It’s February and our romantic friend cupid is at it again. This mythical god of attraction and affection is shooting arrows left and right and many are landing right here in Asheville. Why? It’s because Asheville is an ideal spot for a romantic couple’s getaway. It’s a city filled with beautiful spas, romantic dining spots, and gorgeous scenery. And there’s no shortage of romantic places to stay to create an unforgettable weekend with your loved one. So, are you ready to put romance back on your priority list? We’ve got some ideas to help you plan the perfect romantic Asheville, North Carolina vacation.
Tranquil Spa Treatments
Asheville is home to many outstanding spas that offer several unique experiences. After all – it is Asheville – and we’d expect nothing less. At Still Point Wellness, couples can enjoy an Esalen massage (a technique created at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA) which is designed to deliver a deep sense of relaxation and integration of body, mind, and spirit. There’s also a saltwater float tank experience for those interested in reaching deep states of relaxation.
Asheville Massage and Bodywork offers an array of different spa services. If you book an appointment onsite, you can enjoy their private sauna and foot bath services too. Or, you can choose their mobile massage service, where they’ll come to you for an amazing couple’s massage.
If you’re looking for a spa experience with a view, the Shoji Spa and Retreat offers private outdoor salt tubs in a Japanese-like setting. Tea service is provided by Dobra Tea and soakers can book a massage or enjoy a sauna before or after.
The Asheville Salt Cave is also home to one of the most unique massages around. When you book a private couple’s massage here, you’ll be surrounded by 30 tons of pure pink salt from Poland, the Dead Sea, the Himalayas, and the Celtic Sea. And if you want to indulge, book a private session in their hamman – and experience a traditional Turkish bath.
Romantic Dinner Spots
After you’ve rejuvenated your mind and body with a spa experience, now it’s time to invigorate your appetite at one of Asheville’s many romantic restaurants. At Bouchon, couples can enjoy a taste of Paris in one of the city’s favorite bistros. The menu is filled with French comfort food ranging from mussels and steak frites to cordon bleu and salmon Dijonnaise. Try to book a table upstairs for some extra romantic ambiance. They also have a second location that’s a bit more off the beaten track – Rendezvous.
Zambra is Asheville’s original tapas restaurant and wine bar. Its amber-muted lighting and stone floors just beckon couples to cozy up in a corner with a great glass of bubbly and some shared plates for two.
The Sunset Terrace at the Omni Grove Park Inn offers the quintessential romantic setting. The view is one of the best in Asheville and the food features some of the top ingredients from western North Carolina farmers.
If you’re wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, North Asheville is home to Bone and Broth. It’s southern-inspired menu features premium dry-aged steaks from its butcher neighbor – the Chop Shop. This local butcher is also a good place to shop for top-notch ingredients if you prefer to stay in and cook a romantic meal for two.
Hand-holding Hikes
An ideal way to end your romantic weekend couples retreat is with a scenic, hand-holding hike. Lover’s Leap in nearby Hot Springs is a nearly 2-mile loop that follows the Appalachian Trail along the French Broad River. It then turns up a ridge via switchbacks to reveal panoramic views of the river and Pisgah National Forest. Bearwallow Mountain is a short hike that ends up at a beautiful bald with 360-degree views. Hikers can also make a stop at the nearby Hickory Gap Nut Farm retail shop and grab a little edible treat to take home.
Romantic Places to Stay
We’ve compiled a few places for you to stay during your romantic Asheville getaway. They all have hot tubs to melt those everyday stresses away. They include:
- Magnolia Mountain: A farmhouse-style home with a gorgeous outdoor hot tub.
- Tranquil Oasis: The hot tub here sits above the treetops.
- Laurel Hill: This brand-new hot tub is just waiting for you.
- Adoring Asheville Luxury Bungalow: Intentionally designed for romantic getaways.
- Asheville Getaway- Feel the Luxury: This NC Green Built home offers the perfect combo of tranquility and convenience.
- Black Horse Mountain Retreat: Sip some bubbly in the bubbles!
- King of the Hill: Wonderful home with mountain views.
- Mountain Star: A luxury home perfect for couples.
- Taylor Ranch Retreat: Set back in the woods for ultimate privacy.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your romantic Asheville getaway today.
Your goosebumps may begin the minute you drive through the historic entry gate and continue on the drive up the winding, wooded driveway to the magnificent Biltmore House. Every year, teams of local elves spread their holiday magic across the 8,000 acres of the sweeping Biltmore Estate grounds. Visitors come from far and wide to see America’s largest private home transformed with miles of glittering grandeur.
Christmas at Biltmore — surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina — is their most popular time of year. Timed-entry tickets sell out quickly. Your team at Inspired Getaway ensures you get tickets and an entry time for this event when you stay at a participating vacation property. Christmas at Biltmore runs from early through the first week in January.
What Is Christmas at the Biltmore Estate All About?
The landmark Biltmore House is the centerpiece of any visit. Built for famed magnate George Vanderbilt and his family, the estate comes alive at Christmastime. During your visit, you’ll experience:
- 250 rooms that offer a step back in time
- Dozens of hand-decorated trees
- A hundred kissing balls
- Thousands of poinsettias
- Strolling musicians
- Choirs and Christmas concerts
The Vanderbilt family Christmas, a tradition that began in 1895, lives on today. You may amble at your own pace through the expansive house, with a complementary audio guide explaining the history of each room. Decorating at Biltmore is different every year. It takes an entire year to plan and execute.
