The wild trout waters in the Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains and the premier waters of the Davidson River, Cherokee Trophy water and the South Holston River are all fishing great. The catch and release waters of North Carolina’s Delayed Harvest Program have been stocked with great numbers of highly cooperative, hungry trout as well. Late winter hatches of Little Black Winter Stone Flies, Gray Winter Caddis, Blue Winged Olives, Blue Quills and Quill Gordons are all still in play and the additional hatches of the Hendrickson, March Brown, Tan Caddis and Little Yellow Sally Stoneflies are providing quite a buffet for the Brook, Brown and Rainbow trout.
Located in the Montford Area Historic District of Asheville just a short walk to the heart of downtown Asheville, The Applewood Manor sits on a knoll surrounded by just over an acre of giant wild cherries, apple trees, oaks, pines, maples and a variety of flora. Our property is just 3 miles from the breathtaking Biltmore Estate, a short 10-minute drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway and an ideal gateway to all the area’s best routes for cycling and other outdoor adventures. During your stay with us, you’ll enjoy a highly curated boutique bed and breakfast experience starting with our incredible top-of-the-line Duxiana beds and linens. Elevate your visit by taking advantage of our cycling, culinary and business leadership programs and services. We also offer event hosting services including weddings, receptions, family reunions and all manner of business meetings.
The Cove at Fairview is the perfect spot for family vacations, business retreats, meetings, romantic escapes, or friends’ getaways. The Cove at Fairview offers seven rental houses with accommodations from 2-10 people. All of the houses are conveniently located on our beautiful 24 acres, with the exception of Log Gap Cabin and Prayer Ridge, which are at a higher, more remote elevation. We can arrange in-house massages and horse-back trail riding nearby at very reasonable rates. We also offer discounted tickets to The Biltmore Estate. Guests receive our delicious chicken eggs and have access to excellent outdoor amenities including waterfalls, Koi ponds, a lotus pond, and barn animals (chickens, horses, goats, donkeys). All homes feature refurbished barn wood as well as all of the conveniences of technology (Wi-Fi, flat screens). Enjoy the hospitality of the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Visit one of the most unique resorts in the Southeast, located only one mile from downtown Asheville on 125 acres of rolling hills. This full service resort offers unique amenities such as Adelaide Spa and Salon, one of the finest full service spas in the Southeast and Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures with 10 zips and 3 skybridges for your adventurous side. The most recent addition is Asheville Treetops Adventure Park with 4 aerial trails and 50 challenges with swinging bridges, cable walks and swings. A 9-hole Golf Course, 20 indoor and outdoor tennis courts (both clay and hard surface) and walking trails are also on property for your enjoyment. Guests of the resort have complimentary use of the onsite Asheville Racquet Club, a wellness center with an 8,500 square foot fitness center with group fitness classes, an indoor saline pool and the outdoor tennis courts. There are 274 oversized guest rooms, 34,000 square feet of meeting and convention space for up to 1,200 people, and a 16,600 square foot multi-purpose Exposition Center with a 2,400 square foot outdoor covered veranda. A full service dining room and lounge is available and the resort is convenient to all area attractions such as Biltmore, the Blue Ridge Parkway, whitewater rafting, The North Carolina Arboretum, hiking and biking, downtown shopping and unique galleries, just to name a few.
Ideally located between Biltmore and downtown Asheville, The Residences at Biltmore is minutes away from Western North Carolina’s most popular travel destinations and tourist attractions. Convenient to I-40 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Residences is the perfect location from which to explore all that Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer. Staying here is an experience where rustic meets refined.
Each studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suite is designed to create a true “home-suite-home” experience and includes fully-equipped kitchens, washer/dryer, full living and dining areas, stacked-stone fireplaces, private balconies, and flat-panel TVs with DVD players. Bathrooms feature glass-enclosed tile showers, and most have whirlpool jetted tubs.
All rates include exclusive 24-hour concierge service, wireless Internet, and free parking. Property amenities include a fitness center, seasonal heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and firepit.
Looking for Black Mountain NC Lodging? Each of our 17, elegant guest rooms have private baths, central air conditioning and complimentary in-room digital safes. Some rooms have fireplaces, others have whirlpool tubs, and all have a special ambiance unique to this wonderful inn. Prices range from $105 to $210, with double, queen, king and two queen accommodations available.
Asheville Cabins of Carolina Mornings is Asheville’s leading vacation rental company! Founded in 1997 by our owner, Shari, Carolina Mornings has spent over 20 years hand-picking the best accommodations for travelers wanting to experience the best parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
We have options!
We offer a wide selection of properties from romantic and cozy cabins-for-two up to expansive lodges and estates that accommodate family reunions and corporate retreats! Whether you want to stay in town or on a mountaintop, we’re sure to have the perfect rental for you.
Our cabins, condos, and vacation homes offer the best amenities that you’re looking for: Hot tubs, mountain views, fireplaces, game tables, all linens and towels included, professional service and maintenance, and a large selection of pet-friendly properties. We accept online bookings 24/7 on our website and are also standing by to help you on the phone.
