Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina » Western NC

Hike Down Into Linville Gorge, North Carolina’s Grandest Canyon

Visit NC — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:39:46 +0000

The Linville River flows thunderously from the top of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, and its sweep and drop have formed over hundreds of years a canyon in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Park, which is part of the Pisgah National Forrest. Thus: Linville Gorge, one of the most compelling geological formations in the country and certainly on the east coast.

The Linville River, at the bottom of the gorge, flows between Lake James and Grandfather Mountain. The entire area is both stunningly beautiful and not for the unpracticed hiker. The trek down into the Gorge is challenging because you must always hike in a way such that you do not lose control and slip; and of course the hike back out is difficult because of the elevation and pitch of the ascent.

Trails into the Gorge start on both the Lake James and Grandfather Mountain sides. The western rim Cabin Trail drops almost 1000 feet in 3/4 of a mile. The Linville Gorge Trail is the major connecting trail. It parallels the river on the west side for about 12 miles.

Seven trails descend from the access road (seek out a map before you head out) to the Linville Gorge Trail. Trails also lead from Forest Road 210 to Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountains, two of the most mountains in North Carolina.

Camping is permitted in the Gorge, but it’s important to have orienteering equipment and a map. Each year a large number of people get lost in the Gorge and need to be rescued. The trails down into the Gorge are not always clearly marked, so it is important to be especially aware of where on the hike you are at all times.

It is equally important to have some base line of fitness before undertaking the hike. Ascending from the Linville River at the bottom of the Gorge is difficult and challenging and at times feels like you are walking nearly vertically.

Check in with the Ranger before you hike or camp. Obtain a permit if you need one, and take a camera because you’ll have multiple photo opportunities: the variety of animal and plant life is awe-inspiring

Access the Gorge from US 221, NC HWYs 181 and 183, and the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 314.

Stephen Foster is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Ramble: http://www.northcarolinaramble.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_N_Foster

Vacation Ideas – Thomas Wolfe Memorial Historic Site in Asheville, North Carolina, USA

Christine — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:35:22 +0000

By Connie Limon

Thomas Wolfe is considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th Century American Literature. The Old Kentucky Home boarding house is one of American Literature’s most famous landmarks.

Hours of Operation

• April to October, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, closed on Monday
• November to March, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, closed on Monday

Thomas Wolfe, author, lived in the Kentucky Home boarding house, run by his mother, for ten years. He was strongly influenced by Asheville, his hometown, and by the boarding house itself. Thomas Wolfe’s writings were inspired by his childhood days in Asheville, North Carolina. The very realistic portrayals of Asheville, its citizens, which included Wolfe’s own family, prompted Look Homeward, Angel to be banned from his hometown library. Wolfe did not visit Asheville for almost eight years during the time his book was published. When Thomas Wolfe finally went home in the summer of 1937, he stayed in the boarding house with his mother and wrote the article “Return,” which was published in the Asheville newspaper.

Thomas Wolfe lived only to be 38 years old, and is perhaps the most overtly autobiographical novelist in American Literature. In his short life span, he produced four novels which are:

• Look Homeward, Angel
• Of Time and the River
• The Web and the rock
• You Can’t Go Home Again

Thomas Wolfe, novelist, also wrote numerous short stories, novellas and plays. The Old Kentucky Home boarding house has been a memorial to him since 1949. It is currently open in North Carolina as a State Historical Site. The visitor center features exhibits about Wolfe and his family as well as an audio-visual presentation about the life of Thomas Wolfe and his writing.

Tours of the Old Kentucky Home

Available for tourists today are the guided tours. During his lifetime, Thomas Wolfe, foresaw the future of his mother’s boarding house. He wrote his second novel, Of Time and the River, that foretold how the “old dilapidated house had now become a fit museum.”

A fire in 1998 later discovered to have been intentionally set almost destroyed the historic Old Kentucky Home. Intensive restoration to the historic house and the surviving artifact collection enabled the Old Kentucky Home to reopen to visitors in May of 2004.

