The Inn on Biltmore Estate
The classic beauty of the Biltmore Estate carries with it over a century of history. Owned by the illustrious Vanderbilt family and designed in part by Frederick Law Olmsted, the renowned mastermind behind Central Park, The Biltmore retains all of the Old World grandeur of its past, with the added luxury of the modern comforts expected today. The estate is home to several inns and hotels, each inspired by the history and hospitality of the Vanderbilt family. At the Inn on Biltmore Estate, guests can choose from a number of inclusive packages, including a romantic getaway package, a spa package, and a girl’s getaway package. More info
1 Antler Hill Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, Phone: 828-225-1600
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The Foundry Hotel Asheville
The Foundry is an industrial-chic four-star hotel in a restored steel foundry in downtown Asheville. It is just a short walk from events at Pack Square Park, the local artists’ exhibits at Woolworth Walk, and about 2 miles from the Botanical Gardens. The Foundry, Curio Collection By Hilton, is about 4 kilometers from Biltmore Estate. The luxurious rooms have vintage decor, and some have exposed brick walls and mountain views. All have free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, minibars, desks, air conditioning and private bathrooms. Suites also have separate living rooms. A penthouse has a second bedroom and a balcony. Guests enjoy an upscale restaurant and a trendy lounge decorated with original foundry artifacts. There is also a lawn bowling court, a gym, a terrace, a business center, fire pits, spacious event space, and free bikes.
51 South Market Street, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-552-8545
Applewood Manor
This cozy colonial farmhouse is located in a historic district of Asheville and is within easy walking or driving distance to many of the city’s attractions. Applewood Manor has six guest rooms with private bathrooms, large relaxing porches, a formal dining room, music parlor, and living room, all for the enjoyment of its guests. In the morning, the inn offers a rotating selection of baked goods, fresh foods, and hot breakfast. Guests staying at the Applewood Manor can choose from a number of packages, which have options to include baskets, flowers, and refreshments in-room, as well as tickets to Asheville attractions such as the Biltmore Estate, horseback riding, and hiking in the Great Smokies.
62 Cumberland Cir, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-254-2244
Chestnut Street Inn
Located just steps away from all the sights and attractions of downtown Asheville, Chestnut Street Inn is a charming bed and breakfast where guests can enjoy the comfortable elegance of a well-designed room, mornings filled with freshly made coffee and homemade breakfast, and afternoons of tea and freshly made cookies or pastries on the front porch or in the sitting room. Chestnut Street Inn aims to make every guest feel right at home with careful touches like fireplaces, cozy decor, and friendly staff. Chestnut Street Inn even offers en suite spa packages for couples, honeymooners, or any guest who needs a little stress relief. Things to Do in Asheville
176 E Chestnut St, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-285-0705
Biltmore Village Inn
The Biltmore Village Inn is located within a historic Queen Anne Victorian home that is over 120 years old. Each of the seven rooms in this bed and breakfast inn are unique, with options ranging from king-sized beds, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, wine coolers, stunning mountain views, and even a cottage suite with two bedrooms, located in the carriage house. The rooms are all luxurious but comfortable, with designer bath products, coffee bars, and free Wi-Fi. Each morning, a delicious breakfast of coffee, fresh baked muffins, cheese, fruit, and a seasonal hot meal option is served in the beautiful dining room or on the serene wraparound porch.
119 Dodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, Phone: 828-274-8707
Abbington Green Bed and Breakfast Inn
This dog-friendly and lavish bed and breakfast is located conveniently close to many of Asheville’s attractions, including the Biltmore Estate and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The Abbington Green Bed and Breakfast Inn is beautiful inside and out, with award-winning English-style gardens, where guests can take a stroll or enjoy a book or a cup of tea. The vegetable garden on site even features in many of the B&B’s morning meals, which all consist of fresh and local ingredients served on crystal and fine china. Guests at Abbington Green can choose from a basic room all the way up to a lavish suite.
46 Cumberland Cir, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-251-2454
Albemarle Inn
The massive mansion that houses the Albemarle Inn was built in 1909 in the Greek revival style of architecture. The splendor of the white pillars, stone patio, and the surrounding greenery all contribute to the vision of opulence. Albemarle Inn has eleven guest rooms, each with unique and different features. Each morning, a three-course breakfast is served on the sun porch, or by the fireplace in the dining room during the colder months. The inn is a perfect destination for events and weddings, and the romantic setting is perfectly suited for a couples’ getaway.