We have benefits!
Carolina Mornings is the only company in town to offer our coveted Mountain Discovery Pass. This pass provides you with seasonal activities throughout the year:
- One Biltmore Estate Daily Pass (year-round!)
- One French Broad River Zipline Adventure (May-Oct)
- One French Broad River Whitewater Adventure (Jun-Sept)
- One Wolf Ridge Daily Lift Pass (Mid Dec-Feb)
We also have many properties that offer “First Dog Free” for our furry travelers! Save money when traveling with Fido by staying with us.
We love local!
We are a LOCAL COMPANY that lives and breathes Asheville! We’ll help you find the best things to do in the area. Need a suggestion? No problem! We are all super excited about the area and love sharing our favorite spots with visitors.
We are LIVING WAGE CERTIFIED and we take care of our employees! Our team takes great pride in our services, and our guests love the extra attention they get.
We GIVE TO CHARITY in town, in the region, and across the globe! Ask about our Stay For Good charitable giving program. You’ll help others while having a great time when staying with Carolina Mornings.
The Next Step…
Simply give us a call or visit our website today! We hope to hear from you soon, and we look forward to hosting you!!!
The Albemarle Inn, located in the tranquil Grove Park District of Asheville, is a lovingly restored 1909 Greek Revival mansion which has been rated Four Diamonds by AAA. Our eleven rooms have unique, elegant & luxurious decor. Comfortable Canopy, Sleigh & Brass beds, with fine linens and sumptuous duvets ensure a relaxing night’s rest. The sweeping grand staircase, with ornate woodworking, leads to the upper floor guestrooms. Savor a 3-Course Breakfast at your private table on our light-filled sun porch, overlooking the gardens. In winter months, enjoy your breakfast by the warmth of the fireplace inside in our Dining Room. Our Inn offers the best of Asheville: Biltmore Estate, downtown eateries & nightlife, shopping, the Blue Ridge Parkway, National Parks and Forests, and outdoor sports all within your grasp. A mere ten mi
We have a large assortment of 1 to 5 bedroom cabins in Cherokee, Sylva, Nantahala and Bryson City. Our cabins are perfect for couples, families, groups, romantic getaways, or anyone looking to escape to the mountains for a vacation. All available cabin rentals are located close to many mountain attractions like: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fontana Lake, and the Nantahala River. Our guests get to experience the mountains in style and have the option of enjoying some of the most amazing views you will ever see from a hot tub! We also have cabins located on trout streams and rivers where avid fisherman can spend the day catching fish until their heart is content! We are your ultimate mountain destination guides, and can help you with any question you have about the area! We can help you find and book the perfect Bryson City Cabin Rental as well as various family activities and adventures.
Welcome to Appalachia ! Come camp with us and enjoy the best of Blue Ridge Mountains camping! We are conveniently located right off of I-40 for easy on and off access! We are easy to find and get to. Our family-run Asheville West KOA offers great accommodations for everyone from tenters to RVers. Our tent sites are beautifully wooded, and our “Big Rig” friendly 50 and 30 amp pull-through sites are large, level, and have cable TV and FREE WI-FI ! Don’t have an RV, or tent camping is not for you? No problem! You can “rough it” in comfort, staying in one of our cozy cabins or lodges.
Relax with us and wake to the chirping of a variety of birds, you’ll enjoy their song throughout the day. Enjoy scenic North Carolina hiking on one of our wonderful nature trails , easily accessed from any of our camp sites or take a relaxing hike on a number of picture perfect trails on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and beyond. The options are endless. You’ll enjoy surrounding yourself in the beauty of trees, flowers and wildlife. We are not far away from beautiful waterfalls as well! Come see what the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer.
Our campground is not far from all the fun and excitement of downtown Asheville, white water rafting, gem mines, the Biltmore Estate , Pisgah National Forest , Chimney Rock, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Grandfather Mountain and many, many other attractions. Plan on camping an extra day or two- there’s so much to see and do! Do you have a motorcycle? We have tons of beautiful rides to send you on! Do you need more suggestions of things to do in our area? We got you covered!
Offering visitors easy access to its towering peaks, Grandfather Mountain is one of the most biologically diverse mountains and in the world designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. Feel the rush when you cross the Swinging Bridge; marvel at 360-degree views from one-mile above sea level; photograph bears, otters, cougars, eagles and deer in natural habitats; hike rugged back-country trails or stroll gentle nature paths; eat in our restaurant or take your order out to one of many scenic picnic areas; chat with our entertaining, knowledgeable staff and let us help you find your own perfect mountain adventure.
A carefully tended wilderness preserve, Grandfather Mountain is home to many rare North American wildflowers and to displays of such naturalized plants as native azaleas, rhododendrons, mosses and lichens, heathers, and other beautiful species. Parts of the mountain are steep and rocky, but much is accessible to anyone: an excellent nature center, dramatic mountain vistas, and wildlife habitat areas.
