Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By: Mark G. Jackson

Nestled in the mountains and vast wilderness of Western North Carolina, lies the charming city of Asheville. Its “artsy” personality has drawn tourists from around the world to experience the unique and diverse nature of the place I love to call home. As these visitors wander the Blue Ridge Parkway and stroll through the quaint streets of Asheville, they begin to realize that they yearn to reside in the stunning beauty of this corner of Western North Carolina. Although Asheville may seem quaint and small it has a distinctive and exciting personality that can rival any larger metropolitan city in the nation. It offers the perfect blend of a small town community and a cultural and artistic hub.

The City of Choices

As Asheville’s popularity blossomed in the late 1990’s, so did its need to provide luxury homes for those relocating to the Western North Carolina region. Amazingly since 1999, there have been nearly 250 luxury homes priced over one million dollars bought and sold in the Asheville real estate market. There are over 70 currently on the market. In town, subdivisions like Grove Park, with its gorgeous golf course, and high above the city, Town Mountain with its pristine views of Asheville are in extremely high demand. North Asheville boasts the exquisite areas of Beaverdam, Beaver Lake and Reems Creek Village. The regal community of Biltmore Forest just south of Asheville offers its residents the countryside setting of yesteryear. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, a gated community sporting a Jack Nicholson Signature golf course, is situated in the mountains southwest of town. Luxury home sites are now being offered in West Asheville at Crest Mountain and east in The Settings of Black Mountain. Asheville’s 2005 Parade of Homes showcased luxury properties in the majestic communities of Biltmore Lake, Biltmore Park, Reynolds Mountain, Poplar Ridge, Waterford Lakes and Keswick Hills constructed by Asheville’s premier builders. Elegance and style are offered in neighborhoods such as Sherwood Heights, Lake View Park, Butler Mountain Estates, Timber Park, Mountain Meadows and the list goes on.

The Market Continues to Grow

Asheville’s real estate market is strong and thriving. Home values have increased over the last 5 years by some 39%, an unprecedented amount rivaling markets like California and Florida. Home sales in Asheville increased 14% in August compared to this time last year. With new home communities being developed across the region, Asheville is moving forward by leaps and bounds. Investors around the world have taken advantage of our growing home market. Living in the lap of Asheville’s luxury continues to be a desire for many either as a permanent residence or as a second home to relax in the peaceful setting of the Western North Carolina Mountains. As the demand for Asheville’s Luxury Real Estate Market continues to grow, let me show you the benefits and amenities this area has to offer. To learn more about luxury living in Asheville, North Carolina visit www.theskysthelimitasheville.com and read my article “The Sky’s The Limit: Luxury Condos and Lofts in Downtown Asheville, North Carolina”.

About the author: Mark G. Jackson is a long time resident of Asheville, North Carolina. He is a real estate agent and investor in the Western North Carolina region. He currently works for the John Carroll real estate office in downtown Asheville and specializes in finding the best properties for clients interested in the Asheville real estate market. Mark can be reached at www.theskysthelimitasheville.com.

By Richard Rspad

Nothing beats spending a week or two on a luxurious rejuvenation vacation. Of course, who has the time? Allow me to introduce you to mini rejuvenation vacations.

Mini Rejuvenation Vacations

If you need a little pick-me-up or just an indulgent weekend, why not try one of the many day rejuvenation retreats available throughout the country? Whether you’re on the East Coast, in sunny California, or landlocked in the Midwest, there are plenty of different retreats ready to pamper you for that weekend getaway or midweek splurge.

When choosing a place to take a mini vacation, you’ll want to choose a place that’s close enough to home to be convenient for a small vacation. At the same time, it needs to be far enough away that you get that “getaway” feel. It may sound like a small distinction, but your mindset is critical part of getting the most out of the rejuvenation process.

If you’re on the East Coast, the southern area of North Carolina and below can be a welcome change if you’re from the New England area. One retreat that offers mini vacations that the whole family can enjoy is Pinehurst Resort, located in Pinehurst, North Carolina. This resort offers a unique experience: the teen relaxation service. More specifically, they offer treatments and techniques tailored to children age 6-11 or teenagers age 12 and above (with parental supervision for children under age 17). The services include teen facials, a Mother and Teen Daughter ReTreat, a Mother and Young Daughter ReTreat, and even pedicures and manicures for the younger set. The Pinehurst Spa is a great place for a mini vacation that includes the whole family without the stress!

If you’re looking for an even more “mini” mini vacation, why not try a trip to a day rejuvenation retreat for relaxation? Take, for instance, the Two-Hour Heaven package at the 5 Elements Spa and Wellness Center in San Clemente, California. This two hour package includes a European facial and full-body massage with aromatherapy. Even though you haven’t even been away for a full day, this sort of pampering will make you feel as though you’ve taken the greatest of vacations.

Just remember that no matter how short your vacation is, use the time to relax and enjoy! You’ll feel great if you just allow yourself to enjoy the treatments and tranquility of your chosen location and atmosphere. Yes, there are tasks waiting for you back in the real world, but they aren’t going anywhere!