Asheville Cabin Rental Blog

Our Asheville Cabin Rental is in such a wonderful area.  Education, arts, music, theatre, restaurants, cabins, things to do, events abound, and take a look at this article about UNCA rated by Princeton Review for the 7th year in a row!

ASHEVILLE NC - For the seventh year in a row, UNC Asheville was selected as one of the “Best Value” public colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review. “Best Value Colleges: 2013 Edition,” profiling the top 75 public colleges and top 75 private colleges, was published today; the rankings were also reported in today’s edition of USA Today.

“The liberal arts tradition is alive and well at UNC Asheville, where students are encouraged to question, to discuss,” according to The Princeton Review. The guidebook also credits the university with preparing graduates for today’s tough job market: “The myriad research opportunities help flesh out a résumé, and the stress on real world application gets students job-ready before they even set foot outside the mountains.”

Students told The Princeton Review they appreciate the small class size at UNC Asheville and a feeling that “faculty are overwhelmingly supportive of the students … they know our names.” One student described UNC Asheville as “a school that promotes the growth of its students with an emphasis on a personal approach to undergraduate education.” The Princeton Review concluded that “UNC Asheville is an inexpensive way to achieve an excellent education, at a school that may be less intimidating than a larger institution.”

UNC Asheville students described the university as “a lot of fun to live at,” in the “amazing and quirky city” of Asheville. The Princeton Review noted the university’s mountain location with ready access to outdoor sports and activities, so in the words of one student, “you are never bored.” Last April, Princeton Review also listed UNC Asheville among America’s “green” colleges and universities.

The Princeton Review selected the top 150 institutions from among a larger pool of 650 colleges selected for academic excellence. Its rankings are based on institutional data, surveys of university administrators and student opinion surveys collected in 2011-12. The selection criteria focused on undergraduate academics, costs and financial aid.

The Princeton Review’s assessment of UNC Asheville echoes many other prominent college rankings. In September, UNC Asheville was ranked seventh in the nation among public liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report, which also listed the university among those where students graduate with the least amount of debt. UNC Asheville was also praised for value and quality by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and Forbes magazine, and the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” called UNC Asheville “one of the best education bargains in the country.”

For more information, visit http://www.unca.edu/about/facts-and-figures/rankings.

ASHEVILLE, NC – Do you think you’ve got what it takes to win the Oktoberfest Bratwurst Eating Contest? Want to try your hand at the Keg Rolling Contest or Stein Race? Then, head on over to one of the six participating local breweries to sign up for a team. Each brewery will select four team members to participate in each of the Oktoberfest contests – Keg Rolling, Stein Race, Dizzy Gnome, Bratwurst Eating and Alphorn Blowing. Teams will be selected by October 3rd.

Teams will receive extra points for costumes and a festival-wide costume contest will be held.  So don your best Bavarian wear and represent even if you’re not on an official brewery team.

The 2nd Annual Oktoberfest, presented by the Asheville Downtown Association, is set for Saturday, October 9 from 12-6pm on Wall Street. Participating breweries include: Highland Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company, Pisgah Brewing, Green Man Brewery, Craggie Brewing and French Broad Brewing Company. Many brewers are featuring seasonal ales for Oktoberfest, and will be on hand to discuss their beers.

Returning to entertain the crowd are The Stratton Mountain Boys, an “oompah” band known nationwide for their rollicking German and Polka style music. The band brings the harmonic sounds of alphorns, happy yodeling songs, shoe slapping dances, and lively spirited music to the stage.

Satisfy your craving for Oktoberfest cuisine with German staples like bratwurst, pretzels and traditional sides from Cucina 24, Jack of the Wood, The Market Place and Jubilee served with local favorite Lusty Monk Mustard.

With only 1,800 to sell and at only $25 per person, tickets are going fast. Visit ashevilledowntown.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

The Asheville Downtown Association is a membership organization committed to issues and advocacy, as well as events that stimulate economic prosperity in the Downtown central business district. Annual events include Downtown After 5, Oktoberfest, the Asheville Holiday Parade, and the State of Downtown. For more information, please visit www.AshevilleDowntown.org.

