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Part 2 in our series of Creating Unique Vacation Memories in Asheville, NC

One of the first questions visitors ask is… Where can we see the best views? Everyone wants to see long range mountain views and in Asheville, NC there are many views; it all depends on HOW you want to see them.

Here’s 3 ways to see spectacular mountain views:

Spectacular Views While You Cruise

The most popular way is to cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway which is open! This 469 mile paved pathway will take you along the most scenic drives winding through Virginia and North Carolina and of course, right through Asheville. You can cruise in your car for the breeze, get on foot and hike the trails or chase the water features on the BRP. Whether you’re heading to Mt. Mitchell, the tallest mountain peak east of the Mississippi, or trekking along the Mountains to Sea Trail, you’ll find never-ending adventure up and down the BRP. 

We highly recommend downloading the ‘All Trails’ App on your smartphone for easy trail searching. Find what trails to discover, read reviews and get GPS driving directions to the trailheads and download trail maps. 
Most of the Parkway is open but restrooms, campgrounds, picnic areas & other facilities remain closed. Visit the NPS closures, real-time road map and operating hours pages to determine what is open and remember to follow CDC guidelines when visiting. Paving project info is here. As of 5/28/20, rhododendrons are blooming at higher elevations in VA and just barely starting to bloom at Craggy Gardens, with more blooms South of Asheville.

Spectacular Views without Breaking a Sweat

If you don’t have the time or simply want to see the views without breaking a sweat and perhaps also get great gourmet food, then we highly suggest The Montford Rooftop Bar in downtown Asheville. It is open Wed. – Sun. and is a stellar experience watching the color fade into the sunset. In fact, make sure you get there early because this small space gets very busy at Sunset. Of course, during COVID-19, they are taking extra precautions which means you need to do extra planning to ensure your seat. This is one of the most popular spots to get a picture with your bestfriend or sweetheart and of course, many Instagram photos are taken here. Search @themontford on Instagram and you can get a preview of the food and the views!

From Inside The Montford Rooftop Bar

Spectacular Views worth the Sweat

If you have time for a short day trip, then we highly recommend taking the winding, forested roads that lead to Chimney Rock State Park. You will be driving through film history as you see where Last of the Mohicans and Dirty Dancing were both filmed. Once there you can enter the Park and hike it up, straight to the Rock. Make no mistake, this rock is no joke. Depending on how difficult (or how much you want to sweat), you choose the 499 step stairs or the 330 step stair path.

It takes about 30 minutes to get there and roughly 1 hour to 1.5 hours to hike it up. It’s the perfect day trip. On the way back, many relax by the river with a picnic of their own or dine in one of the many quaint restaurants of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

Chimney Rock State Park is open Friday – Tuesday!

Part 1 in our series of Creating Unique Vacation Memories in Asheville, NC

Asheville is known for its beautiful mountains and scenic views but don’t forget that nestled among these winding wonders are also lakes and rivers to refresh and replenish. They make for unique ways to experience our mountain lifestyle.

To assist you in planning for your outdoor adventure in Asheville, Inspired Getaway has compiled a giant list of outdoor and scenic experiences you’ll never forget. From the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the splashes of the cold rivers, here is a list of amazing ways to truly and uniquely experience Asheville for thrill-seekers and chill seekers. 

Discover Our Treetops

Everyone enjoys the mountain views but how about getting really up close and personal?

Go swinging through the trees and bring joy to your inner spirit with one of the area’s top Ziplining companies! Here’s what’s available for booking:

  1. Navitat Canopy Adventures
  2. The Gorge – A Zipline Canopy Adventure
  3. Asheville Treetop adventures
  4. French Broad Adventures

Splash Around

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Fly Fishing

Ready to experience something new on the river? Book a fly fishing tour with the most experienced, professional Fly Fishing Company in the area, Asheville Fly Fishing Co. These highly trained, very passionate fly fishing tour guides will take you out to the most exclusive, untouched areas of the blue ridge waterways.

