Here’s the view of Biltmore House from this evening. The Candlelight Christmas Evenings are extra magical. In theWinter Garden, choirs perform traditional music of the season. The front lawn of Biltmore House glows with a beautiful 55-foot Norway spruce and the drives are lined with luminaries. Shop and dine by the house. Candlelight Christmas Evenings require a separate ticket for entry from daytime admission, and advance reservations are required. See our Christmas at Biltmore Guide for more.
Asheville Fall Color Report: The colorful foliage continues to spread to the lower elevations. For the next week, the best color will be above 3,000 feet elevation. That includes many of the mountain areas surrounding Asheville, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and our other favorite scenic drives, the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway in the Pisgah National Forest and US Highway 64 through the Nantahala National Forest from Brevard to Highlands. For the full fall color report and more photos, go to http://www.romanticasheville.com/fall.htm.
Hike to Catawba Falls, a beautiful waterfall and hiking trail in the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville. It’s located near Old Fort, just three miles off I-40. See our complete, new guide to Catawba Falls: http://www.romanticasheville.com/catawba_falls.htm
Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows plays host to the longest running annual old-time gospel music convention remaining in the Southern Appalachians, the 88th Annual Singing on the Mountain. The “Singing” welcomes thousands to enjoy performances by top Southern Gospel groups. This year’s speaker is Appalachian State University Head Football Coach Jerry Moore. Performing this year will be: The Greenes, The Cockman Family, Michael Combs, Amantha Mill, Clay Lunsford and Wayne Henderson, Shirley Simpson, Redeemed Trio, Melody Trio, The Freemans, Crystal River and The Primitive Quartet. There will also be a collaborative performance by Tim and Roddy Smith, Terry Warren, George Hamilton IV and the Norton Family. The “Singing” kicks off with music at 8:30 a.m. and lasts until the middle of the afternoon, with a mid-day break for Coach Moore to bring the message. Admission is free with the motto remaining the same for 88 years: “Whosoever will may come.” Camping without hookups is available on the grounds on a first-come basis June 17-25.
Starting tomorrow, you can once again climb to the top of the famous Chimney Rock. A massive construction project this winter has resulted in a new trail and massive staircase to the top. The elevator is still closed for replacement – it should reopen in May. Climb the 500 steps to the top of the Chimney for a great workout (with plenty of spots to rest along the way and enjoy the view). More info at http://www.romanticasheville.com/ChimneyRock.htm
The new exhibit “The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad” opens tomorrow at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, with a fascinating look at daily life at America’s largest house and travels around the world. Find out what made the Vanderbilts change their mind at the last minute and not board the Titanic! See more photos and info at: http://www.romanticasheville.com/biltmore_special_exhibit.htm
See 100,000 tulips by the Biltmore House during the Festival of Flowers celebration that starts Saturday. We took this photo today in the walled garden.A new exhibit also opens Saturday in Antler Village by the Winery. See the Festival guide at http://www.romanticasheville.com/biltmore_flowers.htm.
One of the many grand Asheville bed and breakfast inns decorated for Christmas. See more photos!
The first snow of the season is always exciting. Below is a photo of last week’s snow near Asheville, north about 20 miles along I-26. More snow later today in the higher elevations! See more snow photos!
Early Winter Snow in the North Carolina Mountains, December 2011
Christmas at Biltmore opens tomorrow! Get a sneak peek inside the grand Biltmore House in Asheville at this year’s elaborate decorations. More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt chose this magical season as the time to unveil his new home to family and friends. On Christmas Eve 1895, he opened Biltmore House’s doors for a regal yuletide celebration. This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with dozens and dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights, live music and inspirational holiday demonstrations await our guests. See our photo tour at http://www.romanticasheville.com/biltmore_christmas_photo_tour.htm
Asheville NC Mountain Travel Tips 