Add to favorites Examiner Bio

A cooler climate

If you’re ready to get away from the heat and humidity of Columbia, then head to the mountains for a day. Ashville North Carolina is an ideal spot for a cooler climate and the scenery to boot. Only about 150 miles north of Columbia, Asheville offers a taste of history, arts and family fun. There’s an abundance of things to see and do for people of all ages in Asheville.  If you’re just looking to go for a scenic drive along the mountains then you may want to take the Grandfather Mountain scenic drive, roughly about an hour and a half.  Also worth checking out are the Hot Springs about 40 minutes north of Asheville. Known for their relaxation and healing, the Hot Springs are also known to be somewhat of a romantic spot.

 

After the scenic drives you will surely be hungry, so head back downtown to College street and look for Mayfel’s for southern cooking at it’s finest.  They offer a more reasonable menu and also a kids menu. Mayfel’s offers courtyard dining and cocktails along with breakfast, lunch and dinner. But remember they are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. While in downtown you may want to take advantage of some of the historic tours such as the trolley tours or the ghost tours.

 

 If you came to Asheville looking for adventure or hiking it is well worth while to have a browse in Mast General Store also. Mast General Store carries all of your hiking and outdoor needs since 1883. And for the adventurous type try one of several whitewater rafting adventures to enjoy. If you’re still up for more shopping then visit Grove Arcade. It’s an architectural work of art offering an outdoor portico market along with regional crafts, dining, and numerous boutiques. And do have a stroll through one of the city tailgate markets to take home some of western North Carolinas fresh produce.

 

On the way back out of town be sure to have a peek at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, an architectural wonder. Designed by Rafael Gustavino and Richard Sharpe Smith, the same architects that designed the famous Biltmore house. The Biltmore house alone is a day trip to Asheville that is also worth noting. But do plan and entire day of touring the home and grounds of the grand Biltmore estate.

                                                                                                                                                                        

There are plenty of festivals hosted in Asheville for each season. Upcoming events for summer festivals in Asheville are the Carolina Mountain Ribfest which will host rib vendors from around the country, arts and crafts and carnival rides. As with any festival there will also be music and entertainment. The event will run from July 10^th - 12^th  from 4pm- 11pm. Cost of admission is $6.00 and under 12 free. There is a small admission price for most festivals but there are still many sights to see in Asheville for free. If budgeting is in order for the day, a tank of gas will get you to Asheville to see the scenery. The hiking trails are also open with no cost and a drive through downtown to see the historical buildings won’t cost either. So, for a tank of gas you can drive up and see historical buildings and what Mother Nature created while taking in the relaxing fresh air.

 

 

The Big Crafty - July 12^th, 2009 12pm-6pm

Festival of Native peoples & Cherokee Indian art market- July 17^th and 18^th  9am- 6pm