Cataloochee Ski Area, located high in the mountains of Western North Carolina is the home of “Great Skiing in the Great Smokies!” One of the first areas in the region to open each season, Cataloochee is committed to making your skiing and snowboarding experience the best it can be by utilizing one the most advanced snowmaking systems in the Southeast. With 100% snowmaking on 18 slopes and trails including the Cat Cage Terrain Park, 3 aerial lifts and 2 moving carpet lifts, and over 4,000 sets of snowsports equipment, the Cataloochee experience offers something everyone.
We feature a PSIA and AASI member Ski and Snowboard School with instruction for all ages and abilities, and offer our HEAD Kids Adventure Center with ski and snowboard programs for kids ages 4-12 and a variety of terrain for beginners to experts alike. With our new Terrain-Based Learning programs, you will learn quicker and easier than ever before. Group and corporate meeting space is available. In the lodge, a fireplace and cozy atmosphere await you along with our on-mountain restaurant offering three ala carte meals daily and a lounge with full ABC permits. Round out your day on the mountain with a visit to The Shop at Cataloochee, featuring signature gifts and apparel. Down the hill in Maggie Valley, we offer Tube World, a snowtubing hill with up to 12 lanes of tubing fun!
Cataloochee Ski and Sports, our rental and clothing shop in Maggie Valley allows you to rent your ski or snowboard equipment at a discounted rate, purchase your lift ticket and get everything you need for a day on the slopes. Bib, jacket and helmet rentals are also available at the shop as well. Best of all, you can pick up everything you need the night before and be ready to go straight to the snow on the day you plan to ski or snowboard with no waiting! The sports shop sells goggles, gloves, hats, sunglasses and other accessories to complete your visit. Cataloochee is located only 35 miles west of Asheville with easy four lane access.
Chiesa (Italian for church) is a quaint Italian restaurant featuring generations of family recipes, house-made pasta, and local ingredients. Located in the historic Montford neighborhood, Chiesa (pronounced kee-ay-sa) is housed in a building that has been at the center of the community for over one hundred years, serving as the local grocery store, then as a church, and since 2014, the neighborhood Italian restaurant.
A perennial favorite way to beat the summer heat in the Asheville area is riding down the chilly waters of Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest. The natural waterslide is complete with 55-60 degree water for a refreshing time. Plus, many waterfalls are located nearby.
Feel the rush of sliding down a 60-foot all-natural water slide in the heart of gorgeous Pisgah National Forest! The appropriately named Sliding Rock is an experience unlike any other and it’s one of the most exciting ways to cool off in the warmer weather months.
People of all ages lineup to take the plunge down the sloping rock face waterfall on their way to landing into an 8-foot-deep pool of water. Given that the water is about 50-60 degrees during the season, it’s sure to be a refreshing adventure! If sliding isn’t your thing, there are two observation decks where you can experience the fun from a safe distance.
The best time to slide is between Memorial Day and Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty and the on-site bathroom/changing rooms are open. There is a fee of just $4 per person to enter the recreation area. Credit card is the preferred method of payment but cash and check are also accepted.
2021 Hours
While you can slide year-round during daylight hours, lifeguards are on duty and changing rooms/restrooms are open 10 AM-6 PM on these dates:
- April 4-May 17: Saturdays and Sundays
- May 22-September 30: 7 days a week
- October 1-31: Saturdays and Sundays
Nestled in the rolling hills of Weaverville, just 15 minutes north of Asheville, the Inn at Amaris Farms offers a peaceful escape in a modern farmhouse setting for you to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Step into tranquility, where you are met by our attentive staff, ready to whisk you up to one of our six meticulously designed rooms. Sink into the comfort of luxurious beds adorned with soft linens, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep after a day of adventure. Wake up to panoramic views of the Appalachian mountains and enjoy a warming cup of our house-blend coffee. Indulge in a delightful farm-to-table breakfast, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients take center stage, highlighting the flavors of the season.
The Inn at Amaris Farms is a haven of peace and timeless charm. With its captivating surroundings, inviting accommodations, attentive hospitality, and delectable farm-to-table breakfast, this inn offers a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a serene solo retreat, the Inn at Amaris Farms guarantees an unforgettable experience filled with cherished memories that will stay with you long after your stay.
AMAZING LOCATION, UNPARALLELED SERVICE, ULTIMATE COMFORT! Western North Carolina and the Asheville area are becoming one of the top vacation destinations in the country! A visit to Oak Hill on Love Lane Bed and Breakfast, the BEST BED & BREAKFAST IN WAYNESVILLE, is an experience you will never forget! Whether you are looking for a romantic location to celebrate an anniversary or honeymoon, planning an outdoor adventure, or just need to get away and relax, you have found the perfect destination!
