Asheville North Carolina, a Favorite Blue Ridge Mountain Resort Town

Press Release

RomanticAsheville.com, an online travel guide for Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, has announced its Top 20 Romantic Outings for 2006 just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Asheville, NC (PRWEB) January 17, 2006 -- Are you looking for ideas for that perfect romantic getaway? RomanticAsheville.com, an online travel guide for Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, has announced its Top 20 Romantic Outings for 2006 just in time for Valentine’s Day. They prove that romance doesn’t have to be expensive. The first eight outings are free, and the remaining ones are ranked by cost. See the complete list at RomanticAsheville.com. Here are the highlights:

1. Discover Lots of Art: Asheville is one of the top arts destinations in the country. Galleries and studios abound downtown and in the surrounding valleys. Watch the artists at work, and buy directly from them.

2. Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway: Enjoy a leisurely drive to see nature's beauty while riding the crest of the mountains.

3. Watch a Sunset from a Mountaintop: Hike to the top of the Pinnacle at Craggy Gardens to watch the sunset (about 3/4 mile one-way). It’s a great spot to hold hands and kiss. West-facing overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway are perfect to watch a sunset from your car.

4. See the Smokies: For a romantic evening watching elk graze a short distance away, drive to the Cataloochee Valley section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

5. Stroll through Gardens: Asheville is a garden city. Gardens with no admission fee include the Botanical Gardens at the University of North Carolina at Asheville and Richmond Hill Inn.

6. Picnic by a Waterfall: Take a picnic to Dupont State Forest and relax by one of three waterfalls. Ask your inn or hotel will prepare a picnic for you to take.

7. Explore Downtown Asheville: A creative way to see downtown is the Urban Trail, a self-guided walking tour of 30 sculptures that depict tidbits of local history.

8. Take a Hike: To really appreciate the natural splendor of the area, get out of the car and explore it by foot. There are trails for all fitness levels.

9. Soak in Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot mineral waters, hike the Appalachian Trail, stay in a romantic inn, or raft the French Broad.

10. Sunset on the Lake: Lake Lure is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Their evening Champagne Cruise includes the tour of the lake and champagne at $49/couple.

11. Movie Date: See an independent or foreign film at the nostalgic Fine Arts Theatre downtown. An entire evening is less than $35, including tickets, popcorn and after movie coffee.

12. River Romance: Asheville is one of the best whitewater rafting towns in the U.S.! No experience is necessary. A half-day whitewater rafting trip is about $70/couple.

13. See a Show: There are many choices for theatre with Broadway musicals, comedies, modern dance, opera, and more. Tickets for professional shows average $60/couple.

14. All Aboard! Take a scenic train ride through the Nantahala Gorge. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has a variety of trips from $74/couple for half-day trip.

15. Spend a Day at Biltmore Estate: Explore the largest home in the country, see breathtaking landscapes, and tour the winery. General admission to the Estate is $90 per couple.

16. Most Romantic Dinner: For the most elegant evening of dining in Asheville, enjoy exquisite cuisine and fine wine at Gabrielle's at Richmond Hill Inn. The average check is $200 per couple.

17. Get Rejuvenated at The Spa: High stone walls, fireplaces and waterfalls accent a magical pool area at the acclaimed Spa at the famous Grove Park Inn. Treatments start about $250 per couple.

18. Get Married or Renew Your Vows: What a beautiful and romantic setting to celebrate your love and commitment!

19. Stay in a B&B: For a cozy romantic getaway, stay in one of the 50+ bed and breakfast inns in Asheville. A one-night stay is $150-$300 and includes a home-cooked breakfast.

20. Most Extravagant Overnight Stay: For the best in spacious luxury and comfort, reserve the William A.V. Cecil Suite at the Inn on Biltmore Estate at $1,400 per night.

For more details on these and other outings in the Asheville, North Carolina, area, see the complete list at RomanticAsheville.com. Start planning the perfect romantic getaway for any time of the year!


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