the future, we hope your trip to Asheville is full of special memories you’ll treasure always.

What Defines the Perfect Romantic Mountain Getaway?
Every marriage is unique and extraordinary in its own way, as is every couple. That is why what defines the perfect honeymoon depends on the tastes, preferences and passions of the two people who just tied the knot. Whether you are a bride or a groom, whether you are working with a small or large budget, your romantic mountain getaway can be an unforgettable experience.

Tips for Planning Your Honeymoon in Asheville
Set Budgets and Priorities for Your Asheville Mountain Vacation
Most couples have an idea of what they can afford on their honeymoon. Between an investment of their own money and, at times, the investment of friends and family couples often have a clear idea of where they want to go and what they want to do. If you have a larger budget spend your money wisely. Consider all-inclusive packages that will allow you to travel for a longer time. If you have a smaller budget decide what is most important to both of you and make a list of priorities. For example, here at The Residences at Biltmore couples who enjoy hiking and mountain biking can save money by staying in our suites with full kitchens. They easily avoid eating out and are just a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If You Have Never Been to Asheville North Carolina Ask for Help
Oftentimes a honeymoon can lack excitement if both people have never visited an area and they do not know the lay of the land or what is really going on in town. Research online can help but if you aren’t familiar with the roads, highways and mountain landscape it is going to take a little while to feel comfortable going places without getting lost or being late. To save time consider finding an Asheville NC hotel that offers a hotel concierge service or access to a travel concierge in the area. You can also explore travel sites like Trip Advisor and learn about other people’s Asheville travel and honeymoon experiences. They may have some first hand knowledge that will help you.

Romance First! Make the Best Out of Your Asheville NC Hotel
For many couples their main objective while on their honeymoon is romance! Now is the time to indulge, embrace decadence and spend time appreciating one another. Regardless of which Asheville NC hotel you choose to stay in they always offer something special to create an atmosphere of joy, love and celebration. Find out in advance what packages or amenities your Asheville NC hotel provides to newlyweds. If you have chosen to work with a travel concierge they can also be of assistance in the romance department. Let them make your dinner reservations, buy your theater tickets, get special discounts on local services, schedule a massage or call you a cab for the evening. The less time you spend on details the more time you have for each other.

Come to the North Carolina Mountains and experience the magic and romance of Asheville. And remember if you need us The Residences at Biltmore is here for you!

Downtown Asheville has a great deal of variety to offer vacationers and visitors to the area. There are many excellent choices when it comes to places to visit, shop and be entertained. Like most cosmopolitan cities, Asheville celebrates the seasons with different festivals. Nicknamed Ashevillage, Asheville is a town of about 70,000 inhabitants (with much more of the Western North Carolina population just outside of the city). Because Asheville is so small, it is possible to walk and see most of downtown. Just bring some walking shoes if you intend to see all of downtown when you visit. And be prepared to walk uphill frequently.

Following are Concierge Leah Franks’ picks for the top five entertainment choices in Downtown Asheville. Any of The Residences at Biltmore concierges will be happy to assist guests with a map of downtown Asheville and some recommendations for parking while visiting the downtown district. Parking is available in the public garages provided by the City of Asheville.

On the Edge of Downtown Asheville and South Asheville: The Orange Peel
Leah recommends the Orange Peel to visitors. The Orange Peel is ‘a Social Aid and Pleasure Club’, that was reopened several years ago, after being defunct since the 70s. The focus is on music and entertainment. Leah says, “They do a nice variety of different types of shows. The Orange Peel has performances by big name artists, soloists and local musicians. There’s something for everyone at the Orange Peel. There’s no smoking inside, which is a big plus for a lot of our guests.” The Residences at Biltmore is conveniently located less than one mile from The Orange Peel.

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues
Pass by Tressa’s on a pleasant evening stroll through downtown Asheville, and you’ll find the doorway and windows open. The sounds of live jazz and blues, conversation, laughter, and the tinkling of glasses is what you’ll hear. Leah says, “I like the atmosphere at Tressa’s. So many places in downtown Asheville feel casual. Tressa’s is a place where you can get dolled up and go out. You can dance, sip martinis, and socialize. This makes Tressa’s stand out from many of the places to go in downtown Asheville.”

Woolworth Walk – Art Gallery and Crafts Emporium
Like the name implies, Woolworth Walk used to be the downtown Asheville Woolworth’s department store. When the building became available, local artisans came together to create Woolworth Walk. “This is an art gallery for everybody,” said Leah. “I call it a flea market for art. You can purchase just about anything here: photography, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, knitting, handmade crafts, collectibles, and more. My favorite part of Woolworth Walk is the old-fashioned soda counter. Milk shakes, sodas, and sandwiches are available at the soda counter.” Woolworth Walk is a great place to find gifts, souvenirs, etc. and most are handmade locally.

Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria
Barley’s is a longstanding local favorite. Barley’s bartenders pour 55 different types of beer from the wall of taps opposite the bar. Local microbrews and high gravity beer (up to 9% alcohol) are well represented at Barley’s. Leah says “Next to the pizza and beer, the games are the best part of Barley’s. They have nine-foot regulation size pool tables, darts and fooz ball. Pool tables are for rent by the hour, as opposed to by the game. Pizza is available in all varieties, and there’s live music downstairs during dinner hour. It’s usually blue grass music or local musicians.” Barley’s is conveniently located less than a mile from The Residences at Biltmore.

