Asheville Cabin Rentals - March Special

SAVE $50 - $75 on more than 100 Asheville area cabins
and luxury vacation home rentals.

Book online today using codes:   2MAR50 or 3MAR75

 

Asheville Marathon held on the Biltmore Estate

March 3   Asheville Marathon on Biltmore Estate   The 2013 Asheville Marathon takes place on the scenic grounds of the Biltmore Estate. It will cover both the east (paved) and west (dirt roads) sides of the Estate. The course will be USATF certified and bib chip timing will be used for the event. Runners will explore 26.2 miles of America’s largest backyard,  winding through a hardwood forest, meadows, gardens and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and estate.

Watch the race and spend the day at Biltmore - Click the HERE to get discount Biltmore Tickets.

Learn more about Asheville events and Biltmore on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

WNC Chef's Challenge for 2/26/13

February 26   WNC Chef's Challenge:   Lexington Avenue Brewery - Chef Mike Fisera VS Ruth’s Chris Steak House - Chef Sean Fernandez.Diner participants will enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate a special ingredient and will score each dish.

The diners' votes are then tallied along with those from a panel of judges and the weekly winners will continue to participate in the competition. Reservations for the WNC Chefs Challenge are $49 per individual, and can be purchased online at http://wncchefschallenge.eventbrite.com. Sales tax, and gratuity ($67.97 total) are included in ticket purchase. Held at the Chestnut Restaurant in downtown Asheville NC.

Learn more about Asheville restaurants and entertainment on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Rental offers 5% Discount Through March

Book 3 or more nights in Feb or March and receive 5% off the rental rate.

Asheville Mountain view vacation home - 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, sleeps up to 8. 3 master suites great for traveling couples or friends getaways. Beautiful mountain views from decks, gas fireplace, gas grill, HDTV, WIFI. $165-$225 night, $1100-$1500 week. Great location between Asheville and Black Mountain NC. See rental photos, details and availability


Get links for Asheville attractions, restaurants and complete information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Dance Series Continues at Diana Wortham Theatre

February 22-23 at The Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 South Pack Square in Asheville NC - Mainstage Dance Theatre.

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana:

La Pasión Flamenca

February 21 & 22, 2013 • 8:00 p.m.

Don't delay: A few seats remain for these electric evenings of passion and drama.

Flamenco Vivo's Asheville performances are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council; and are made possible by Performance Sponsors Kimberly Beavers & Kevin Drexel and Michael Witaszek; and by Mainstage Dance Series Sponsors Hedy Fischer & Randy Shull, Tina & John McGuire, Ronna & Rob Resnick.

RiverLink Offers Free Children's Tickets to Piccadilly Circus: Blammo

RiverLink is offering free Children's General Admission tickets to the Piccadilly Circus: Blammo! in Fletcher, a suburb of Ashevillle.  The circus will feature the Cossack Warriors, comedic clowns, a free petting zoo and the My Little Pony Parade. The event will be held at the WNC Agriculture Center Arena on Thursday March 7, 2013.  Show times are 4:30 and 7:30 PM.  

Each ticket is good for free admission for children under the age of 13. The ticket will admit ONE child with purchase of an adult ticket. This is for Children's General Admission and is not a Children's VIP area ticket. 

Adult tickets may be purchased online. Use the code "CIRCUS" until 10:00 AM the morning of the show to receive 50% off the Adult General Admission ticket price. 

Tickets are first come, first serve. Stop by the RiverLink offices at 170 Lyman Street to pick them up.  More info about the Picadilly Circus can be found  HERE.

Asheville Restaurant News: Chef's named Semi-finalists in The James Beard Awards

The Asheville Travel Blog has reported that two Asheville chef's have been named semifinalists in 2013 The James Beard Awards.

Asheville's semifinalists are:
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Katie Button from Cúrate.
Best Chef in the Southeast: Elliott Moss from The Admiral.

The James Beard Awards have been dubbed "The Oscars of the food world" by Time Magazine and they are designed to shine a spotlight on the best and brightest talent in the food and beverage industry. This year's finalists will be announced on March 18, 2013 and the winners will be announced on May 6.

