Park the Car and Smell the Rhododendron

For outdoor lovers not quite up for the challenge of the 2,100+ mile Appalachian Trail, take an easier stroll among the many gardens that are located throughout the Asheville area, presenting exciting trails lined with colorful, indigenous plants. And the great news is that many of these gardens are inexpensive or free to visit, allowing you to park the car and save gas.

With year-round blooming gardens, The North Carolina Arboretum is home to all kinds of plants and trees, many indigenous to the area. Trails for all skill levels run throughout the arboretum and are well-marked and often shaded. Some trails run along Bent Creek which offers an ideal break for dogs on warmer days. The Arboretum has a minimal parking fee of $6 which is waived on Tuesdays.

The Botanical Gardens at Asheville are located right outside of downtown Asheville and offers free admission. It’s home to plants of the Southern Appalachian region as well as some easy trails.

A garden tour of Asheville isn’t complete without a stop to the famed gardens at Biltmore - the perfect place to park your car and explore the huge estate. From the Walled Garden modeled after a European kitchen garden to the Italian garden located in the shadow of Biltmore House, take time to appreciate the incredible vision of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York City’s Central Park. The many trails that run throughout the estate offer a peaceful escape from crowds, allowing you to imagine for a moment that the 8,000-acre estate is all yours.

For other Asheville adventures that allow you to save some money and some gas, check out more Park the Car Adventures.

Bele Chere = Primo People Watching

This weekend, Ashevillians and visitors will descend upon downtown Asheville for Bele Chere, the Southeast’s largest, free outdoor street festival.

Six stages throughout the city showcase musical acts including Travis Tritt, The Wailers, Cowboy Mouth, and Ryan Montbleau Band as well as local favorites stephaniesid and Ménage. Choose from more than 75 hours of live entertainment.

What’s a summer festival without great food? Local restaurants set up booths in A Taste of Asheville, an area located in Pack Square, while other food vendors are located throughout the streets. And beer lovers rejoice - six of the Asheville area’s breweries will be on hand pouring local favorites. Make sure to check out the seasonal ales. Then, walk off or (heck, it is Asheville) dance off the extra calories.

Can’t make it to Asheville this weekend? Don’t worry. Free festivals and events go on throughout the summer including Shindig on the Green, the Annual Village Art and Craft Fair, outdoor theatre with the Montford Park Players and the Friday night Drum Circle in Prichard Park.

Cool Asheville Savings

Gas prices are up, and the economy isn't exactly at its best. We get it, and we want to help. You shouldn't be deprived of your opportunity to escape the daily stress with a cool mountain getaway to Asheville.

We are here to provide insider tips on how to get the most value from your vacation in Asheville. We're sharing some of the locals' fave free things to do. We'll keep you posted with the latest hot deals and coupons. You'll even find ideas to boost your gas mileage and cool Park the Car Adventures.

Check out our recently-launched Cool Asheville Savings.com.