Explore all of Western North Carolina and Asheville from one central location! Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Oak Hill on Love Lane Bed and Breakfast offers beautifully decorated accommodations, magnificent mountain views, amazing breakfasts, luxurious linens, and locally hand-made lavender bath products just to name a few! The lovely historic inn is centrally located in Waynesville, NC, just 30 minutes from downtown Asheville to the East, and 30 minutes to The Great Smoky Mountain National Park to the West. Just 20 minutes to the south is the Pisgah National Forest and 7 miles West the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy a myriad of activities including waterfalls (about 250 within an hour of the inn), hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, golf, 5 national and state parks and forests, The Biltmore Estate, local art, dozens of museums, and festivals galore!
Oak Hill on Love Lane Bed and Breakfast overlooks the quaint town of Waynesville and is just a half-mile walk to the wonderful shopping and dining on Main Street. Make your reservation today and then get ready to relax on one of our outdoor porches and enjoy the Smoky Mountain views, reserve a romantic in room couples massage, take a drive and go hiking or biking along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or tour the Biltmore Estate in Asheville! Whatever type of vacation you have in mind, Oak Hill on Love Lane Bed and Breakfast is the perfect location for your next mountain getaway in Western North Carolina!
Excellent Location! Lake and Mountain Views! Less than 1/2 mile from town.
Welcome to Arbor House of Black Mountain, the most breathe-taking place in Black Mtn. We have four spacious and uniquely decorated suites, all with large private bathrooms. We also have a child and dog friendly vacation rental on the property. All are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat screen TVs, DVD players with DVD library, Beekind bath products, comphy sheets and towels, and robes.
Enjoy our dining room where Chef Jim will prepare a full gourmet breakfast entrees such as stuffed French toast, Belgian waffles, or muffins with delicious egg dishes. We grab fresh ingredients from our garden and attempt to get quality local products, when available. The guest pantry has a mini-fridge is stocked with water and sodas and afternoon snacks or baked sweets.
We have the best location. A short stroll into Black Mountain which has over 33 eateries and 40 retail shops and have a few breweries. 15 minutes from Asheville, Biltmore, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Have fun and then come back to the Bed and Breakfast for some serene relaxation on our deck or several seating areas overlooking Pisgah Forest, the Seven Sisters, Lake Tomahawk and its wildlife.
We will be happy to help you with things to do and provide detailed information for your daily excursions. We cater to business needs and provide whole house rental for 12 of your closest families or friends wanting to have a special time together. Just think, home away from home, not having to cook or clean. We welcome small weddings, elopements, and vow renewals with 20 people or less. In the future, we plan to extend our offerings as our knowledge grows, such as chef dinners for our guests and live acoustic music.
Pinecrest, a beautifully restored 5 bedroom inn built in 1905, is conveniently located in Montford, an easy one mile walk to downtown Asheville and just minutes from Biltmore Estate. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Pinecrest sits on a quiet street, surrounded by more than an acre of lush grounds and secluded woods. Inside, you will find a casual elegance, uniquely decorated rooms, bountiful breakfasts, decadent afternoon desserts, 24 hour complimentary beverages and much more. When staying at our bed and breakfast, an added benefit is the personal attention and local expertise that we can provide in planning your trip. This can include restaurant recommendations, procuring tickets for your visit to the Biltmore Estate, recreation adventures, day hikes and drives or creating a memorable special occasion package. Pinecrest Innkeepers, Dan & Diane Rogers, take great pride in providing our guests with warm hospitality and excellent service. Our mission is to make your Asheville experience all that it can be. Come and see why our guests rave about their visit to our bed and breakfast.
Stay in the heart of the mountains that you came to see in this elegantly rustic lodge, only yards from the Blue Ridge Parkway and 10 miles from the center of downtown Asheville. Enjoy the mountain views, the crackling fireplace, the scrumptious breakfast, hiking trails and most of all the gracious hospitality. The lodge has 10 distinctively decorated guests rooms, all with individual heating and air conditioning, private baths, private entrances from the spacious decks, CD players, free wireless Internet and views of the surrounding mountains and forest. Rooms available with whirlpool tubs, king size beds and flat screen TVs.
Closest whitewater rafting outfitter to Asheville, 22 miles northwest, Blue Heron Whitewater offers a variety of trips on the French Broad River. Choose the trip that fits your group and schedule. Half-day trips enjoy five miles, class II-III rapids, minimum age is 8. Full day trips enjoy eight miles, a fresh, deli-style lunch and a class IV rapid, minimum age is 8. Families with younger children can choose the calm water Float Trip, minimum age is 4. When water levels permit, the adventurous may opt to paddle inflatable kayaks, or guide their own raft. Blue Heron guides share the best rapid routes they know, and in the pools between, the human and natural history of this ancient river corridor. We provide the river-related gear, including splash jacket and pants,and wet-suits in cool weather, no extra charge. Hot showers on site. High quality experience, competitively priced. A fun rafting trip engages you with the mountains. When you are on the river you are no longer a spectator!
Here at the Foundry, we do things differently. Removed from the novelty of downtown, we invite you to return to a world of refined relaxation, tried-and-true services, and old-world delights. From manicured grounds to scratch-made foods and libations, we urge you to indulge as you deserve in an Asheville experience that is both hand crafted and hard earned.