A Smattering of Blue Grass in Downtown Asheville: Shindig on the Green
Mark your calendars for Saturday nights from June 28th – August 30th, (except August 2nd). Bring friends and family to one of the finest blue grass/folk music festivals Asheville has to offer: Shindig on the Green. The Shindig is performed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, sitting behind City County Plaza. The Shindig’s always start long ‘bout sundown (7 p.m.) and are free and open to the public. Informal jam sessions offstage are common. Bring a chair, but no pets or alcohol are permitted. The Shindig on the Green is a great way to experience local Blue Ridge Mountain folk culture.

In the month of June, two notable conferences will be in downtown Asheville:
“Time for Our Power: Women Bringing Change to our World” with national speakers such as Starhawk, from June 20-23rd, and the Ashevillage Building Conference from June 19-22 which will explore natural and green building techniques — widely practiced in the Asheville area.

Take part in an array of entertainment choices while visiting Asheville. Remember to call The Residences at Biltmore Concierge if you have questions. And, most of all, have fun in Ashevillage!

Asheville is a town where there are so many choices for entertainment, it can be hard to decide what to do. Maybe you’re planning a family vacation, or only visiting Asheville over the weekend. Perhaps you are looking for adventure, and a chance to participate in the local culture discussed so widely, in various media. The Residences at Biltmore is a concierge condominium, and our staff is here for our guests 24 hours per day. Our concierges are trained to understand and respond to the needs of our guests. They are also here to make creative, fun recommendations for dining, outdoor adventures, entertainment, spas, and more.
Leah Franks is an evening concierge. She mentioned she is often asked whether or not walking to Biltmore Village and the surrounding area is feasible from The Residences at Biltmore. Her answer is yes, but only if you feel hardy enough to walk back up the hill, once your outing is over. Those who are not used to the steep inclines may want to drive, and walk around once arrived in the general area.
Concierge Leah Franks was asked to focus solely on the area of South Asheville for her top five choices in entertainment. In a future blog, Leah will reveal her entertainment choices for downtown Asheville.

Top Five Choices for Entertainment in South Asheville
Biltmore Estate:
The Biltmore Estate is close to The Residences at Biltmore and an obvious destination for many of the guests here. Leah pointed out some interesting tours Biltmore Estate now offers in addition to a general tour of the “estate, gardens, and winery.” Biltmore estate has many idyllic views, working farms, riverside coves, wildlife, flora and fauna to take in.
The Segway Tour is a guided tour that utilizes the new upright personal vehicle often seen in urban districts, as a means of getting around faster. Leah says: “The Segway Tour is great for those who want to see more of Biltmore Estate but do not want to walk up and down hills to cover a wider territory.” A full admission ticket is required and an additional fee is applied for the Segway Tour. Other add on outdoor activities are also available. Visitors may add bike rentals, tubing, horseback riding, and more. Leah says it is definitely worthwhile to get out on to the grounds of the estate and explore, especially during the high season, when everything’s in bloom.

Asheville Historic Trolley Tour: The historic trolley tour of Asheville is a wonderful way to become familiar with the different districts of Asheville, and it’s lively history. The trolley driver narrates Asheville’s history while driving through the town. The main areas explored are: Biltmore Village, downtown Asheville, the Grove Park Inn and Montford Historic District. A trolley ticket is good for a whole day. Riders can disembark at will, and board the trolley again later. Leah says some guests even use the Asheville Trolley as way to get around town. From March-November guests can take the ghost tour on the trolley. As you ride, listen to the colorful ghost stories that popularized certain dwellings and establishments in Asheville.

The Gray Line Trolley Tours: The Gray Line Trolley Tours serve South Asheville, downtown Asheville, Montford Historic District, and the Grove Park Inn. The difference between this line and the Historic Trolley Tour is the Gray Line Trolley Tours also visit the River Arts District. Simply ask a Residences at Biltmore concierge for Gray Line Trolley Tickets, which are on sale at the desk. The Gray Line Trolley Tours can be boarded less than one mile from The Residences at Biltmore in Biltmore Village.

The Brews Cruise: A slightly different variation on the trolley theme is the Brews Cruise. This new, popular tour is for those who want to sample some of the best microbreweries in Asheville. A stop at three of Asheville’s microbreweries are included on The Brews Cruise: French Broad Brewing Company, Asheville Pizza and Brewing and Highland Brewing Company.

Cinebarre: Located on nearby Brevard Road, in the Biltmore Square Mall, the Cinebarre is becoming more popular as time goes by. This is an upscale movie theater and restaurant, where food, beer, and wine are served before and during the movie. Children under 6 are not permitted. The Cinebarre is a great way to relax after a long day of touring and shopping.

The Garage at Biltmore:
Next door to the French Broad Brewing Company on Biltmore Avenue is The Garage at Biltmore. This dance and music club is the closest nightclub to The Residences at Biltmore. The live music reflects local tastes and may include rock, techno, hip-hop and more. Leah says “The Garage at Biltmore is mostly an 18-30s crowd.” The Garage at Biltmore is a place where the visitor can sample the Asheville music scene. Leah says it is within walking distance – just remember the long walk uphill on the way back. Just phone the desk and the concierge will be happy to call a cab, if needed.