So what can we do about it? Each of you can respond to their "Request for Information" by going to http://googleavl.com. It will only take a few minutes to fill out. At this website, you can also learn all about Asheville's viral campaign to win this opportunity.
With all of the snow pounding we have received recently, it's that time of hear to hit the slopes. Although not quite the grandeur of our western states, the slopes of western North Carolina have a beauty and challenge all of their own. Not only are their many skiing slopes available, but tubing for the kids, and a quickly growing snowboarding culture (recently western North Carolina was named as one of the premier areas in the US for snowboarding parks due to our wetter snow make-up).
If you enjoy cross-country skiing, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a fine choice...especially right now. Taking US 276 from Brevard toward Waynesville will put you at a high altitude with immediate access to the Parkway. Multiple trails can be accessed from that point.
Below is a list of the slopes within driving range of Asheville (click on the each title for the website). If you are looking for the higher elevations, you may want to head up to Sugar or Beech Mountain....but bring your 4-wheel drive!
Within 45 minutes of Asheville |
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Cataloochee Ski Area |
16 slopes, 3 lifts, 1 rope tow, 1 magic carpet lift. |
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Tube World |
6 slopes and 1 children's tube area. |
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Wolf Ridge Ski Resort |
15 slopes, 4 lifts, tubing off site. |
Within 2 hours of Asheville |
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Appalachian Ski Mountain |
9 slopes, 5 lifts. |
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Hawksnest Winter Resort |
12 slopes, 9 tubing lanes, 4 lifts, 1 magic carpet |
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Sapphire Valley Ski Resort |
2 slopes, 1 lift, 1 tube lane |
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Scaly Mountain Snowtubing Area |
2 slopes, 1 lift. |
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Ski Beech |
14 slopes, 9 lifts. |
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Sugar Mountain Resort |
20 slopes, 5 lifts. |
Here's another event that is sure to be fun, especially with the kids! This weekend (December 4-6), head down to Biltmore Village where there will be singers, storytellers, musicians, and other various entertainment all period dressed during Charles Dickens' time.
Shops will stay open later and even the shop keepers will be dressed in the Victorian-era garb! For more information, visit the website here.
Friday, 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Saturday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm
There are many reasons why I love Asheville so much, but the top has to be the uniqueness of the town, people, and events. Although less strange than a few of the downtown shenanigans, the National Gingerbread Competition was something that caught my attention. Maybe it's the kid in me or the fact that someone would spend so much time creating a small house out of cookies for a national competition.
The Grove Park Inn is hosting the event through January 3rd, 2010 and is displaying the top three winners along with many of the other entries, Mondays-Thursdays. There are also privately-guided tours available, but I find it hard to believe that everyone could fit into a gingerbread house.
I will definitely be taking my kids to see the houses (and keeping their hands and appetites as far away as possible). I also hope you can take some time out of this busy holiday season for a bit of whimsy...
For more information, click here.
This weekend marks the second studio stroll of 2009 in the River Arts District near downtown Asheville. With over 110 artists participating and all of the studios within walking distance, you can't go wrong with this outing. There are also several fantastic cafe's within the Arts District should you need to re-fuel along the way.
Should you not want to walk the entire time, take the Asheville Historic Trolley. It will be shuttling patrons throughout the district for free while providing historical narrative of the district.
For more information, visit: www.riverdistrictartists.com