Tucked away in the mountains of Saluda just south of Asheville, NC, the Orchard Inn is the perfect Western North Carolina bed and breakfast to come to and get away from it all. Our carefully designed guest rooms, cottages and suites create an oasis to relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy open porches, treetop views, and fresh air. Experience Southern hospitality right at our doorstep!
Each stay in one of our rooms, suites, or cottages comes complete with outstanding amenities, private baths, a pillow menu for the perfect night’s sleep, and more. You get to start your day off right with a full made to order breakfast included in your stay. While you dine in our bed and breakfast’s glassed-in dining room, you’ll enjoy views of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the rest of the Appalachians to the east.
If you’re in the market for a log home in Asheville or a Black Mountain condo with gorgeous views, you’ve come to the right place.
GreyBeard Realty is a full-service, locally owned real estate agency with a depth of experience working with home buyers and sellers in North Carolina.
Our team is passionate about life in Western North Carolina and our expert real estate agents are here to help you discover what makes the Asheville area so special.
A West Asheville original, the Bakery is more than a place to buy hand-made bread. Our made-from-scratch sandwiches and pastries reflects our commitment to serving the best breakfast and lunch for an affordable price. We proudly use high quality ingredients with no preservatives sourced from many local farms. Our spacious family-friendly cafe offers a sunny place to enjoy a quick meal or relax over coffee with friends. We are a community gathering spot where our diverse neighborhood comes together to enjoy fresh local food.
Baked goods, treats, breakfast and sandwiches in the heart of West Asheville, NC We’re open for carry-out everyday from 8am – 3pm. Please feel free to dine on our patio!. Visit our online store for bi-weekly bread and pastry pick-up!
Join Brookside Guides’ experienced and professional guides for the fly fishing adventure of a lifetime in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
Our WNC trout waters are filled with lively rainbows, browns and brook trout. Fish with our fly fishing guides from Pisgah National Forest to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Beginning anglers can sign up for a day or weekend of fly fishing instruction and guided fishing with our skilled, patient and fun guides.
More advanced anglers can choose from the over 4,000 miles of freestone mountain trout water located within easy reach of our home base in Asheville, NC. The Davidson River, one of the most exciting and challenging rivers in our area, is listed in Trout Unlimited’s “Top 100 Trout Streams.”
Western North Carolina’s temperate climate makes this a great destination for fly fishing 365 days a year. Spring and fall offer the best hatches while in winter months anglers often find they have rivers to themselves as they search for trophy trout.
No matter what the season, you’ll have your choice of fishing on wild trout waters filled with big, wary browns or hiking to streams in the beautiful Smoky Mountains that hold the prize catch, native Appalachian brook trout.
Choose a true wilderness adventure and experience an unforgettable overnight back packing/fly fishing trip! Combine fly fishing and camping for a fun-filled family vacation.
Be sure to check out the Brookside Guides’ Women’s Fly Fishing School.
Nestled in the mountains, 15 miles from downtown Asheville, Wildberry Lodge is the perfect mountain retreat. Seven beautiful log guest suites with Jacuzzi’s, luxury linens/robes and spa bath products await you. A 4 course breakfast is served each morning including fresh organic produce from local farms whenever possible. A hiking trail and a unique forest retreat with stone fire pit and relaxing patio furniture are available on the property. Come and enjoy the spectacular mountain views, sunsets and starlit nights. The innkeepers of Wildberry Lodge invite you to relax and renew in the splendor of the mountains.
The Bamboo House is an Asheville Vacation Rental featuring Mountain Views from every room! You’ll enjoy luxury and privacy at the highest peak in Asheville at 3500 ft. This lovely home features contemporary design with beautiful bamboo floors. The Bamboo House is perfect for 2-4 guests on the main level but can sleep up to 6 adults with a total of 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. Enjoy DIRECTV from all of our High Definition LED TV’s. Connect with family and friends while preparing meals in our well-appointed kitchen. Relax and take in the stunning panorama from the great room with 14 ft. vaulted bamboo ceilings. Located one mile from The Blue Ridge Parkway and just 10 minutes from downtown. The Bamboo House has the very best for your visit to Asheville, North Carolina.
The O-RIGINAL Motion Makers was founded by Norm and Dianne Harrell in 1986 when their son, Benji, was riding skateboards and BMX bikes. Norm was good at helping Benji’s friends with their wheeled fun and opened Motion Makers on Hwy 107 in Sylva, NC as a way to provide this sport to the Sylva market. Around 1993, they moved into a 1920’s building in the heart of downtown Sylva, which was just starting to revitalize from many years of vacant buildings.
In 1997, Dave and Sandy Molin purchased the store. They had moved down from Vermont to escape the winters. Dave, a practicing Pharmacist, worked at several pharmacies in the area until he noticed that Motion Makers was for sale. An avid cyclist, it looked like the perfect job to relax and enjoy his sport and get out of the corporate world of pharmacy.
In 2007, “Surly” Dave convinced Kent Cranford to consider buying the shop.
