Battle of the Bartenders

Asheville Mixologists Go Head to Head During Asheville Restaurant Week.

Restaurants participating in Asheville Restaurant Week have been invited to participate in a cocktail competition, and nine Asheville bartenders are in the running for top spot.

The Challenge

Create a signature drink using a locally produced spirit from Troy & Sons Distillers.

The Reward

Bragging rights for the best cocktail in town.

The Deal

From now through February 7, diners are invited to try signature drinks around town and vote for their favorite.

Vote Here!

The Cupid Effect

Best Places to Celebrate Romance in Asheville for Valentine's Day.

When it comes to planning a romantic getaway, are you looking for something more exciting than chocolate-covered strawberries? Asheville offers alternatives to the standard romance getaway, some of which are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Here are some ideas for how you can celebrate that special someone. 

Old-World Romance

Biltmore offers creative ways to celebrate your love, including in a horse-drawn carriage – Couples wishing for some privacy may take one of their horse-drawn carriages for a gentle journey through the forests and pastures, stopping at the top of a hill that features a stunning view of the back of Biltmore House.

Pop the Question: Looking for the best spot on the Estate to propose? Climb to the top of Biltmore House on the guided Architect’s Tour. Not only do you get to stand along the rooftop for an up-close inspection of the home’s structure and intricate carvings, but you can take a moment at the chandelier dome to bend on one knee.

The private hot tubs at Shoji.

Snug-as-a-Bug

Check into one of Asheville's charming B&B's or snuggle up in a cozy mountain cabin. These places offer the perfect chance for some alone time, because ultimately, the best place to be during a romantic getaway is together. Many accommodations offer special winter rates and romance packages so be sure to check out these great deals. 

Outdoor Hot Tubs Anyone?

The Lodge at Shoji Spa is offering a Love Letter Valentine's Package where you can treat you and your better half to a 3 hour spa package. It includes access to the cedar sauna & cold plunge, an 80 minute aromatherapy massage and 30 minute Warm Oil Scalp massage. Plus, you get a one hour session in one of their private outdoor hot tubs - a perfect spot for a proposal.

Spoiled Rotten

The Grove Park Inn wants to spoil you rotten and if you've got the money, this exclusive getaway will make you the most pampered couple in Asheville. Highlights include a chauffeured Rolls Royce, five nights in the Presidential Suite, a hot air balloon ride, tailored spa and dinner packages, plus your own monogrammed Grove Park Inn luggage. There's so much more offered in this package. Check here for full details. The price for this over-the-top decadence starts at $25,000! 

Scream it from the Mountaintops

Profess your love from on top of the world! Hot air balloon rides are available year round and now is a great time to fly. You'll be hard pressed to put into words the experience of balloon flight, and this is certainly the most extreme way to say "marry me!" Asheville Hot Air Balloons and R.O. Franks Aviation are two great options in the area.

Check out these other great romantic ideas for your Asheville escape.

Top 5 Breakfast Spots in Asheville

Which Restaurants Received the Highest Votes in Our Online Poll?

The results are in! We asked our fans to choose their favorite spot in Asheville for breakfast or brunch. There were 40 restaurants named in the poll, and out of those, these five garnered the highest vote.

Corner Kitchen, an icon in Biltmore Village.

Number 5: Corner Kitchen

Located on the brick-lines streets of Biltmore Village, the Corner Kitchen serves up "Southern cuisine with an urban twist." This bistro resides in a beautiful turn of the century Victorian Home which once housed employees of the Biltmore Estate. President Obama also dined here during his 2010 vacation to Asheville.

What to order: Head in for brunch and try their Hickory Nut Gap Chorizo and Eggs. The pork is locally sourced and delicious. Start your meal with a cup of their signature Corn & Crab Chowder.

Freshly squeezed juice

 from Over Easy.

Number 4: Over Easy

With a menu that changes with the seasons, Over Easy is a downtown staple with a loyal following from Asheville locals. They proudly claim to use only organic eggs, and all of their meats are organic, antibiotic and hormone free.

