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Post by needmysanity on Mar 23, 2024 13:09:38 GMT
We live in Knoxville, and really love driving and hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a National .treasure. The drive from Ashville to Blowing .rock is spectacular, and there are several trails to hike. If you’ve never been on the Parkway, I highly recommend it. We usually stay at Chetola Resort when in Blowing Rock. It is lovely. I didn't realize there was another Pea in Knoxville! We should meet up sometime for coffee. I work downtown and live out west. |
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edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,683 
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Post by edie3 on Mar 24, 2024 4:07:12 GMT
I doubt you would have time for it, but we did a brunch food tour in Asheville, and I can not recommend it enough! It was Asheville Food Tours |
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Post by Zee on Mar 24, 2024 7:14:18 GMT
--Should we all go to the Biltmore? I do think some of us will go for sure and my teens actually like touring homes, but it is self-directed with audio and still $100 a person. Is it REALLY worth it? My mom may just do the gardens since she has been there before.IT IS THE ONLY CLASSY THING FOR MILES
--Things we have enjoyed before: ATVing/side by sides, horseback riding, whitewater rafting. Any recommendations for those in the general area? Any other activities we should do that are more unique to the area?/wELL, YOU MIGHT ENJOYTUBING IF YOU HAVE PLENTY OF BEER --Other than the NASCAR stuff, is it worth driving to Charolette?MEH I think it looks like a great city, but it would be a drive and I don't think we would have the time, but FOMO.
--Favorite places to eat in those major areas or the smaller towns around Sylva that we should really consider?tHE GAS MART HAS SOME GOOD CHIPS AND YO U CAH'T GO WRONG WITH WAFFLE HOUSE (One very picky eater, but she will find something or eat her own food). Prefer meals under $30 range but we are ok with one or two splurges.
--Where would you pick up food to take to VRBO? tHE GAS STATION OR WALGREENS AS I AIN'T COOKIN ON VACATION Best/interesting groceries in Asheville/Sylva area. SOMEBOD'S UNCLE BIGGS HAS CHICKENS DOWN THE ROAD A PACE LEAVE YOUR CASH IN THE MAILBOX
--Which state parks would you recommend the most? Easy to moderate hikes in parks/SMNP or other? eVERY SINGLE PARKTHAT GETS YOU OUT OF PF/GATLINBURG
--Any hidden gems in the area/along the Blue Ridge parkway/other? METH, OVERALLS, NECK TATTOOS, EVERYONE IN BOOTY SHORTS
--Where would you go for the 4th of July? FAR AWAY We don't need a big fireworks celebration. OOOO, YER GONNA GIT ONE ANYWAY...HOO BOY! We are OK with or without them. Would like to something fun that day though.
--Other input? I just like to hear what people recommend. GET READY TO ENJOY THE CLAMPETTS BIG DAY OUT AS THEY DESCEND FROM THE HILLS AND GATHER IN TEH HOLLERS FOR A NIGHT OF FIGHTIN AND MOONSHINE DIPPED PICKLES AND CIGS AND CLOTHING THAT PUTS EVERYONE'S BEST ASSETS FORWARD AND TWISTY HOMEMADE GLASS ANIMALS AND STOP BY THE TRUMP STORE FOR MERCH. FUDGE, TAFFY, CHEAP TSHIRTS, AND THE DIVINE PEOPLE-WATCHING YOU NORMALLY HAVETO WAIT FOR THE COUNTY FAIR TO SEE.
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Post by pepperwood on Mar 25, 2024 1:14:25 GMT
My nephew got married on the hill overlooking Biltmore House in the middle of December last year. I stayed over on Sunday and bought the one day pass which included the self guided house tour, the Renaissance Exhibit and access to all the grounds, which made more sense than just purchasing the house tour (I wish the Chihuly exhibit was there when I went).
The house and grounds were beautifully decorated for the holidays. The tour took several hours because I stopped to listen to each of the audio presentations and took pictures of every Christmas tree. There are definitely a lot of stairs. I then spent an hour at the exhibit and then went to the Conservatory, which was definitely worth seeing. We also spent some time walking around Antler Village and visiting the many gift shops on the property. I didn't get a chance to take advantage of the many Biltmore outdoor activities (hiking, biking, horseback riding, shooting, and more)
You will definitely need a car to get around the property and should allow enough time as it takes about twenty minutes to get from one end of the property to another and figure out where to park.
I had reserved a small SUV from Thrifty at the Ashville airport for the family; There was a long line at the pickup counter and by the time it was my turn the only vehicle available was a Dodge Challenger--not the most comfortable for the five of us.
I may go back to the Biltmore when I visit my nephew this summer to see the gardens in bloom and the Chihuly exhibit, but I would stay off site like you are planning. I thought that the $600 price for a room that was part of the wedding room block was overpriced, considering the hotel did not even offer room service, bell hops or free shuttle service from the airport or around the estate.
