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Romantic Weekend in the NC Mountains

An April 2000 trip to Asheville by Hey, Jude

Beautiful scenery, good food, and a surprise snowstorm add up to a wonderful weekend getaway.

  • 6 reviews

Romantic Weekend in the NC MountainsBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, staying at the Sourwood Inn, dinner at the Biltmore House, a hike in the snow with the B&B owners' dogs, checking out the Grove Park Inn.

Quick Tips:

Be prepared for changes in weather. Our April trip went from windy to rainy to snowy in the space of a day. Check ahead to see if there are any special events going on in downtown Asheville. It's a vibrant downtown with lots of arts festivals, neat shops, and restaurants. Check in at the main visitors center at Biltmore to buy your ticket. You can request a later entry time so that you will have time to walk around the gardens or get some lunch or ice cream in the stable area.

Best Way To Get Around:

You will need a car to get to most sites except those around downtown Asheville.

Sourwood InnBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Half the fun of staying at the Sourwood Inn is getting there. Winding up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the turn for Elk Mountain Scenic Hwy., the anticipation builds with the elevation, and you know that you are going to be staying in a true mountain getaway. When you arrive at the inn, it blends into the scenery perfectly- beautiful and rustic. The interior of the inn is simple elegance. Hardwood floors, a massive fireplace, and craftsman-style furnishings contributed to the cozy atmosphere. Late afternoon snacks were available when we checked in. The owners/hosts were very friendly and had a very interesting story about the short history of this inn (I won't give it away!) Guest rooms were large, and each has its own fireplace and large private bathroom. The bath comes complete with candles, bubblebath, and a fantastic view of the mountains. Breakfast was excellent. There are some trails in the area for exploring, and, if you desire, the resident retrievers will be happy to accompany you. I can't wait to go back and stay longer!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Hey, Jude on August 10, 2000

Sourwood Inn
810 Elk Mountain Scenic Highway Asheville, North Carolina 28804
(828) 255-0690

Deerpark RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Excellent food, good value. Wine from the Biltmore Estate is served, and most of it is just so-so. The service on the night we ate there was cordial but slow.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Hey, Jude on August 10, 2000

Deerpark Restaurant
1 Approach Road Asheville, North Carolina 28806
+1 828 274 6260

Stable Cafe at Biltmore EstateBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Stable Cafe"

Good portions, surprisingly reasonable prices for a touristy spot, the soup of the day was excellent. Don't go for the vegetarian dish, though - very bland.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Hey, Jude on August 10, 2000

Stable Cafe at Biltmore Estate
1 Approach Road Asheville, North Carolina 28806
(828) 274-6333

Biltmore EstateBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

I always thought that I would wait until I was middle-aged before I would visit Biltmore, but I found myself buying a ticket anyway. Was it worth it? Definitely. This house is unbelievable. The Vanderbilts had some money, and they were not afraid to spend it. Most impressive were the dining room, indoor pool, and the gardens. Friends of ours suggested that we take a 'Behind the Scenes Tour' as well as the self-guided walking tour, but I found that the self-guided tour was enough for me. If you are at all into gardening, don't miss the spectacular gardens. The winery is OK if you've never been to one in California, but I wouldn't make a special trip.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Hey, Jude on August 10, 2000

Biltmore Estate
1 Approach Road Asheville, North Carolina 28806
(828) 274-6333

Grove Park Inn Resort & SpaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Grove Park Inn"

There were no rooms available for the Inn during our trip, but we had heard so much about it that we just had to check it out. I was surprised at the setting. I did not realize that it was so close to downtown in a residential neighborhood. Even so, the view was quite nice. The inn is in the tradition of the great National Park Lodges with a massive lobby complete with walk-in fireplaces. There are lots of interesting artifacts, pictures of famous people who have stayed there, and antique Stickley furniture. If you aren't staying there, it is worth checking out and maybe having a drink by the fire. After seeing it, I definitely would like to come back to stay the weekend.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Hey, Jude on August 10, 2000

Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa
290 Macon Avenue Asheville, North Carolina 28804
(828) 252-2711

About the Writer

Hey, Jude
Hey, Jude
Atlanta, Georgia

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