Directly behind the historic Old Kentucky Home boarding house is a modern visitor center that opened in late 1996. The visitor center is located at 52 North Market Street and features an exhibit hall with the personal effects from the Wolfe family home, Wolfe’s New York City apartment, and his father’s stonecutting shop. Every hour, an audio-visual program on the life of Thomas Wolfe and his writing is presented. The guided tours of the boarding house begin at the visitor center. This building also features a gift shop.

Visitor Center Hours

• April to October, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday
• Sunday’s beginning June 3, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., November through March, and closed on Mondays
• 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and closed on Mondays

For more information you can call 828-253-8304

Current Events

At the time of writing this article, an upcoming event at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Historical site on October 27th features “Witches, Haints and Booger Tales,” Spooky stories at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. Hours are 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Source: Thomas Wolfe Memorial Online

Written by: Connie Limon. For more vacation ideas visit http://smalldogs2.com/VacationIdeas For a variety of FREE reprint articles and special topic articles rarely found elsewhere visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

Asheville – Cosmopolitan City Meets Luxury Mountain Getaway

Christine — Sat, 02 May 2009 12:31:16 +0000

By James Gibson

When planning a North Carolina getaway, Asheville is a must see on the travel-destination list. The allure of Western North Carolina’s largest city is becoming widespread and Asheville has been touted as the “Paris of the South.” The New York Times calls it a “surprisingly cosmopolitan city.” What makes Asheville unique is that the sizzle of the city is within a stone’s throw of great outdoor adventure. Natural Geographic Adventure Magazine ranks Asheville the number one out of ten cities for popular outdoor sports in the region.

Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham and Atlanta’s close proximity to Asheville make it a perfect vacation destination when planning either a luxury-style mountain getaway or a family vacation.

Asheville boasts a vast array of accommodations. There is everything from luxury condominium rentals with 24-hour concierge service to more traditional mountain getaways. So, whether you are planning a corporate trip, romantic getaway, golf vacation, or fishing expedition, Asheville has something for everyone. Some accommodations are even pet friendly. Try booking during the weekdays to beat the weekend crowds and receive more discounts.

Asheville, North Carolina: Experience the Best in Mountain Travel

Downtown Asheville is a pedestrian-friendly city. Its unique skyline of art-deco style buildings are surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city has a year-round population of 74,000 and is home to America’s largest privately-owned home, the Biltmore Estate, and the historic Grove Park Inn. While accommodations are available at both, most people visit these urban legends and choose to enjoy other Asheville hotels and luxury mountain getaways.

“The Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn are great places to visit,” Marge Nusser of New York, NY said, “but I prefer to seek out accommodations that are a bit more intimate, yet still upscale in their services.” Many accommodations offer discounted or complementary tickets to such attractions as the Biltmore Estate.

A fun way to kick start your mountain travel experience is to stroll through the Asheville Urban Trail. This 1.7 mile, self-guided tour stops at over 30 stations throughout the downtown area. “This trail gave me a handle on the downtown sites in less than one hour,” Howard Fortune, an Atlanta resident, explained. “I came here for the great outdoor activities, but quickly learned my way around the city.”

Downtown Asheville is primarily comprised of independent businesses. In today’s age of super-sized malls, the change is refreshing. Eclectic art galleries, micro-breweries and cozy cafes can be found at every turn. Asheville is also a food lover’s paradise and culinary offerings range from traditional southern comfort food to four-star cuisine. Bill Dykeman, a retired chef from Raleigh said, “Asheville has food from around the globe.”

Discover the Outdoors: Plan the Perfect North Carolina Mountain Getaway

When leaving downtown, choices still abound. The mountains that surround Asheville and the four major rivers that encompass the area make this an outdoor enthusiast’s dream mountain getaway. Take advantage of the travel concierge services at one of Asheville’s luxurious hotels. They can make dinner reservations, arrange for tee times, schedule outdoor events, and more.