Schedule of Events:

11am – Check-in at the Flat Iron on Wall St.

11:45am – The Stratton Mountain Boys start the festival by blowing the Alpine Horn.  This will signal the parade towards the stage for the official tapping of the keg

12pm – The official tapping of the keg. The Stratton Mountain Boys start the party!

1pm – Games begin with the Keg Roll

2pm – Team Stein Race

3pm – Costume Contest and Brat Eating Contest

4pm – Alphorn Blowing Contest

5pm – Dizzy Gnome

6pm – The Winning Team of Oktoberfest Announced

ASHEVILLE, NC – Theatre UNCA kicks off its fall season with three one-act plays by Tennessee Williams, including “The Long Goodbye,” “Hello From Bertha” and “The Lady of Larkspur Lotion” from September 23-25. These performances are the first of a series of Williams’ one-act plays to be staged throughout the fall semester. Performances will take place at UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theater. Curtain is 8 p.m. All shows are open to the public.

Tennessee Williams was an American playwright best known for his Pulitzer-winning plays “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” He received a number of other awards during his career, including four New York Drama Critics’ Circle awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “The Long Goodbye” focuses on Joe, a frustrated writer, who is attempting to cope with his mother’s death. “Hello From Bertha” follows the story of a deathly ill prostitute. Faced with eviction if she is unable to work, Bertha enlists the aid of her friend and fellow prostitute to help her write a letter seeking aid from her long lost love. Possible eviction is also a theme in “The Lady of Larkspur Lotion,” which takes place in a cockroach-infested boarding house. Mrs. Hardwicke-Moore, a tenant of the boarding house who has not paid her rent, must face off with her scheming landlady.

The production is directed by UNC Asheville Associate Professor of Drama Laura Bond. The UNC Asheville student cast includes Aria Alamalhodaei, Caitlin Angermeyer, Sarah Felmet, Eric Frid, Kirby Gibson, Rachel Gordon, Chris Kugler, John Lewis, Bradley Mercier, Bridget Patterson, Will Storrs, Alex Veilleux and Mary Alice White.

Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 UNC Asheville faculty/staff and $5 students. Tickets may be ordered online or by phone by calling 828.232.2291 between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are also available at the box office one hour before curtain. Online tickets can be purchased one week prior to show.

For online tickets or more information, visit http://drama.unca.edu/theatre-unca, or contact UNC Asheville’s Drama Department at 828.251.6610.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville draws visitors from far and wide to enjoy it’s delights. Whether you’re coming to Asheville to experience it’s Southern hospitality, abundant summer festivals, splendid nature, delicious restaurants and locally brewed beer, or to visit the world-renowned Biltmore Estate, you will want to find a place to hang your hat while you’re here that fits perfectly with your itinerary and budget. Luckily, Asheville offers an abundance of cabins, bed and breakfasts, inns, hotels, and hostels for every possible dream vacation!

Cabins

Staying in a Blue Ridge Mountain cabin is one of the most coveted experiences when it comes to Asheville vacations. The area in and around Asheville is peppered with hundreds, if not thousands, of stunning cabin options to enjoy an abundance of rest and relaxation while here. The area has cabins that can accommodate families of every size, large or small events, as well as cabins that are geared towards a romantic week or weekend away. Most cabins offer breathtaking views, with hot tubs, privacy and a perfect home-away-from-home feeling.

For a variety of cabin options, from a rustic tree house or lake front chalet, to a cozy romantic cabin or a secluded executive retreat, visit Luxury Asheville Cabin Rentals (http://www.ashevillecabinrental.com/). This 40-acre luxury retreat offers 8 unique accommodations and is located a mere 30-minute drive to the hustle and bustle of downtown Asheville. Find your perfect romantic getaway cabin with private hot tub, or choose a family-sized cabin or lodge-style cabin with 2 massive stone fireplaces, leather and hand-carved log furniture, 2 kitchens, and space for 10+ people.