Upgrade your river experience with Asheville Fly Fishing Co. by asking them about their wine and cheese river float! Perfect for that romantic date night, anniversary, celebrating birthdays and more…

Asheville Fly Fishing Guides

Paddleboarding

SUP – (aka) Stand Up Paddleboarding! Whether its on the French Broad River, Lake Fontana, Lake James, Lake Lure, or one of the other local rivers, SUP is something the whole family can enjoy. Here are some SUP companies to help get you started:

Tubing

Want a more laid back approach to getting on the river? Tubing is the way to go. Here are some companies that will escort you to the shore and give you a landing spot making this river experience easy and relaxing!

Whitewater Rafting – Whitewater Rafting is a great way to experience the river in a boat with your favorite group of people. Here’s where to find it:

Lake Lure Beach or Marina – Lake Lure is one of the most romantic, breathtaking areas in all of Western North Carolina. Everything from lake activities to Chimney Rock views and dining at one of the local wineries or restaurants, Lake Lure is a top destination for NC vacationers. Here’s what’s open! 

Lake Lure Beach & Marina

What are you waiting for? Start Planning!

Now that you have a plethora of local activities to consider, this is the time to start planning your mountain vacation at Inspired Getaway! Here are some other great resources for when searching for things to do in Asheville:

Uplift your spirits by changing your view with this newest vacation home to Inspired Getaway. Inside and outside are beautifully charming, elegant and luxurious. The lush outdoors are framed by our mountain views encouraging you to relax at the outdoor fireplace where you can easily sit back, relax and chat the night away with close family or friends.

With 3 bedrooms that sleep 7 in this idyllic country home, well appointed kitchen, sleigh beds and tall ceilings, you will enjoy your privacy with family or friends. The Home is set back from the road on a private one acre lot that is also convenient to Canton and Waynesville dining within a few short minutes. Explore the area or take a 15 minute drive to Asheville, NC.

The Historic Waynesville’s “Frog Level” is full of shopping and dining but the best kept secret is is equestrian community with several horse farms, stables and trails.

Book the home here at Inspired Getaway: https://www.inspiredgetaway.com/properties/asheville-country-getaway/


UPDATE: Inspired Getaway is now accepting bookings!

A change of scenery and a change of pace filled with fresh mountain air and wide open spaces to hike, bike, canoe or raft is coming soon. Inspired Getaway is confident that vacation rentals will be opening soon (We hope they will lift the Stay At Home Order for short term rentals by May 22nd). We will update this post when that happens and will immediately begin taking bookings. We are taking bookings for later summer and fall now. Check out all properties here.

Rental Options

As of today, bookings are only available for business purposes (if you’re here to check out real estate that you’re considering purchasing, for example).

Of course, monthly bookings are available. Please inquire to info@inspiredgetaway.com to find out which homes are available as a monthly rental.

If at any time our state or local officials revert to closing vacation rentals in Buncombe County, your vacation rental will be fully refunded. Otherwise, refunds are fully refundable if cancelled 30 days in advance and booked through Inspired Getaway. Bookings through HomeAway, VRBO or AirBnB are subject to their booking policies.

COVID-19 Guidelines

Due to rapidly changing updates from our City and County officials, we ask that all prospective guests please visit:

Buncombe County Government for the latest COVID-19 Updates.

Health and Safety

Inspired Getaway maintains high standards of health and safety. Our cleaning company uses hospital grade sanitizers.

Activities / Dining

At this time some retail locations are open with limited capacity. Dining is still takeout or curbside only so we encourage you to call ahead or check their Facebook pages for details on how to order. Most trails and parks are back open. Outdoor activities such as fly fishing, horseback riding, etc. may be available. Guests will need to call and check ahead of time to book.

Links to this information is provided below.

Buncombe County Parks – Some are open. To see current list click here.

Blue Ridge Parkway – “Most sections of the Parkway are open but restrooms, campgrounds, picnic areas & other facilities remain closed. Visit the NPS website & road closure map to determine which areas, services & facilities are open and remember to follow CDC guidelines when visiting. Paving project info is here.”

Pisgah National Forest – Click here – Pisgah NF reopening trails/roads and lifting restrictions on dispersed camping

Dining – There are plenty of food/delivery options to choose from to help you get the meals you’re longing for. We have local food delivery services such as Kickback AVL, TakeOut Central and AVL ride (many of these have apps you can download). Here in Asheville, we also have Uber Eats, DoorDash, GrubHub. Our local restaurants would love nothing more than to make a meal for you!