86 Edgemont Rd, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-255-0027
Beaufort House Inn
Beaufort House Inn is located within an historic 1894 Queen Anne Victorian home that has been lovingly renovated into a peaceful getaway for guests. Relaxing on the hammock strung between two large trees in the yard, sipping a cup of coffee on the porch, and strolling the gorgeous gardens are just a few of the things guests can do, and that’s just on the property. Beaufort House Inn is located near many of the breweries, music, and shopping downtown. Each evening, the Beaufort offers a complimentary social hour, complete with wine and local beer, and every morning, guests will enjoy a two-course breakfast served by candlelight out on the porch.
61 N Liberty St, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-254-8334
Carolina Bed and Breakfast
The warm yellow walls of the Carolina Bed and Breakfast, surrounded by the colorful flowering trees and plants in the yard, give this place a comfortable and inviting aura. The gardens that surround the house are lovingly tended to, and keen guests might even recognize the use of some of the vegetables and herbs from the garden in the delicious meals that are served each day. The Carolina Bed and Breakfast uses locally sourced foods and ingredients, and offers a daily social hour with complimentary beverages and snacks. The B&B has comfortable, cozy lodging for its guests, with king or queen-sized beds, in-room fireplaces, Wi-Fi, and private washrooms.
177 Cumberland Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-254-3608
1889 WhiteGate Inn and Cottage
This historic inn, built in 1889, offers an intimate and romantic destination for guests traveling to Asheville. With classic, tastefully decorated rooms that feature four-poster beds and working fireplaces, and beautiful, cozy common areas for lounging or socializing, the WhiteGate is within walking distance from downtown Asheville and is conveniently located near a number of attractions. Each morning, guests will enjoy a fresh, three-course, farm-to-table breakfast featuring freshly baked goods, hot entrees, and delicious coffee. From a massage at the spa, a long relaxing soak in the whirlpool whirlpool tubs, or even a specially prepared picnic basket for a memorable meal out in nature, the WhiteGate offers a number of options for its guests to have a great holiday.
173 E Chestnut St, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-253-2553
Pinecrest Bed and Breakfast
At Pinecrest, the day starts with breakfast, served at 9am and consisting of fresh coffee, homemade breads, muffins, and pastries as well as hot entrees like waffles, quiches, or frittatas. After a long day exploring the Biltmore Estate, the Great Smokies, or downtown Asheville, guests can return to the Pinecrest for a delicious beverage and a dessert that is freshly made in house. At night, the Pinecrest’s five guest rooms are all comfortably furnished, with luxury sheets and bath products, private bathrooms, cozy bathrobes, and even fresh flowers and delicious chocolates.
249 Cumberland Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-281-4275
Cedar Crest Inn
The Cedar Crest Inn is located in a pretty little pink house just three blocks from the entrance of the Biltmore Estate. It makes a great location for anyone visiting the Asheville area as it is quite close to many of the city’s attractions, from the River Arts District to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Cedar Crest Inn offers many options for guests of all budgets and preferences, from a Victorian-style room to a one-bedroom modern apartment located in the old stables. There are also rooms available in the cottage that are pet friendly. Breakfast is served each morning with an open schedule, and guests can choose to eat at a private table or socialize with other guests in the family-style dining room.
674 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28803, Phone: 828-252-1389
Sourwood Inn
Sourwood Inn provides its guests with a chance to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a peaceful, natural setting. The inn is built from stone and wood and lies on 100 acres of beautiful land, but is still only an 8-minute drive from downtown Asheville. Guests will enjoy a full breakfast each day of eggs, coffee, and rotating items like blueberry French toast before heading off to enjoy everything that Asheville has to offer. Upon their return, they will find a cozy, rustic room awaiting them, with a comfortable bed that is sure to offer a good night’s sleep in preparation for another day of exploring.
810 Elk Mountain Scenic Hwy, Asheville, NC 28804, Phone: 828-255-0690
Hotel Indigo Asheville
Hotel Indigo is located in a high rise building right in the heart of downtown Asheville, so guests are never more than a few steps away from all the music, food, shopping, and breweries that the city has to offer. With almost 100 guest rooms and 16 luxury penthouse suites available for rent, Hotel Indigo will meet its guests’ every need. The hotel has a bar and kitchen and also offers room service. There is a fitness room, meeting space, concierge service, and valet parking. Guests will also enjoy spacious, comfortable rooms with queen-sized beds and hardwood floors.
151 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-239-0239
The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn is a beautiful hotel with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is located just a few miles from downtown Asheville. The hotel has over 500 guest rooms for visitors to choose from, with options for suites, penthouses, and even a private floor that caters to adults only. It is home to an 18-hole golf course, three outdoor tennis courts, an indoor pool, and a subterranean spa. The rooms are stylish and spacious, with king or queen-sized beds, plush duvets and pillows, and options for guests with ADA needs. The Omni Grove Park Inn is also home to five on-site restaurants, a cafe, and three bars.
