Autumn is here, and the first signs of color are beginning to grow. And one of the best places to see the colors of the season is Western North Carolina, or rather, Asheville. This southern city is close to popular leaf viewing sites, such as the restored Blue Ridge Parkway and one of the most visited parks in the country, Smoky Mountain National Park. It is also just a short drive from several southern cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and Atlanta.
Since the leaves season is so popular, it is important to find tips on planning the perfect vacation in Asheville. For example, many travelers will find that visiting during the week is much better than a weekend.
Where to stay during the mountain holidays in Asheville
The first point to consider is where to stop and when. The choice will depend on whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway or a business retreat. Do not think that you will find a room when you are in Asheville; Hotels in Asheville are experiencing the busiest season in the fall, so book in advance.
“Last year I was planning to flee to North Carolina,” said Janice Kennedy from Greensboro, North Carolina. “I started exploring hotels in Asheville about two weeks before I wanted to go, and found that many were already booked in advance to provide a romantic mountain getaway with luxurious amenities.”
Asheville is home to many luxury mountain getaways, family vacations and luxury condominiums. Many of these hotels and property management companies will offer travel concierge services to help you best determine your personal travel needs.
Now, although retiring for a week can be a problem for some, it can be worth the effort. Many Ashville trips and luxury mountain getaways are cheaper during the week, and crowds are much thinner. This will allow you more time to view the leaves and explore the festivals of the autumn harvest; it will also leave you more money in your pocket.
Explore the leaves during your luxury mountain holiday.
Taking a scenic drive, going on a mountain hike, exploring the many cycling routes of Western North Carolina or jumping on a horse are all viable options for viewing the leaves. In early autumn, the best scenic drives are found at the highest elevations in the Asheville area, such as the Rocky Gardens, Mitchell Mountain, Deda Mountain and Pisg National Forest. In the middle of autumn, the color of autumn moves to new heights, and there are many colorful tricks and day trips to areas such as Transylvania, also known as Land of Waterfalls, Hot Springs, Cherokee and Maggie Valley. Visitors from late autumn will find the best splash of color in places like Kimberley Avenue in Asheville, the Hickory Nut District and the North Carolina Arboretum.
"My family and I visited Asheville several times to see the fall foliage." “We visited in the early and late part of the season,” said Molly Page from Naples, Florida. "I find that visiting at the beginning of the season, in early October, and then towards the end, at the beginning of November, is a great time to avoid the majority of the spectators of the leaves and still have a wonderful experience in the mountains of Asheville."
Enjoy the Autumn Harvest in Asheville
In addition to scenic adventures and trekking, this is also a great time of year to experience Asheville’s pursuit of farming and local products with some adventures of the autumn harvest, which include a trip to one or more farmers markets, lunch at a local restaurant that serves regional fare visiting the Harvest Festival at the Biltmore Estate, where the Appalachian heritage is celebrated through craft demonstrations, storytelling, music and dance. While visiting a winery can be a good way to stop sightseeing.
Many hotels in Asheville offer vacation planning tips and provide you with the best ways to enjoy your vacation in the mountains. So make sure you plan ahead and book a room or an Asheville condo before you go. Asheville Chamber of Commerce is a good source of travel and tourism in Asheville and can serve as your travel and concierge experience.
