Last year my husband and I were lucky enough to get away for a few days and we headed to Asheville. The weekend away was actually my Christmas present to him. We stayed at the B&B we stayed at when we got engaged, a very long time ago, The Lion and the Rose. It is one of the more reasonable places to stay in Asheville and the breakfast in the morning is wonderful. I had wanted to do the Christmas tour at the Biltmore for years and we could never make it there over the hectic holidays. It is truly spectacular, something the whole family can enjoy. Firelight and candlelight fill the Biltmore House. The holiday spirit comes alive with choirs singing European carols, vintage ballroom dancers, and dramatic Christmas readings. The Front Lawn of Biltmore House sets the scene with a sparkling holiday illumination of evergreens bathed in thousands of twinkling lights. We went on one of the last tours of the evening and were able to enjoy it without the very large crowds that can be there. That said, the tours are timed and they do a wonderful job insuring you can enjoy the entire house without feeling rushed. My favorite part is the basement, showcasing the kitchen, workout room and indoor pool. It is not to be missed.
The downtown area in Asheville should also not be missed. There are one of a kind little galleries and a wonderful independent theatre, the Asheville Fine Arts Theatre. It is one of those great movie houses that serve beer and wine AND real butter popcorn. We were lucky enough to see Slumdog Millionaire while we were there.
While there are also many great restaurants in Asheville and especially on Biltmore property, we were on a budget and we were referred to Rezaz, where we had an incredible prix fixe New Year’s dinner. Rezaz also has traditional Italian wine bar, Enoteca that would be wonderful to enjoy late night for drinks and dessert. Right down the street from the Lion and the Rose bed and breakfast in the heart of the Historic Montford district is a truly unique neighborhood restaurant, Nine Mile. A wonderful couple owns it and the menu is filled with wonderful Caribbean food, great vegan dishes and the micro-brews Asheville is known for.
On the way out of town we headed down the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The Center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians. We loved the furniture on display there and especially Derek Henigar’s “Ordinary Furniture”. Henigar is an amazing craftsman. Elizabeth and I were fortunate to run into him again two weeks ago at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show.
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