Take the slow road: Blue Ridge Parkway

WASHINGTON POST – By Nancy Trejos, Sunday, July 4, 2010

Ask Ellen Smith where she lives, and she won’t name a town or city. “Milepost 246,” she’ll say. That’s because her home has been on the Blue Ridge Parkway since its earliest beginnings: “They were pouring gravel when I moved here when I was 6,” she says. And on the parkway, they speak in mileposts. I met Ellen, for instance, at Bluffs Lodge and Restaurant (Milepost 241), between my stops at Brinegar Cabin (Milepost 238) and Northwest Trading Post (Milepost 259). That’s about as specific about location as people tend to get.

Read the rest of this great story about Asheville’s Blue Ridge Parkway >

HandMade in America Expo 25-26 June

For years, Asheville-based HandMade in America has introduced countless people to the unique and wonderous creations of our region’s talented artisans. This month, on June 25th and 26th, the organization is taking that experience one step closer to your living space with The Western North Carolina Craft, Architecture & Design Expo—bringing together artists, designers, and architects, who can make your house a haven for handcrafted beauty.

Visit the North Carolina Arboretum to see for yourself >

World’s largest timed film competition — in Asheville!

The 48-hour film project returns to Asheville June 18-20 and there are just a few spots left. Filmmakers will have 48 hours to write, produce, and edit their short films. All finished films will be screened up on the big screen and judged by a panel of local film professionals for different awards, including the Best 48 Hour Film of Asheville!

To register your team or for more information, click here >

Asheville Wine & Food Festival 13-15 August

In the months leading up to the WNC magazine Asheville Wine & Food Festival, the sponsors will host a series of cooking competitions, where Western North Carolina’s top professional chefs will show off their talents and let you be the judge.

The series will feature chefs from across North Carolina’s 17 westernmost counties, focused on local foods and products. Starting in May, the public will get a taste of the action during ticketed dinner events. Similar to Food Network’s Iron Chef, a mystery ingredient will be incorporated into each competitor’s dishes.

Here’s a link to the festival and events preceding it >

Grand new downtown eatery — Pack’s Tavern

Pack’s Tavern offers outstanding service, the best drinks in town, and a large eclectic menu of over 60 items; everything from signature salads to hand-pattied burgers, from wonderful appetizers to fresh cut steaks and seafood in a friendly, hospitable atmosphere. All to be enjoyed in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Asheville’s newly renovated Pack Square Park.

Housed in a restored 1907 building on Pack Square >

Asheville’s Botanical Gardens 50th birthday

For 50 years, the Botanical Gardens at Asheville have been an oasis in the city, which showcases more than 600 plants native to Southern Appalachia. The nonprofit group is celebrating its longevity, as well as the support of its members. Tour the gardens, enjoy live music and refreshments, and bid on silent auction items, including binoculars from REI and fresh flowers from Your Vase or Mine. Proceeds benefit the gardens and nature programs.

Stop by to get a good dose of green >

Favorite Asheville downtown restaurants

The votes are in and Asheville has spoken! Your favorite downtown restaurant is Laughing Seed Cafe. This poll was very interesting, because Laughing Seed started out running away with the vote, but it looked at the end like it might be overtaken by Mela Indian Restaurant.

Diverse restaurant options in downtown Asheville >

Blue Ridge Parkway turns 75 years old this year

Fantastic scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular sections of the National Park System. Named “America’s Favorite Drive,” the 469-mile scenic road celebrates its 75-year anniversary in 2010.

Learn more about the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway >

Asheville Winter Romantic Getaways 2010

Surprising to some, in most winters it rarely snows in Asheville.

The city is protected by the surrounding mountains, so it often snows about 20 miles away on the mountaintops. Meanwhile, the valley rarely gets a big snow, so it’s a great time to visit. The summer and fall crowds are gone, making a perfect time for a North Carolina mountain getaway to unwind.

Check out Romantic Asheville’s Top 12 Winter Outings >

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at The Biltmore

Firelight and candlelight fill the house with a warm glow and accent delicate ornaments and priceless treasures. Get into the holiday spirit with choirs singing European carols, vintage ballroom dancers, and dramatic Christmas readings. The Front Lawn of Biltmore House sets the scene with a sparkling holiday illumination of evergreens bathed in thousands of twinkling lights.

Christmas is spectacular at The Biltmore >