Asheville NC, questions about visiting in May.

[Papa Deuce]

What is the weather like? Are there any events to check out? Any must sees?
I am thinking we'll be there in the end of May or very early June. Looking at staying at the Grove Park Inn. If we go, it will only be for 4 days / 3 nights...

Thanks.

 

[Candace]

I don't know about the weather, but I am assuming you know about the Biltmore. Don't miss it!

 

[Mimi Q]

Too bad you aren't going in April. The Festival of Flowers is spectacular. I love the Grove Park Inn. Be sure to visit the spa there. My brother and his wife raved about the Inn on Biltmore Estate. They stayed there for their 25th wedding anniversary. I have been white water rafting on the French Broad River and it was a lot of fun. Link to Inn:

http://www.biltmore.com/plan/stay/reservations.shtml

 

[Zurealsoon]

There's a really big old house there you might want to visit.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I don't know about the weather, but I am assuming you know about the Biltmore. Don't miss it!

That is the ONLY thing I know about!

 

[dixipixi]

We have been a few times in late May (from the 15th til the end of the month) and early June. We thought the weather was absolutely fantastic! It is still nice and cool up there while we've already had HOT weather for at least a few weeks here.

If it rains, it is usually over with pretty quick. Most of the time we had beautiful weather, though.

We spend a lot of time in the mountains (hiking, fishing, sightseeing). The Blue Ridge Parkway is gorgeous that time of year. Lots of flowers are blooming and the views are awesome!

We like to just drive around and check out the area. When we go to the mountains, we don't do a lot of planning. Just kind of wake up each day and decide what to do.

The Smoky Mountain Railway which runs between Bryson City and Dillsboro is a great way to spend some time. White water rafting is also fun (we usually wait til August to do this because the water is SO COLD in May/June).

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I lived in Asheville for a while (moved away this past summer). First, you will LOVE the Grove Park Inn. I would recommend exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially around Mount Pisgah and/or Mount Mitchell. My family enjoyed hiking the trails around Mt. Mitchell. If you are the gambling sort (I'm not), you might enjoy Harrah's over at Cherokee. One good restaurant I would recommend is called "Tupelo Honey". It is in downtown Asheville. A nice side trip (45-60 minutes from Asheville) is a town called Hot Springs in Madison county. It has a relaxing antural hot spring spa. There are lots of nature trails in that area too.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I lived in Asheville for a while (moved away this past summer). First, you will LOVE the Grove Park Inn. I would recommend exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially around Mount Pisgah and/or Mount Mitchell. My family enjoyed hiking the trails around Mt. Mitchell. If you are the gambling sort (I'm not), you might enjoy Harrah's over at Cherokee. One good restaurant I would recommend is called "Tupelo Honey". It is in downtown Asheville. A nice side trip (45-60 minutes from Asheville) is a town called Hot Springs in Madison county. It has a relaxing antural hot spring spa. There are lots of nature trails in that area too.

Right up our alley!

 

[LJC1861]

You will love Asheville! There are tons of things to do here an the weather in May is beautiful......usually 60's to low 70's during the day.

Now on to activities......

1. Biltmore House. See the house and when you do I highly recommend the audio tour that they sell. It gives you all sorts of information that you will miss by just reading the little guide book that you receive. Better yet, take a behind the scenes tour. This will allow you to see some areas of the house not yet open to the public and take you up to the roof. While you are there visit the gardens which will be beautiful in May. Don't forget the winery where you can sample great wine to your heart's content. There are some wonderful restaurants on property and if you like a buffet type meal head over to Deerpark. If you prefer a nice upscale restaurant the Bistro is wonderful. ( Admission 39$, audio tour $7, behind the scenes, $15, winery complimentary tastings, Deerpark-$ 15, Bistro- $$$ )

2. The North Carolina Arboretum. If you are into gardening, or even just nature itself head on over here. It is filled with formal gardens a greenhouse, visitor center, a fantastic new Bonsai exhibit. There are several miles of hiking trails as well for some very easy but wonderful strolls. (Admission $6)

3. Downtown Asheville. A great place to shop and eat. There are some wonderful little restaurants. I agree with another poster on Tupelo Honey, but be prepared to wait. The Early Girl Eatery around the corner is also great as is Mayfels, Doc Cheys and the Mellow Mushroom. You might be able to catch a play or concert and there are several smaller museums in town. It is a great town for walking and just people watching. For shopping do not miss the Mast General Store.

4. Hendersonville. Almost the same type of atmosphere as Downtown Asheville just a bit smaller. Hendersonville has some great art gallery type stores. Visit Mike's on Main St. for a great old fashioned malted milk shake at a real soda fountain.

5. Waynesville. Another nice town a bit west of Asheville. Again, great restaurants and shopping and another branch of the Mast General Store.

6. Chimney Rock. This family owned park southwest of Asheville will give you some great views of the entire area. You can hike or take an elevator up to the Chimney rock itself and stand in awe of the view. There are also hiking opportunities including one nice easy mile long hike to Hickory Nut Falls where they filmed some of " The last of the Mohicans " ( Admission $14 )

I could go on and on. If you need more suggestions, directions or anything please do not hesitate to ask. Have fun planning.

Linda

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