Biltmore/Asheville NC Suggestions

[100AcreWood]

Any suggestions on where to stay and what to see? We live in NC but we've never taken the kids to see the Biltmore. They want to go this summer instead of the beach.

We're a family of 5 so renting a condo/cabin would be ideal. This is all new to me so I'd love any suggestions!

 

[TCB in FLA]

I live just outside of Asheville -- we moved here not quite 4 yrs who and love it! Summer is great time to visit as the days usually aren't too hot, so you can get out and do things w/o worrying about the heat.

You can sometimes find Biltmore discounts (AAA, military, etc) but tickets are never super cheap. But you can easily spend the entire day touring the house, gardens and village area. They also have outdoor concerts in the summer on the lawn. We saw Sheryl Crow last year and it was great.

Tons of hiking, mnt biking opportunities if you are into that. There's a great zip line course and ropes course right near downtown by the Hyatt. There's also tubing down the river. Downtown is fun and friendly. Did I mention we are Beer City USA?

I don't know of any condo/cabin rentals offhand, but know they are out there. Feel free to message me if you have other questions!

 

[Topper]

http://cabininasheville.com/

http://www.exploreasheville.com/about-asheville/request-travel-guide/

 

[Trip2Disney]

You didn't mention when this summer you'd like to go, but just wanted to suggest Father's Day weekend. It's probably too early for the summer special offers to be up on the Biltmore site, but children usually get free admission during the summer and on Father's Day, dads are admitted free. We went last year for Father's Day and for my family of 6, the only ticket I needed to purchase was for myself, and I ordered it from home to get the Advance Purchase discount (think it knocked $10-$15ish off the price). We thought this was a great deal!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I wanted to mention my favorite truffles - The Chocolate Fetish in downtown Asheville! YUMMY and amazing. Years ago my sister stayed in a bed and breakfast there and they delivered a little box to her so she brought it home to me. It was from the Chocolate Fetish and it was their Champagne Truffle which has edible gold dusting on it - and I was hooked! I rarely eat sweet things but these chocolates are just so good. My DH also became hooked and every year at this time, he orders me/us a box.

The downtown area is fun to shop around in so if you go, look for the Chocolate Fetish. They've also won all kinds of awards.

Heather

 

[Muushka]

Costco has Biltmore tickets for sale at a discount.

 

[marg1974]

Asheville is a great town enjoy

 

[dprincessmom]

When we visit, we actually stay about 20 minutes away in Black Mountain. There are several houses/cabins for rent. We love the MAST General Store and also the little communities around the area. Tons of stuff today and not hot as blazes.

Last year we were there in July and light jackets were part of the daily attire, coming from Florida that was just crazy!!!

Have a great time.

 

[100AcreWood]

Thanks everyone! We are staying the week of July 4th.

We're considering spending only 2 days in Asheville and then traveling west to see pigeon forge/gatlinburg as well.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

A couple of summers ago we took our 2 teens and a few of their friends to stay at Rumbling Bald Resort in Lake Lure, NC. We had so much fun! There is so much to do in the area and many condos/timeshares for rent. It is about an hour or so from Asheville, so one day we drove in to visit the Biltmore Estate and spent the late afternoon & evening at the Bel Cher Music Festival which was going on in Asheville that weekend. All the kids LOVED it! The teens all got in to the Biltmore free with paid adult admission. We did spring for the recording head sets for everyone so they could really enjoy the tour.

Other things we did in Lake Lure:
- Pool
- Golf
- Horseback riding down the river
- Zip lining
- Rented a speed boat and driver for tubing and water skiing on the lake.
- Float trip down the river in inner tubes (This trip leaves from a campground and only runs when the dam releases water).

We ran out of time and did not get to visit Chimney Rock State Park. I hear there is some good hiking there.

The kids have been asking to go back!

 

[mom2t]

Recommend Cheddars restaurant in Asheville and Pigeon Forge great food reasonable prices. Also best steaks ever is the Alamo in Pigeon Forge.

 

[tinkgirl1984]

Recommend Cheddars restaurant in Asheville and Pigeon Forge great food reasonable prices. Also best steaks ever is the Alamo in Pigeon Forge.

I'm not trying to sound mean, but this post makes my heart hurt. Asheville is full of totally unique, one of a kind, local restaurants. No way should you skip any of them for Cheddar's. Cheddar's is the kind of place you go after your kids get out of a late ball practice and there's no time to cook. Not somewhere you actually seek out on vacation. Same goes for Pigeon Forge, although you have to look harder for "unique" there. I think you could come up with lots of things in Asheville to keep you busy for a few days. If your kids are swimmers, you should definitely check out Sliding Rock. If you have specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them. I grew up right outside Asheville. Now I live about 45 minutes from Pigeon Forge. I'm very familiar with both.

 

[HM]

Try out White Duck Tacos if you get a chance. Unique place to eat in Asheville for cheap.

We stayed in a house just east of Asheville over Christmas that we found on VRBO. We had a family of 18 so it was a big house. I'm sure there are others that would match your needs.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

OMG our family ..DD, son in law, daughters DH and myself went to ASheville Thanksgiving week 2013...and on to Charleston..
.
Actually thinking of a move to Asheville,well 1/2 the time there and the other in Chicago burbs....but DD & family may move to Asheville......beautiful area,Blue Ridge Parkway,Biltmore, hiking,arts district, various shopping and restaurants to try..
and warmer in the winter than up north and not as much snow....