Asheville Travel Forum

Hi all!
I'm a vegan from New Zealand and am traveling to NC with my mother later this year, spedning most of our time in Asheville. I have never been to the USA, let alone a smaller city in the south and was wondering how vegan-friendly it is likely to be? I've heard a lot of sterotypes about Southern cooking and its use of animal products. I'm particularly worried about the prevalance of animal fats used for cooking. Is this likely to be an issue and can anyone recommend any good vegetarian/vegan restaurants?
Thanks heaps! :)

I WONT TO NOW IF THERE IS SOME REALLY FANCY RESTURANT IN ASHEVILE,NC NEAR THE BILTMORE ESTATES.IF THERE IS CAN YOU SEND ME DIFFERANT TYPES

I would like to get some opinions on where to find the best scenic drives in western North Carolina. I am familiar with the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Cherahola Scenic Hwy. I need more info to add to my NCMountainFun.com website.

Me and 3 other adults are going to Asheville, NC August 2007.
We are staying in South Carolina Upcountry for a week.
We want to visit Asheville one day out of our stay.
We want to see "Biltmore Estate" on that day but would like to venture out to " Downtown Asheville" for dinner. Any suggestions? No tourist traps pls.
Also since we have just have one day to vist Biltmore- is anybody out there who could tell me how to do it in that amt of time. What shd I really see and not waste my time seeing!
Any and all suggestions will be helpful. I would like to hear from people who live there or who have visited there. Thank you.

Hello, My longtime friend and I are planning a weekend reunion, meeting in Asheville. Looking for suggestions regarding best areas to stay that will allow us to walk, sip drinks or beer at cafe restaurant or pub, browse shops featuring work of local folk artists, hear some live folk music, acoustic guitar, etc. Would the Urban Trail be our destination? Or the Arcade Grove?(unable to access website to look at this area) Any other ideas? And can anyone suggest a hotel or B&B located within walking distance to these areas? Moderate priced (maximum $150/night). Looking more for a liberal, quaint area rather than urban yuppie, if that makes sense. Not terribly interested in fancy malls, for example. Would prefer a room with two beds which might rule out B&Bs but would like to hear of suggestions anyway. I'm looking into a performance at the Orange Peel one night. Are there hotels near there? Thanks for any and all suggestions.

I'm planning a family reunion along with graduation celebration the dates of May 18, 19 and 20. We're looking for a large cabin/house/lodge with at least four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, cooking facilities, a porch and some land for walking, clean and comfortable. Anywhere within fifteen minutes of the Asheville area would be fine.
Can anyone offer any suggestions?
Thanks.

I'm moving to Asheville and am interest in your opinions or facts about the Buncombe County Elementary Schools. Our home is in Leicester, NC, just north of downtown Asheville.

Any thoughts on public vs. private schools?

Do you know of a decent priced day tour from Charlotte to Biltmore Estates? Thanks.

I'm considering moving to Asheville. I've never been there before, yet I've heard great things about it. I was born and raised in Florida (where I currently reside) and I lived in Ithaca, NY. Ithaca is a beautiful progressive town, yet coooooooooooooold. I feel Asheville would be a great move and a wonderful place to raise my son (and I hear the weather is mild). I ordered a packet through the Chamber of Commerce and I'm disappointed. It seems the housing there is quite expensive. Maybe they just put the more expensive housing in the packet to draw that type of person to Asheville? It's the suburban neighborhoods like "The Oak" or "The Sanctuary" where they cut down almost all the trees I want to escape from. I strive to live as natural as possible, grow most of my own food including sprouting. Heck, even make biodiesel in my garage! I'm just bummed by ths package. Of course, I'll go visit and get a feel for myself. Is there housing there for under $100K for a 3 bd/ 2 bath on 1 acre?? I hear W. Asheville. But what towns? Thanks. =)

My husband and I are thinking of moving from Western Ma. to Asheville..we enjoy biking and there is a great rail trail here in Ma. I was wondering what biking trails exist around Asheville? I am not interested in mountain biking just biking on a paved surface, hopefully not where there is traffic.

ASHEVILLE SEEMS SO EXPENSIVE. I WANT TO MOVE FROM HOUSTON TO WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, IS THERE A CHEAPER AREA THAT HAS THE BEAUTY OF THE MOUNTAINS? I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER, WHAT ABOUT JOBS IN THAT AREA? THANKS

I hope that someone who lives in Asheville will answer this. I am moving to Asheville because I like mountains and have no kids or grandkids to move towards like so many retirees. I wonder how easy it is for oldster females to make good friends. I mean friends, not just acquaintances. Is it unrealistic to move to a place where you know no one if you are no longer a spring chicken??! Thanks.

I noticed there have already been a few postings about moving to Asheville however, I may be a bit diff then what I saw on here.