Stay a little longer and enjoy the change of scenery. If you’re ready to sit a spell, relax and take part in our great outdoors for longer than a weekend, then check out the Asheville Getaway. This short term rental is now available as a month to month rental. It is just the right size and offers wonderful features to help you kick back.

It has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a hot tub off of the back.  It’s fully furnished with contemporary style, has a washer/dryer and is ready for some longer stays!  It is located in Fairview, NC (10 minutes from downtown Ashevile) and minutes to all amenities for easy convenience to groceries and take out food! The rent is $1800.00 monthly and all utilities will be included.  We are sorry but there are no pets allowed in this home due to allergies.  There are only 2 spaces provided for parking.  Please contact Carolyn at 828-707-1162 or info@inspiredgetaway.com

View all details here

 

Asheville has become one of the United States’ top destination cities for food, outdoor activities, and great weather. So, planning an Inspired Getaway weekend can certainly be overwhelming. That’s where Inspired Getaway can help! Not only can we provide you with a perfectly located place to stay but, we can help guide you to a well-planned itinerary.

There are plenty of ‘points of interest’ when visiting Western North Carolina so, we’re are going to focus on our recommended top five sights to see around Asheville.

  1. Downtown
  2. Biltmore
  3. Grove Park Inn
  4. Lake Lure
  5. Outdoor Activities

 

Lake Lure
Groove Park Inn
Downtown Nun

 

Great Outdoors
Biltmore Estate

 
When you first arrive in Asheville, we highly recommend soaking up downtown right off the bat. There’s so much to see, taste and experience downtown that you literally could spend days exploring the wide variety of shops and eateries. But, we’re here to make your life easier. First off, make a reservation for one of these top-rated Asheville restaurants: Curate, Cucina 24, Bouchon, Tupelo Honey, Noble Cider – The Greenhouse or Zambra Tapas Wine Bar. Anywhere you eat in downtown Asheville, you will have amazing food but, these are a few nationally recognized restaurants and we feel they should be highlighted.

After you’ve booked your dinner reservation, head out to one of the roof-top bars situated atop one of the downtown hotels. Our most recommended rooftop bar is The Montford Rooftop because it’s a local’s favorite, has carefully craft cocktails, views for miles and the snack menu is just right. Or, stroll through the historic Grove Arcade before heading up to the fabulous Hemingway’s Cuba Rooftop where the views are epic and the decor is roomy yet cozy with a Miami bohemian vibe.

If you want to skip the pre-dinner cocktail, stroll through some of the unique boutique shops located up and down Lexington Avenue and Biltmore Avenue. You’ll find that the Asheville Bee Charmer will probably be the highlight of your shopping experience. Asheville is known as an artist’s city, so there are plenty of locally made goods, art pieces, crafts and pottery to discover and browse through.

If Art museums are your thing, then go check out the newly renovated Asheville Art Museum located in the heart of downtown across from the historic Pack Square. This state of the art, highly designed museum is awe-inspiring where anyone can spend days walking and observing the art displays.

After the Art Museum, head next door to the nationally recognized French Broad Chocolate Lounge for a divine chocolatey experience. Be sure to order (to-go) the must-have delicate truffles in a variety of unique flavors. We greatly recommend sipping a mug of warm, silky liquid chocolate. It’s not like anything you’ve ever experienced before.

If you find yourself immersed in downtown, that’s fine but, we also highly recommend spending an entire day at the Biltmore Estate. This historic, largest home in America and properly groomed landscape are spectacular and not to be missed! You could spend days visiting the property but, if you only have one full day, then head straight to the house to explore inside with a self-guided tour followed by an amazing stroll through the astonishing botanical gardens.

Once you’ve wrapped up touring the house and the gardens, hop back in your car and drive on through to the Biltmore Estate Winery. Here, at the winery, Biltmore guests receive complimentary wine tastings, and the opportunity to shop till you drop. Find “all things” Biltmore at Antler Hill Village where you can dine, shop, splurge on ice cream or lounge for a sunset. Webbing the entire property are well-groomed trails perfect for biking, hiking or for a long evening stroll after dinner. Before you set out for a hike from Antler Hill Village, be sure to swoon over the adorable farm animals with a stop at the petting pin.