What to order: Try one of their fresh squeezed juices. Their Detox blend combines beets, orange, apple, lemon, lime, ginger - a perfect way to recover from a late night on the town.

Southern Flair at Sunny Point Cafe

Number 3: Sunny Point Cafe

This West Asheville eatery has received a lot of national attention in past year's. Everyone from Fodor's to Southern Living have touted the amazing breakfast this place serves up. Their food is so good that people will gladly stand outside in the rain while waiting for a table.

What to order: Their Huevos Rancheros was a finalist in Good Morning America's Best Breakfast in America competition. It comes with savory black bean cakes, Snow Creek chorizo sausage, feta cheese, roasted tomatillo salsa, and herb tossed red skin spuds topped with two free range eggs any style, cilantro crema, and crisp tortilla strips. Yum!

Early Girl is a hot spot on Wall St. in downtown.

Number 2: Early Girl Eatery

You know it's good when "Made from scratch" is a restaurant's motto. This farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Asheville serves up southern comfort food and better yet, breakfast is on the menu all day long. Rachel Ray highlighted Early Girl on her popular $40 a Day series which aired on Food Network.

What to order: Go big or go home! Their Porky Breakfast Bowl comes complete with homefries, BBQ pork, scrambled eggs and farmstead cheese smothered in Benton’s smoky bacon gravy.

Fried Green Tomatoes at Tupelo Honey Cafe
Photo by: Tickling My Fancy

Number 1: Tupelo Honey Cafe

Topping the list of most popular breakfast spots is a restaurant that helped put Asheville's culinary scene on the map. THC has received acclaim from the New York Times, Frommer's, Rachel Ray, Garden & Gun and so many more. Known for it's new south flair, this popular downtown hotspot has started branching out with new locations in Asheville, Tennessee and South Carolina (coming soon). Make plans to get here early as the line forms the moment the doors open. 

What to order: Whatever you do, make sure to share an order of their Fried Green Tomatoes appetizers with the table. The tomatoes are served over goat cheese grits with fresh basil. Amazing! Wash it down with their signature rosemary-peach house-made lemonade.

Read more about Asheville's culinary scene.

Asheville Foodspotting: The Prince of Pigs

Why Iberian Pork is About to Become America's New Obsession.

A sampling of Spanish charcuterie available at Cúrate.

Charcuterie lovers in the United States have long-savored the flavors of Prosciutto from Italy and Germany's Black Forest ham, but when it comes to cured meats, there's a new pig taking America's culinary scene by storm. It's called Jamón Ibérico, a premiere delicacy procured from Spain, and until recently it wasn't available in the states. A lean and marbled tenderloin, the Iberian pig packs a nutty flavor and is widely considered to be the "Rolls Royce of ham."

Happy Pigs
The Iberian Black-footed pigs are indigenous to Spain, and to be considered a true Iberian ham, strict guidelines must be followed. The animals must be raised free-range, with each pig receiving three acres of personal space to roam (hence the title "happy pigs"). They feed primarily on 14 varieties of acorns, which provide that nutty flavor. The exercise they gain from roaming the fields, plus the specialty diet give the ham amazing texture and taste. To ensure purity, a final selection process takes place where only the finest pigs are chosen.

Pluma Ibérica a las Finas Hierbas
 Image courtesy of Green Eats Blog.

"It's the Kobe Beef of pork," explained Félix Meana, a former employee of elBulli who moved to Asheville to help develop the concept of Cúrate. Felix attributes the success of the Iberian pig to Ferran Adria, considered to be one of the world's foremost chefs. "Ferran exposed the world to embutidos (Spanish sausages)."

Located in downtown Asheville, Cúrate serves a wide variety of authentic Spanish meats, including Chorizo, Jamón Serrano Fermin (a dry cured ham), and Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (100% Iberian acorn-fed pig). And while it's not considered charcuterie, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not ordering the Pluma Ibérica a las Finas Hierbas - grilled Ibérico infused with rosemary and thyme.

