Asheville North Carolina is a fabulous town any time of year. Funky and traditional. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Asheville delivers a range of outdoor activities and is home to a vibrant community of local artists and wonderful independent shops and restaurants ranging from the hippest in Asian fusion to the best of local BBQ. Two holiday favorites make December a great time to visit.
The Grove Park Inn takes holiday gingerbread to an entirely new level with its National Gingerbread House Competition. With an entrancing display of gingerbread construction, coupled with a unique "Stories of Gingerbread” Tour and “Baking Memories” Workshop, this charming inn delivers more than a full-day of holiday cheer. Reservations: 800-438-5800.
No visit to the Asheville area would be complete without a visit to take in the Biltmore in all of its holiday glory. First opened on Christmas Eve 1895 by George Vanderbilt, Biltmore House has a rich holiday tradition. During the day, visitors may tour the grounds, explore acres of landscaped gardens, enjoy a horse and buggy ride, dine in one of the estate's five restaurants and shop in one of its several shops. In the evenings, Biltmore House glows during Candlelight Christmas Evenings, with ballroom dancers dressed in vintage costumes gliding across the Winter Garden and choirs performing seasonal music. www.biltmore.com