If your vacation is going to center around Biltmore, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure or Lake James, The Cottages at Spring House Farm (http://www.springhousefarm.com) offers 6 beautiful cabins only 45 minutes from downtown Asheville. Enjoy the solitude of the WNC mountains in cabins fully equipped with fireplaces, hot tubs, outdoor grills, and kitchens.

Other area cabins include the Woodlands Chalet (http://www.cabininasheville.com/), The Cove at Fairview (http://www.thecoveatfairview.com/), Mountain Brook (http://www.mountainbrook.com/), Cabins of Asheville (http://www.cabinsofasheville.com/), and many, many, MANY more!

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) are a perfect option for those looking to feel the warm Southern hospitality that Asheville is so well-known for. B&Bs are known to be elegant and comfortable, and are often a large private home with less than 10 bedrooms. If you’re looking to celebrate a special day with your sweetheart, B&Bs can be very romantic, but are often not the best choice for those vacationing with children or pets; check with your chosen B&B to find out their individual offerings.

The Chestnut Street Inn (http://www.chestnutstreetinn.com/) is a charming bed and breakfast located in the city’s Chestnut Hill National Historic District. Proud of its historic preservation, the Chestnut Street Inn is a 1905 Colonial Revival home with high ceilings, large outdoor porches, jacuzzi tubs, and luxurious decor and furnishings. You’ll find award-winning chocolates on your pillows and awaken every morning to a 3-course gourmet breakfast. How is that for Southern hospitality?

North Lodge Inn (http://www.northlodge.com/) is the perfect place to celebrate honeymoons, anniversaries and special occasions, and is a lovely and convenient way to enjoy your time in Asheville. Only a five minute drive to the Biltmore Estate or vibrant downtown Asheville, the North Lodge Inn offers six bright bedrooms with a wealth of amenities including a business center, a Victorian influenced dining room, and a relaxing and elegant garden with a gazebo. The North Lodge Inn also offers a gourmet, 3-course breakfast with items such as crepes, Virginia cured crisp bacon, and stuffed french toast with bananas and pecans.

There are numerous other bed and breakfast’s in Asheville, including the Biltmore Village Inn (http://www.biltmorevillageinn.com/), Princess Anne Hotel (http://www.princessannehotel.com/, Asia Bed & Spa (http://www.ashevillespa.com/), Beaufort House Inn (http://www.beauforthouse.com/), Dillsboro Inn (http://www.dillsboroinn.com/), and many, many more!

Inns & Resorts

If you’re in the mood for an all-inclusive resort-type atmosphere that offers a wide variety of amenities, such as golfing, spas, onsite shopping and special packages, you may be interested in the Inns and Resorts in the area.

The Inn on Biltmore Estate (http://www.biltmore.com/stay/inn/default.asp) is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. This four-star Asheville inn is the only accommodations on Biltmore’s 8,000-acre estate and offers more amenities than we have space to list: luxurious rooms, 24-hour room service and concierge service, library, outdoor pool and hot tub, world-renowned spa, cafes, restaurants, winery, and an 8,000-acre mountain playground!

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (http://www.groveparkinn.com) is the perfect destination for weddings, events, family getaways and private romantic getaway. From world-class golfing and a world-class spa (the spa was named #13 “World’s Best Hotel Spas” 2008 by Travel & Leisure magazine) - to delectable restaurants and unbelievable shopping - The Grove Park Inn is a premiere destination.

For more inns and resorts, visit Biltmore Village Inn (http://www.biltmorevillageinn.com/), Baymont Inn & Suites (http://www.baymontinns.com), Asia Bed and Spa (http://www.ashevillespa.com/), Red Rocker Inn (http://www.redrockerinn.com/), Cedarwood Inn (www.cedarwood-inn.com), and the plethora of other inns and resorts in the area.

Hotels

Asheville offers numerous hotels for travelers of every itinerary and budget. From the standard hotel room, to rustic, old world charm luxury hotels, there are literally hundreds of options in and around Asheville for travelers of every itinerary and budget.