Tasting Tip

Felix Meana

"Push the ham to the top of your palate and hold there to let the fat melt," suggested Felix. "This is the best way to taste the true flavor." He recommends pairing a charcuterie dish with a nice dark Andulusian Sherry.

Get a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine at Curate during Asheville's Restaurant Week, happening February 1-7.

Grove Park Inn Rekindles the Flame

Historic Fireplace Restored to Former Glory. 

Starting this week, the lobby of The Grove Park Inn will have a new light shining. For decades, the massive stone fireplace gracing the north side of The Great Hall has remained dark. However, the 36-foot wide chimney recently received extensive repair, part of the Inn's $25 million dollar renovation project currently underway.

Did you know? The fireplaces are so large that they were able to place the hotel elevators inside the rock casing. They're still there and fully functioning!

Fireplace Lighting Ceremony

Visit The Grove Park Inn on Thursday, January 24, at 11 AM for the relighting of the north fireplace. Outdoor parking is free and there will be complimentary valet parking for this special event. Afterwards make plans to enjoy lunch at Sunset Terrace, offering one of the most spectacular views of downtown Asheville and the western mountains.

Mardi Gras Asheville 2013

Make Plans to Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler.

New Orleans isn't the only place where you can celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras. Asheville has a number of events planned to "let the good times roll." Make plans to attend one of these lively festivities.

Thursday, February 7

LaZoom Mardi Gras Tour - Get on the purple bus for a humorous twist on a city tour. The creators of LaZoom hail from New Orleans so they know first hand how to throw an authentic Mardi Gras celebration. Take part in one of two Mardi Gras tours where you can enjoy performances by David Earle and the PlowShares. Book here.

Friday, February 8

Running of the Winos Asheville Mardi Gras annual traditions of “wine hopping” downtown to spread the Asheville Mardi Gras spirit!

Saturday, February 9

Zapow – Steamboat Punk Carnival Show from 7-9 with music by The Extraordinary Contraptions.

Scandal’s Night Club – Krewe Party/Drag Show Party.

Toy Boat – Seduction Side Show with After Party to Follow.

Olive or Twist – Zydeco Dancing.

Sunday, February 10

Make plans to watch the Mardi Gras Grand Parade at 3:05 p.m. in downtown Asheville. This event will happen rain or shine.

Queen’s Ball: Immediately following the Parade at Pack’s Tavern’s Century Room, Free and open to the public. Music by Bayou Diesel

Fat Tuesday February 12

Mardi Gras Day - More details on this party can be found at www.ashevillemardigras.org

Dripping in Diamonds

Photo of the Day: Snowy Scene in Western North Carolina.

Last week's snow storm missed Asheville, but mountain regions to the West and North received enough snow to create the pretty scenery seen in the photo. It also allowed area ski resorts the opportunity to open more trails to the public, which is great news for snow sports lovers.

This photo was taken by local photographer, Deborah Scannell. You can find more of her photographs here. Want to submit your photo for consideration in our photo of the day series? Email your high-res image to dholston@exploreasheville.com. 

James Franco's Inauguration Poem

Famed Actor Pens Obama in Asheville Poem.

James Franco is best known for his big screen performances in blockbusters like Spider Man, Eat Pray Love and 127 Hours, but most probably aren't aware that he is also an author of poetry books and short stories. 

Franco is currently a student at Warren Wilson College, located just outside of Asheville. Yahoo! News asked Franco to submit a poem in honor of yesterday's Presidential Inauguration. Here's a snippet:

Obama in Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina, is the birthplace of Thomas
Wolfe and the sometime residence of F. Scott Fitzgerald
When he visited Zelda at her institution;
He stayed at the Grove Park Inn, a grand stone edifice.