In summer, whitewater rafting, hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail and fly fishing one of the hundreds of trout streams for native brook trout, rainbow or trophy brown trout are some of the more popular activities. Karl Danielson, a Charlotte native, avid golfer and fly fisherman explains that he can stay at a luxury condominium rental with concierge services that directs him to the some of the best trout streams east of the Mississippi. “And, the next morning I have a tee time at a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course within minutes from my room,” he added.

Nearby excursions include Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure to the south. To the west, there is Great Smoky National Park, and to the east, Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Rockies. Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain sit to the north and are filled with natural wonders that promise to enhance any romantic mountain getaway or family vacation plan.

Asheville is a year-round playground. The holiday season abounds with light festivals, Inn tours, dazzling sites at the Biltmore House, exceptional shopping and the famous Gingerbread House competition at the Grove Park Inn. Winter brings skiers and snowboarders to the area and spring is a wonderful time to explore the beautiful gardens at the North Carolina Arboretum. So, next time you are planning a weekend mountain getaway or an extended stay, think Asheville where their motto is “altitude affects attitude.”

James Gibson is the Managing Director of The Residences at Biltmore, a condo hotel in Asheville, North Carolina with concierge services designed to pamper and delight guests. Mr. Gibson has over twenty years experience in hospitality. He has been Hotel Manager at the Ritz Carlton San Juan Hotel, Spa and Casino, and a General Manager of the Adam’s Mark Columbia in South Carolina. He has also worked in six Hyatt Hotel Corporation properties in a management capacity. Email concierge@residencesatbiltmore.com or visit http://www.residencesatbiltmore.com/hospitality for more information.

Exploring the Biltmore Estate in Ashefield, North Carolina Part 6

Christine — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:05:34 +0000

By Connie Limon

This is Part 6 of a series of articles. Visiting the Biltmore Estate in Ashefield, North Carolina is a fun and educational trip for the entire family.

Introduction to Fly-Fishing at Biltmore Estate

Receive expert advice from Biltmore Estate’s professional instructors daily. A reservation is recommended. You will learn the essentials of casting and fly-tying and then be able to test your new skills from the shores or on a boat at the Lagoon. The lessons are taught by world-class N.L. Wilson instructors with all the equipment provided at a cost of $100 for one person per instructor, and $150 for two people per instructor. These fees are in addition to the estate admission. A North Carolina fishing license is not required.

Introduction to Fly-Tying & Fish Entomology

Daily two-hour lessons in the art of fly-tying and fish entomology in a classroom setting at a cost of $90 for one person per instructor and $150 for two people per instructor. Fees stated are in addition to estate admission in the year of 2007.

Half-Day Shore Fly-Fishing

At Biltmore Estate you can learn the basics about fly-fishing casting, equipment, presentations, landing the fish, water safety and knots. Lessons are given daily with a reservation recommended. The lessons are four-hours in length and takes place at the Outdoor Center and on the Lagoon. All the equipment you need for the lessons are provided. A North Carolina fishing license is also required. Cost for the half-day shore fly-fishing lessons given at Biltmore Estate is $200 for one person per instructor and $300 for two people per instructor. Fees stated are in addition to estate admission fee in the year of 2007.

Half Day Boat Fly-Fishing at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

A four-hour drift boat float trip on the French Broad River with a professional guide for fly-fishes and small mouth bass with all equipment provided. Activity occurs daily with a reservation recommended. You will need to have a current North Carolina fishing license for this activity. The cost is $275 per excursion for 1 or 2 people in addition to your estate admission in the year of 2007.

Customized Fly-Fishing Adventures at Biltmore Estate

You can enjoy a half-day or full-day guided fly-fishing trip wading or floating on the French Broad River or other local river daily with a current North Carolina fishing license. This full day excursion includes lunch and a reservation is recommended. The cost is $275 half-day (4-hour) up to two guests and $400 full-day up to two guests. These fees are in addition to the estate admission fee.