Jerry Seinfield Performs in Asheville

February 22, 7 PM - Jerry Seinfeld will perform at Asheville's Cellular Center (the downtown Civic Auditorium) with his popular and unique form of stand-up comedy,  Seinfeld is best known for the long-running "Seinfeld" (1990s) sitcom series.

Get seating, performance and ticket details HERE.

Asheville's Cellular Center is located at 87 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville NC.

WNC Chef's Challenge this week, 2-19-13

February 19 - WNC Chef's Challenge: DoubleTree-Chef Moore vs Pack's Tavern-Chef French. Diner participants will enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate a special ingredient and will score each dish.The diners' votes are then tallied along with those from a panel of judges and the weekly winners will continue to participate in the competition. Reservations for the WNC Chefs Challenge are $49 per individual, and can be purchased online at http://wncchefschallenge.eventbrite.com. Sales tax, and gratuity ($67.97 total) are included in ticket purchase.

The WNC Chef's Challenge is once again underway in downtown Asheville. For the fourth year, the WNC Magazine Asheville and Wine and Food Festival will host the WNC Chefs Challenge. The competition brings together culinary leaders from the region in weekly battles built around a secret ingredient.

The Chestnut Restaurant, located Chestnut Restaurant, 48 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville NC, will serve as host for the dinners each Tuesday from February 12 through April 30. The quarterfinals and semifinals will follow this summer at the Asheville Wine and Food Festival the week of August 22 through 24.

Smoky River Cocktail wins Asheville's Battle of the Bartenders

During the recent Asheville Restaurant week a contest for lively libations, Battle of the Bartenders, was also taking place. Ann Walczak of Red Stag Grill concocted the Smoky River cocktail and received the highest number of votes from happy consumers during the city-wide competition.

The challenge was for local mixologists to create a signature drink using a locally produced spirit from Asheville Distilling Company's Troy and Sons products. It's only fitting that in an area once known for mountainside stills that Moonshine (now legally produced) would be the base of the winning beverage

Watch the video below to see how Ann crafted her winning cocktail.

RECIPE:
Combine the following:
1.25 oz Troy & Sons Platinum Moonshine
.5 oz Cointreau
.5 oz Patron Citronage
Splash of St. Germaine
1.5 oz Jalepeno Cilantro Syrups (watch the video to see how it's made)
A pinch of salt

For wow factor, cut the end of an Orange and run the peel over an open flame. Do this long enough for the oils to bubble up to the surface of the rind and then rub them along the edge of the glass. Then drop the peel inside the drink.

Asheville Romantic Restaurants Readers Choice Top Ten

Asheville's Buncombe County Tourist Development Authority (TDA) has announced the results of its Facebook Reader Survey for the top ten Romantic Restaurants in Asheville. For decades the mountains surrounding Asheville have been a favorite destination for Romantic Getaways. As more and more restaurants open in Asheville's "Foodtopia" environment the quality of its dining experiences just keeps getting better and better.

The results of the Readers' Choice Survey are:

Zambra is relaxed, cozy and delicious.

Zambra - Asheville's original tapas restaurant is also one the most romantic spots in town. Share small plates, enjoy a bottle (or two) from their incredible wine list and make sure to reserve one of their tables in the back for a more private dining experience. Zambra was recently featured as one of America's Most Romantic Restaurants by Travel + Leisure. 

Biltmore - Share a candlelight dinner at Bistro or the Dining Room at the Inn. Biltmore's chefs create incredible meals using locally sourced meat, fish and vegetables grown right on the estate. Keep in mind that to dine on the estate you must purchase a pass, be a guest at the Inn or be a season ticket holder - but it's so worth it.

Amazing atmosphere at Red Stag Grill

Plant - Don't let the word "vegan" scare you. This is one restaurant that even die-hard carnivores love. Try their Raw Enchiladas, a fan favorite. The dish is served up with seasonal vegetables, cashew cheese, cacao mole, enchilada sauce and sour cream (the vegan kind). As a bonus, this dish is also gluten free.