If you find that you don’t want to explore the hugeness of the Biltmore Estate but are wanting to experience a historic piece of Asheville, then head to the always amazing Grove Park Inn, Asheville’s over-the-top famous hotel where dozens of celebrities, President’s and world leaders have stayed to roam the halls of this special hotel. If your visit to the Grove Park Inn falls on a day where there is a gorgeous sunset, you’re in luck! The back terrace of the Grove Park Inn is ideal for relaxing with a cocktail in hand where the views are stunning and the memories last a lifetime. Hoping for that Instagram worthy shot? The backdrop of the Grove Park Inn is perfect.

When the weather is warm and the sun is high in the sky, one of the area’s premier spots is Lake Lure. Famous and well-known for the location and filming of the movie Dirty Dancing, Lake Lure is still one of the area’s best attractions. The top ‘thing to do’ at Lake Lure is to rent a pontoon boat for the day from one of the lake marina’s or enjoy the white, sandy lake beach with the entire family. Both the beach and the pontoon boat are family-friendly activities and worthy of an entire day. If water isn’t your thing, then make your way to the top of Chimney Rock where the striking views will knock your flip flops off. Lake Lure is also dotted with plenty of delicious restaurants, we recommend the family-owned Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Bistro located at the base of Chimney Rock.

Well, that leads us right into the endless list of outdoor activities you can find in our area. First off, make a bucket list of what it is you’d like to explore. Is it hiking, ziplining, kayaking, tubing, or just summit seeking views? The list goes on and on so, narrowing it done will be very helpful. If hiking is on your mind, then head out to the NC Arboretum, an arboretum and botanical garden located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest of the Pisgah National Forest. The trails are considered for easiest to difficult hiking and everything in between. Or, if you want, you can decide to skip hiking altogether and remain at the Arboretum’s main campus to explore the wide variety of plants, flowers and bonsai exhibit. There is much to see and explore at the NC Arboretum!

If ziplining is on your bucket list, then you have several options – be sure to do your zip company homework before deciding where to go. We can suggest Navitat Canopy Adventures and The Gorge Ziplining, the area’s premier zip companies but take note they have very different approaches to the zipline experience. Learn more about the different ziplining companies in our area, go to https://ashevilledatenight.com/6-ways-to-go-zip-lining-in-asheville-this-fall/.

The same goes for river activities, climbing or biking activities. Romantic Asheville is a wonderful resource for discovering a plethora of outdoor hiking trails, locations and ideas for where to go. For summit seekers and 360-degree views, we recommend driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in either direction or heading west on I-40 to the popular Max Patch hike.

So, what are you waiting for? Surround yourself with an Inspired Getaway! We are a top choice for anyone who dreams of visiting Asheville, NC. There’s no better way to immerse yourself into the local experience of Western North Carolina.

Galentine’s Day is February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day. We love that but why have just one day? Pick any weekend in February or March in Asheville and you’ll have a fabulous Best Friends for Life Trip that you’ll remember for life. On top of that, stay in our Asheville Getaway ($150/night) and take advantage of the winter perks available during these months. Here they are:

Warmer weather – Our area is actually experiencing warmer weather giving you more opportunities to take a hike or walk comfortably downtown and shop.

No waiting in line – Take your pick of the Spa at Grove Park Inn, the Biltmore House and most restaurants in downtown Asheville without having to fight for a reservation.

Breweries and Wine Shops – You have plenty of places to kick off your Galentine’s Trip with a boozy lunch in downtown on any day and again, without all those crowds.

Mountain Air and Trails – Even our hiking trails are clear and you will have a better view of the mountains when there is less foliage.

The Best Place to Stay

Last but not least, you will have the Asheville Getaway, a beautiful, brand new boutique bungalow from Inspired Getaway where you and 3 of your besties can relax around a fire and end the day with wine in the hot tub.

 

Ready to experience another kind of LVMH? Experience our version of a Luxury Vacation Mountain Home, Asheville style where modern architecture meets luxury amenities in the heart of our mountain city, Asheville.

Introducing Bauhaus

The newest townhome development is ready for you featuring:

Most of the townhomes are private residences but a small group are available for vacation rental and we have the first ready for you!

