Although we stayed outside the city, I did visit several inns right in Asheville.
Biltmore Village Inn:
One of the closest inns to the Biltmore Estate, this property is set off the main road on several acres. One of the owner/innkeepers, Ripley Hotch, gave me a tour of the inn along with some history. The inn is elegant with 5 rooms, handsomely decorated, offering many amenities. Rooms do have fireplaces and the larger have two, one in the spa bath. A full breakfast is offered as well as afternoon tea and social hour. A guests pantry has a variety of coffee and teas, as well as a refrigerator with soft drinks. I was extremely taken with the first floor suite with its mountain views.
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/north-carolina-asheville-biltmorevillageinn.html
1891 Cedar Crest Inn
Conveniently located on Biltmore Ave but set high on a hill is the beautiful Cedar Crest Inn, a Queen Anne style home with the most magnificent interior woodwork. The guest rooms are beautiful and two have canopy ceilings. The fabrics used are exquisite and functional. Innkeeper Rita Wightman explained that during Victorian times the canopy ceilings were more then decorative, they kept bits of plaster from falling on the occupants of the room. Rita and her husband Bruce share innkeeping duties. Bruce prepares the breakfast, which is served in the dining room or the porch, weather permitting. Save room for the complimentary desserts each evening.
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/north-carolina-asheville-891cedarcrestvictorianinn.html
1900 Inn on Montford
This elegant inn is set in the citys lovely residential area. Thursday and Saturday night social hours are enhanced by live music enjoy ragtime and blue grass. There are several common rooms and the guest rooms all have fireplaces, TV/DVD players and wireless LAN connections. Innkeepers Lynn and Ron Carlson recently open the Griffin Cottage, a new carriage house, behind the main house that contains two suites and a luxurious guest room. The rooms must be seen to be appreciated. Rather then try to describe them here, I suggest you visit the web site for details. The whirlpool tubs have lovely settings, one in a 14x1 Spa room, another two adjacent to the French doors that open to a private garden areas. Oh, and the 6x8 steam shower with room for a wet massage table treatment is not to be missed.
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/north-carolina-asheville-1900innonmontford.html
1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage
Welcoming hosts, award winning restoration, beautiful dcor and gourmet breakfasts what more can you ask for. How about afternoon social hour with cocktails and hor doeuvres served in a beautiful garden setting with waterfalls and gas fire pit to extend the season. Innkeepers, Ralph Coffey and Frank Salvo, are charming hosts who enjoy catering to their guests. Guest rooms are distinctively different in dcor reflecting several period styles. Orchids and other plants from the expansive greenhouse can be found throughout the house. The inn has also won two separate garden awards for landscaping and water garden. Common areas include the living room with player baby grand piano, solarium where you can find baked goodies during the day and the dining room with its elegant table settings.
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/north-carolina-asheville-1889whitegateinncottage.html
While in Asheville we dined at Bistro 1896 located on historic Pack Square. Creative American cuisine with a nice wine list. Super salad selections
http://www.bistro1896.com/
Another evening after returning from the Smokey Mts. National Park, we opted for a small trattoria near the Biltmore estate. Amicis was a wonderful find. Home style Italian fare in a casual Tuscan open kitchen setting. We were very impressed with the menu, presentation and quality of the food. Great dinner and engaging chef who took time to chat with us when we discovered his extensive background.
http://www.amiciasheville.com/
Rose Ciccone
Mail To: roseciccone@verizon.net
Associate Editor - BedandBreakfast.com Report
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/report/Summer-06/index.htm
Contributing Editor - America's Favorite Inn's, B&B's and Small Hotels
Rose Ciccone
Mail To: roseciccone@verizon.net
Associate Editor - BedandBreakfast.com
http://blog.bedandbreakfast.com
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/report/Fall-07/index.htm