A little about me: I have lived in Atlanta for the past 4 yrs before that I roamed around after college living a bit of a gyspy life style. Currently 29 yr old female and thinking of moving to Asheville. I am up in the mtns every weekend b/c I enjoy the outdoors A LOT as well as an avid kayaker in which I have decided why not move up there which seems to be a perfect fit for me. I have visited a few times and spent last weekend up there feeling out the city and have some questions.

I understand that Asheville is a small city but can you tell me how is the city life, the night life as well as people being out and about in the evenings, i'm more of a dinner/drinks type of girl more then clubbing it fyi? I def have a LARGE hippy side to me however, I do also enjoy 'some' main stream stuff as well at times, how welcoming is this community? Does the community tend to be you are either this or you are that, you're a straight hippy or you're a main streamer.. black/white type of thing? I am a person who loves an erray of things and would love to find a place w/similar style hince I have not found that in Atlanta. What can I expect to pay for a 1 bedrm lets say 1000 sq ft apt in downtown, are there even places downtown to live? Also, I have noticed it seems like a good bit of Asheville people are coupled up, is there a single scene there as well or are most people here to settle w/their little families leaving it mostly impossible to meet other singles in my age range? Any thoughts/ideas would be great! Thanks!!

I noticed there have already been a few postings about moving to Asheville however, I may be a bit diff then what I saw on here.

A little about me: I have lived in Atlanta for the past 4 yrs before that I roamed around after college living a bit of a gyspy life style. Currently 29 yr old female and thinking of moving to Asheville. I am up in the mtns every weekend b/c I enjoy the outdoors A LOT as well as an avid kayaker in which I have decided why not move up there which seems to be a perfect fit for me. I have visited a few times and spent last weekend up there feeling out the city and have some questions.

I understand that Asheville is a small city but can you tell me how is the city life, the night life as well as people being out and about in the evenings, i'm more of a dinner/drinks type of girl more then clubbing it fyi? I def have a LARGE hippy side to me however, I do also enjoy 'some' main stream stuff as well at times, how welcoming is this community? Does the community tend to be you are either this or you are that, you're a straight hippy or you're a main streamer.. black/white type of thing? I am a person who loves an erray of things and would love to find a place w/similar style hince I have not found that in Atlanta. What can I expect to pay for a 1 bedrm lets say 1000 sq ft apt in downtown, are there even places downtown to live? Also, I have noticed it seems like a good bit of Asheville people are coupled up, is there a single scene there as well or are most people here to settle w/their little families leaving it mostly impossible to meet other singles in my age range? Any thoughts/ideas would be great! Thanks!!

I noticed there have already been a few postings about moving to Asheville however, I may be a bit diff then what I saw on here.

A little about me: I have lived in Atlanta for the past 4 yrs before that I roamed around after college living a bit of a gyspy life style. Currently 29 yr old female and thinking of moving to Asheville. I am up in the mtns every weekend b/c I enjoy the outdoors A LOT as well as an avid kayaker in which I have decided why not move up there which seems to be a perfect fit for me. I have visited a few times and spent last weekend up there feeling out the city and have some questions.

I understand that Asheville is a small city but can you tell me how is the city life, the night life as well as people being out and about in the evenings, i'm more of a dinner/drinks type of girl more then clubbing it fyi? I def have a LARGE hippy side to me however, I do also enjoy 'some' main stream stuff as well at times, how welcoming is this community? Does the community tend to be you are either this or you are that, you're a straight hippy or you're a main streamer.. black/white type of thing? I am a person who loves an erray of things and would love to find a place w/similar style hince I have not found that in Atlanta. What can I expect to pay for a 1 bedrm lets say 1000 sq ft apt in downtown, are there even places downtown to live? Also, I have noticed it seems like a good bit of Asheville people are coupled up, is there a single scene there as well or are most people here to settle w/their little families leaving it mostly impossible to meet other singles in my age range? Any thoughts/ideas would be great! Thanks!!

Suggestions for where to stay & things to do (besides Biltmore of course!) in Asheville for a female traveling alone?
I'd love to stay at smaller inn or B&B, but am on an extreme budget! Safety is MAJOR factor.

Are there any cute country festivals/ fairs during summertime?

Trying to go for a little retreat & alone time.

Is there local bus service to this area? Where are the closest chain hotels located nearby? Thanks for the help.

I foresee to travel by car on the Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and Blowing Rock (at the level of route 321).
Could you tell me what are the major attractions and thingfs to see on this way ?
What restaurant do you advice ?
Thanks
RAY

We are trying to decide between Old Reynolds Mansion or Willow Winds Cabins for a weeek in mid-August. Any experience with either? Any advice?

Much thanks!!

OK, so you're getting away from the big city and driving 9 hours to Asheville for your honeymoon. A week at the Biltmore breaks the budget-- where do you stay?

We're a late 20's/early 30-something couple looking for somewhere quiet to RELAX and do things on our own schedule. We'll be visiting the 1st week of April and would like to spend under $175/night. Any recommendations?