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 3,018
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Mar 26, 2024 19:12:04 GMT
--Should we all go to the Biltmore? I do think some of us will go for sure and my teens actually like touring homes, but it is self-directed with audio and still $100 a person. Is it REALLY worth it? My mom may just do the gardens since she has been there before.IT IS THE ONLY CLASSY THING FOR MILES --Things we have enjoyed before: ATVing/side by sides, horseback riding, whitewater rafting. Any recommendations for those in the general area? Any other activities we should do that are more unique to the area?/wELL, YOU MIGHT ENJOYTUBING IF YOU HAVE PLENTY OF BEER --Other than the NASCAR stuff, is it worth driving to Charolette?MEH I think it looks like a great city, but it would be a drive and I don't think we would have the time, but FOMO. --Favorite places to eat in those major areas or the smaller towns around Sylva that we should really consider?tHE GAS MART HAS SOME GOOD CHIPS AND YO U CAH'T GO WRONG WITH WAFFLE HOUSE (One very picky eater, but she will find something or eat her own food). Prefer meals under $30 range but we are ok with one or two splurges. --Where would you pick up food to take to VRBO? tHE GAS STATION OR WALGREENS AS I AIN'T COOKIN ON VACATION Best/interesting groceries in Asheville/Sylva area. SOMEBOD'S UNCLE BIGGS HAS CHICKENS DOWN THE ROAD A PACE LEAVE YOUR CASH IN THE MAILBOX --Which state parks would you recommend the most? Easy to moderate hikes in parks/SMNP or other? eVERY SINGLE PARKTHAT GETS YOU OUT OF PF/GATLINBURG --Any hidden gems in the area/along the Blue Ridge parkway/other? METH, OVERALLS, NECK TATTOOS, EVERYONE IN BOOTY SHORTS --Where would you go for the 4th of July? FAR AWAY We don't need a big fireworks celebration. OOOO, YER GONNA GIT ONE ANYWAY...HOO BOY! We are OK with or without them. Would like to something fun that day though. --Other input? I just like to hear what people recommend. GET READY TO ENJOY THE CLAMPETTS BIG DAY OUT AS THEY DESCEND FROM THE HILLS AND GATHER IN TEH HOLLERS FOR A NIGHT OF FIGHTIN AND MOONSHINE DIPPED PICKLES AND CIGS AND CLOTHING THAT PUTS EVERYONE'S BEST ASSETS FORWARD AND TWISTY HOMEMADE GLASS ANIMALS AND STOP BY THE TRUMP STORE FOR MERCH. FUDGE, TAFFY, CHEAP TSHIRTS, AND THE DIVINE PEOPLE-WATCHING YOU NORMALLY HAVETO WAIT FOR THE COUNTY FAIR TO SEE. Tell me how you really feel. lol |
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Post by Zee on Mar 26, 2024 19:29:11 GMT
--Should we all go to the Biltmore? I do think some of us will go for sure and my teens actually like touring homes, but it is self-directed with audio and still $100 a person. Is it REALLY worth it? My mom may just do the gardens since she has been there before.IT IS THE ONLY CLASSY THING FOR MILES --Things we have enjoyed before: ATVing/side by sides, horseback riding, whitewater rafting. Any recommendations for those in the general area? Any other activities we should do that are more unique to the area?/wELL, YOU MIGHT ENJOYTUBING IF YOU HAVE PLENTY OF BEER --Other than the NASCAR stuff, is it worth driving to Charolette?MEH I think it looks like a great city, but it would be a drive and I don't think we would have the time, but FOMO. --Favorite places to eat in those major areas or the smaller towns around Sylva that we should really consider?tHE GAS MART HAS SOME GOOD CHIPS AND YO U CAH'T GO WRONG WITH WAFFLE HOUSE (One very picky eater, but she will find something or eat her own food). Prefer meals under $30 range but we are ok with one or two splurges. --Where would you pick up food to take to VRBO? tHE GAS STATION OR WALGREENS AS I AIN'T COOKIN ON VACATION Best/interesting groceries in Asheville/Sylva area. SOMEBOD'S UNCLE BIGGS HAS CHICKENS DOWN THE ROAD A PACE LEAVE YOUR CASH IN THE MAILBOX --Which state parks would you recommend the most? Easy to moderate hikes in parks/SMNP or other? eVERY SINGLE PARKTHAT GETS YOU OUT OF PF/GATLINBURG --Any hidden gems in the area/along the Blue Ridge parkway/other? METH, OVERALLS, NECK TATTOOS, EVERYONE IN BOOTY SHORTS --Where would you go for the 4th of July? FAR AWAY We don't need a big fireworks celebration. OOOO, YER GONNA GIT ONE ANYWAY...HOO BOY! We are OK with or without them. Would like to something fun that day though. --Other input? I just like to hear what people recommend. GET READY TO ENJOY THE CLAMPETTS BIG DAY OUT AS THEY DESCEND FROM THE HILLS AND GATHER IN TEH HOLLERS FOR A NIGHT OF FIGHTIN AND MOONSHINE DIPPED PICKLES AND CIGS AND CLOTHING THAT PUTS EVERYONE'S BEST ASSETS FORWARD AND TWISTY HOMEMADE GLASS ANIMALS AND STOP BY THE TRUMP STORE FOR MERCH. FUDGE, TAFFY, CHEAP TSHIRTS, AND THE DIVINE PEOPLE-WATCHING YOU NORMALLY HAVETO WAIT FOR THE COUNTY FAIR TO SEE. Tell me how you really feel. lol It was like going to the Mississippi Valley Fair (Iowa, riverfolk, meth, ankle bracelets, and funnel cakes), only more costly. If you know, you know. Which I'm sure no one here does lol ETA I think moodyblue might know first-hand since I think she said we're from the same area I kind of love it in small doses but as a vacation spot, never again. I'll head straight to the park and stay the hell out of that crap. |
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 3,018
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Mar 26, 2024 21:50:53 GMT
@zee I am glad we are not staying in the PF/Gatlinburg area. I think we will try to bypass the area as much as we can.
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