There are many attractions in and around Asheville. Some world famous. All are within a days drive of your home at The Pines Cottages. It will take a week or more to see them all. Please click on any of the links below for more information.

Antique Car Museum Grovewood Gallery
Mon.-Sat.,.10-5, Sun., 1-5. Free. (828) 253-7651.Click Link  above for more information.

Asheville Visitors Center
Downtown-151 Haywood st., off exit 4C, I-240. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas day and New Years Day. 8:30 - 5:30 weekdays, 9 - 5 weekends. (828)258-6100. Follow visitor information signs. Click link above for more information.

Asheville Civic Center
On Haywood Street near the Chamber of Commerce. The major entertainment facility for Western North Carolina. Business office open Mon.Fri.,-8:30-5; ticket office open Mon.-Fri., 10-5:30, Sat., 114. (828) 259-5736. Click on link above for more info.

Asheville Tourist Baseball
McCormick Field off Biltmore Avenue/US 25. A farm team of the Colorado Rockies. Season runs April through Aug. Admission. (828) 258-0428. Click link above for more information.

Biltmore Estate
Asheville. This 8,000-acre estate features America's largest residence, Biltmore House, a 255-room French Renaissance chateau built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt. A visit to Biltmore House, with its original collection of 50,000 artworks, furnishings and antiques, includes living areas, bedrooms, recreation areas, kitchens, and servants' quarters. Enjoy Biltmore's gardens, and award-winning wines at the Winery or the estate's three restaurants. Located on US 25 three blocks north of exit 50 on 140. Ticket office open 9-5, Biltmore House open 9-6. Open year-round except Thanks giving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Children 9 and under admitted free with parent. Admission. (828) 255-1700, 1-800-543-2961.

Black Mountain
Located a mile from the Eastern Continental Divide and a short drive from Asheville, Black Mountain is widely known for its antique shops and large denominational conference centers which attract more than 150,000 guests a year. Four major conference centers are within two miles of the town. Quaint antique and craft stores, unique restaurants, and historic Cherry Street make Black Mountain an inviting tourist destination. For more information click link above or, contact the Visitors Center in Black Mountain. Exit 64 off 1-40. (828) 669-2300.

Biltmore Villiage
Asheville. Adjacent to the Biltmore Estate entrance, the Village consists of restored English-style houses that now contain intriguing shops and galleries. George W. Vanderbilt intended this turn-of the-century construction as a model village. Click Link above for more information.

Blue Ridge Parkway
This scenic Parkway winds 470 miles along the highest ridges from the Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Camping and picnic facilities are open May 1 through Oct. The Parkway intersects Asheville at Highways 25, 70 and 74, offering spectacular views heading north or south from Asheville. The Parkway is open year-round, weather permitting in winter. Free. (828) 298-0398.

Botanical Gardens
Asheville. This ten-acre area of native plants is located just off Broadway on Weaver Blvd. Open daylight hours. Free. (828) 252 5190.

Cherokee Indian Reservation
Located at the North Carolina entrance to both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cherokee history, culture and art is presented at several museums and attractions on this 55,000-acre reservation. At the year round Museum of the Cherokee Indian, audiovisual presentations and numerous displays tell the Cherokee story. Admission charged. The Oconaluftee Indian Village recreates a living Cherokee community hundreds of years old. Guided tours, admission charged. Open mid-May through late October. The acclaimed outdoor drama "Unto These Hills" tells the history of the Cherokee. Nightly, except Sunday, mid-June through late Aug., admission charged. The Indian-owned-and-operated Oualla Arts and Crafts cooperative is free and open year-round. Cherokee Travel  Promotion office, 1-800-438-1601.

Chimney Rock Park
US 74 and 64, SE of Asheville. High above Hickory Nut Gorge, a 26-story elevator ride through solid granite takes you to the Sky Lounge, just minutes from Chimney Rock, with its breathtaking 75-mile view of the Blue Ridge. Scenic nature trails lead to Hickory Nut Falls. Complete facilities. Admission charged. Open year round except Christmas and New Year's Day. Ticket office opens at 8:30, closes at 4:30 EST, 5:30 daylight savings time. Park closes 1-1/2 hours after ticket of office closes. (828) 625-9611, 1-800-277-9611.

Carl Sandburg Home
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. Three miles south of Hendersonville at Flat Rock. A 263-acre farm where this famous poet and biographer spent his later life with his wife, who raised prize-winning goats. Scheduled guided tours. Ages 17-61 nominal fee. Daily except Christmas. (828) 6934178.

Cradle of Forestry
On US 276, 4 miles south of mile post 412 on Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitor Information Center, exhibits, interpretive film, guided tours, restored historic buildings from late 1800s, early 1900s forestry exhibits, restored steam locomotive, and gift shop. Nominal fee. Open May to late Oct. (828) 877-3130.

Craggy   Gardens
Located 25 miles north of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 363 to 369, the large Craggy Dome area offers hiking trails, picnic sites and a Visitor's Center, open May through October. Parkway open year-round, weather permitting. Free. (828) 298-0398.

Downtown Asheville Historic District
Outstanding collection of early twentieth century architecture including structures of national significance. Guided walking tours available. For times, call (828)255-1093 or (828)254-2343. Maps for the self-guided Urban Trail are available at the Visitor's Center. Over 100 retail shops including crafts and antiques. 40 diverse restaurants. Special events and festivals.(828)251-9973.

Farmers' Market
Operated by NC Dept. of Agriculture. A modern, year-round facility with retail and wholesale produce, crafts and ornamental plants. Also has a garden center and restaurant. Located on NC 191 with easy access from 1-40 and 1-26. Open daily. Free. (828) 253-1691.