Red Stag Grill - Tucked inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Biltmore Village you'll find a fine dining restaurant like no other in Asheville. The best way to describe the decor is rustic hunting lodge meets modern-chic. If you can't decide what to order why not splurge for the tasting menu, a four-course meal paired with a wine for each dish.

The Sunset Terrace at Grove Park Inn

Grove Park Inn - A classic spot for date nights in Asheville, the Grove Park is one of the only places in town where you can dine while watching the sun set behind the western mountains. Their food is nothing short of amazing, earning them the AAA Four Diamond Award 18 times.

Tupelo Honey Cafe - While most people associate Tupelo with breakfast, their menu items are just as amazing when the sun goes down. Their new south twist on traditional dishes have made this the can't-miss restaurant for visitors.

Les Moules Frites at Bouchon

Bouchon - Where better to dine in the "Paris of the South" than an authentic French bistro. Order the Les Moules Frites and experience fresh mussels steamed in local beer with lusty monk mustard and butter. It's served with a side of French fries (of course).

Posana Cafe - Dine in the heart of downtown with a view of Pack Square Park. Posana is upscale, but casual, and each dish packs amazing flavor. They use only unprocessed ingredients and are Asheville's only 100% Gluten-free restaurant.  

Cucina24

Cucina24 - This Italian spot offers a charming atmosphere and delicious small plates you can share with the table. Their menu changes up pretty often depending on the seasonality of the ingredients. Share one of their thin crust pizza creations.

Rezaz - A taste of the Mediterranean can be found in Biltmore Village. Book the Chef's table for a five course tasting menu personally created for you. You'll dine beside the "line" where you can watch chefs prepare your meal.

Find additional Asheville Restaurants on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Valentine's Day At the Grove Arcade

Asheville's Grove Arcade offers Valentine Romance with jewelry, flowers, gifts, sweets, dining and more.

With its heart tracery and historic ambiance, the Arcade is a great place to find the perfect gift or arrange for a delicious meal for your sweetheart. The Arcade’s locally-owned shops, galleries and boutiques feature jewelry, crafts, women’s clothes, bath products and much more. Stop in Santé WIne Bar and Tap Room for a special bottle or perhaps your cowgirl would enjoy boots or a belt from Vaquera. Splurge on something with sparkle at Roberto Coin or Alexander and Lehnert or grab a bouquet from Studio Flora Diva.



True Confections is baking Be My Valentine cookies, chocolate raspberry heart-shaped tarts and chocolate-covered strawberries.  And, if your sweetheart loves fudge, Nuts About Fudge has you covered. Burgerworx is running their Sweetheart Deal through February 17th.  When you buy two burgers and two drinks, you can enjoy a free large order of fresh cut french fries.  And, if you are flying solo this  Valentine's Day, you can opt to try the Love Stinks Burger, topped with candied bacon, aged blue cheese and homemade roasted garlic mayo.  Burgerworx has new menu items and is now offering a customer rewards card as well.
Cocktails, fine wines and delicious meals are yours for the choosing.  Many Grove Arcade restaurants are offering specials and creating unique meals for the holiday.  Downtown’s “restaurant row” offers unparalleled choice and quality.  Join others enjoying the Valentine’s holiday and supporting locally-owned businesses.

Built by E.W. Grove, the visionary and creator of the Grove Park Inn, the Grove Arcade opened in 1929 and thrived until World War II as one of the country’s leading public markets. The historically renovated Grove Arcade reopened to the public in 2002 as a destination featuring locally-owned shops, galleries, restaurants and businesses.  A lively and beloved downtown landmark, the Arcade is open daily.  Take the self-guided architectural tour, download our period podcast or view the new stop-motion video produced to celebrate our ten-year anniversary.

