Holiday Video Contest Winner Announced!

Congratulations to the Mesk Family, winner of our holiday video contest! Holden Mesk submitted and starred in this holiday video:

The prize pack includes:

• two nights of deluxe accommodations at the AAA four-diamond Inn on Biltmore Estate, including breakfast daily in The Dining Room and an audio guide to accompany your tour of America's Largest Home; 
• Go Blue Ridge Card passes, with admission and discounts to 30 area attractions; 
• an AIR Taste of Asheville passport, with over $600 in savings at local independent restaurants;
• and other Asheville goodies.

Congratulations to Holden and the Mesk Family! And we hope you enjoy your Asheville getaway!

To stay up-to-date on upcoming contests and giveaways, make sure you subscribe to our monthly travel newsletter.

Asheville All-Suite Hotel Ranked #23 in US

There's nothing like going on a trip and having an experience at your hotel or B&B that's so good that you rush home and tell all your friends about it.

That's what happens when people stay at the Residences at Biltmore--an all-suite luxury hotel located just south of Downtown Asheville. In fact, so many people have raved about the Residences at Biltmore on TripAdvisor.com that the hotel has been named #23 hotel in the US.

This ranking--part of the site's annual Traveler's Choice Awards--is based on real and unbiased reviews posted by the people who know best--the travelers themselves.

Please join us in congratulating the Residences at Biltmore, and check out their suites for your next Asheville getaway. The location in convenient to many of the most popular spots in town, but with a heated pool, hot tub, and fire pit--as well as kitchens and private balconies--you might not want to leave you room.

Have you had a great experience at an Asheville hotel or B&B? Don't forget to share the good news!

Last-Minute Luxury Opportunity

The Culinary Affair from Stone Digital Media on Vimeo.

Forget about whatever they're saying is the "new black." Stick with the original black--the luxurious black--at The Culinary AffAIR.

Asheville's premier culinary event will be held this year on February 3 (just two weeks away!) and will include a cocktail hour with signature drinks and unique hors d'oeuvres followed by a six-course dinner with wine pairings, served tableside by some of Asheville's most celebrated culinary visionaries.

The dress is black tie, and the evening is unforgettable. Reserve your tickets for The Culinary AffAIR today.

And, if you're visiting Asheville for this spectacular event, consider booking a room downtown, within easy walking distance of your dinner reservations.

On-Track & Off-the-Beaten-Path

Spoiler Alert: There is contest info at the end of this post.

Let's see a show of hands? How many of you made some New Year's resolutions last week? Now keep your hands up if you are still on track. Good.

Although when you made said resolutions you may not have considered planning a vacation to help you keep them, it turns out that Asheville is the perfect place to do just that, and we want to share some of those tips with you during the next week or so.

Resolution # 1: Lose Weight; Get Healthy; Etc.

Many people avoid the scales when they return from vacation, fearful of the pounds that hitched a ride on the way home. But in Asheville, you can stay active and still indulge in healthy, farm-grown food:

• Burn calories while shopping, laughing, diving into waterfalls, or doing some other more traditional types of exercise, like mountain biking.
• Pull up a seat at one of Asheville's farm-to-table restaurants, where the freshness and flavors will make you want to eat your veggies, or your pastured beef.
• Take in the neighborhood after your meal with a pleasant stroll through the area or a nearby park.
• Pour a glass of heart-healthy vino, or find a new favorite at America's Most Visited Winery--which is also adjacent to some beautiful walking trails.

Need some more ideas for making the most of Asheville in 2011? Request your complimentary copy of our Official 2011 Travel Guide to choose outdoor activities, healthy dining, and even a running race or two.

Contest Info: If you request your guide during the month of January, you will be automatically entered to win a handmade bowl from Black Mountain Pottery--the perfect bowl to hold your healthy salads.

New 2011 Travel Guide + Pottery Giveaway!

Now is the time to begin planning your next Asheville getaway, so take the first step by ordering your free Official 2011 Travel Guide, AND enter to win one of five hand-thrown pottery bowls by Black Mountain Pottery.

Along with all the essentials, the guide also includes a 2011 calendar of events, convenient maps, and more than 20 pages of exciting details, such as the scoop on downtown’s new Pack Square Park, or the down-and-dirty on Asheville’s most popular road races.

New this year are two “Asheville Your Way” itineraries to jump-start your planning; separate listings for art, beer and food festivals; and restaurant listings indicating eateries with gluten-free options.

How to Enter

Request your guide during the month of January to be automatically entered for a chance to win one of these beautiful and one-of-a-kind bowls. Five winners will be selected randomly from among those who request a guide via the online form at ExploreAsheville.com between 1/1/11 and 1/31/11.

About the Pottery

Black Mountain Pottery stoneware is wheel-thrown and gas-fired to 2300°F. All glazes are lead-free, suitable for oven, dishwasher, and microwave and are food safe. Each pot is an original handmade work of art by Len Baker and features unique variations in shape, size and color.

Request your free 2011 Official Travel Guide now! And to be sure you're in the know about future giveaways and contests, be sure to select "yes" to receive our e-newsletter. Happy planning!