If you want to experience southern charm, urban elegance, and be in the heart of everything Asheville has to offer, choose Haywood Park Hotel (http://www.haywoodpark.com/), located on Battery Park Avenue. Everything you need (and more!) is only a few steps away. The hotel’s atrium and promenade boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, boutiques, and spas. From the Chocolate Fetish, Bier Garden and the Sacred Spa, to the The Flying Frog Cafe and Wine Bar, everything is a moment away!

Be transported to the grand elegance of the Old World at the Grand Bohemian Hotel (http://www.bohemianhotelasheville.com/). Offering 104 Tudor-inspired, luxurious guest rooms, this stylish hotel offers it all: Grand Bohemian Gallery, Poseidon Spa, fitness center, the Red Stag Grill, valet parking, on-site concierge, and over 5,000 square feet of event space.

There are definitely too many hotels in the area to list them all. A few more of our favorites are the Brookstone Lodge (http://www.brookstonelodgeasheville.com), the Country Inns & Suites (http://www.countryinns.com/hotels/ncashvil), the Princess Anne Hotel (http://www.princessannehotel.com/), and the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Farms Hotels (http://www.biltmorefarmshotels.com/hilton/).

Hostels

The frugal traveler will be happy to know that Asheville offers choices in hostels as well. Geared more toward the lone traveler or the traveling couple, hostels offer bunk-style rooms with shared bathrooms for a very low rate, or private rooms for less than an area hotel, cabin, or bed & breakfast. Hostels are a great money saving opportunity for those traveling in Asheville.

Bon Paul and Sharky’s (http://www.bonpaulandsharkys.com) is located in artsy West Asheville on charming Haywood Street. Convenient to many pubs, restaurants, bars and coffee shops, you also have the option to buy delicious organic food at the corner grocer to enjoy in the full kitchen with group meals. While you’re there you can rent a bike, soak in the hot tub, or just enjoy the scenery from the rocking chair front porch. While not located right downtown, Bon Paul & Sharky’s is only a ten-minute drive to all the downtown attractions.

Want to enjoy convenience and inexpensive lodging? Then Sweet Peas Hostel (http://www.sweetpeashostel.com/) is the perfect choice. Located in the heart of downtown Asheville above the Lexington Ave. Brewery, Sweet Peas Hostel offers free- wi-fi, morning coffee, coin operated laundry, linens and towels, a fully equipped kitchen and a warm and inviting living room. There are 3 options for sleeping arrangements, from bunks and private rooms, to their newest addion - private pods.

You can have it all!

You’ll find Southern charm, art and performance art galore, fabulous restaurants and bars, unique shopping, relaxing spas, and a vibrant, diverse nightlife in this spirited city nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains. Whether you’re looking for a ritzy resort, a downtown B&B, a mountain cabin with a million dollar view, or a bunk bed in a thrifty hostel, Asheville offers everything you can imagine and much, much more!

-Tena Moore http://www.tenamoore.com is a freelance writer located in Asheville, NC.

ASHEVILLE, NC – The Garden Stroll will take place on Saturday, September 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine! Join us for a kickoff ceremony at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road at 10:30 a.m. and remember – the Stroll is FREE!

The culture of sustainability is becoming more deeply rooted in West Asheville’s urban landscape with every passing day. The Second Annual West Asheville Garden Stroll on Saturday, September 11 will showcase many new gardens in the Horney Heights and Malvern Hills sections of the community. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and kicks off at the West Asheville Library at 10:30 a.m.

As urban gardens proliferate in this sprawling and diverse community, gardens of all kinds are emerging. Approximately 17 new gardens will be on view across three areas of the Greater West Asheville community: the neighborhood adjacent to the library, and the Horney Heights/Buttermilk Creek, and Malvern Hills neighborhoods. Each site offers a unique garden display. Types of gardens on this year’s Stroll include traditional, mixed use, permaculture, a community garden, a greenway, and gardens featuring bees, chickens, and much more!

West Asheville gardeners are keen to share the joy of gardening. The Stroll emphasizes sustainability in urban gardening, networking among neighbors, and inspiration for Strollers. Strollers can learn from gardeners’ varied experiences through question-and-answer sessions and first-hand viewing. Strollers are also invited to participate In a community service gardening project as part of the Stroll experience.