On the phone once, Cormac McCarthy lamented
The two added wings and the spa, and marveled
At the original structure, They pulled the stones
From the mountains and brought them down on mules.

Soon after his fortieth birthday, Fitzgerald attempted suicide
Here, but couldn’t shoot his own head, drunk, I guess.
Later, after he was actually dead, from alcohol,
Zelda perished in a fire at her institution, one of nine.
*
Asheville is the place where the Black Mountain College once stood
And helped birth Rauschenberg, Twombly and Johns,
Cage and Cunningham; now I think it’s a Young Men’s Christian Association.
On the wall of the Grove Park, they have pictures of the famous guests;

For the full poem and to watch Franco read it our loud, click here.

Learn more about Obama's visit to Asheville with this Presidential Itinerary.

Pinterest Contest Results

Announcing Winners of the 'Spice Up Your Holidays' Pinterest Contest.

A big thank you to everyone who participated in our inaugural Pinterest contest. We appreciate your patience during the winner selection period (there were a ton of entries to review). Congratulations to our three winners!

First Place: Lorraine Reynolds

For her 'pinspirational' holiday board, Lorraine receives over night accommodations at Homewood Suites by Hilton Asheville, trolley tour tickets, a gift box from Blue Ridge Food Ventures (filled with an assortment of locally produced, hand-crafted gourmet food items), a Tupelo Honey Cafe cookbook and a $100 Visa gift card!

Second Place: Kim Bentley

Third Place: Sml Footprints

Second and third place winners both receive a $50 Visa gift card!

Thanks for participating and be on the look out for other fun contests coming soon.

Ski Report: Jan. 18, 2013

Winter Storm Iago Blasts Ski Resorts, Spares Asheville.

It's time to dust off your skis and snowboards! Yesterday's Winter Storm Iago (isn't it silly that snow storms are now named?) dumped a heaping pile of snow at area ski resorts. This is refreshing news for anyone who loves to ski, especially after the warm winter we experienced in 2012. Local ski resorts are currently blowing snow on top of fresh powder and multiple tails are now open.

However, despite being in the direct line of fire for the storm, Asheville is free and clear of any significant snow. This is sad news for everyone in town expecting a snow day, but great news for travelers to the region. Roadways are clear, meaning you have safe passage to the ski resorts.

Click here for more information on various ski resorts and tubing centers.

Asheville Bites & Sips

Purchase Tickets for a Foodtopian Feast and Win!

The official kick-off event to the Asheville Restaurant Week is Asheville Bites and Sips, happening January 31 from 6-9PM at the Kimmel Arena on the UNCA campus. There are currently 18 restaurants participating, along with three breweries, one moonshine distillery and the Biltmore winery. Tickets are $50 and available here. 

Attend & Win!

Everyone who purchases a ticket to Bites and Sips is automatically entered to win a bottle of the highly coveted limited-availability Troy & Sons Blonde Whiskey, along with dinner for two at one of the Asheville Restaurant Week participating restaurants. Good luck and bon appetit! 

Participating "Bites"

•     131 Main
•     Carmel's Restaurant & Bar
•     Chestnut
•     Corner Kitchen
•     Cucina 24 Restaurant
•     Curate
•     DOUGH
•     Fig
•     Frankie Bones Restaurant & Lounge
•     Native Kitchen & Social Club
•     Nona Mia Ritrovo
•     Posana Cafe
•     Storm Rhum Bar & Bistro   
•     Sunny Point Cafe
•     The Blackbird Restaurant
•     The Cantina Biltmore
•     The Market Place Restaurant & Lounge
•     Vincenzo's Ristorante & Bistro

Participating "Sips"

•     Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co.
•     The Green Sage Coffeehouse & Cafe
•     Highland Brewing Co.
•     Oskar Blues Brewery
•     Troy & Sons Distillers

Fire on the Rock

North Carolina Competition Dining Series Lets You Be The Judge.