Flat Rock Playhouse
Located 3 miles south of Hendersonville on US 25. The State Theatre of NC presents Professionally produced hit plays and musicals from late May to early Sept. Evening performances Wed. through Sat. at 8:15, matinees on Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 2:15. Certain shows have Sun. evening performances. Admission. (828)693-0731.

Folk Art Center
On the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 382, just north of US 70, east of Asheville. Museum galleries, craft exhibits, demonstrations and renowned craft shop. Open 9-5 daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's; extended summer hours. Free. (828) 298-7928.

Grandfather Mountain
Linville, US 221and the Blue Ridge Parkway, exit milepost 305. Features inspirational views from the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains; the Mile High Swinging Bridge; six environmental habitats displaying native wildlife up close in a natural setting; a dozen miles of hiking trails; picnic areas; nature museum and theater showing award-winning movies. Admission charged. Open daily, 8-dusk, weather permitting in winter. Ticket sales end one hour before closing. (828) 733-4337, 1-800-468-7325.

Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Extends about 70 miles along the North Carolina-Tennessee border and contains over a half million acres of protected forest. The most popular National Park in the country with a resident population of 400 to 600 black bears. Open year-round. Free. (615) 436-1200.

Great Smokey Mountains Railway
Departures from Bryson City, Dillsboro, Andrews and Murphy. Seasonal schedule April through December. Special excursions offered. Admission. (828) 586-8811, 1 800-872-4681.

Grove Park Inn Resort
One of the South's oldest and most famous grand resorts, built in 1913 on 140 acres overlooking Asheville's city skyline and the mountains beyond. Built of massive granite boulders, the Inn represents a remarkable feat of engineering. Located on Macon Ave. off Charlotte St. (828) 252-2711.

Lake Julian District Park
South of Asheville on NC Hwy. 280. Fishing, boating, and recreational facilities. Power boats not allowed; sailboats welcome. Open year round, 8 to dark. Modest fees. (828) 684-0376.

Linville Caverns
Four miles south of Blue Ridge Parkway on US 221. This brightly-lit cavern offers many interesting formations and extends deep into the mountain side. Guided tours. Open daily, March Nov., and weekends only Dec.-Feb. Admission. (828) 756-4171.

Linville Gorge
Located off NC 105 in the Pisgah National Forest. A vast and very rugged terrain. Good hiking trails lead to excellent views of falls and gorge. Open year-round, weather permitting. Permits required May-Oct. for weekends and holidays. Free. US Forest Service (828) 768-6062 or (828) 652-2144.

Linn Cove Viaduct
Near Grandfather Mountain at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 304. Opened in 1987, this engineering marvel represents the final link in the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open year-round. (828) 733-1354.

Mount Mitchell
Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 355. The highest peak east of the Mississippi River, this State Park has nature trails, 9 primitive tent sites, lookout tower, restaurant, picnic area and museum. Open year-round, except Christmas, if accessible. free. (828) 675-4611.

Nature Center
Regional animal and plant life in a natural environment. Located on Gashes Creek Road just off Swannanoa River Rd. and adjacent to Recreation Park. Open winter hours Tues.-Sun., 10 5; summer open daily. (828) 298-5600. Small admission fee.

Pack Place
2 South Pack Square - Western North Carolina's arts and science center is a focal point of the downtown district. The $14-million complex includes the Asheville Art Museum, Colburn Gem and Mineral Museum, The Health Adventure, YMI Cultural Center and the 520-seat Diana Wortham Theatre. Open year-round Tues.-Sat., 10-5; closed Sun. and Mon. Additional hours vary by season. Admission. (828) 2574500.

Pisgah National Forest
Covers over 500,000 acres of forest land and spreads over 12 Western North Carolina counties. Part of this forest, originally a part of Biltmore Estate, was purchased from George W. Vanderbilt in 1916. Waterfalls, rock slides, swimming holes, fishing, camping, and picnic areas are all found here. Major entrance near Brevard where NC 280 intersects US 276. Open year round. Free. (828) 257-4203.

Riverside Cemetery
Asheville. Riverside cementery is located in the Montford Historic Distrrict. The cementery features over 87 acres of landscaped grounds. On Birch St. Burial place of Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry. Free. (828) 258-8480.

Smith-McDowell House
Asheville. 283 Victoria Road, off Biltmore Avenue. Victorian home built ca. 1840 and restored as Asheville's oldest brick residence. Guided tours. Open year-round. From May 1 to Oct. 31: open Tues.-Sat., 10-4; Sun, 1-4. From November 1 to April 30: open Tues.-Fri., 10-2. Office hours: Mon-Fri, 9-5, year-round. (828) 253-9231. Small fee.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Asheville. Enter from Woodfin Street beside the Radisson Hotel. Famous novelist's boyhood home. This is the Dixieland boardinghouse depicted in the novel Look Homeward, Angel. Tours given. Open year-round, 9-5, Mon.-Sat.; 1-5 Sun. Winter hours: 10-4, Tues.-Sat.; 1-4 Sun.; closed Mon. Nominal fee. (828) 253-8304

Vance Homestead
Experience life as an early pioneer at this State Historic Site. Located on Reems Creek Road off Hwy. 25 North, near Weaverville. Restored late-18th-century farmstead of North Carolina senator and Civil War governor, Zebulon B. Vance, born 1830. From Nov. to March open Tues.- Sat., 10-4; Sun. 1-4; closed Mon. From April to Oct. open Mon.- Sat. 9-5; Sun. 1-5. Free. (828) 645-6706.

WNC Agricultural Center
Year-round indoor horse and livestock arena seating 3,000. Scheduled horse, dog, livestock shows and other events. Across from Asheville Airport off I-26. Admission varies. (828) 687-1414.
828.645.9661 or Toll Free 1.888.818.6477
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