Who wil be King of the Mountain?

March 5   Highlands NC hosts the King of the Mountain Chef's Challenge.  Award-Winning Chefs face off in "Iron Chef" style competition.  Using mystery ingredients, the chefs will race against the clock to create the winning culinary dish and be crowned "King of the Mountain."

Winter Specials for NC Rentals

Winter rates in effect through March 31: Get one free night with a 3+ night stay Biltmore Estate tickets only $29 for 2 full days at the Estate. 3 BD, 2 BA cabin with 2 fireplaces and GREAT MOUNTAIN VIEW. Free WIFI. PET FRIENDLY.  Come play on a real llama farm!  Cabin Cove Farm     Asheville area cabin



 
Luxury lakefront romantic winter getaway at Hemlock Hill Cottage  for only $1300 per week during the Winter Season! Enjoy a cozy fire, stunning  lake view in a storybook cottage.  Lake Glenville - Cashiers area



Last Minute Snow Specials - Stay Two nights get the THIRD NIGHT FREE Over 70 Asheville area cabins and Luxury Vacation Rentals and Asheville Cabins available for you!
Search for your perfect winter getaway rental at Carolina Mornings




Winter Special (1/2 - 3/15): Stay 2 nights, take 30% off night rate  or  Stay 2 or more nights and get one night free.  5 cabins in a private 7 acre setting, each beautifully appointed with their own unique, wildlife theme. Nature trails, waterfall pond, creek and more.  Cabins at Seven Foxes


Getaway Packages: Save with accommodations and activities and onsite dining. Near Cataloochee Ski area, NC's first Ski Area! Affordable rates and a beautiful mountain setting.  The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa

Find more Winter Season Specials for  NC Rentals here...

What to do in the NC Mountains: Grandfather Mountain's Habitats

photo by Monty Combs

As if there weren't already enough reasons why Grandfather Mountain is a "MUST SEE" on any trip to the North Carolina Mountains, there is yet another addition to the wonders of the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Luna, Grandfather Mountain's newest otter in residence, is now on display in the Otter Habitat along with her pal Nottaway. Luna and Nottaway currently have the habitat to themselves until keepers are confident that she is ready to meet Oconee and Santee, long-time favorites at the Otter Habitat. Luna is young and playful and will provide a full range of "otter antics"  for visitors. Read more...

Grandfather Mountain is a scenic attraction and recognized nature preserve managed by a nonprofit stewardship foundation. It offers a variety of activities from the Mile High Swinging Bridge to the Nature Museum to Alpine hiking trails and native wildlife habitats. Special naturalist programs and guided hikes are available throughout the summer months. The recently built Fudge shop provides a homemade sweet treat in an eco-friendly building. And then, of course, there's also the breath taking mountain scenery - as awe inspiring and pristine as you'll find anywhere.

The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is located on US 221, two miles north of Linville, North Carolina, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305.  The GPS coordinates are 36.08502N, -81.84646W. (2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville, NC).

Curate Holds Grand Opening in Asheville on March 4, 2011

An authentic Spanish tapas bar, Cúrate, will host their Grand Opening, March 4, 2011 at 11 Biltmore Avenue, in Asheville NC.  Heirloom Hospitality Group’s lively full-service restaurant brings diners the best of Spanish food and wine with fabulous locally sourced ingredients.

The cuisine at Cúrate is first and foremost traditional Spanish. From jamón Ibérico to croquetas de pollo to flan with caramel sauce, those who have traveled to Spain will instantly be transported back to one of the lively tapas bars beloved throughout the country, one plate at a time. Cúrate’s menu is complemented by a carefully compiled selection of wine, beer, Sherry and sangria. The wine menu features some of Spain's finest wines at affordable prices, offered by the glass or by the bottle.

In the spirit of Asheville's impressive win of the title "Beer City USA" in 2010, Cúrate's beer list will feature locally crafted draft brew selection as well as a variety of beers imported from Spain. Adventurous guests will be delighted by the porrón, a festive tradition imported from Catalonia where even an experienced enthusiast has been known to spill a drop or two. Cúrate also offers sangria, made tableside with a bottle of Spanish Garnacha wine for traditional red sangria or a bottle of Cava for a festive, sparkling sangria blanca.

Cúrate’s authentic Spanish menu was crafted by Chef Katie Button, an alumna of Ferran Adria's critically acclaimed restaurant, elBulli, who spent many years living and cooking in Spain. Chef Button also worked with celebrated Spanish chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup at Café Atlantico in Washington, DC, and later The Bazaar by José Andrés in Los Angeles.

In Spanish, Cúrate, means ‘cure yourself.’  Whether guests are looking for a fun-filled evening out with friends or a quick bite before or after one of Asheville's many art or music productions, Cúrate is the place to go to take care of yourself, by letting us take care of you. Cúrate is open for dinner Tuesday - Sunday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and closed on Monday. Lunch and brunch service are scheduled to begin in April. For reservations or for more information, call 1-828-239-4946