Last Minute Valentine Weekend in Asheville Rental

Beautiful Asheville View From this Contemporary vacation home rental - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Minutes to downtown Asheville and Biltmore. Deck with western view, grill, WIFI   $100 - $250 night.  See rental photos, details and availability

What to do for Valentine's Weekend in Asheville: 

Bring your sweetie ( of the whole family - kids are FREE this month) to Biltmore for a romantic day at the best rates of the year with current winter discounts.  CLICK HERE for details and online purchase.

Take a One-Hour Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride  at 47% off ($125) - drift up to 2,000 feet above the tree line in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Limited time Groupon offer.

Enjoy a delicious streak dinner for HALF OFF  ($20) at The Fireplace Restaurant - Custom-grilled steaks and seafood such as grouper, oysters, and mahi-mahi are among the favorite choices.

Asheville Massage and Therapeutics   53% OFF ($35) licensed massage therapists knead away aches and stress with an integrated massage approach in a holistic healing center

Get Sweet Treats from Rachel's Delectables - Mini-Cheesecake Sampler or 10-Inch Classic or Gluten-Free Cheesecake. $10  (57% off)

Learn more about what to do in Asheville for Valentine's Weekend on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Valentine's Day Event: Singles Soiree at Hotel Indigo

February 14, 5 PM - 10:20 PM: Just because you're single doesn't mean Valentine's Day can't be special. Hotel Indigo is offering  Singles Soiree with live music and a heart-warming meal including Roasted Tomato Bisque,  Pistachio Crusted Halibutm  citrus buerre blanc steamed jasmine rice, sauteed asparagus,  Filet aux Poivre, mushroom Madeira demi-glace potatoes au gratin,  sauteed spinach.  There will be Featured Wine Pairings plus a full bar. The music begins at 7 PM with Flamenco guitarist Juan Buenavitas.

Hotel Indigo is located at 151 Haywood Street in Asheville NC

18th Annual Bluegrass First Class this Weekend in Asheville

February 15 - 17  18th Annual Bluegrass First Class  Some of the best bluegrass acts in the country rocking out all over the hotel, all weekend. Friday’s show features the impeccable harmonies of 7-time Female Vocalist of the Year Rhonda Vincent and The Rage. The Grascals, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper along with the traditional sound of The James King Band.

On Saturday enjoy The Bluegrass Album Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Russell More and IIIrd Tyme Out, local comedian Dillon, Lonesome River Band, and Darin & Brooke Aldridge.

The event is held at the Crowne Plaza Tennis and Golf Resort. Get current rates and availability.

Last Minute Valentine's Weekend Getaway near Asheville

February Special: Stay 2 nights get the 3rd FREE through 2/28/13

Asheville Vacation Home with mountain views - 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, sleeps up to 8. Wrap around deck with mountain views, rockers, grill, picnic table. Gas fireplace, WIFI, located on 3 peaceful acres with walking trails.
See rental photos, details and availability  

Get more Asheville lodging and information HERE.

Valentine's Day Event: Asheville WIne Experience

February 14 Asheville Wine Experience  The second event of the year, this "Wine Experience" is an innaugural dinner at the one-of-a-kind American spirits distillery adjacent to Highland Brewery on Old Charlotte Highway.

Join Chef Anthony Cerrato, President of Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and Executive Chef/Owner of Strada, for a 5-course whiskey-paired (momentarily replacing the "w" in wine), truffle-infused dinner, accompanied by musical illustrations by Scottish/Classical fiddler Jamie Laval as each dish makes its appearance.

Find more Asheville events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Mardi Gras Grand Parade

February 10 - Mardi Gras Grand Parade at 3:05 p.m. in downtown Asheville. The Parade will step off from Wall Street on Bacchus Sunday, at 3:05 PM. rain or shine.  They'll be dancing in the streets of Asheville. Along the parade route, you can choose from spectacular chocolate shops, yummy bakeries and restaurants, amazing gift shops, fun bookshops, superior art galleries, and remarkable florists and designers.

