For such a quaint town in such a quiet region, Asheville has much to offer in the way of small-city ambiance and cultural entertainment. But the real draw for families visiting this area lies just a bit outside of town, where visitors discover hiking in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, vestiges of Appalachian culture, and one of America's most unusual historic homes.

Once the home of George Vanderbilt, historic Biltmore (828/225-1333 or 800/411-8812) is a magnificent estate. This huge and somewhat eccentric property features the 250-room French Renaissance chateau itself, a winery, and beautiful gardens designed by the noted Frederick Law Olmsted. Families, who benefit from several seasonal promotions (such as free admission for kids under 16 in summer) will enjoy touring the estate's educational exhibits of well-preserved historical artifacts. At River Bend Barn, the property's interpretive center, families can learn about the estate's working life during the 1890's and see costumed blacksmiths, woodworkers and other tradespeople, or tour an old-fashioned Mercantile shop and Creamery.

There are weekend events and music performances throughout the year, but each April and May is the annual Festival of Flowers, a time when more than 90,000 tulips burst into bloom in the Walled Garden within the Biltomore's 8,000-acre backyard. Kids will love running around here. After Vanderbilt's death in 1914, a large part of his 125,000-acre estate was bought by the government to create the Pisgah National Forest, today the locale for many outdoors programs.

Within the picturesque town of Asheville, catch sites such as Thomas ("Look Homeward, Angel") Wolfe's home and the historic Smith-McDowell House Museum (828/253-9231), built by a wealthy citizen after the "War of Northern Agression" and open to the public for the past 25 years.

Another favorite family attraction is Chimney Rock Park (800/277-9611), which features a 500 million-year-old rock nearly 120-feet tall. You can take a 26-story elevator to the summit, then hike the Skyline Trail to the top of Hickory Nut Falls and watch while it plunges 404 feet down, or just picnic on one of the wildflower meadows.

Catching the Scenery & Fall Foliage

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (888/905-7238) in nearby Bryson has great rafting facilities and whitewater daytrips. With access to six rivers, world-class instuctional clincs, and a great family program, NOC boasts resources that other whitewater tour operators only dream of. During spring, families can take the challenge of rafting the recently released Class IV Cheoah River and participate in the "high water" celebrations. The Fairgrove Carriage Company provides equipment and instruction in mountain biking, hiking trails, and half-hour tours of the Biltmore Estate by carriage. Through them, you can also organize horseback riding on the estate's 100 miles of groomed trails. Check their website for special seasonal events timed to whatever outdoors opportunities nature presents. 

Families with more time, especially in autumn, will want to tour the scenic Appalachian foothills and the imposing Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the country's most scenic drives and offers many stops to explore the culture of the southern Appalachian Mountains. It stretches from Shenandoah National Park along the Blue Ridge of the Appalachians, then continues along the southern end of the massive Black Mountains. In the Asheville area, be sure to begin your day at the Folk Art Center to see craft demonstrations (look for woven sweet grass baskets); the staff here will help with general Parkway information and trip planning.

According to local naturalists, western North Carolina's fall foliage season is prolonged by the varying elevations, microclimates and nearly 100 species of deciduous trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains. By mid-September, families can expect to see vivid red leaves on the sourwood saplings and Virginia creeper, and leaf tones ranging from yellow to gold to scarlet on the many sugar maples. Check the weekly foliage reports at www.fallinthemountains.com (800/921-9698) for the best color viewing spots.

If it's getting too chilly (not likely in their temperate Indian summers), book a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Steam Train (800/872-4681). From March through December, you can chug your way through the Tuckasegee River Valley or the Nantahala Gorge, along 53 miles of track, through two tunnels and across 25 bridges.

If you're into festivals, the Asheville region boasts several annual musical events hosted by LEAF, the Lake Eden Arts Festival (828/68-MUSIC). North Carolina itself is an active festival state that families can explore even further. Up north in Mount Airy (800/948-0949 or 336/786-6116), the annual Mayberry Days Festival honors the birthplace of TV star Andy Griffith. The town says this is the event for “those who long for the days when life was simple and the Sheriff didn't carry a gun;” it's held over a long weekend in late September. Also during the early fall, over in Johnston County to the east, your more stubborn relatives will love the annual Benson Mule Days Celebration (919/894-3825).

Details, Details

Families with time to spare should explore the offerings of the recently introduced Go Blue Ridge Card (800/887-9103), which offers visitors savings for stays of 2, 3 and 5 days. Priced at $79/adult and $49/child ages 3-12 (under 3 free) for two days, the card grants entrance or discounts at 29 attractions plus coupons valid at area shops and restaurants. The card’s highlights -- in addition to fully pre-paid admission to all of the family attractions mentioned above -- includes Emerald Village, Rockhouse Vineyards, Lake Lure Tours, Asheville Historic Trolley Tour, the Health Adventure, Colburn Earth Science Museum, Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Tweetsie Railroad, Linville Caverns, Grandfather Mountain, Banner Elk Winery, Loafers Glory Rafting & Tubing, The Historic Orchard at Altapass storytelling hayride, Mystery Hill, Wildwater Rafting trip, Smoky Mountain Jet Boats, Dillsboro Rafting trip, Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp with Tubing, Oconaluftee Indian Village, Mountainside Theatre: Unto these Hills: A Retelling, Ghost Town in the Sky Rose Creek Mine, The Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Wheels Through Time Museum. Whew! You probably didn't realize how much there is to do in and around Asheville.

Several area accommodations welcome families with autumn and other seasonal specials; summer is the true high season here. At the Biltmore Estate (828/225-1333), families will enjoy luxurious facilities at the property's elegant inn and can visit the estate's wine bar weekends for live jazz and blues music.

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (800/438-5800 or 828/252-2711, 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804) is a popular AAA four-diamond property; it's more expensive but new parents will especially like its fireplaces and more intimate feel. Cribs and babysitting are available on request. Those with older children will appreciate the historic resort's Cub's Adventure Camp which operates daily except Sunday in summer and Saturdays only the rest of the year; it's for ages 3-12 and features evening activities so that adults can go out.

For some wonderful B&B suggestions, visit the Asheville Chamber of Commerce website or call  828/258-6101.