The Biltmore Estate Fishing Checklist includes:

• Be sure and wear comfortable clothing that you don’t care to get dirty or wet
• Bring along some waterproof sunscreen (it is a high probability you will get wet), some good sunscreen, your favorite pair of rugged sunglasses with straps, a hat, a long-sleeved shirt and pants for extra sun protection
• You will also need a North Carolina current fishing license for the guided trips. The lessons at Biltmore estate do not require a fishing license.

Continued in Part 7

Important Disclaimer: The web site address listed in the resource box of this article is not associated with the Biltmore Estate or any of its employees. This article and the web site are for information purposes only.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon. For more information about planning a trip to the Biltmore Estate visit http://smalldogs2.com/BiltmoreEstateTripPlan For a variety of FREE reprint articles and special sections of other topics visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

Exploring the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina Part 7

Christine — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:06:59 +0000

By Connie Limon

This is Part 7 of a series of articles. Visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is a fun and educational trip for the entire family.

Land Rover Experience and Driving School at the Biltmore Estate

An experienced instructor will guide you along with Land Rover® vehicles regardless of your skill level while you navigate incredible off-road obstacles. This activity is subject to availability and will require specific details and reservations from the Biltmore Estate Company. The activity is offered daily (subject to availability). Start off with Driver Training School in order to learn the basic off-road driving techniques from an expert instructor. Cost for up to 3 drivers varies with time from 1-hour Land Rover Lessons to 6-hour full day lessons starting at $200 for 1-hour and $800 for 6-hour full day lesson.

Land Rover Ride-Along Expedition at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

An expert driver can take you over broken bridges, climb large boulders and rocks and go on sideways adventures tackling hills at all angles. A Land Rover ride-along expedition is available daily in July and August and Friday – Sunday during the months of September through June. Cost for the expedition is $20 per person in addition to estate admission in the year of 2007.

Kids Land Rover Adventure Course at Biltmore Estate

An advanced reservation is required for the kids Land Rover Adventure course that occurs daily. Children are allowed to climb behind the wheel of an electric mini Land Rover and drive through natural obstacles and gentle terrain. A qualified adult instructor will always accompany children. All the vehicles for children have limited speeds equal to a walking pace and also include instant remote cut-off. Cost per child is $49 in addition to the estate admission.

Equestrian Center at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

Would you like to explore more than 80 miles of estate trails on the same paths used by the Vanderbilts and their guest at the turnoff the century? This is possible in the year of 2007 at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The well-marked trails lead through pristine forests, green pastures, and along the banks of French Broad River. You have the choice from five different 10-30 mile loops. Several of the loops include optional jumps and are suitable for carriages.

Biltmore Estate Equestrian Programs

The Biltmore Estate equestrian program is based upon the Natural Horsemanship approach. The program centers upon communicating and developing respect and rapport with the horse.

Lessons in the Biltmore Estate Equestrian Program

The equestrian lesson at the Biltmore Estate provides a great way to build self confidence and increase physical fitness. Their team of instructors is highly qualified with years of experience teaching children and adults.

Private Equestrian Lessons

If you prefer learning privately rather than in a group, Biltmore Estate offers private lessons that are one-on-one intensive learning and undivided instructor attention.

Group Equestrian Lessons

One advantage of group lessons is that they give students a chance to compare and contrast their skills with other riders in a friendly environment.

Horse Boarding at Biltmore Estate

They currently (in the year of 2007) have 24 stalls available for year-round use. They utilized a specialized barn staff to care for your horses throughout the year. The staff feeds, turnouts, vet checks, observes shoeing schedules and provides special attention to your horse’s needs.

Horse boarding services at Biltmore Estate includes:

• Stall cleaning
• Shavings
• Morning turnout for winter months
• Evening turnout for spring and summer months
• Blanketing
• Hay and grain
• General horse care

Temporary Stalling

Bring your horse and enjoy more than 80 miles of well-marked estate trails. There is also limited primitive camping and a six-stall barn available at additional fees. Cost for a day ride pass is $25 per rider in addition to estate admission with a reservation required.