The 6th Annual Queen’s Ball: immediately follows the Parade at Pack’s Tavern’s Century Room.  This year's Ball, features live performances by Asheville’s only working cajun/zydeco/Louisiana style dance band “Bayou Diesel”, drum and dance troop “Zabumba!”, local Mardi Gras marching band “Asheville Second Line”, and the talented dance troop from the Urban Arts Institute “Eternity”. Pack’s Tavern’s Century Room is located above Packs Tavern.

Both the Parade and Ball are always free, family friendly and open to the public.  This year’s theme is “French Broads and Odd Fellows”.  Asheville Mardi Gras is an all volunteer community based organization made up of New Orleans ex-pats, aficionados of that culture, and some fun loving folks who just LOVE a good party.

Get a link for details about Asheville's Mardi Gras Parade, the Queen's Ball and other Asheville events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

ZaPow Gallery Stream Punk Carnival Art Opening and Reception

February 9  -  Stream Punk Carnival Art Opening and Reception at ZaPow Gallery   The artists of ZaPow have created original works of art inspired by Steam Punk and Carnival. The reception will celebrate the latest creations of the artists of ZaPow and help to kick off the Asheville Mardi Gras.
This FREE event includes:

• New Steam Punk themed Art Show From ZaPow Artists
• FREE BEER from French Broad Brewing
• A very special intimate acoustic performance of The Extraordinary Contraptions.

Find a link for more Asheville Mardi Gras events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Symphony Orchestra Features Daniil Trifonov

February 9   Asheville Symphony Orchestra   This month's concert includes Tchaikovsky, Franck and Barber. Tchaikovsky Competition winner, Daniil Trifonov will be featured playing Tchaikovsky's beloved Piano Concerto No. 1 to cap an evening of Valentine-inspired delights,

Poetry Reading at The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

February 7 - The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center presents a Poetry Reading with five of Asheville's most interesting poets including Ekua Adisa, Melanie Bianchi, Erik Moellering, Eric Steineger and Robert Zachary.

Admission for the event is $7  and  $5 for BMCM+AC members and students.

"The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center preserves and continues the unique legacy of educational and artistic innovation of Black Mountain College for public study and enjoyment. We achieve our mission through collection, conservation, and educational activities including exhibitions, publications, and public programs."

Asheville Mardi Gras Events

February 7 - 12   Mardi Gras in Asheville   Enjoy a variety of events filled with music, dance and costumes during Asheville's Mardi Gras:

February 7 - LaZoom Mardi Gras Tour. Get on the purple bus for a humorous twist on a city tour. The creators of LaZoom hail from New Orleans so they know first hand how to throw an authentic Mardi Gras celebration. Take part in one of two Mardi Gras tours where you can enjoy performances by David Earle and the PlowShares.
February 8 - Running of the Winos Asheville Mardi Gras annual traditions of “wine hopping” downtown to spread the Asheville Mardi Gras spirit!
February 9 - Zapow Gallery Steamboat Punk Carnival Show from 7-9 with music by The Extraordinary Contraptions.
Scandal’s Night Club – Krewe Party/Drag Show Party.
Toy Boat – Seduction Side Show with After Party to Follow.
Olive or Twist – Zydeco Dancing.
February 10 - Mardi Gras Grand Parade at 3:05 p.m. in downtown Asheville. This event will happen rain or shine. They'll be dancing in the streets of Asheville.
6th Annual Queen’s Ball: Immediately following the Parade at Pack’s Tavern’s Century Room, Free and open to the public. Music by Bayou Diesel
Fat Tuesday February 12 - Mardi Gras Day

Get a link for details about Asheville's Mardi Gras events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Cabins Valentine Special - FREE Night

Stay 2 Nights at ANY Carolina Mornings property and Enjoy the 3rd Night FREE with Your Special Someone!  Offer good through 2/28. 

Over 100+ Asheville cabins and luxury vacation rentals near Asheville with a variety of amenities from hot tubs to cozy fireplaces to beautiful mountain views.  Treat your Valentine to a special mountain getaway this year.

Get details for this Valentine Cabin Special  HERE.