Last night, the Lioncrest at Biltmore was packed with food enthusiasts who were there to answer one question - which chef deserves to win the title of Top Chef in North Carolina? Fire on the Rock is the first in a series of statewide competitions where culinary talent square off in a tournament style cook-off.

The first round pitted Chef Peter Pollay from Posana Cafe against Chef Scott Wallace of The Rankin Vault. Each chef took the opportunity to break out of their typical kitchen style. Posana is a gluten-free restaurant, so Pollay and his team embraced wheat-based ingredients. The Rankin Vault typically serves up standard bar food fare, so Wallace flexed his culinary prowess, channeling his years of experience as an Executive Chef, to impress the audience.

On the Menu

Each night there is a new secret ingredient that the chefs must incorporate into each dish. Last night the ingredient was cheese. Two types were on the table - One was the Bailey Mountain Tomme from Spinning Spider Creamery. The other, Ashe County Sharp Cheddar. Here were the courses served along with the corresponding culinary team: 

3rd Course

• 1st Course: Pesto Shrimp, Bacon Chowder, Tomme and Lump Crab. - Team Vault
• 2nd Course: Tomme Gnocchi, Braised Bacon, Lobster Cheddar Sauce. - Team Posana
• 3rd Course: Braised Veal Cheeks, Tommes-Cheddar Polenta Cake, Bacon Collards, Green Peppercorn Demi. - Team Vault
• 4th Course: Bacon Wrapped Pheasant stuffed with Pine Nuts. Cheddar, Andouille & Crawfish with Farro. - Team Posana
• 5th Course: Fried Duck Breast, Cheddar Green Onion Biscuit, Cherry-mint Jam, Spiced Honey Bourbon Syrup. - Team Vault
• 6th Course: Braised Veal, Cheddar Grits, Mushroom-Tomme Jus, Pickled Oyster Mushrooms. - Team Posana

Team Posana & Team Vault (left to right)

All of these dishes were excellent, but in the end only one chef could win. By less than one point that chef was Peter Pollay of Posana Cafe. He'll square off against the winner of tonight's sold-out competition, where Red Stag Grill will compete against Hobnob.

The remaining six competitions in Asheville are still open for reservations.


Visit the Competition Dining NC website for details & reservations.

Southern Living Poll: Vote Asheville!

Vote for Asheville as Best Dining Destination in the South and Win $1,500.

Southern Living is hosting an online poll called the South's Tastiest Town, and Asheville is a contender! We're going head to head with some major cities for the title and we need your help to achieve the top spot. Better yet, every voter is in the running for a $1,500 jackpot! The online poll lasts from now through the end of February and you can vote once per day.

For Your Consideration

Why does Asheville deserve to win? We've long been considered a Foodtopian Society, embracing the tenets of farm-to-table dining before it was cool. We boast 250 independent restaurants, serving up a wide range of flavors from New South flair to Old World cuisine. Ingredients are sourced locally from a long list of farms, creameries and artisan bread makers. Add to that mix culinary talent from around the globe and you can taste what sets Asheville apart from the rest.

Vote for Asheville here!

[CONTEST] SoCon in Style

Win a VIP Asheville Getaway to the 2013 Southern Conference Tournament.

Fans of college basketball have a chance to watch their favorite team from the best seats in the house during the 2013 Southern Conference Tournament being held in Asheville from March 8 - 11! We're giving away a deluxe vacation to one lucky fan and the winner will experience all the tournament action in style. 

Plan your trip: SoCon Travel Information

Prize Package For Two Includes

• Three nights of accommodations at the beautiful Haywood Park Hotel in downtown Asheville, just steps away from all the tournament action.
• Two VIP tickets – Grants access to all SoCon games with premium seating.
• Two Biltmore passes – Visit America’s largest home, tour their winery and dine at their farm-to-table eateries. A true gem in the heart of Asheville.
• Zipline tour for two – Take to the trees and practice your best Tarzan yell with Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures. This urban zip course offers great views of the downtown Asheville skyline.
• A $50 local restaurant gift card.
• A welcome basket with local items and team merchandise from your favorite SoCon school.   

