itineraries

Itineraries

Let The Pines Cottages in Asheville be your home base as you experience the extraordinary scenery and outstanding attractions in the mountains of North Carolina. These itineraries are just a sampling of the diverse activities that await you.

About Town

Pick up an Urban Trail map at the Visitors Center and take a walking tour. The history of Asheville will come alive as you stroll past the most comprehensive collection of early 20th century architecture in North Carolina. During your tour, you'll discover the treasures of our gallery, boutique and antique districts. Next on the tour is the Dixieland boarding house of Thomas Wolfe's novel, Look Homeward.Angel.  Dedicate the second half of the day to Pack Place. Gaze at gems and minerals, interact with health science exhibits, take in the beauty of art and look back into the city's history. Then cross the street to explore YMI, the African-American cultural center. As night falls, treat yourself with an evening of elegant dining from a large selection of restaurants and night spots.

Black Mountain

It's just a short drive out I-40 East to reach the area's antique capitol. Your first stop in Black Mountain should be the Visitors Center, where you'll discover all your options. Colorful Cherry Street and the adjoining blocks are a shopper's paradise whether your interest is crafts, antiques or furniture. In nearby Swannanoa, you'll find several discount shopping opportunities. If you lean toward sports, you might want to try your luck at the golf course, home of the longest par six in the US. And be sure to stay into the night to enjoy one of Black Mountain's music clubs with their live performances.

Explore a National Treasure

Visit historic Biltmore House, four of the most fascinating acres at Biltmore Estate are all under one roof. Americas largest home boasts 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, and priceless art and antiques. Visit the gardens, winery, historic stables and ponder what life was like a hundred years ago.

Breathtaking Sites

Surrounded by more than a million acres of national forests, Asheville is a natural for outdoor adventure. Today, pack a picnic lunch and travel east on US 70 to the Blue Ridge Parkway. First explore the craft exhibits at the Folk Art Center, then proceed north on the Parkway to Craggy Gardens. Here you'll find nature trails, scenic landscapes, native rhododendron, and over 1,500 species of wildflowers. Drive on to Mount Mitchell (6,894 ft.), the highest peak in Eastern America and hike to the tower on the summit. The higher elevations of Mt. Mitchell are above the tree line, and it can get very cool, even in mid-summer, so bring a sweater or a light jacket. After lunch, continue up the Parkway to Highway l -83 to view spectacular Linville Gorge and Linville Falls. Go south on 221 to see Linville Caverns, or drive further north for a ride on the old Tweetsie steam train near Blowing Rock, or to Grandfather Mountain and the mile-high swinging bridge. After your day high in the mountains, you can return to Asheville by way of l9E through Burnsville.

The Land of the Cherokee

Today's adventure will take you to the vast Cherokee Reservation, home of 8,000 Eastern Cherokee, and the southern entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take 1-40 West to US 19 through Lake Junaluska and  Maggie Valley . From here, take the Parkway over to Cherokee, where you can view outstanding displays at the Pioneer Museum, Harrahs Cherokee Casino  and the Cherokee Indian Museum. If you feel energetic, we highly recommend that you drive south on US 19 about 24 miles to try rafting on the Nantahala River, where outfitters and guides are available. Or drive south on scenic US 441 about 14 miles to Dillsboro and board the Great Smoky Mountains Railway for the Tuckasegee River excursion. Return to Cherokee for the famous outdoor drama, Unto These Hills. which plays nightly except Sunday during the summer months (mid-June-late August).

High Adventure

Today, leave town early and travel south on Highway 74 through lovely Hickory Nut Gorge and along the Rocky Broad River. Stop at Chimney Rock Park where a 26-story elevator ride through solid granite takes you to Inspiration Point for a 75-mile view. Nearby Lake Lure offers fishing and water sports as well as a pontoon boat tour of the lake. Drive southwest on US 64 through Hendersonville and out US 25 South to Flat Rock. Tour Connemara, the 240-acre goat farm which was the home of Carl Sandburg. See St. John in theWilderness Church (built 1834) and the Woodfield Inn (built 1852). Enjoy an evening of theatre at the Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theater of North Carolina.

Waterfall Country

Bring along your camera today for a refreshing excursion through waterfall country. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south and stop at Mount Pisgah Inn for its panoramic views. Then take 276 South to tour the Cradle of Forestry Museum. Continue south to Sliding Rock, a 60-foot cascade for limber slider-swimmers. Beautiful Looking Glass Falls is only a few miles further south on US 276. Continue south from here and take a right going west on U S 64. Several waterfalls may be found along this highway below Brevard, including Bird Rock Falls and then Lake Toxaway and Toxaway Falls. About 7 miles past Toxaway is the left turn to the 411-ft. White water Falls, highest in Eastern America. The 200-ft. Rainbow Falls is also on this road. Bridal Veil Falls is further west on US 64 near Highlands. If you like, catch a concert in Brevard, at the famous Brevard Music Center, or return to Asheville via US 64 and I-26, to kick up your heels to bluegrass music.

Family Fun

Asheville offers younger visitors a chance to learn about nature, science and history and have fun at the same time. There are many fascinating attractions you won't want your child to miss. Instead of a water park, plan a visit to Sliding Rock, a natural 60-foot-long water slide, or take a float trip down the French Broad River. Another thrill for children is gem mining as they search for rubies and sapphires in the buckets of soil. The Health Adventure, the Cherokee Indian Reservation and the Nature Center all provise th etype of learning experiences that draw families closer. Your children will be fascinated by the delightful mountain toys as you browse our craft shops. Don't forget to visit North Caroilnas orginal Family Theme Park, Tweetsie Railroad. Opened in 1957, experience a true wild west adventure with your family.Each evening, as you return from the mountains to the city, you will find a variety of restaurants that cater to children, plus amusements such as The Fun Depot with go-carts, miniature golf, arcardes and bating cages.