Asheville, NC

Elevation: 2,200 - 6,700 feet. Population: 73,000. Normal high temperatures for June, July and August are (°F) 82, 84 and 83 while normal lows are 60, 63 and 62 respectively. Temperatures are lower in the mountains outside of Asheville.

Asheville is a vibrant college town nestled in the middle of western NC's Blue Ridge Mountains. Although Asheville elevation is 2,200 feet, mountains of 5,000 - 6,700 feet high are located within 20 miles both west and east of Asheville. Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet, located about 20 miles northeast of Asheville.

The Asheville area was named a must-see destination and one of the top 7 places to live by Frommer's in 2007. It boasts a thriving arts community, diverse outdoor adventures, a vibrant and inviting downtown, numerous historic and architectural attractions, and unique shopping options. Visitors enjoy whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking and experiencing the highest peaks in the entire Eastern U.S. Outside magazine consistently ranks Asheville among its top destinations for outdoor recreation and adventures.

Nine of North Carolina's 11 major waterfalls are located in the western part of the state, including the eastern United State's highest, Whitewater Falls at 411 feet.

Attractions

Here are some activities family members can enjoy in Asheville:

• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most beautiful roads in America
• Shop in over 100 antique shops in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and Black Mountain
• Hike on the many trails in the area, including those on Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River
• Float trips on the French Broad River
• Explore the wonders of Biltmore House. Discover America’s largest home, magnificent gardens, award-winning winery and great shopping
• Visit craftspeople in their studios
• Tour historic homes and gardens
• Explore many of the fine arts offerings of the area
• Asheville's Fun Depot - indoor mini golf, multi-level laser tag, batting cages, climbing wall, soft play area, indoor and outdoor go-carts, bumper cars, the Depot Diner and more

Considered the nation’s most scenic highway, the free 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is maintained by the National Park Service. The Parkway winds along the Blue Ridge Mountains, through Asheville and into the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Numerous overlooks, roadside exhibits and hiking trails make a trip along the Parkway a delight year-round. The Parkway intersects with Asheville at four points: US 25, US 70, US 74 and NC 191.

Transportation

Four families (9 individuals) can drive to Asheville in less than one day. Six families (16 individuals) can drive to Asheville in under 1,000 miles.

The following map outlines the Blue Ridge Parkway (in green) near Asheville.

Map of Asheville, NC US - open map, then click '-' at top left to zoom out.

The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is currently served by Continental Airlines, Delta Connection-ASA, Northwest Airlines, United and US Airways. It is located 208 miles NE of Atlanta, 130 miles NW of Charlotte and 251 miles west of Raleigh.

Minimum flight costs to Asheville

Housing

Asheville has the lowest housing costs of the locations under consideration. Some of the listings are close to town while many are located in the surrounding mountains. We will need to take care to choose housing that is located in relatively close proximity.

• VR #319 - 3BR/2BA; sleeps 8. $1,150/wk. You'll enjoy staying at this lovely, newer, tastefully decorated, 2 story cedar home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2 stone fireplaces (1 fireplace in greatroom; 1 in master bedroom). It's nestled in a tranquil area with a fantastic mountain view.
• VR #24391 - 4BR/2BA; sleeps 8. Pool. $1,250/wk. McKinney Gap is a warm and family-friendly, air conditioned mountain chalet, at approximately 5000' altitude featuring incredible views. Just 20 minutes north of Asheville, NC, it offers a wonderful mountain experience of nature and all seasons fun.
• VR #16622 - 4BR/3BA; sleeps 10-12. Jacuzzi. $2,300/wk. Spectacular views, convenient yet private, Asheville Mountain Vista is located just off scenic Town Mountain Road, a convenient 3 miles to the heart of vivacious downtown Asheville & Pack Square. Three miles in the other direction on Town Mountain Road takes you to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Craven's Gap, just a few short miles to the Folk Art Center and abundant outdoor activities.
• VR #16978 - 5BR/4.5BA; sleeps 10-15. $2,900/wk. There are 5 delightful bedrooms & 4.5 baths. Each bedroom will accommodate two to four guests, for a maximum capacity of 15 guests. All of the bedrooms have in-room fireplaces with gas logs, many with private & full baths, and some with spa tubs. Two spacious family rooms allow you to spread out in comfort. Several porches - upstairs & down - are available to sit upon, relax, read, enjoy the views, or just find a quiet moment. A modern kitchen, with top notch appliances & all amenities, opens out into the original log cabin living/dining room area.
• Willow Winds - 25 1-3BR cabins. 3BR: 1,295 - $1,475/week; 2BR: generally $1,145/week. Sales tax is 10.75%. No fees. Twenty five beautiful, tastefully decorated, completely equipped 1-3 bedroom cabins. Fireplaces, high-speed Internet, cable TV, free local calls. Swimming pool, tennis, playground, volleyball, fitness room, hot tub on property. Four roll-away beds that can accommodate 2 younger children are available. Enjoy fishing, hiking, playgrounds and gardens in luxury, serenity, and natural beauty. Near Biltmore.
• Eagle's Landing - 5 bedroom: $2,350/wk + $245/fee. Realtor will call with information about new 8 cabin complex. Eagle's Landing is one of our larger and more luxurious cabin rentals just outside the small city of Asheville North Carolina near Lake Powhatan and Bent Creek hiking and mountain biking. Family groups, Vacationers and business retreat groups looking for the perfect Asheville, North Carolina Cabin rental getaway will be refreshed and renewed at this beautiful mountain setting on 6 wooded acres. 3-5 bedroom homes available. Pet friendly.
• Cabin Creek Lodge - 9 cabins. Sleeps up to 55. $7,000/week. 1BR: $600-700; 2BR: $700-775; 5BR Lodge: $1,560. Unique country cabins with fireplaces overlooking a mountain stream. Nestled on 30 landscaped acres just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and 20 minutes west of Asheville and Biltmore Estate. We have quaint shops, art studios, antique shops and great restaurants, or you can head to the wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains for some serious hiking adventures.

Resources

• Online Asheville Visitor's Guide
• Official Asheville Tourism website
• Blue Ridge Parkway - U.S. National Park Service
• Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
• North Carolina Arts Council
• Wikipedia - Asheville