Enter Here!

Taste of the Town

Asheville Restaurant Week = Perfect Foodie Getaway.

Fans of Asheville's culinary scene should get ready for a road trip! A week-long celebration of food is planned from February 1-7, with some of the hottest restaurants in town participating. Area chefs are crafting amazing menus that include drool-inducing items like  bistro filet with crispy onions, maple lacquered bacon with brussel sprouts and acorn squash, smoked potato gnocchi, and for dessert, salted caramel panna cotta. Yum!

The cost per meal ranges from $15 - $30 per person, including options for single diners and couples. Here's a list of participating restaurants. It's growing everyday so check back often for updates. If you're traveling from out of town, here are some great lodging spots in Asheville - just don't forget to pack your stretchy pants.

KICK OFF PARTY

Be sure to get tickets now for Bites and Sips, the official kick-off celebration to restaurant week. The event will feature 18 restaurants, three breweries and the Biltmore Winery. It all takes place January 31 from 6 - 9 PM at the Kimmel Arena. Visit the official site for complete details.

7 Ways to Discover Bliss in Asheville

Find Your Happy Place in the New Year.

When is the last time you made a conscious decision to unplug from the demands of the world in exchange for a more visceral experience? Behind the piles of paperwork, budget spreadsheets and household chores is a person yearning to refocus and re-energize. Here are 7 sure-fire ways to supercharge your mind, body and spirit in Asheville throughout the coming year.

Get Back to Nature

Studies have shown that natural surroundings profoundly reduce stress and tension. Get outside for some fresh air, your fix of vitamin D, and reconnect with the bigger picture.

- Hike through the Mountains

- Tour the Blue Ridge Parkway

New! Extreme Stargazing Tours - See thousands of stars not visible to the human eye using military-grade night vision equipment.

Find Your Moment of Zen 

Feeling a little wound up? Plan a trip to the spa to stimulate your mind and body. A massage will help improve blood circulation, detoxify your system and untangle those stress-burdened muscles.

- Spas in Asheville

- Popular Drop-in Yoga Centers

New! The Salt Spa of Asheville - Experience the benefits of halotherapy. It's perfect for relief from respiratory issues, allergies, skin irritations and more.

Delight in the Epicurean

Take the time to appreciate delicious food and drink. Too often we eat in a rush, forgetting to savor the meal. Dining should be more about the experience and less about necessity.  

- Culinary Adventure in Asheville

- Dine at one of 250 independent restaurants in Asheville.

New! WNC Cheese Trail - Artisan cheese makers dot the mountain landscape and now there's a trail that connects them. Use the map to locate your favorite creameries and get a taste of southern culture.

Run Wild

Kick your endorphins into high gear with one of Asheville’s more extreme physical challenges. Find the challenge that makes the most sense to you. The goal here isn’t the number of miles you run, but overcoming your own perceived limits to see that anything is possible.

- Blue Ridge Relay

- ICF Canoe Freestyle World Champtionships

New! Asheville Marathons - This year ushers in the Biltmore Marathon and the Asheville Marathon. Biltmore is currently sold out, but you still have time to register for September's race.

Make Time for Play

Trying to unplug isn't always easy. Obligations at work and home can loom over your head like a little storm cloud. The best way to snap out of it is with a little adventure - something outside of your comfort zone will do the trick.

- Hot Air Balloon Rides

- Whitewater Rafting

- Ziplining

New! Asheville Treetop Adventure Park - The "see to believe" attraction in Asheville. They offer over 50 challenges anchored to over 30 towering trees and poles.Challenges range from beginner to experienced.

Learn Something New

It’s never too late to gain a new skill and expand your mind. In fact doing so keeps your brain stimulates and gets the intellectual juices flowing. Get inventive with a new class or hobby to keep your brain sharp for years to come.

