September | CS On The Road | By D. Fran Morley

The Blue Ridge Parkway Leads To Asheville

It may be most famous for the Biltmore Estate, but we found much more to enjoy in the vibrant city of Asheville, N.C., including an impressive selection of historic hotels and venues, along with a wealth of opportunities for groups of all types and sizes—but especially for more intimate affairs.

Located in western North Carolina, a two-hour drive from Charlotte, and along the scenic highway known as the Blue Ridge Parkway, the growing community is surrounded by a majestic mountain range—the Blue Ridge Mountains—that offers a scenic background to the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Yet, while the beauty of nature draws you outward, on our three-day visit, my husband, Tom, and I were most impressed with Asheville’s downtown. Here, you’ll find the city’s vibrancy with its well-preserved Art Deco architecture that houses one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. The streets beckon walking and are easy to navigate, especially after a trolley tour.

Another way groups can explore downtown is by joining in on the Brews Cruise, which visits several of Asheville’s craft breweries. Company founder Mark Lyons (and designated cruise driver) will schedule group pickups at local hotels.

Along with breweries, the arts are alive in Asheville, and Tom and I had a fun afternoon of shopping in Asheville’s River Arts District, home to dozens of working sculptors, potters, painters, woodworkers and other artists.

A short drive from downtown and Sunset Mountain holds one of the area’s most magnificent meeting venues, the historic Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa. This grand resort houses 510 guest rooms, a 40,000-square-foot spa, and more than 50,000 square feet of event space. The original 1913 hotel has been updated and expanded, true to its Arts and Crafts-era design.

Another Asheville option is the Crest Center and Pavilion, a banquet and event facility with a 4,482-square-foot main hall that features a large deck overlooking the surrounding mountains, and a multi-use pavilion with 360-degree views.

Small groups will find themselves well-suited to The Princess Anne, a 16-suite boutique hotel that’s just minutes from downtown. Event space at this historic hotel can accommodate groups of up to 30 and includes a dining room, a living room and multiple porches. Hotelier Casey Colohan graciously hosted us during our visit and said, “We’re perfect for corporate buyouts, when people can really feel like the inn is their own, relaxing in our common areas or on our porches.”

Dinner at the award-winning Gabrielle’s is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as we found during our stay at the elegant Richmond Hill Inn, a Victorian estate set on eight acres and less than 10 minutes from downtown. The mansion, built in 1889, and the built-to-match Garden Pavilion and Croquet Cottages provide luxurious accommodations in 37 rooms and suites along with several meeting rooms. “We cater to small groups that are looking for the highest level of service and quality available,” said Susie Zimmerman, marketing and sales director.