Relocate to the North Carolina Mountains – A Guide to Western North Carolina Real Estate

Christine — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:20:20 +0000

By Chris Robertson

If you’ve always wanted to relocate to the mountains, consider a move to Black Mountain, North Carolina. Black Mountain offers prime Western North Carolina real estate at affordable prices, whether you want secluded acreage with streams, hills and forests or a community where neighbors reside just a little closer. Black Mountain offers the best of both worlds.

Black Mountain (the city) is a small town with just under about 8,000 people. The average age of residents is 43. The average median household income was estimated in 2005 at $39,300 with the average home value being $133,400. Black Mountain is located just 16 miles from Asheville, NC. Many residents commute to work in Asheville or surrounding areas. Asheville real estate is also a popular choice for those seeking a mountainous residence.

Other cities near Black Mountain include Montreat (NC), Swannanoa (NC), Fairview (NC), and Lake Lure (NC).

Local Schools and Other Points of Interest in Black Mountain

Black Mountain area schools include Charles D. Owen High for grades nine through twelve with approximately 878 students, Black Mountain Primary with about 433 students, and Black Mountain Elementary with about 239 students. There are several private schools as well. Nearby colleges include Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College, University of North Carolina at Asheville, and Spartanburg Technical College.

Black Mountain Industry

The most common industries in Black Mountain for males include construction, food services and accommodation, health care, educational services, public administration, textile, and food and beverage stores. For women, the most common industries of employment include food services, educational services, health care, professional and technical services, religious or civic professions, public administration, and insurance and finance.

Popular Real Estate – Secure a Lot or Home Now

Asheville and surrounding areas were chosen by AARP in 2005 as one of the top 15 Dream Towns, and also by Money Advisor as one of the five best places to retire. Recognition in these national publications has sparked tremendous interest in the area since that time, and mountain home seekers have been flocking to tour the homes and land lots in great numbers. Supply and demand has caused a tremendous increase in land and home values, but now is still a good time to invest in Western North Carolina real estate. Prices are still reasonable, but may not be within a few years.

Real Estate and Land for Sale in Black Mountain

Whether you’re seeking mountainous acreage where you can build your own dream home or seeking a home, cottage, or cabin that’s already complete, Black Mountain real estate agents can show you a variety of settings and homes. Like many Western North Carolina real estate areas, the homes and properties in Black Mountain come in different sizes, shapes, and with various scenes of nature’s beauty.

If seeking mountainous lots for sale, Asheville, Black Mountain, and surrounding towns provide a great starting point. Utilize online resources to view home listings, lots for sale, Black Mountain real estate pricing, and more.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Guide to Relocate to NC Mountains or Majon’s Real Estate directory

Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the world’s MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies …

Start Green Mountain Living in Asheville North Carolina

Christine — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:17:28 +0000

By Jane Kayton

In 2007 the preservation of the Earth’s natural resources and construction of sustainable communities have become a way of life for many people. Western North Carolina is a magical place where the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains meet. Many residents choose to live in Asheville and surrounding towns like Black Mountain, Weaverville and Woodfin because of the exquisite mountain views, lush forests and clear mountain rivers. Nature’s beauty is an integral part of every day in Asheville, NC so it makes sense that protecting nature has become a lifestyle and a community effort.

Make Your Best Effort to Live Green: Every Little Bit Counts!

Living Green means different things to different people and no one is perfect. Every effort made, regardless of how big or small, can make a difference. Imagine if everyone just stopped littering! The world would be a different place. If you are considering the best way to begin a green lifestyle there are a wide variety of options to consider.

