Asheville Moves Mountains for Atlanta

Asheville’s edgy mountain culture is moving to the big city. For 30 days in March, Atlantans will experience the sights, sounds and flavors of an Asheville vacation during 30 Days of Asheville. No need for Groupon—we’re talking FREE events, goodies and surprises…from Asheville, with love.

30 Days of Asheville is a full month of events to tempt Atlanta travelers including free hot air balloon rides, artisan food tastings, brew tap takeovers, farm-fresh cooking classes, film screenings and a flash mob surprise from the Asheville Drum Circle.

Visit 30DaysofAsheville.com for the full calendar of events, giveaways and classes. Daily tips and updates are available on Facebook and Twitter via @AshevilleDeals (Hashtag: #Ashlanta). Text “AVL” to 23157 to receive event information via SMS updates.

Pillow Fight in Pack Square

Kiss your case of the Mondays goodbye with this video from last week's Anti-Valentine's Day Pillow Fight in downtown Asheville.

A few hundred people attended this first-ever Asheville bedding brawl, which was held in Pack Square Park and organized through local blogs.

Chilly? Experience tropical luxury at the Biltmore

It's been a chilly winter for many people across the U.S., with record snowfalls and plummeting temperatures. It's been chilly in Asheville, too--although you wouldn't know it with the spring-like weather we've been having this week.

But what better way to look toward spring than to step into a balmy Victorian greenhouse and enjoying the brilliant blooms of more than 70 colorful orchids.

The orchids at Biltmore Estate are in peak bloom between now and the end of March, and the picturesque Conservatory, designed by Biltmore architect Richard Morris Hunt, is open 365 days a year. The Orchid Room features several varieties, including some epiphytes, which use aerial roots to get their nourishment.

While you're visiting the Biltmore Estate, don't forget to check out the flower arrangements in the house's winter garden--just another spot to enjoy spring a few weeks early.

Check out more orchid photos on our Facebook page.

Mood Music, Mussels, Mountains and More

January is over, and early February is a great time to check in on those New Years Resolutions. It's also the perfect time to plan the perfect day/evening/night/weekend/
extravaganza to celebrate love, romance and everything splendored. (Hint: Valentine's Day is less than two weeks away!)

Resolution #2: Spend some quality time
with that special someone

• Go the traditional route, Asheville-style with locally made chocolates and sweets. The French Broad Chocolate Lounge is once again offering their Aphrodisiac Collection of 6 artisan truffles made with romantic ingredients such as red wine, roses and cayenne pepper.
  
• Whisper sweet nothings in a candle-lit corner of one of Asheville's 250+ independent restaurants. Bouchon--a French restaurant with a Southern twist--offers steaming bowls of mussels with french fries, which are perfect for sharing.
  
• Have a hands-on romance experience with unique classes, including couples' massage classes at the Privai Academy ($40 per couple, offered Feb. 4, 11 & 17 -- call 828.277.3883 for details). Also check out the Learn the Art of Romance package, which includes drawing classes, a massage and dinner at The Admiral.
  
• Do you have to say 'I love you' with a song? Call on a local jazz duo to serenade you and your sweetheart at a restaurant, your B&B room or on a favorite street corner.

And if these aren't enough, check out the romance pages on our website for more ideas! With love, your ExploreAsheville.com team

Democratic National Convention Coming to North Carolina

It's official! The 46th Democratic National Convention is heading to Charlotte in 2012, less than two hours away from our vibrant mountain city. North Carolina and Asheville have become very familiar to the Obamas, who spent quite a bit of time here on the campaign trail.

Did you know that President Obama actually practiced for one of the televised debates in Asheville at the historic Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa?

In fact, the President was so taken with Asheville (and–rumor has it–the Donald Ross golf course at Grove Park Inn) that he came back this past spring...and he brought the First Lady with him for a romantic weekend getaway.

Check out what Michelle Obama has to say about Asheville in her comments on the Democratic National Convention announcement.

Want to vacation like the President? The Obamas surprised everyone with their first stop in Asheville -- check out the video and their vacation itinerary here.

Get a deal on presidential digs. Check out the Ten Presidents Vacation Package from the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.