Kent started racing and working on bikes as a BMX kid in the late 70’s. Spurred on by his father’s love of riding and tinkering with bikes, he quickly learned the basics of flat changes and converting coaster brake hubs into freewheels and other BMX mods of the day.
At age 16, the local bike shop, Bicycle City, offered him some work during Christmas building bicycles, then during summers. While in college, he worked at Harper’s Schwinn in Knoxville, TN, then at Skedaddle Bicycles in Murfreesboro, TN.
After graduating from MTSU, Kent headed out to Colorado to visit his brother who was in school at CSU. While there, the call of the Rockies sent him job hunting where he found a job at Keystone ski resort for the rest of the winter. Near the end of the ski season, he took a job at the Knorr House in Breckenridge, CO assembling their fleet of rental bikes for that summer. Later that spring of 1991, a stop in Crested Butte, CO led to a two-year job at The Alpineer, one of the original Mountain Bike shops of the late 70’s.
An annual pilgrimage back East to the Tsali trails led Kent to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where he took a job working in the “original” store and tasked with creating a real “Bike Shop” in NOC’s new outfitter’s store that was built in 1994. In 1995, he accepted a job with Litespeed Bicycles in Ooltewah, TN and worked as Marketing Director for two years. The job took him all over the US and Europe to attend shows and events helping to grow this small company. It was a dream job getting to rub elbows with all the cycling greats and seeing so many of the legendary cycling destinations.
The mountains of NC have a strong draw and in 1997, Kent came back to NOC to continue growing NOC’s biking program and interest in cycling in Western NC.
In 1999, Kent had tired of the tourism retail trade and decided to pursue his newest love in computers. After two years in that industry, with the “dot-com bust” looming, Kent saw a listing for the Territory Manager position with Specialized Bicycles covering the Southern Appalachian region, home of the greatest cycling anywhere and where he happened to live.
Over the next five years, Kent enjoyed his 1000-mile weeks on the road and spending half the weekends of the year at events representing Specialized. His 2005 marriage to Sarah and impending birth of their daughter, Beverly, in 2006, sent Kent into the booming real estate industry to stay home with his new family. This job allowed him to spend a lot of time in Sylva and Jackson County, re-kindling his belief in what a great cycling region WNC is. Little did he know that Dave asking him to come look at Motion Makers would save him from another Bust!
In 2009, the opportunity to open a second store 45 minutes away in the cycling mecca of Asheville, NC, could not be ignored. Kent had frequently asked his sales reps why there was only one large bicycle store in the booming town. One of those reps was Ben Hinker, who also wondered why someone hadn’t opened a big store in Asheville. He immediately signed on as Manager of the store as soon as he learned of Kent’s plan and was involved from the early stages of deciding where to put this new store. Another key person, Sara Jarrell, a Cullowhee native, had moved back home to WNC from California a couple of years earlier. She had quickly become a trusted source of knowledge at the Sylva store but had been making the commute from Asheville to Sylva to work. This gave her plenty of reason to help make this new store a place that people could trust with her skills as Service Manager.
Calling on the design expertise of the Specialized Retail Services team, the Motion Makers crew signed on to become an Elite Store with Specialized. This allowed for a quick opening in March of 2010 with a very clean and professional look that the team knew they wanted for Asheville while allowing it to remain a locally owned store, not just a factory footprint. The store is one of the largest in the region and has, we believe, the best selection of bikes and equipment so you can always find what you need.
Whitewater rafting, zipline canopy tours, calm water float trips – we’ve got it all! Raft & Zipline with us & experience two of Asheville’s natural wonders; the French Broad River & the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Best of all, with French Broad Adventures you don’t have to choose between ziplining & rafting. We are the only raft / zip combo close enough to Asheville that you can have fun with us and make it back to town in time for dinner. Take advantage of our vacation packages & save on all the thrills, chills, & occasional spills into the water! Book both activities together and save.
Tour company that provides private and semi private hiking and kayaking tours by a certified Blue Ridge Parkway and Western North Carolina naturalist. We also have bike rentals.
Asheville’s Premier Fly Fishing Guide Service
Southern Appalachian Anglers LLC offers professional, full-service, guided waded fly fishing and float trips in Asheville, North Carolina. Enjoy the beautiful Appalachian Mountains by drift boat on Western North Carolina’s remarkable stream-fed rivers or by wading up our pristine back country creeks. Spend a day on the water with a certified and professional Asheville fly fishing guide and we will ensure the best fishing experience for all. With over 15 years of experience, our professional fishing guides have local knowledge to not only help you catch fish, but to also provide expert advice for casting and fly presentation. All of our guides are trained to help and teach others. We stand behind our tagline: Trusted Guides – Exceptional Service, and we guarantee your next fly fishing trip in Asheville, North Carolina will be unforgettable!