A few places we've heard of:

Sourwood Inn just outside of town... private, supposedly good service, a hundred acres or so to explore... but I'm worried about being away from the town and having to drive everywhere... meals, nightlife, etc.

Princess Anne Hotel... someone recommended it, but I couldn't find many reviews on the web. First-- is it quiet? Looks close to an Intertstate. How central is it to the touristy/fun sections of town?

What's your pick for the best honeymoon-worthy B&B? And how about the best breakfast in town?

Just wondering... we'll be making reservations SOMEWHERE this week. Thanks!

Hi All,

Planning on moving to Asheville from South Florida. Reason being, to get into a eclectic community of mindful people, with similar interests in bettering themselves and the world.

Now, there seems to be alot of negativity that I've found on this site towards asheville. Actually it's the first that I've heard negative about the city. Everyone else I hear from seems to rave abou it.

What's the weather like?
Is there a "poser" vibe going on? (wanna-be's, flakey people)
Is the crime in the heart of Asheville really bad?
How's the job market? (Real Estate agent)
Is there a big party atmosphere at night? (not looking for that)
How close to the city is this redneck surroundings I'm hearing about? :)

Sorry to ask so many questions but it's coming as a shock the responses people are having towards Asheville. I was told it's this melting pot of spiritually minded people in concentration with artists, musicians and kind folks..

Thanks,

Jeff

I'm living in Portland, Oregon, and want to get the hell out of here. I'm looking for a more traditional setting-- less "progressive" and more conservative. Do either Asheville or Raleigh have reputations pointing one way or the other? And how about humidity? I think Asheville is a little better since it is further inland. Any information would help. Thanks!

I'm thinking of moving to Asheville, but would like to live 30-45 minutes from the city. I recently visited, but couldn't find any place where there might be any somewhat progressive folks (culture, politics, art) except for in the city. Does anyone know of any smaller towns nearby, especially in the mountains, that might be at least slightly liberal?
THANKS!

My husband and baby have lived in California now for 5 years, we are originally from the northeast. You could not ask for more idyllic weather than where we live Santa Barbara), but for many other reasons we are looking to relocate. My brother lives in Charlotte and suggested we consider Asheville. I have done quite a lot of research online and know everything presented in the “brochures”, but I am looking for a balanced perspective. The good, the bad and the ugly?

Just how many people are relocating each year? How is that affecting the city? Are newcomers embraced by the Asheville natives?

Is Asheville primarily a retirement town, or are their still a lot of young families?

How are the public schools? California schools are terrible. The quality of the schools will be one of our primary considerations.

Another reason we are considering Asheville is the art scene; my husband is a painter. What can you tell me about the Asheville art scene, is it really as prominent as portrayed in the literature? Do most of the artists survive being artists, or do they need to have a second occupation?

We are planning a visit for 1 week this spring. Any suggestions for the best way to spend our limited time for a good perspective of the area would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!

I lived in Asheville for 15 years b efore moving to Atlanta. My husband and his mother were born there. His grandfather moved there from Lynchburn Virginia and started a law practice during the time of Thomas Wolfe. Recently, I came across photos of the original Battery Park Hotel. Has anyone come across photographs? I'd love to collect copies of these. This is the original Hotel built by Colonel Coxe in the 1800s...not the rebuilt edition by Mr. Grove which was closed in 1972. If anyone is into Asheville history and architecture, I'd love to hear from you.

Hi I'm thinking of moving to Asheville. I like it there but I checked the crime stats and they are so high. Whats going on in that little town? The crime rate is way above the national avarage.

Does anyone know if there are good "New York Style" bagels and/or pizza in Asheville?

This is a crazy question but here it goes. I'm thinking of relocating to Asheville from Brooklyn NY. I will be working as a nurse at Mission Memorial Hospital. Last year I visited Asheville and liked it alot. I also got a job offer in San Diego. Saleries in Asheville are about half of those in San Diego but then again so is housing. Can those of you who visited both places and picked Asheville to live please tell me why. Thanks: GearGeezer.

Are there many mosquitoes in Asheville? And/or any other nasty bugs such as ticks, poisonous spiders, or horse flies?

If there are mosquitoes, what times of the year are they the best and worst?

And finally, how do you deal with the bugs, do insect repellents really work? Can you go hiking in the woods without swatting all day?

P.S. We are considering moving to Asheville, but where we live near Santa Fe NM we have no mosquitoes or any other biting insect (well, except for the gnats that appear in the spring for a week, and the rarely seen centipede that has a bite as bad as a bee sting and the secretive black widow spider).

We are moving to asheville in June 2004 and are looking for someplace to stay until we can find a house. We are wanting to find something with a kitchenette. We are trying to keep it under $300 a week, if we can. We would appreciate any help that anyone can offer. Thank you.