- Bellydancing classes

- Black Mountain Center for the Arts

New! Vagabond Vistas Photography Instruction - Sharpen your photography skills in a classroom setting or go out into the field for a hands on tutorial on mastering your DSLR.

Celebrate Love

A team of researchers at Yale discovered a link between love and physical wellness. Whether it's with friends, family or that special someone, make time to relish in the comforts of companionship. It can add years to your life.

- Romantic Getaway Ideas

- Get Married in the Mountains

New! Sweets for the sweet - The French Broad Chocolate Factory is now open and their tasting room is the perfect place to take your sweetheart. The cocoa beans are solar-roasted  for the finest in artisan bean-to-bar chocolates.

New Giveaway: Handmade Pottery

Order Asheville's 2013 Travel Guide for a Chance to Win.

We're ringing in the new year with a new giveaway. Up for grabs is a beautiful plate from Sonrise Pottery, part of the Vessels of Mountain Heritage Series. Crafted by Lisa Conard, a full time potter in Western North Carolina, she uses actual leaves from a maple tree and presses them into soft clay before placing the pottery in the kiln. The leaf burns away in the fire, but not before leaving a unique impression. Glaze is applied to give each vessel in the series for it's own individual look.

Want to win it?

The contest is simple. The 2013 Asheville Travel Guide is hot off the press. Order a free copy during the month of January and you'll automatically be entered to win. If you've already ordered, you're already entered. It's that easy!

Order the Free 2013 Asheville Travel Guide Here.

Grove Park Inn Turns 100

Built For the Ages: Grove Park Inn Remains a Historical Icon for Asheville.

This year, the Grove Park Inn has reached a milestone - 100 years since the doors first opened, this historical gem remains one of the nation's most acclaimed resorts. Centennial celebrations are planned throughout the year so be sure to book your room now to secure a seat during one of their popular themed-weekends.

What to Expect

Music & Entertainment: The Centennial Concert Series is a year full of themed-weekends. Big Band/Swing, All That Jazz, Celtic Adventures and the Comedy Classic are among the most well attended, so it bears repeating that you should reserve your seat/room early. 

Food and Beverage: Focusing on Grove Park's long tradition of farm-to-table cuisine, the Inn will host The Centennial Celebrity Chef Summer Series. The series will feature guest celebrity chefs and their personally designed menus, farm tours with the Inn's chefs and book signings with new cookbook authors. Finally, Turn Back Time as You Dine with the retro inspired menus created from the inn's original 1913 courses.

Health & Wellness: The 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa will feature a series of health and wellness events. Incorporating nationally acclaimed wellness authors and teachers, as well as spa cuisine cooking demos, each event will include spa treatments and health and wellness consultations. In addition, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), which has a satellite location at Grove Park Inn, will offer an exclusive series of guided rafting, zipline, hiking and mountain biking adventures.  

Specialty Packages: Join the centennial celebration of The Grove Park Inn with the We're Turning 100 Together package. The resort will extend two nights of accommodations inclusive of daily breakfast and dinner complimentary to anyone celebrating 100 in 2013. Those under 100 can still join in of the fun with the Once in a Lifetime Centennial package including a limited-edition resort book and guest inclusion in the centennial time capsule. In addition, the historic inn will continue celebrations into its birthday month with a grand celebration on the Fourth of July Weekend.

For package reservations or more information about the Centennial Celebration at The Grove Park Inn, please contact 800-438-5800; email bookit@groveparkinn.com; or visit www.groveparkinn.com 

Purple Skies Over Downtown

Photo of the Day: Asheville's Downtown Skyline at Sunset.

Thanks to Michael Tracey for this wonderful shot of downtown Asheville. You can find galleries of his other images at www.VisionCache.com. You can also find other great Asheville photos in our image gallery.


Want to submit your own photo for consideration in our Photo of the Day series? Email your high-res image to dholston@exploreasheville.com.