Maps of the tour and information about the featured gardens will be available at West Asheville Library on September 11. Strollers are encouraged to car-pool, bike, and walk. Centralized parking will be available near the featured neighborhoods at: West Asheville Baptist Church on Haywood Road, St. George’s Episcopal Church on School Road, and at Malvern Hills Park.

The West Asheville Garden Stroll is a non-profit endeavor led by a group of passionate gardeners. It is FREE and open to the public. Volunteers are needed to help with the Stroll. Volunteer opportunities are listed on the website, www.WestAshevilleGardens.com. This wonderful community event welcomes donations!

Additional information can be found on the web at www.WestAshevilleGardens.com or at the West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, 250-4750.

ASHEVILLE, NC - The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is taking the farm to table concept to a new level beginning in September with a new series of dinners that will showcase local famers and artists. The inaugural Local Showcase Dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday September 30 at Blue Ridge Dining Room. Chefs at the renowned, historic Inn will collaborate with neighboring farmers to create a dining experience highlighted by local food, wines and art. The first dinner will feature fresh ingredients from Hickory Nut Gap and Jolley Farms, and art by local painter John McKah. Diners will be able to interact with the farmers and the artists, while enjoying a delicious four course dinner made with freshly picked ingredients. The Blue Ridge Dining Room Local Showcase dinners will be held on the last Thursday of each month.

For reservations and more information, please contact The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa at 800.438.0050 or 828.252.2711; visit www.groveparkinn.com, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ewgrove and Facebook at www.facebook.com/groveparkinn.

ASHEVILLE, NC – About 1,500 people attended a job fair sponsored by A-B Tech and the office of U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler Aug. 26 at the College’s Enka site.

“When we look at workforce development in the region, A-B Tech is the nucleus,” Shuler said. “What better fit, than to hold a job fair with the driving force behind economic development.”

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, JobLink and AdvantageWest were also partners of the fair, which featured 55 local businesses looking to fill 500 positions. Industries included education, construction, health care, manufacturing, hospitality, financial services, janitorial and retail.

A-B Tech President Hank Dunn welcomed participants to the event and introduced Shuler. “We hope you find what you are looking for. We’re here to help you,” he said.

C.J. Wolff of Asheville, a student at A-B Tech taking Human Resources Development courses, said she was looking for office work. “I am hoping to find something there that will be a fit,” she said. “I think you should always go to a job fair, even if the jobs aren’t what you are looking for. It’s good to network and to keep your face and resume out there.”

Joseph Scotto, A-B Tech graduate and Club Floor supervisor at The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, was in attendance representing the hotel. “We have more than 60 positions we are hoping to fill. I love helping out at these events and to offer jobs.”

“If we can change just one family’s life, we have made a difference,” Shuler said. “Hopefully, with over 500 jobs available, we can change over 500 families. Even in this tough environment, these businesses have jobs available.”

ASHEVILLE, NC – The City of Asheville’s Comprehensive Bicycle Plan was adopted by Asheville City Council in 2008 after extensive involvement by the city’s bicycle community. But the input and participation from those active groups and other community organizations continues to be critical to making Asheville more and more bicycle friendly.

“The cycling community really is our eyes and ears,” says Transportation Planner Barb Mee. “We really listen to cyclists. They are the ones that know best what’s out there.”

Multiple resources are available for bicyclists, as well as walkers, to notify the City of Asheville of maintenance needs or improvement opportunities. The Asheville Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force (www.abptaskforce.org), an advisory group that meets regularly with Mee and tracks progress on the bicycle and pedestrian plans, hosts a maintenance request form on its website that Mee can forward to the appropriate city department. The site also hosts an incident report form for anyone who has been in a biking or walking related accident. The City of Asheville email addresses ibike@ashevillenc.gov and iwalk@ashevillenc.gov provide other opportunities for people to pass information on to the city.

The collaboration has resulted in steps from turning street-level storm grates so that they don’t hamper bikes to painting bike symbols on the asphalt at select traffic lights so bikers will know where they can stand to activate sensors that change a red light green.