Blue Ridge BioFuels–A Local Alternative to Regular Gas and Kerosene

Blue Ridge BioFuels is a worker-owned business in Western North Carolina that specializes in producing and distributing biodiesel to gas stations in the region and biofuels home heat to WNC residents. Currently Blue Ridge BioFuels provides nine area gas stations with a variety of biodiesel blends and has a home heat deliver service. According to Blue Ridge BioFuels “biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel produced from plant oils or animal fats…Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend.” Biodiesel is not the same as driving a veggie oil car, unlike straight veggie oil (SVO) it can be used in any diesel engine including trucks, cars and farm equipment without any vehicle modifications.

Purchase Green, Eco-friendly Homes and Land Near Asheville NC

How can you find the perfect, green Western North Carolina property for sale? Simply look around. Western North Carolina is full of eco homes; everything from green built real estate developments to energy efficient condos in downtown Asheville. According to the NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program and the Western North Carolina Green Building Council, http://www.wncgbc.org, there are currently 82 certified HealthyBuilt Homes and 470 more are in progress right now. There are also eco-friendly real estate developments outside of Asheville in small towns like Black Mountain, Marshall and Leicester, NC. Living in a green community usually includes a variety of luxury amenities like a pool, hiking trails, water access and a community lodge. Homebuyers interested in larger, private residences can find green homes throughout Western North Carolina in areas such as Mars Hill, Maggie Valley, Highlands, Burnsville, Sylva and Hendersonville just to name a few.

Living a green lifestyle does not have to be a chore. If you are not ready to drive using alternative fuels or purchase a healthy built home consider what you can do at home now. Purchase energy efficient appliances when you can, compost food instead or throwing it away, recycle clothes and household items at the Salvation Army or Goodwill. All of these small efforts add up in the end and the world can become a healthier, more sustainable place for you and your children to live.

Jane Kayton is a real estate agent with Century 21 All Seasons based in Asheville, NC. She specializes in helping her clients find the perfect mountain homes and land near Asheville. Jane is also an avid whitewater rafter and hiker. To learn more about real estate in Western North Carolina visit her web site http://www.JaneSellsAsheville.com

Exploring the Biltmore Estate in Ashefield, North Carolina Part 5

Christine — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:03:54 +0000

By Connie Limon

This is Part 5 of a series of articles. Visiting the Biltmore Estate in Ashefield, North Carolina is a fun and educational trip for the entire family.

Bike Rental Details

The Biltmore Estate Company offers bike rental daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The rental fee includes bicycle, an estate bike pass, helmet, trail map and basic instruction. Guests of bike rentals are required to check in at the Explore Biltmore Outdoor Center. The rental cost is $10 for one hour, $20 for half-day (up to 4 hours) and $40 for a full day (up to 8 hours). These prices are in addition to the initial estate admission fee.

Guided Bike Ride

A two-day reservation is required for the guided bike rides. The guided bike rides occur daily. A knowledgeable guide will design a biking adventure for you lasting up to two hours. Cost for the guided bike ride is $35 per person in addition to estate admission. You can add a bike rental for $10.

Biltmore Estate’s Recommended Cyclist’s Checklist includes:

• You must check in at the Outdoor Center
• You can bring your own bike or rent a bike from Biltmore Estate
• Don’t forget your water bottle, sunscreen and comfortable biking clothes
• The Biltmore Estate Company requires you wear a helmet at all times while riding on Biltmore grounds.
• All children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult
• Youth ages 15 to 17 are required to have an adult sign their liability release
• The access to trails is limited and weather dependent

Hiking Expeditions

Hiking activities occur daily at the Biltmore Estate free with estate admission. You can stop by the Explore Biltmore Outdoor Center for information and a detailed trail map. Take a gentle stroll or a serious hike along Biltmore Estate’s many trails.

Guided Segway Tours

The guided Segway tours occur daily. A reservation is suggested from the Biltmore Outdoor Center. A 2.5 hour guided tour on a smooth trail along the French Broad River on your all-terrain Segway includes a training session for the cost of $65 per person in addition to estate admission.

