Craft Design Lab
Handmade in America just moved into new downtown Asheville headquarters. The renovated building will serve as home to the newly-unveiled Craft Design Lab, a showroom for regional craft artists, as well as a business incubator targeted to assist and educate crafts people, architects and designers.
Geocaching
Not all those who wander are lost. And folks from all walks of life are going for the thrill of the hunt in the Blue Ridge as geocaching has exploded in popularity. Armed with a GPS receiver (Global Positioning System), travelers are trekking through some of the most beautiful woodlands to discover a hidden cache – usually trinket and a logbook of previous discoveries. Embark on the ultimate geocaching adventure and wander through Asheville to see what lies beneath these hills.
New Brews Cruise
While Asheville may be best known for America’s most visited winery at Biltmore Estate, visitors to the area are increasingly discovering the award-winning microbreweries sprinkled throughout the city. From pale ales, amber ales, rich porters to full stouts, even the most discriminatory palate finds a new favorite. To taste a number of the varieties, microbrew fanatics can visit one of four tasting rooms opened by the brewing companies or sample the many local favorites at restaurants and bars in the area. In addition, the area now offers visitors the opportunity to hop aboard Asheville Brews Cruise, a bus that transports beer enthusiasts to three local breweries on a personalized tour complete with free samples and a better understanding of the art of beer making.
Live Like a Vanderbilt
What used to be the home of a former Biltmore Estate gardener (built in 1896) and used for scenes in the Oscar award-winning film, Last of the Mohicans, is now a place for visitors to reside in the lap of luxury. Revived in the 1980s to house visiting VIPs, the Cottage on Biltmore Estate is now open to visitors interested in an all inclusive, luxurious private getaway. For $2,800 per night, the two-story,1,600 square-foot Cottage houses up to four adults and includes a personal chef for all meals, a butler, a maid and access to amenities at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, admission to Biltmore House and all gratuities.
Celebrating 60 Years of Fine Crafts
Asheville has long been recognized as a mecca for collectors and appreciators of crafts. The Southern Highland Craft Guild, an educational organization of over 900 members throughout the mountain regions of nine states, celebrates its 60th season of the bi-annual Guild fairs in 2007. Dating back to 1948, in July and October, these fairs provide a great opportunity for visitors to come and explore the region's wealth of craft history and Appalachian culture as well as contemporary developments in the craft movement. With more than 170 booths of fine crafts on display at the Asheville Civic Center, they are an unparalleled opportunity to meet the makers, and through demonstrations and discussion, learn more about the physical aspect of these crafts. Visitors can also to talk to the artists about the skills, tools and raw materials that give physical shape to ideas and inspirations.
Downtown Revitalization
Asheville’s historical center, Pack Square, will soon be transformed into a beautiful park featuring 6.5 acres of green space. This transformation, with an anticipated grand opening in 2008, will offer a welcoming location for visitors to relax and linger while downtown. The green space will house two performance stages, several fountains and original works by regional artists. An observation terrace, information desk and public restrooms will also be a part of this reconstruction. Important to note during this transitional phase - annual events that traditionally take place in these areas, including Downtown After Five, Shindig on the Green and Bele Chere, will be moved to alternative locations.
Girls' Getaway Packages
Sometimes a girls' getaway is just what women need to free themselves from a fast-paced lifestyle, catch up on girl talk, snag some R and R, all while enriching their lives. In Asheville, it’s all about the experience. After spending the day enjoying some great outdoor activities like hiking through the Southern Appalachian Mountains, taking fly fishing lessons, or horseback riding through Biltmore Estate, girls can sit back, sip wine and enjoy a spa treatment at one of the area’s finest B&B’s. For a complete listing of package options, visit www.exploreasheville.com.
Splash Around
The Cheoah River, a competitive, high-water play area, is one of the newest whitewater attractions in Western North Carolina. With its steep gradient, continuous rapids and fast paced action, experienced guides from Wildwater Rafting, Endless River Adventures, and Nantahala Outdoor Center are now offering raft trips for the first time since an agreement allowed the river to flow. Located northwest of Asheville, it offers a nine-mile stretch of classes III-IV whitewater and even includes a 10-12-foot-high waterfall drop. Its large froth-topped waves and long boiling rapids are perfect for adventure seekers and make for exciting fall rafting. The U.S. Forest Service recommends that only highly-skilled kayakers, canoeists and rafters should attempt to paddle on the Cheoah.
Family Amusement Park Re-Opens
One of North Carolina’s oldest family theme parks, Ghost Town in the Sky, which has been closed for several years, is under new ownership and will reopen in May 2007. The popular park will feature many of the original attractions, classic amusements and live-action shows that made the 99-acre theme park such a success for 40 years. Fun for all ages, and located about 30 miles west of Asheville, the park will feature staged gunflights, expanded and improved facilities for group outings, special performances, additional historical and heritage exhibits and a wider variety of restaurants and concessions.
More Information
For more information or additional ideas, please contact Dodie Stephens, public relations manager at the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, (828) 257-4959 (media inquiries only).
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