290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, Phone: 800-438-5800
Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville
The Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville is a massive Tudor-style structure inspired by classic European hunting lodges. Rooms feature plush velvet headboards, sleek furnishings, and comfortable bedding with touches that reflect the hunting lodge theme, such as paintings of forests and lighting fixtures made of antlers.
Guests can dine at the hotel from the Red Stag Grill, which also has a bar and hosts live music in the evenings. There is also a spa and an art gallery on the premises. The Grand Bohemian has plenty of event space, which is perfect for weddings, conventions, meetings, parties, or other large events. More info
11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803, Phone: 828-505-2949
The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast
This beautiful home was built in 1898, with stained glass windows, fireplaces, and a gorgeous tiger oak staircase. A stay in one of the five beautiful guest rooms at The Lion and the Rose, which is one of the oldest operating inns in the Asheville area, will include comfortable bedding in a luxurious room, each with its own personality. The inn offers free Wi-Fi, luxury bath products, premium television, and a DVD library. Each morning, guests can enjoy a gourmet breakfast, coffee service, and a fully stocked pantry of snacks and drinks that is available 24/7.
276 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-255-7673
Inn on Montford
The Inn on Montford was designed by architect Richard Sharp Smith, one of the most famous area architects, who supervised construction of the Biltmore Estate. The Inn on Montford is located within a beautiful, historic pink house with a large front porch. The eight rooms and suites in the bed and breakfast all have king-sized beds, whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, air-conditioning, HDTV, and Wi-Fi. A three-course breakfast, complete with coffee and tea service, will be delivered to each room every morning at 9:00am. Behind the main house, guests traveling with their pets can stay in the Griffin Cottage, formerly the carriage house of the estate.
296 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 800-254-9569
ASIA Bed and Breakfast Spa
Travelers looking for the ultimate destination for a relaxing holiday should look no further than ASIA Bed and Breakfast Spa. Located just a few blocks from downtown Asheville, this small bed and breakfast offers an intimate experience with a maximum of ten guests in the hotel, so that each guest can receive personal attention and have a relaxing, wonderful experience. The inn encourages late mornings spent sleeping in or lounging in a morning sunbeam, with breakfast served later than at the standard B&B. Rooms are comfortable and unique, with an occupancy maximum of two guests per room. Children under the age of 15 are not permitted.
128 Hillside St, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-255-0051
Bent Creek Lodge
Bent Creek Lodge is perfect for visitors who wish to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This gorgeous bed and breakfast is located in a secluded mountain wood and has direct access to several scenic hiking trails, but it is also only located a quick 10 miles from downtown Asheville, giving visitors the best of both worlds when it comes to location. The lodge itself is warm and comfortable, with fires crackling in the stone hearths, rustic wooden furniture, and large, open decks that overlook the mountains. The staff is happy to serve a gourmet breakfast each morning, and is also available to help guests plan their day’s activities with the help of an insider’s opinion of the region.
10 Parkway Crescent, Arden, NC 28704, Phone: 828-654-9040
Sweet Biscuit Inn
The seven guestrooms in this colonial brick house, built in 1915, are comfortable and in a friendly environment that oozes Southern hospitality. Just a mile and a half south of the shops, restaurants, and nightlife of downtown Asheville, Sweet Biscuit Inn is perfectly located for a fun and enjoyable vacation in Asheville. The rooms feature high ceilings, queen or king-sized beds, private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Sweet Biscuit Inn also has a lovely front porch where guests can sit and enjoy the gorgeous North Carolina weather, and serves gourmet three-course meals in the morning, prepared by a chef who trained in France and uses those influences often in her cooking.
77 Kenilworth Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, Phone: 828-250-0170
Asheville Seasons Bed and Breakfast
The Innkeepers at Asheville Seasons, a charming bed and breakfast located in Asheville’s historic Montford district, are dedicated to giving their guests the best possible experience. Those staying at the Asheville Seasons will enjoy tasteful and comfortable rooms with organic bath products and cozy bedding, mornings full of fresh hot coffee and delicious home-cooked breakfasts, and a homelike atmosphere with board games and music. To encourage socialization, rooms do not contain a television unless by request. There is even a guest pantry that is open 24 hours and kept fully stocked with drinks and snacks for guest convenience.