Check out this 3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, 1882 square feet vacation rental residence with private terrace and 2 car garage NOW AVAILABLE:

Remember, book through our site and save on the fees charged by Airbnb and VRBO.

Don’t just visit; live here

If you really enjoy your stay or have considered moving to the area, then check out available units: https://www.bauhaussouthslope.com/availability/

It’s not Biltmore Estate, Breweries or BBQ

If you wanna know what has made Asheville famous, literally putting this mountain jewel on the #1 list of almost every travel list, it has nothing to do with the Biltmore Estate or the grand Grove Park Inn.

And, no, it’s not the great food events like the recent Chow Chow multi-day, culinary extravaganza with appearances from famous chefs like Jose Andres and Asheville’s own Katie Button.

And, no, it’s not all the craft breweries or BBQ joints like Buxton Hall or even the great golfing, cycling, hiking, and rafting. And, no, it’s not even the unique experiences like salt caves and public saunas or axe throwing. You’re still wrong if you think it’s our area’s dedication to honeybees and butterflies or the very real possibility that you will see bears… and elk…. and even white squirrels.

HINT: 🍂 It’s natural and in season NOW!

What attracts EVERYONE to Asheville are the leaves. Yep. Leaves. These ain’t your normal leaves. These are a vibrant display of fall leaves showing every color in the Fall spectrum and when you see them displayed on nature’s backdrop… well, wow, just WOW. It makes people slow down at speeds so slow you wonder what’s wrong. It’s the one thing that will make you, your kids and even your dog and stare out of their windows and into the blue yonder.

Combine that with cooler temperatures, light breezes, that Fall fading sunset glow, hot cider, pumpkin spice and corn mazes and you’ll understand what has really made Asheville famous. For us locals, we’re just lucky to live here. It’s free and all around us and available for anyone to enjoy!

Here is a video showing just what we’re talking about. This video is from 2012 and lucky for us, this happens every year!

We’re so crazy about our fall leaf season that we even have predictions and maps. Here is this year’s map:

https://www.exploreasheville.com/trip-ideas/seasonal-fun/fall/interactive-fall-color-map/

TIP: How to enjoy Asheville’s Leaf Season:

So, come and “check-in” to the mountains, drive and enjoy one of the most spectacular natural events in our area – it’s free to enjoy! Here’s our recommendations:

  1. Book your stay at any of of our properties – click here to view properties. But be quick because they’re already going fast!
  2. Bring a picnic basket and your bestie (even the four footed kind)
  3. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and pick your favorite place to chillax
  4. Then, sit back and enjoy the beautiful display ~
Taylor Ranch Retreat Outdoor Camp

View Property Here

How to “Book End” the Dog Days of Summer and new property alert!

The “Dog Days of Summer” are just above over. These days refer to the hottest period of summer beginning with July 3rd and ending August 11th.

For history buffs: The phrase “Dog Days” came from the Egyptians with the rising of the Dog star, Sirius (large dog), which came just before the seasonal flooding of the Nile River. These were “watchdog” days and known as happy times. Source
https://www.almanac.com/fact/dog-days-begin-the-phrase-dog-days-holiday

Start with LEAF, August 2 – 3, 2019

How about “book ending” your Dog Days of Summer, Mountain style starting with the LEAF Festival? What is it? If you’ve ever wanted to experience family fun with lots of other families in the great outdoors of western North Carolina in the heart of one of the fastest growing most popular mountain towns with fabulous music and food, then you need to attend the LEAF Festival in downtown Asheville on August 2 – 3, 2019. To see the entire schedule, click visit: https://www.theleaf.org/downtown/

End Your Summer with your favorite BFFs

After that head back to the mountains for a last summer BFF Trip with your closest friends before school starts back. These first two weeks of August are perfect for that girls/guys weekend away – rates are reasonable (they seriously go up Labor Day and all of the Fall season in the WNC mountains) and the mountain weather is perfect. It’s hot but the mountain air is slightly cooler and our evenings are fabulously cool. Just enough to leave the windows open and feel that cool morning mountain air.

Where to stay? New Short Term Vacation Property Alert!

Be the first book the “Asheville Getaway”, a two bedroom, two bath bungalow within minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway and 10 minutes to downtown Asheville. Click here to view the property and book.

 

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