Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders for 469 miles and connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, providing ample opportunities for stops at overlooks, picnic and camping facilities, trails, and wonderful cultural and natural areas. For more information visit their website at http://www.nps.gov/blri/

 

 

Chimney Rock Park
Take a deep breath of refreshing mountain air, become invigorated by our hiking trails, and let your cares fade away in the cool mists of Hickory Nut Falls. This is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and spend time with family and friends. The Park, located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, offers the best of the mountains in one place-spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, Nature Center, Native Plant Nursery, a variety of special events.  For more information visit chimneyrockpark.com.

 

Biltmore Estate
The largest private home in America, a 255-room French Renaissance Chateau built in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt. Tours include upstairs and downstairs of house, Estate Winery and the gardens and grounds.  Visit the Biltmore Estate’s website at www.biltmore.com.

Another stop for shoppers is Historic Biltmore Village. Built as a planned community in the late 1890s just outside the gates of Biltmore Estate, the original buildings have new occupants -- wonderful restaurants and retail shops. Here, pottery, glasswork, textiles, jewelry and clothing can be found sharing shelf space in the many retail establishments. 

 

Shopping in Asheville
Whether you're hunting for that perfect souvenir or a must-have item, Asheville offers a unique shopping experience from one-of-a-kind stores to malls and outlet shops. With more than 30 independent galleries and more than 100 retail shops, downtown Asheville is a shopper's paradise. A walk down any street leads to a treasure-trove of unique shops. Or lose yourself in the block-long Grove Arcade Public Market, which recently reopened as a shopping and dining destination in itself. Antiques, garden art, blown glass, photography, pottery, textiles, books, paintings -- whatever your passion, you'll find it downtown.

Map of the Asheville Area