What Can I Expect When I Visit Americas Largest Private Home?
A hallmark of any holiday visit is the immense Christmas tree installed in the grand Banquet Hall. The raising of the tree is the most anticipated event of the season — in 2022, the team purchased a 35-foot Fraser fir, brought from a mountaintop in nearby Avery County.
Dedicated crews pull out all the stops to give you an unforgettable experience. Biltmore House offers two different experiences:
- The Daytime Tour provides stunning mountain views from every window in the house and an optional stroll through the nearby Conservatory and gardens.
- The Candlelight Tour boasts glowing fireplaces and live music.
What Else Can I Do at the Biltmore Estate?
In addition to the grand Biltmore House, your entry ticket to the grounds entitles you to participate in other activities around the Estate, such as:
- Antler Hill Village, to explore the shops and eateries
- Cedric’s Tavern, named after the beloved family St. Bernard
- The award-winning winery culminates in complimentary wine tasting
- A scenic drive through the expansive grounds, which treats you to views of a bass pond, a turtle-filled lagoon, and charming stone bridges
If you’re looking for more to do at Biltmore, packages include lodging, specialty tours, events and spa services. Traveling exhibits occasionally come to the Biltmore House too, such as the Downton Abbey collection in 2020 and the Leonardo da Vinci immersive, multi-sensory exhibit in 2022.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Biltmore at Christmas?
All tickets to Christmas at Biltmore include complimentary parking, the audio guide, access to the grounds and wine tasting. The prices vary, depending on the date you book and what’s included in the package. Ticket prices begin at $99.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider a day or a weekend that includes Christmas at Biltmore. Contact Inspired Getaway to recommend the best times to visit and secure tickets to one of America’s time-honored traditions.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable mountain escape in the Blue Ridge Mountains, visit the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. Sitting atop Sunset Mountain, it faces the city and neighboring peaks and pinnacles. It’s a historic inn built into the side of the mountain that’s designed for relaxing in the fresh mountain air.
Asheville’s mild climate makes it a great travel destination year-round. When you visit the Omni Grove Park Inn, you can count on first-class service, natural beauty and a location that’s been enjoyed over the years by many famous and historical figures.
What Makes the Grove Park Inn Memorable?
The Omni Grove Park Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for good reason. It’s a massive hotel with luxurious rooms and breathtaking views. Other amenities that make the Grove Park Inn memorable include:
- Delicious meals. There’s no reason to leave the property if you’re looking for a great dining experience. Whether you have a taste for a luxurious four-course meal, fine dining on a terrace with a spectacular view or a more casual, comfy café, you can find it at the Inn.
- Cocktail lounges. There are many choices for an evening spent enjoying hand-crafted cocktails or an assortment of fine wines. Relax with friends or have fun dancing at the piano bar.
- World-class spa. You won’t forget the spa at the Grove Park Inn, which includes therapeutic waterfall pools, saunas, inhalation rooms and private men’s and women’s contrast pools. The coed room includes both warm and hot pools. Experienced masseurs await your visit.
- Sports center. Guests at the Grove Park Inn enjoy access to the Sports Center, which includes instructor-led fitness classes, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a weight room and an indoor swimming pool.
At the Grove Park Inn, you can enjoy a truly magical experience with quiet meditation by a roaring fire or activities such as a ride on a horse-drawn carriage or a rousing game on the legendary 18-hole Donald Ross championship golf course. And don’t forget to spend some time visiting the many unique gift shops at The Marketplace and Grovewood Village.
Which Historical Figures Have Stayed at the Grove Park Inn?
Walk the halls in the footsteps of an array of trailblazers and historical figures. From movie stars and country singers to first ladies and grand dames, the Grove Park Inn has been a constant in the celebrity world for decades. The hotel’s history includes visits by presidents, authors and other luminaries such as:
- Helen Keller
- Henry Ford
- Thomas Edison
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt
- Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Barack Obama
- Billy Graham
Author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived there for about a year while struggling with alcoholism and tuberculosis. His wife Zelda was hospitalized nearby for schizophrenia.
Can I Visit the Grove Park Inn if I’m Not a Guest?
As an Inspired Getaway guest, your visit to the Grove Park Inn can be arranged to suit your schedule with dining reservations at one of the hotel’s exclusive restaurants, or ELDR in the nearby Grovewood Village, golf dates and shopping excursions to fill your free time. Some of the things you can enjoy when you’re not an overnight guest include:
- Free parking for up to three hours
- Cocktails and dinner
- Browsing in shops
- Walking Trails
- Watching the gorgeous sunset from the terrace
Whether you’re looking for stunning views, history, comfort or convenience, you’ll find it at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Contact Inspired Getaway to book your upcoming stay in one of our modern, green-home rentals today, complete with special days and evenings at the Grove Park Inn.
Feature Image photo credit via Facebook: @omnigroveparkinn, The Omni Grove Park Inn