- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- home style today articles
- home style today q&a
- traveling today articles
- traveling today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Asheville, North Carolina
A Holiday Haven
By Lyn Mettler
If you're a little low on holiday spirit this year – either because you're over-extended or maybe the weather is just a little too warm to bring on thoughts of snowy Christmases and roasting chestnuts by the fire – a winter getaway may be just what's needed to get you and your family in the holiday mood. Why not take a trip into the mountains of North Carolina for a slice of solitude and a taste of charming holiday fun?
Asheville, a community of just less than 200,000 people, sits amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and offers a plethora of seasonal activities from early November through New Year's. Whether you're looking for an adventurous, romantic or peaceful getaway, you'll surely find your holiday inspiration in this quaint mountain city and the surrounding countryside.
One of the city's most popular attractions, which brings hoards of tourists each season and, in fact, all year long, is the magnificent Biltmore Estate.
This 250-room castle, built by American businessman George Vanderbilt at the turn of the century, remains the largest private residence in North America today. The French chateau-inspired home is open to visitors all year long, but offers a special treat each Christmas.
Beginning early November, visitors will find the home decked for the holidays from top to bottom with blown-glass ornaments, glittering lights, hundreds of wreaths and poinsettias and miles of evergreen garland. Dozens of Christmas trees, including the traditional 40-foot live Fraser fir in the medieval-style banquet hall, are also spread throughout the house.