Advanced Guided Segway Tours

There is advanced guided Segway tours Friday through Sunday with an advance reservation. These tours are unlike any other Segway experience. They are 2.5 hours in length along the French Broad River, up the challenging Deerpark Trail to the south terrace of Biltmore House. Prior Segway experience is required and includes a refresher training session for the cost of $75 per person in addition to estate admission.

Biltmore Estate Suggested Segway Rider’s Checklist includes:

• Bring along your water bottle, sunscreen and comfortable clothes
• Biltmore Estate provides helmets that are required when riding Seyways
• Participation requires you must be at least 13 years of age, a minimum weight of 100 pounds and a maximum weight of 260 pounds.
• All children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Youth under 18 must have an adult sign their liability release
• You must be able to step up 8 inches unassisted and maintain balance
• In the event that a guest is unable to complete the training session, a full refund is made
• Be aware that tours may be cancelled for weather conditions

Sporting Clays

Sporting clays occur daily and require two-day advance reservation. You will learn the techniques of shooting clay targets with a high-quality Beretta shotgun in two-hour lessons with an expert instructor. The cost for this activity is $135 per person in addition to the estate admission.

Biltmore Estate Sporting Clays Checklist includes:

• All the necessary equipment is provided to you
• All participants in the Sporting Clays activity must be at least 12 years old
• The participants 16 years old and younger require a parent or guardian present.
• You will need to take some sunscreen, bug spray and weather appropriate clothing as these items are not provided by Biltmore Estate

Continued in Part 6

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Exploring the Biltmore Estate in Ashefield, North Carolina Part 4

Christine — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:01:26 +0000

By Connie Limon

This is Part 4 of a series of articles. Visiting the Biltmore Estate in Ashefield, North Carolina is a fun and educational trip for the entire family.

The Carriage Rides

The carriage rides at Biltmore Estate are held daily. It is suggest you arrange for a reservation ahead of time. The rides consist of a journey through the estate for 45 minutes on a six or twelve-person carriage. During your carriage ride there is opportunity to enjoy extraordinary views of the grounds. Cost per person is $35 in addition to the estate admission. One child 5 years and younger can ride free per one paying adult.

The Private Carriage Rides

A private carriage ride at Biltmore estate in Ashefield, North Carolina can be reserved two days in advance. These rides consist of a private 90-minute ride in an elegant vis-à-vis carriage to allow you to enjoy the estate’s beauty. Cost for up to four guests is $275. This cost is in addition to the estate admission.

Horseback Riding Western Style along Appalachian Trails

First time and experienced horseback riders can enjoy an unforgettable guided expedition through woodlands rich with wildlife on a horse especially chosen to match your skill level. Horseback riding is an activity to enjoy daily at the Biltmore Estate. The Biltmore Estate Company advises advance reservations for the horseback rides. These rides are one hour in length and are guided on beautiful trails through the woodlands and meadows of the estate. They are suitable for beginning to intermediate-level riders. The cost is $60 per adult in addition to the estate admission, $50 per youth which is ages 6 – 16 in addition to their estate admission. The horseback rides are not available for children 5 and under.

River Float Trips

Enjoy amazing views as you float the gentle French Broad River. The French Broad River winds through the estate. You may travel by raft or kayak (depending on the water level and temperature) on your own or with a well-trained guide.

The guided river float trips are offered daily, May 4 through October 31. A reservation is suggested. Cost per adult is $30 in addition to the estate admission, $20 per youth ages 3 – 16 in addition to estate admission.

Self-guided float rentals are available daily May 4 to October 31. A reservation is suggested. These activities consist of a self-guided 3-mile float trip down the French Broad River. It includes rental and safety equipment, a safety orientation plus transportation to and from drop off and pick up sites. The Biltmore Estate Company does recommend you have paddling experience. Cost for the activity is $20 per person ages 6 and up in addition to estate admission. One child, ages 3 to 5, can go free with one paying adult.