Wildwater Adventure Centers wants to share their 42 years of rafting and outdoor leadership experience with your family, group, high adventure trip or team building retreat on four Southern rivers: the Chatooga, Nantahala, Ocoee & Pigeon. Wildwater offers the best in outdoor adventure in the Asheville area with attention to detail both on and off the water. Wildwater also offers their exclusive Quality Service Guarantee! In addition to great whitewater adventures, join Wildwater for scenic Jeep and train excursions combined with your rafting trip. Elevate your vacation and take flight on one of their 5 zipline canopy tour adventures including the newest right in the heart of Asheville. Only Wildwater can provide unique Raft & Rail, Rails & Trails, or Float & Fly packages. Wildwater is a family owned and operated business focused on providing a unique Western NC outdoor adventure vacation experience. They create memories and family traditions that will last a lifetime. Please join them!
Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours offers guided paddleboard tours and self-guided rentals on Asheville’s French Broad River. Enjoy a four mile paddle through Asheville’s River Arts District, a seven mile paddle through the Biltmore Estate, or join in a morning SUP yoga session for an invigorating start to the day. All of the boards are wide and stable and custom tailored for beginners, and you’ll not only learn how to paddleboard from professionally-trained instructors, but you’ll also learn about Asheville’s history as seen from the French Broad River. Portions of proceeds are donated to RiverLink—a local non-profit that’s working to restore the historic French Broad watershed. Guided tours runs four times per day, and for an early-morning Asheville adventure unlike any other in town, enjoy a sunrise “dawn patrol” paddle, beginning at 5:30am.
Unique and comfortable vacation rentals surrounding a former Victorian bed-and-breakfast just 10 minutes from Asheville and 15 minutes from Biltmore in artistic Weaverville. Walk to cafes, music, galleries, craft breweries and a scenic mountain lake. King, queen and twin beds are available as well as Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Two rooms have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. The Mountain View Cottage contains two bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, living room and deck with an amazing view of the mountains.
A turn-of-the-century, completely renovated Victorian home featuring central heat and A/C, King and Queen beds, jetted tubs, luxury robes, fireplaces, Wi-Fi, personal telephones, cable TV/DVD/VCR- with a complete video/CD library from which to choose a perfect selection,flatscreens and luxury amenities. Back gardens provide guests the scenic beauty of waterfalls and Koi ponds surrounded by award-winning gardens showcasing flowers and evergreens of all kinds. Front and back porches as well as comfortable outdoor seating enhance guest enjoyment. Scrumptious gourmet breakfast served by soft candlelight offers a beautiful way to begin each day. Afternoon tea complete with fresh baked goodies. Special guest services include floral, chocolates. In-room Massage available with advance notice. Complimentary off street parking. Only a short walk to vibrant downtown Asheville- home to some of the best culinary experiences available anywhere, music provided by both street musicians or hip clubs and art in every medium conceivable fro
Five wonderful cabins on 17 wooded acres, these cabins feel like they are out in the country while located a short drive to all the modern conveniences and only 15 minutes to downtown Asheville. Each cabin is professionally decorated with Western North Carolina in mind. Each with its own personality. All with fully stocked kitchens, full size washer and dryers, porch swings. Four cabins have hot tubs! Relax and enjoy your cabin or take off for an adventure. Either way, your cabin hot tub, and proch swing are waiting for you to relax.
Downtown Asheville’s Private Room Youth Hostel since 2004. Priced for two guests, two night price minimum, located in the central business district, weeknights are priced lowest.
RV sites, tent sites, and cabins, pull thru and back in, full and partial hook ups. Shady, clean and friendly!
The larger rivers of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee are some of the best fly fishing destinations in the Southeast. Beginning anglers will enjoy learning fly fishing and fly casting techniques during our guided fly fishing float trips as our fly fishing guides will position them in the best spots to catch fish and teach the techniques needed to be successful. More advanced anglers will appreciate the ability to access more river mileage leading to the most opportunities to target the best spots of the river. Many anglers will also use our float trips to get an early start on their season and tune their techniques locally prior to traveling to fish Western rivers in the summer months.
Our Guided Fly Fishing Float Trips are the best fit if you’d prefer to access several miles of water and spend most of your day practicing your fly fishing and fly casting skills, all from the comfort of a boat.
This historic home is featured in the new edition of “1,000 Places to See Before You Die”, and is a Select Registry Property. The Inn features six rooms in the main house and two brand new, pet friendly suites in the restored carriage house. All rooms have a private bath, luxury bedding, and most have fireplaces. Room rates include gourmet three-course breakfast and afternoon tea with wine tasting. Tranquil gardens and koi ponds in the perfect location to enjoy all of Asheville and downtown!
All Asheville Anglers fishing guides are highly experienced, CPR certified, and natives of the Appalachian region. A day on the water with our guides will no doubt leave you a more experienced angler and pictures to prove so. Regardless if you’re a seasoned angler, or a novice we strive to make each and every fishing trip a successful and memorable experience, and look forward to spending a day on the water getting to know you.
Asheville and Tri-Cities (East Tennessee/Virginia) are known for year round adventures during four beautiful seasons with outdoor activities, pristine rivers, scenic mountains, arts, entertainment, and culinary events. After a day of fishing with Asheville Anglers explore everything else the region has to offer while you’re here.
