Hellbender Featured at WNC Nature Center

This year the WNC Nature Center is thrilled to be celebrating a special Year of the Hellbender. You may have seen the great big Eastern Hellbender in Appalachian Station. Hellbenders are large aquatic salamanders--they can grow up to two feet long - yikes! They look kind of intimidating, but if you come across one in the river, don't worry. They aren't venomous. They are also extremely difficult to find, as they spend most of their time hanging out under large, flat rocks in fast moving water. And here's a fun fact: Hellbenders breathe through their SKIN.   

There's a lot more information on these cool critters on the Center blog, as well as an exciting announcement about the Nature Center's own Hellbender. And check out this cool video:

Meet a Hellbender

The Center looks forward to spending this year bringing some special attention to our slimy aquatic neighbors, and all of our special Southern Appalachian animals.

Get Biltmore Tickets for only $35 and FREE youth admission

January 2 through March 20 Get Biltmore adult tickets for only $35! Youth under 16 admission is FREE with paid adult ticket. Enjoy the best prices of the year to explore Biltmore without the crowds and waiting during the busier times of the year. 

Biltmore - America's "Castle" -  was built in 1895 by George Vanderbuilt  and is preserved and maintained today by his descendants. With interior square footage over 4 acres, 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms and an impressive collection of art and period furnishing it is one of the East's most popular attractions.

Once a working dairy farm the 8,000 acre estate now includes a winery; trails, gardens and grounds to explore; an Equestrian Center, River Bend Farm, a luxury Inn and the newest addition, Antler Village. Plan on spending at least one full day or more to fully enjoy all that Biltmore has to offer.

GET DISCOUNTED BILTMORE TICKETS HERE: Biltmore Estate Discounted Ticket Specials

Asheville Beer and Wine Tasting this Weekend

Join Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Street #100 in Asheville NC, for FREE wine and beer tastings this weekend:

January 4, 5 - 7 PM - Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Street #100 in Asheville NC:  Free Beer Tasting - Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine 2013.  Come taste this years Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine.  This beast of a beer is released the first week of January every year. Hops and Vines has been saving Bigfoot for six years now. They will be opening a different vintages throughout the tasting starting with 2008.

Six pack verticals of '08-'13 will be available for $29.95.and there will be plenty of 2013 Bigfoot Barleywine Ale as it just came in! $10.99 4/packs this year.

January 5, 3 - 6 PM:  Free Wine tasting of Wines from Washington.  Mildbrant Riesling 2011: Fresh light and vibrant, with juicy, tangy pineapple and pear fruit picking up floral notes as the off-dry finish lingers. $12.99/750mlt; The Velvet Devil Merlot 2011: Milk Chocolaate, wild blackberry, baking spice, rose oil, and of course, Velvety! $14.99/750ml;   Chateau Smith 2010: Supple and inviting with complex flavors of dark berries and plum shaded with hints of bacon and star anise. The finish rolls along unimpeded by the polished tannins. $19.99/750m.

Get a link for Hops and Vines and other Asheville Beer and Wine shops, breweries and wineries on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Cottage Rental Special

Book THREE nights and get your FOURTH night for ONLY $11.  (Valid for new reservations booked after December 15, 2012, for stays December 17 - 21, 2012, January 2 - 18, 2013, and January 22 - 31, 2013, excluding holidays.)

1 bedroom 2 bath, sleeps 2. Updated comfy and cozy guest cottage with wrap-around porch, fully equipped kitchen, WIFI. Peaceful wooded setting.  $862 - $967 week.     See cottage photos and availability

 

Grove Park Inn Hosts " Best of our State 2013" this Weekend

January 4-6   Best of our State 2013    Our State magazine comes to life during this 15th annual weekend celebration at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. Enjoy a weekend of music, humor, history, storytelling, and even a little dancing.

Entertainment this year includes Roy Underhill, Ron Rash, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Victoria Livengood, Tom Higgins, Dr. Elliot Engle, The Gospel Jubilators and Bruce Johnson.

Shop for North Carolina specialty foods, crafts, and other unique items in our bustling North Carolina Market Place. Meet the artists, sample delicious dishes, and learn about new places to visit from our travel destination exhibitors.


The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa is an historic Asheville mountain inn with renowned spa services. Additional facilities include the scenic golf course and a sports complex with swimming pool, tennis courts,  racquetball and training equipment. The Resort offers onsite restaurants, lounge and bars. A large variety of accommodations include rooms and suites in varying stages of updates and ages with some original Inn antiques. Check Inn rates and dates

The Grove Park hosts a variety of winter events and weekend packages from  New Year's Eve Celebrations to Big Band Dance Weekend to the All That Jazz Festival. Get a link for details on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.