43 Watauga St, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-236-9494
The Reynolds Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn
The Reynolds Mansion is one of only a few surviving brick mansions in the region from before the American Civil War. It was built by Colonel Daniel Reynolds in 1847, and the property once encompassed over 1,500 acres of land. Today, the three-story brick home lives on as a bed and breakfast, where guests can enjoy a lavish environment and the company of the friendly innkeepers Michael and Billy as well as their two bulldogs, Rhett and Scarlett. Guestrooms feature historical furnishings like crystal chandeliers, four-poster beds, and working fireplaces, and each has its own private bathroom. Suites are also available, which include private decks, extra beds, and sitting areas.
100 Reynolds Heights, Asheville, NC 28804, Phone: 828-258-1111
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Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast
The Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast is a comfortable inn located just half a mile from downtown Asheville, in the historic Montford district of the city. From 8:30am to 9:30am every morning, a full three-course breakfast is served that includes award-winning homemade baked goods, fresh fruit, and anything from eggs Benedict to waffles topped with bananas Foster. An afternoon tea is served daily, and guests can enjoy a hot beverage as well as some fresh pastries and light appetizers. Each of the eight guest rooms has its own private bath, most have working fireplaces, and two of the rooms, located in the carriage house, are pet friendly.
288 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-254-3878
Attraction Spotlight: The North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is a beautiful botanic garden in the Southern Appalachian Mountains that is home to several of the botanically-diverse plants in the region. Tucked away in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, just south of Asheville, the 434-acre public garden features lovingly cultivated gardens, exquisitely manicured landscapes and winding walking trails that are intersected by thick woodlands, shady coves and winding streams.
Established as an affiliate of the University of North Carolina by the State General Assembly in 1986, the gardens were designed by world-renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, “the Father of American Landscape Architecture” and brainchild behind New York’s Central Park and the gardens at the Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate.
Today, the North Carolina Arboretum attracts thousands of visitors every year to enjoy its magnificent surroundings and cultivated gardens and to connect with nature in unique and unforgettable ways. The Arboretum features over 60 acres of manicured gardens, including the award-winning Bonsai Exhibition Garden and the National Native Azalea Collection; over 10 miles of meandering hiking and mountain biking trails in and around the park for all levels of fitness; and a variety of family-friendly activities and adventures, including self-guided tours, exhibitions, geocaching, and an EcoLab featuring live reptiles.
Established in 2005, the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world-renowned bonsai garden that features more than 50 miniature specimens, including traditional Asian bonsai trees such as Chinese elm and Japanese maple, as well as bougainvillea and willow-leaf fig, limber pine and bald cypress.
Notable garden exhibits include the Forest Meadow, a collection of flora with a particular emphasis on autumn foliage color, and the Holly Garden, which displays a variety of plants from the holly genus. The old stone foundations, chimneys and tinkling water springs of the Heritage Garden recall features of old homestead sites, while the garden includes traditional and unusual herbs used for medicinal purposes. The Quilt Garden is an exquisite representation of a traditional quilt pattern created from flowering plants flowers, which visitors can enjoy from an elevated stone overlook and the Stream Garden features mostly native plants that live alongside mountain streams.
Other cultivated areas of interest include the full sun Perennial Border at the Greenhouse, the Plant Professional Landscape Garden, the National Native Azalea Collection, and the Sustainable Landscape Demonstration.
The North Carolina Arboretum hosts several rotating exhibitions throughout the year, including informative and inspiring exhibits focused on arts, culture, education, and science. Based in the Baker Exhibit Center, rotating exhibits highlight the area’s rich cultural heritage and provide interactive and enriching educational experiences for all ages and interests. Exhibits feature works by both regional artists and craftsmen, as well as local and international artists.
The Arboretum offers a wide variety of events throughout the year for the public and member of the Arboretum, ranging from special lectures and presentations to youth programs, plant shows, and artist demonstrations.
The North Carolina Arboretum offers an array of educational programs and learning experiences for all ages from children to adults across a variety of areas, from art and science to environmental sustainability and economic development. These programs range from adult education classes and lectures to formal classes, informal workshops, conferences, and self-guided programs, and serve more than 24,000 guests every year.
Youth and Family Programs are education-based programs that inspire adventure, exploration and environmental awareness and aim at having fun outdoors while learning about the diversity and beauty of nature. Discovery Camp is a popular, fun-filled week for children of all ages that aims to encourage exploration and discovery in the natural world, create a sense of adventure in the great outdoors, and promote environmental awareness, and conservation of both fauna and flora.
The North Carolina Arboretum boasts one of the one of the most picturesque locations in the country for special occasions such as weddings, celebrations or business meetings. The Arboretum features a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities that are suitable for functions of varying sizes and styles, including cocktail parties, ceremonies, receptions and more. Functions held in the gardens follow environmentally conscious initiatives and couples or parties have to follow green initiative guidelines for the occasion.