Skyterra Wellness is a beautiful mountain retreat where you can set aside life’s obligations and focus on your own health and well-being. Our caring experts help you break old cycles, jumpstart new healthy habits, and revitalize your lifestyle every step of the way.
The Bunn House is a gloriously restored 1905 house within walking distance of downtown Asheville. Each guest room features a luxurious king bed outfitted with Frette linens and rich furnishings, as well as a large terrace or balcony with views of the property and gardens. The en suite bathrooms are equipped with steam showers, heated floors, and L’Occitance en Provence amenities.
There are over 4,000 miles of trout water surrounding the Asheville area. At Asheville Drifters, LLC, we have access to the top trout fishing destinations in NE Tenn. and western NC.
Whether you want to experience a float fishing trip for big trout in our tailwaters, wade fish our spring creeks, or hike into one of our pristine backcountry streams we can make it happen. There are trout rivers here to suit anglers of ALL skill levels. Asheville Drifters, LLC offers trout fishing trips on the South Holston River, Tuckaseegee River and Watauga River.
Sourwood Inn is a bed and breakfast where guests can experience the delights of the Blue Ridge Mountains and still easily access the arts and sophistication of downtown Asheville. Built with cedar and trimmed with stone, the Inn offers spacious comfort and beautiful mountain views. Perfect for hikers, book-lovers, and those seeking a getaway within a stone’s throw of historic Asheville.
With twelve rooms plus a private cabin, the Sourwood Inn can accommodate you and your loved ones in relaxing comfort. Our rooms feature private balconies with view of the Blue Ridge mountains, fireplaces, reading nooks, and spacious seating. Each room invites you to rest, enjoy the scenery, and open your favorite book.
With attractive and comfortable guest room accommodations, The Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Airport hotel is sure to meet your needs. Located near the Asheville Regional Airport, Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Arboretum, Biltmore Village, Sierra Nevada Brewery and the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, the Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Airport is perfect for weekend getaways, business travel, family vacations, family reunions and social gatherings. Come and experience whitewater rafting, tubing, hiking, fly fishing, biking, snow skiing or dine while enjoying a gorgeous mountain view. Our location also makes the Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Airport a wonderful lodging choice for business travelers heading off to work at Nypro, Borg-Warner, Linamar Asheville, Meritor, Inc., Eaton Arden, Hubbell Lighting or Mission Hospital. The Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Airport is centrally located and allows you to experience all that Asheville, North Carolina has to offer.
Asheville’s finest invites you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the “Land of the Sky” and our local attractions. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets as seen on TNN by Pat Boone. We are open year-round, and offer large, level paved lots with full 30 and 50 amp hookups. We have 25 pull-through sites (25’×60’), big rig sites, and 65 back-in sites (25’×50’).
We provide showers, laundry, & a seasonal, heated pool. Easy access to I-40, I-240 and I-26. We have a Trailer Life Park Rating of 9.5, Restroom Rating of 10, and a Scenic Rating of 8.5. We provide complimentary Cable & Wi-Fi.
Experience the charm of a mountain lodge just minutes from Biltmore, downtown Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the area’s finest shopping and dining. Some of their amenities include a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, indoor pool and hot tub, high speed wireless internet, fitness center, gift shop, and so much more. As a guest of the Brookstone Lodge, you will be impressed by their lodge decor with exposed timbers and stonework while relaxing around the lobby fireplace. The beautifully appointed guest rooms offer all the latest amenities including 32″ flat screen HDTVs and granite tubs and vanities. Rooms include microwaves, coffee makers, mini-refrigerators, hair dryers, as well as iron and ironing board. They offer a comfortable and friendly atmosphere along with an unforgettable hospitality that makes you want Brookstone Lodge to be the place to stay when you are in Asheville. King rooms with jacuzzi tubs are available.
Convenience and comfort surrounded by Asheville area attractions including Biltmore, Historic Biltmore Village, the Blue Ridge Parkway and downtown Asheville. Relax in the renovated rooms with 32″ LCD television, refrigerators and free high-speed wireless Internet. Enjoy the indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center, business center and fresh baked cookies and coffee each afternoon. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast including Belgian Waffles, sausage, eggs, biscuits, yogurt and fresh fruits. Smoke-free facility.
Welcome to the Country Inn & Suites Asheville West. Our Biltmore-inspired hotel features French decor, a tranquil waterfall feature and a French gazebo overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our hotel is conveniently located near Interstates 26 and 40, just minutes from beautiful Biltmore, one of Asheville’s most popular tourist attractions, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore Square Mall and Asheville Regional Airport. Guests enjoy a 49″LCD TV, micro-fridge and coffee service in all rooms, complimentary full, hot breakfast, free wireless Internet access, business center, fitness center and an outdoor heated pool. Choose the brand new Country Inn & Suites and see why our ideal location and convenient amenities make us one of the best hotels in Asheville.