Requests by bicycle commuters also resulted in the installation of bike lockers in four locations downtown: parking decks at the Civic Center, Rankin Avenue and Wall Street, as well as the alcove between Haywood Street and the Rankin parking deck. Each locker is divided into two storage spaces that can be rented for $10 a month. The lockers provide added security, room to store gear like helmets, and also keep seats dry in wet weather. In addition, there are extra bike racks in each parking deck to provide a free, dry place to leave bikes.

The participation of community members is also critical in fine tuning Asheville’s bike accessibility. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force is made up of community volunteers, and will be conducting a bike and pedestrian count in September to provide crucial data. Volunteers from the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club clean the Riverside/Lyman Street bike lane on a quarterly basis, an effort that accentuates the city’s regular street sweeping there. And Asheville on Bikes, a major voice for cyclists in Asheville, recently coordinated bike corrals at the Bele Chere festival and at Downtown After 5. The cooperation of multiple groups on education and advocacy makes the bike community one of the strongest voices in Asheville.

“The cycling community has really empowered themselves to be advocates and stewards of our infrastructure,” says Mike Sule, Executive Director of Asheville on Bikes. “They have gotten to like exercising their civic responsibility.”

Another service available to cyclists, runners and walkers is a special commuter pass available through the Asheville YWCA. The $200 annual pass provides commuters with access to showers, lockers and WiFi. Mee, responding to a growing buzz for such a service, approached the YWCA and says the organization responded quickly to the need.

“We were happy to step up to the plate on this,” says YWCA Marketing Director Ami Worthen. “Our location is such that we are convenient to get to downtown.”

This summer has already seen new bike lanes completed or nearing completion on key connectors like Coxe Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Kimberly Avenue, Asheland Avenue and Hilliard Avenue. And a climbing lane on Clingman Avenue is underway.

“The bike master plan is moving along at a fair clip,” Sule says. “Soon, bikers will be able to use bike lanes to get from one end of town to the other. I think that’s amazing.”

To see more about the City of Asheville’s efforts to enhance bike accessibility in the city, go to:  http://www.ashevillenc.gov/residents/transportation/default.aspx?id=450.

View pictures at: http://coablog.ashevillenc.gov/2010/08/participation-from-cycling-community-continues-to-help-improve-ashevilles-bike-access/.

ASHEVILLE, NC – Tupelo Honey Cafe recognizes there is a special need to educate kids about making wise food choices. As a response to a growing concern about childhood obesity, both nationally as well as locally, the restaurant has developed additional kids’ menu offerings that are fun, healthful and most important, tasty. Noted on the menu with a tomato icon, the newest fare includes an emphasis on whole grains, lean protein as well as fruits and vegetables. Examples include veggie sliders, grilled Mahi Mahi, free-range chicken and vegetable farm fresh sides- from which you can also create your own individual veggie plate.

The philosophy goes hand in hand with a partnership with Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and Earth Fare, where six area restaurants including Corner Kitchen, Bouchon, Green Sage, The Blue Ridge Dining Room at The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa and The Laughing Seed Café are participating in the “Food Field Trip” program. Earth Fare and these AIR restaurants will offer area schools curriculum highlighting the importance of healthy food choices. Classes will compete for the opportunity to visit one of the participating restaurants for a hands-on learning experience about preparing nutritious food and the benefits of a healthy diet.

“Through these local collaborations we hope to do our part in offering additional choices as well as educating our youth on the value of a balanced, healthy meal,” says owner Steve Frabitore “We also plan to get involved on a broader level through the Chefs Move to Schools program developed by First Lady Michelle Obama, by participating in cooking demonstrations throughout our school system.” Tupelo Honey Café’s Executive Chef Brian Sonoskus, who is among 45 chefs committed to participating, plans to bring produce grown at the restaurant’s garden to local elementary schools to teach children ideas for recipes at home.

Tupelo Honey Café has two locations, 12 College Street in downtown Asheville and in South Asheville at 1829 Hendersonville Road. To view all menu options and any additional information visit, www.tupelohoneycafe.com.