The Arboretum is home to a charming onsite café offers welcome refreshments and light meals and a small gift shop that sells an eclectic collection of flora-based items, including paintings and sculptures by local and international artists, arts, crafts, glasswork, and jewelry.
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100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806-9315, Phone: 828-665-2492, Fax: 828-665-8714
Attraction Spotlight: The Western North Carolina Nature Center
The Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville, North Carolina is a zoological park for animals native to the Southern Appalachian Mountain region. Home to more than 60 species of animals, cougars, black bears, river otters and red wolves, the 42-acre educational and care facility was established in 1973 and is operated by the City of Asheville's (NC) Parks and Recreation Department.
The mission of the Center is to connect people with the fauna and flora of the Southern Appalachian Mountain and to encourage and inspire an appreciation, understanding, and education of the conservation of this richly biodiverse region.
The Western North Carolina Nature Center has 42 acres of award-winning exhibits that display the natural habitats of the incredible wildlife of the Southern Appalachians.
Explore the world of reptiles at the Appalachian Station, which is an interactive indoor exhibit that features a variety of reptiles, including copperheads and rattlesnakes, amphibians and other small mammals. Head underground and discover what life under the soil is like at the World Underground exhibit, which showcases the dark and cool world beneath the ground, or check out some small mammals such as raccoons and gray foxes at the Small Mammals exhibition. Watch river otters at play, as well as several species of aquatic turtles at Otter Falls, or take in the strength and power of some of the Southern Appalachian’s greatest predators at Appalachian Predators, such as wolves, coyotes, and bobcats. Don’t miss the Red Wolf Run, which is the park’s top conservation initiative and features an outstanding exhibit on endangered red wolves, or Black Bear Ridge, which is home to American black bears, white-tailed deer, owls, and hawks. Not only wild animals are endangered, and Western North Carolina Farm highlights endangered farm animals such as Cotswold sheep, donkeys, and rabbits. The Park also features a fantastic six mile walking and hiking a trail that winds along the beautifully forested banks of the Swannanoa River called the Trillium Nature Trail, and can be enjoyed by all.
New additions to the park include a prehistoric Appalachian display that highlights the animals found in the Southern Appalachian region more than 15,000 years ago, such as tapirs, rhinos, and red pandas.
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is involved in several conservation projects and programs from the red wolf survival program to a rainwater catchment system with the aim of contributing towards preserving the rich biodiversity of the Southern Appalachian region.
Conservation projects include the Advancing Animal Management Programs, which help to establish viable populations and promote species survival for endangered species such as the North American River Otter, the Cougar, and the Red Wolf. The Center also supports external programs such as Frog Watch USA, a flagship citizen science program that educates the public about the wetlands in their communities and how to conserve amphibians.
The Western North Carolina Nature Center offers a variety of fun education programs and camps for children of all ages. Summer camps are run by knowledgeable staff and camp facilitators hat provide fun-filled and educational programs designed to involve children in the wonders of the natural world. Summer camps include Early Childhood Camps designed primarily for children ages 3-5, Kindergarten Camps for five to 7-year-olds, Wild Weeks Camps for children in first through third grade, and All Taxa Biodiversity Camps for youth in fourth through seventh grade.
Education Programs for young visitors at the WNC Nature Center range from pre-school programs to field trips.
Critter Time for Tikes and Tots is a preschool program for three to five-year-olds and their parents, offering a creative way to learn about animals through interactive activities such as fun and games, arts and crafts, animal encounters, walks and story times.
Elk Experience is an offsite excursion that heads into the beautiful mountain wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Haywood County to explore the habitat and habits of the elk and the Cataloochee Valley Ely Campout is a fun-filled afternoon and evening of arts, crafts, activities and food, as well as an Elk Ecology program and roaring bonfire in the Cataloochee Valley’s Group Campground.
The Wolf Howl is a popular educational evening that focuses specifically on the endangered red and gray wolves of North America. The program begins with an indoor presentation on these magnificent and mysterious creatures, followed by a walk to the wolf compound at the Nature Center for a howling session.
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is open 361 days per year from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
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75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28805, Phone: 828-259-8080
Conclusion
Asheville is a historic and charming city in North Carolina, nestled into the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It is conveniently located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and has many charming shops and restaurant.
Asheville’s brewery and music scene is thriving, and the city is also home to a wealth of choices for accommodation. There is a plethora of beautiful inns, hotels, and B&Bs situated on quaint and lovely properties with historic buildings and gorgeous gardens. Each of the destinations on this list is comfortable and unique, with dedicated staff members, delicious food, and an environment that simply reeks of that famous Southern hospitality.