Please review the following checklist suggested for a river outing:

• By all means, do not forget your sunscreen
• Children must be at least three years old and at least 35 pounds to participate in the river outing activities at the Biltmore Estate.
• The Biltmore Estate Company requires children 14 and under to be accompanied by an adult.
• Youths 15 to 17 years of age must have an adult sign their liability release for the river outing at Biltmore Estate.
• Please be advised that availability of river outings is depending on river and weather conditions. If you are interested in the river outings, you will definitely need to plan the activities while keeping abreast of weather and river conditions.

Biking Riding

At the Biltmore Estate you can bring your bike along or rent one from them. The Biltmore Estate in Ashefield, North Carolina boasts of a cyclist’s paradise with miles of trails. There are choices that range from challenging trails for experienced mountain bikers to easy paved trails that follow the French Broad River. There are also well-marked woodland trails that wind through whisper-quiet forests and wildflower meadows. What more could one ask for in total serenity and beauty?

Bike Pass Required

The Biltmore Estate requires guests to obtain a bike pass that includes access to all the Biltmore bike paths in addition to a free map of the trails. A reservation is not required. All participants are required to check in at the Explore Biltmore Outdoor Center. Cost per guest is $5 in addition to the estate admission.

Continued in Part 5

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Exploring the Biltmore Estate in Ashefield, North Carolina Part 3

Christine — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:59:21 +0000

By Connie Limon

This is Part 3 of a series of articles. Visiting the Biltmore Estate in Ashefield, North Carolina is a fun and educational trip for the entire family.

A brief history of the Biltmore Estate

Why name the estate Biltmore? George Vanderbilt named the estate. The name is actually derived by combining two words: “Bildt,” the region in Holland where the Vanderbilt family originated, and “more,” and old English word that means upland rolling hills.

The Biltmore house covers 4 acres, which totals 175,000 square feet and consists of 250 rooms that include 35 guest and family rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces and three kitchens. Noone has lived in the Biltmore house since the 1950s. Guests and/or visitors to the Biltmore Estate cannot stay in the house. However, you can enjoy a stay at the Vanderbilt-inspired hospitality at the Inn on Biltmore Estate.

Richard Morris Hunt, architect, designed America’s largest home, the Biltmore House. Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of landscape architecture in America, designed all the surrounding acres of formal and informal gardens. The Biltmore House is a National Historic Landmark.

The Biltmore House construction began in 1889. It is comprised of tons of Indiana limestone that was transported by a special railway spur built specifically to bring the massive amounts of material and supplies to the Biltmore construction site. There were hundreds of workers at the site working for more than six years to complete the Biltmore House. It was first opened on Christmas Eve 1895. Mr. Vanderbilt officially opened his doors for the first time to friends and family while displaying the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, arts and antiques. Today, the Biltmore House remains much the same as it was in the early 21st century.

The actual owner of the Biltmore House is all Vanderbilt family. George and Edith Vanderbilt had one child whose name was Cornelia. Cornelia married Britist diplomat John Francis Amherst Cecil in 1924. They had two sons, William A.V. Cecil, Biltmore Estate’s owner, and his son Bill Cecil, Jr., is chief executive officer of the Biltmore Company. The Biltmore Company includes Biltmore House, Gardens, Winery and River Bend Farm, Inn on Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Estate Wine Company, and Biltmore licensed products.

Biltmore House as we know it today was opened at the request of Asheville city officials in the hopes it would attract tourists in the area during the Depression. Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil, the only child of George and Edith Vanderbilt, and her husband John Amherst Cecil opened Biltmore to the public in 1930.

Now….back to all the fun and educational activities at the Biltmore Estate…..

The Biltmore House has an 8,000 acre backyard. Outdoor activities include:

• Carriage Rides
• Horseback Riding
• River Float Trips
• Biking
• Hiking
• Segway Tours
• Sporting Clays
• Fly-Fishing School
• Land Rover Driving School

All Biltmore Estate outdoor activities are available by reservation to daytime guests, Biltmore Twelve-Month Pass holders, and Inn on Biltmore Estate guests.

Continued in Part 4

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