I am flying into Charlotte--what is there to do from

Charlotte to Asheville?? I am going to the Biltmore?? What else is good to see---it will be between Christmas and New Year%26#39;s.

I am flying into Charlotte--what is there to do from

Gingerbread House display at the Grove Park Inn, shops and galleries downtown, concerts and other musical events in the area

I am flying into Charlotte--what is there to do from

Give us a little more info...what do you like/enjoy? It%26#39;s hard to make recommendations out of the blue. Looking for activities, attractions, history, relaxation, sports...... help us out. Thanks.

The Gingerbread display and Biltmore of course sounds great. I would love a good meal---steak, cheesecake. I would like to see some of the pretty country side. I do like art, but that would be lower on the list of things to do. I am only going to be there a few days--so I would like to see things that are the main attractions for the area--or if there are things that are a must that everyone goes to--like the Biltmore. I probably won%26#39;t do much relaxing as I like to take in as much as possible. I can relax at home! :%26gt;) I want the experience of being there. I would like to stay somewhere with a beautiful view, but I haven%26#39;t found something yet. I don%26#39;t mean to be vague--I just don%26#39;t know what there is to choose from. Thanks for your help!!

I can help you with the pretty scenery. A good day drive is take the Blue Ridge Parkway west of Asheville. Go about 40 miles on it and take hwy 276 south. Some great secenery along this route. There will be mountain vistas, a beautiful stream and a couple of large waterfalls. Also visit Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, and the trout hatchery all along 276. There are several great hikes along this route . World famous trout fishing on the Davidson River along 276. Take 280 back to Asheville.

Another nice day trip is to Hendersonville/Flat Rock area. Visit Carl Sandburg house or take in a play at Flat Rock Playhouse.

Dillsboro is a great place to fine some great shopping. Take in lunch at the Jarrett House while you are there. The food is out of this world.

Chimney Rock Park is also a nice place to visit.

Do a google on the places I have suggested. Get a good map of the area. Have fun it is one pretty area.

If the weather permits, you%26#39;ll want to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway a little while- wonderful scenery. I%26#39;d take the route north from Asheville. You might like tot visit the Thomas Wolfe memorial homeplace while in Asheville, and just south of there in Flat Rock is Carl Sandburg%26#39;s home - Connemara ( a great side trip). Nearby Hendersonville has quaint shops with a great little downtown. Good restaurants there, too ( for steak- The Peddler!). That%26#39;s about 30 minutes south of Asheville.

The Spa treatments at Grove Park Inn are great, but it%26#39;s hard to get a time there Christmas week. A wonderful spa alternative is in Brevard ( southwest of Asheville) - Elements Spa - we go there often. Brevard also has some neat shops.

The Zebulon Vance Birthplace near Asheville is a neat visit.

There%26#39;s not much between Charlotte and Asheville to see except the countryside along the road. You can take I-85 to 321 to I-40 ( that%26#39;s the way I go). After you get out of Gastonia it%26#39;s nice rolling countryside. Some people take I-85 to U.S. 74 and I-26 north to Asheville. That route takes you through Shelby ( can be bad traffic). And, I-26 can be a parking lot at times - but it%26#39;s a nice view as well.

If you take the 74/26 route you%26#39;ll go through Hendersonville/Flat Rock on the way.

I%26#39;m sure others will come by with many tips for you. There%26#39;s no shortage of info once you get there - you find plenty to do on the spur of the moment! Best wishes!

LOL - lee - we were typing at the same time!

I concur about the waterfalls around Brevard...Pisgah Forest.... but, a lot will depend on the weather/road conditions.

Yes, we were typing at the same time Bud lol. Any direction you go on the BRP is nice. If you want a cabin or chalet with a view check out vrbo.com. Weather will probably be high 40%26#39;s and low 30%26#39;s. Could be as high as 60 or low as 25. We want a trip report when you get back.

Ahhh! Thanks so much!! I am getting so excited. I have found a place on the vrbo also that is a log cabin, but it is 30 minutes from Asheville. I am debating about staying there or at a cottage type house in Asheville. I am used to driving though. So, maybe I should go for the view in the morning! Is this a pretty safe area also?? I will print out all of the information and make an plan. Thanks again! Rhonda

It is very safe around Asheville. I travel through the area alone frequently and have always felf safe day or night. You may want to also check out the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad in Byson City for a day trip. We did this recently and really enjoyed it. We had seats in the club car and felt like it was worth the extra cost. Hwy 19 from Byson City to Andrews along the Natahala river is one of my favorite drives year round.