Devils Courthouse, NC

Devil's Courthouse mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the North Carolina mountains is a must-stop for a hike to the summit for panoramic views stretching into four states. The hike is short but strenuous. See the views from the observation area on the summit in this new video and see more photos and details on visiting at http://www.romanticasheville.com/devils_courthouse.htm.

Sliding Rock, North Carolina

Watch the fun at Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard and Asheville, North Carolina. All ages enjoy sliding this natural waterslide. See a complete guide to Sliding Rock: http://www.romanticasheville.com/sliding_rock_north_carolina.htm

New Video! Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway

We had a great visit yesterday at the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Journey with us as we hike underneath and above the Viaduct and enjoy various views of this engineering wonder. See details on visiting and the hike at http://www.romanticasheville.com/linn_cove_viaduct.htm.

High Falls at Lake Glenville, NC

Our first visit to High Falls at Lake Glenville was a blast! Take a new hiking trail to the base of the 150-foot waterfall. The waterfall is just a small stream most days. Six times a year, Duke Energy releases water from the dam upstream for kayakers to enjoy the six miles of river below the falls. Located near Cashiers and Highlands in the North Carolina mountains, it's a beautiful setting every day of the year. But the thunderous waterfall that is created on these days is definitely a wonder to see. For more details and photos, go to our new guide at http://www.romanticasheville.com/high_falls_glenville.htm.

Top 10 Quick Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes Near Asheville

Looking for a quick hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway? There are many choices near Asheville, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. Here are our ten favorite hiking trails that are easy to find and less than four miles in length. So they are perfect to experience the Parkway outside your car. Also, the Blue Ridge Parkway rangers lead weekly guided hikes every Friday morning (see the current list)!

1. Rough Ridge: This unique hike offers plenty of viewpoints and a wooden boardwalk over fragile vegetation. The one-mile climb to the summit features many rock outcrops along the way to enjoy the views of Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct and mountain ranges. Milepost 303

2. Beacon Heights: This one-mile roundtrip hike has a big pay-off with spectacular views from a smooth rock face. Since it’s a short climb, it’s great spot to take along your picnic! Milepost 305

3. Linville Falls: See five viewpoints of the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina via two trails that begin at the Visitors Center. Only one of the trails is strenuous and you can hike to all viewpoints with a four-mile hike. Milepost 316

4. Crabtree Falls: A three-mile loop trail takes you to a beautiful 70-foot waterfall with many wildflowers along the way. Milepost 340

5. Mt. Mitchell: Since you can drive almost to the summit of the highest point east of the Mississippi, a short paved trail takes you to the observation deck at the summit. The best hike at Mount Mitchell is the Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig (the second highest peak in Eastern USA). The two-mile roundtrip hike through a lush forest includes a good bit of climbing, but it is not overly strenuous.  Milepost 355

6. Craggy Gardens: There are two great, easy hikes here. The 1.5-roundtrip trail to the top of Craggy Pinnacle provides exceptional 360-degree mountain views. The Craggy Gardens Trail runs from the south end of the Visitor Center parking area to the north end of the picnic area and crosses a rhododendron bald with peak color in mid June. Milepost 364

7.  Mt. Pisgah: The popular three-mile roundtrip trail to the 5,721-foot summit is strenuous. But you can reward yourself with a hearty meal at the nearby Pisgah Inn restaurant afterwards! Milepost 407

8.  Graveyard Fields:  This very popular hiking spot features two waterfalls in a mild-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains with 6,000-foot peaks. The Graveyard Fields Loop is about four miles. It will reopen in July 2014 after renovations. Milepost 419

9.  Black Balsam Knob: For sweeping 360-degree views that lasts for miles along a trail, roam the bald mountaintops. Almost entirely devoid of trees above 6,000 feet, the summits are more reminiscent of New England than North Carolina. Milepost 420

10. Devil's Courthouse: This short but strenuous trail climbs a half mile to the mountaintop for panoramic views from the 5,720-foot peak. Its "devilish" look has created many folk tales to enjoy.  Milepost 422

For more information about these and other stops and things to do along the Blue Ridge Parkway, go to http://www.romanticasheville.com/BlueRidgeParkway.htm. Our list covers 170 miles of the Parkway near Asheville, starting from the north near Grandfather Mountain and going south to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Memorial Day Weekend Events & Festivals in Asheville

Check out some of the many festivals and events during Memorial Day Weekend 2014 in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains! Read more about these and more summer events at www.romanticasheville.com/summer_festivals.htm.

May 23-25: Mountain Sports Festival

Whether you’re a hardcore athlete or a newbie trying an event for the first time, this sports festival in West Asheville offers something for you. In addition to the many competitive events, the Festival Village is free to all visitors with vendors, food, live music, demos and more.