Asheville Wine Experience for Valentine's Day

The wine turns to whiskey!

for an evening at Troy & Sons with Chef Anthony Cerrato and Scottish/Classical fiddler Jamie Laval Valentine’s Day~February 14~6-9pm 5 culinary creations~5 libations~5 musical illustrations The Asheville Wine Experience joins forces with Troy & Sons for its second event of the year, an innaugural dinner at the one-of-a-kind American spirits distillery adjacent to Highland Brewery on Old Charlotte Highway. Join, Chef Anthony Cerrato, President of Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and Executive Chef/Owner of Strada, for a 5-course whiskey-paired (momentarily replacing the "w" in wine), truffle-infused dinner, accompanied by musical illustrations by Scottish/Classical fiddler Jamie Laval as each dish makes its appearance.   The cost is $125, payable on Event Brite, and benefits will go towards creating a scholarship for 12-21 year old youths seeking culinary and taste education. The number of spaces is limited, so reserve quickly! For further information, visit www.ashevillewineexperience.com or contact ashevillewineexperience@gmail.com 828-301-2792 / 828-777-8916.

Asheville Restaurant Week Begins Today

February 1-7  Asheville Restaurant Week Inaugural Event: Participating restaurants will offer a prix fixe menu ranging from $15–$30 per person.

Restaurant Week is an opportunity to try as many great Asheville restaurants as your schedule allows for four incredibly low fixed prices. Ever wondered about that restaurant you thought might be out of your price range? Restaurant Week will allow you to give it a try with the security of knowing exactly what you will be spending.

Restaurants will offer either:

• Lunch: $15 two-course meal for one person.
• Dinner: $30 three-course meal for one person.
• Dinner: $30 two-course meal for two or
• Dinner: $20 two-course meal for two.
  *beverage, tax and gratuity are not included in the special pricing

Make reservations at each individual restaurant.  Not every restaurant accepts reservations, so be sure to contact the restaurant if you are unsure.Participating Asheville Restaurants include:

LUNCH: $15 two-course meal for one person

131 Main   308 Thetford Street in Asheville NC    Menu

The Blackbird    47 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville NC   Menu

Chestnut   48 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville NC   Menu

Corner Kitchen   3 Boston Way, Asheville, NC  Menu

Cúrate    11 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC    Menu

Red Stag Grill   11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC   Menu

DINNER: $30 three-course meal for one person

131 Main   308 Thetford Street in Asheville NC   Menu

The Blackbird    47 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville NC   Menu

Chestnut   48 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville NC     Menu

Corner Kitchen   3 Boston Way, Asheville, NC  Menu

Cucina 24 Restaurant   24 Wall Street, Asheville NC   Menu

Cúrate    11 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC   Menu

FIG   18 Brook Street,  Asheville, NC   Menu

The Lobster Trap   35 Patton Avenue Asheville, NC   Menu

The Market Place Restaurant   20 Wall Street, Asheville NC  Menu

Native Kitchen & Social Pub   204 Whitson Ave., Swannanoa, NC   Menu
 
Nona Mia     1050 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC   Menu

Pack's Tavern    20 South Spruce Street, Asheville NC

Posana Café    One Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC   Menu

Red Stag Grill   11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC   Menu

Rezaz Restaurant & Wine Bar    28 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC   Menu

Ruth's CHRIS Steak House   26 All Souls Crescent, Asheville, NC  Menu

Storm Rhum Bar & Bistro   125 South Lexington Avenue, Asheville, NC

Sunny Point Café  6262 Haywood Road, Asheville NC  Menu

Vincenzo's Ristorante & Bistro  10 N. Market St., Asheville, NC   Menu

DINNER: $30 two-course meal for two

The Cantina     Menu

Carmel's Kitchen & Bar   1 Page Avenue, Asheville NC  Menu

Chai Pani Restaurant   22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, NC  Menu

Frankie Bones Restaurant & Lounge   2 Gerber Road #101, Asheville, NC Menu

DINNER: $20 two-course meal for two 

Moose Café     570 Brevard Rd # 3, Asheville, NC    Menu

Wild Wing Café    161 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC   Menu