May 23-26: Blue Ridge Classic Dog Show

Presented by local kennel clubs, held at the WNC Agricultural Center, with conformation, obedience, rally and agility trails. Starts at 8 AM each day with free admission and $5 parking. 

May 23-25: Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival
See renowned circus and burlesque artists from around the world.  ABSfest attracts renowned circus and burlesque artists (including aerialists, fire eaters, jugglers, etc) from across the USA, as well as Scotland, Germany, and Japan.

May 24-25: White Squirrel Festival

Go nuts in downtown Brevard with a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts and much more. Don't forget the guided white squirrel tours. Parade on Saturday at 9 AM. Free admission.

May 24-25: Rose Show

The Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses.

May 24-26: Lake Lure Arts Festival

Featuring handmade creations from more than 60 artisans from across the region, find a sophisticated collection including painting and graphics, photography, jewelry, leather, metal, soaps and candles, wood, glass, pottery, textiles or fiber art and more.

May 24-25: Garden Jubilee Festival

This Downtown Hendersonville festival is the ideal event for passionate gardeners searching for the perfect plants and unique lawn and garden accessories and arts and crafts.

May 24-25: Kenilworth Artists Open Studio Tour
The Kenilworth neighborhood is just five minutes from downtown Asheville. This studio tour features 20+ jewelers, painters, glass-workers, fabric artists, potters, woodworkers, photographers, and more!

May 24-31: Asheville Beer Week

Many events throughout the week, including beer tastings, dinners, and much more. Beer City Festival is May 31.

May 26: Carl Sandburg Folk Music Festival

The grounds of the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site come alive with folk music which was an important part of Carl Sandburg's life along with his guitar playing and singing as well as his writing. Live entertainment includes instrumentals, folk ballads and spiritual songs. Free. 10 AM-4 PM.

See more things to do on Memorial Day Weekend and all summer long at www.RomanticAsheville.com. 

Biltmore Estate Summer Things To Do & Ticket Specials

Summer is a wonderful time to explore the Biltmore House, along with its gardens and winery in Asheville, NC. There are 8,000 acres to explore with gardens in full bloom, trails to explore and many options for outdoor adventures in the your Blue Ridge Mountains vacation. See our full Biltmore Guide.

Summer 2014 discounts on Biltmore tickets include:

• Kids 16 and younger receive FREE admission Memorial Day Weekend (starting May 23) through Labor Day, September 1.

• Dads receive FREE admission on Father’s Day, June 15, with purchase of an adult or youth ticket.

• Seniors receive $15 off admission on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

• Save $15 off ticket price by purchasing tickets at Biltmore.com at least 7 days in advance of visit; save $10 by booking online 1 to 6 days in advance

The castle-like, 250-room Biltmore House is enhanced this year by a NEW kid’s audio tour for ages 7 to 13. And their specialty tours go all the way up to the home’s rooftop for breathtaking birds-eye views; and down into the basement where a swimming pool and bowling alley reside.

Meander through the colorful and ever-changing manicured gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, or explore the miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through wooded areas and open fields. Take in mountain and Biltmore House views from a bike, on the back of a horse, while floating down a lazy river, on a Segway, or on a carriage ride. Try your hand at fly-fishing, sporting clays or get behind the wheel of a Land Rover.

Admission to Biltmore includes access to Antler Hill Village Farm and Barnyard, both of which harken back to the 1890s when families lived on the estate raising crops and livestock, and tending to milk and ice cream production at Biltmore Dairy. The Barnyard area is home to blacksmiths, woodworkers and other craft demonstrations. Kids can also explore Pisgah Playground, a Children’s Maze and the Land Rover Course for Kids. The Winery hosts a Kids Grape Stomp in the village from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission also includes the Biltmore Winery, with complimentary tastings and a production tour.  Specialty tours like the Vine to Wine Tour, Biltmore Bubbles Tour and the Red Wine and Chocolate seminar are available at an additional cost. An exhibition, “The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad,” sheds light on the time the Vanderbilt family made Biltmore House their home, and their world travels.

Dance under the stars on select summer nights during Biltmore’s Concert Series, staged on the South Terrace next to Biltmore House. Past performers have included Sheryl Crow, Heart, The Beach Boys, Bruce Hornsby, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alison Krauss and more!

Evening weekends will feature Live After Five in Antler Hill Village with musical performances by area musicians on the bandstand at the Village Green. A variety of culinary options will be available, and Cedric’s Tavern, the Bistro, the Creamery will all be open.

See our Biltmore Estate Guide for many photos, videos and tips for visiting.