Taking my son to Asheville for vacation? (Charlotte, Greenville: rental car, rental)

[ryanwex]

I've always wanted to see Asheville and I'm wondering what there would be to do with my 10 year old son. I'm not an outdoorsman but would enjoy going on an easy rafting trip, etc... I'd just like to see the city too as I think we may relocate in another year or two. I'm looking for a cultured city with progressive politics and LOW HEAT AND HUMIDITY!!

Can anyone tell me what months they would reccomend to come visit Asheville? I really have no concept of the weather in that area. Thanks for your help

[goozer]

The southern appalachians are beautiful in late-October and early-November during the foilage season -- a perfect time to visit Asheville. You definitely will have some good rafting, canoeing, and/or hiking options right off the Blue Ridge Parkway (that runs through the city) and the French Broad river (that also runs through the city). Also, I think a 10-year old might be interested in Chimney Rock Park. It is a private 1000-acre park about 20 miles east of Asheville. I consider it hiking-lite b/c it has relatively short and well-maintained trails along with a couple of "attractions" that you wouldn't find in a real wilderness hike. Here's a link.

Chimney Rock Park | North Carolina hiking trails with incredible mountain views

Asheville also has some great places to eat, including the coolest Mellow Mushroom I have ever been in.

[Loves mountains]

We liked French Broad Rafting in Marshall - they have a really nice 2-hour rafting trip - the French Broad is really low so not too may rapids - but the water is warm and they take you to a spot where you can jump off high rocks into the water - fun for 10 yr. olds. Not sure what the rafting would be like in the Spring - I am guessing lots more rapids! and colder water! Also the Appalachian Trail runs through the town of Hot Springs so you can walk though town and say you hiked the AT - LOL! Also another poster gave us a link to Sliding Rock - Sliding Rock - it looks really cool - can't wait to try it myself - maybe on a week day it might not be too crowded

[deg512]

We watched some folks sliding at Sliding Rock in late September. The smart ones had on wetsuits! I guess that water is really cold year round, but it was a cool day so they really needed it then. It looked a bit fast and rough for me (AARP age), but the college kids didn't seem to mind.

[RSMTN]

Just a clarification for what it's worth. Chimney Rock Park is not a private park any more. The state of NC has purchased the property and will continue to operate it as a state park. And........it is a beautiful place this time of year.

[ryanwex]

Thanks for all your help-This sounds like exactly what I"m looking for. Can anyone tell me the best airline to fly in? I'm assuming the Asheville airport doesnt have too many airlines going to it.

Thanks,
Ryan

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by Loves mountains

We liked French Broad Rafting in Marshall - they have a really nice 2-hour rafting trip - the French Broad is really low so not too may rapids - but the water is warm and they take you to a spot where you can jump off high rocks into the water - fun for 10 yr. olds. Not sure what the rafting would be like in the Spring - I am guessing lots more rapids! and colder water! Also the Appalachian Trail runs through the town of Hot Springs so you can walk though town and say you hiked the AT - LOL! Also another poster gave us a link to Sliding Rock - Sliding Rock - it looks really cool - can't wait to try it myself - maybe on a week day it might not be too crowded

Oh, just so you know, the water at Sliding Rock is Titanic cold, lol. I mean, it is freezing!!!! Even on a hot day you will be shivering! But you HAVE to do it, it is so much fun

[Researching Retirement]

Originally Posted by ryanwex

Thanks for all your help-This sounds like exactly what I"m looking for. Can anyone tell me the best airline to fly in? I'm assuming the Asheville airport doesnt have too many airlines going to it.

Thanks,
Ryan

Not sure of all the airlines that fly into Asheville without looking but I'm aware of Northwest, Delta, and I believe USAir. However, the comment I wanted to make is that you might want to consider flying into Greenville-Spartanburg, SC or Charlotte, NC instead and driving to Asheville from there. Charlotte is probably 2 hours or so to drive and GSP is probably 1.5 hours away. That last leg from a major airport to Asheville is very expensive compared to the leg into Charlotte or GSP. I assume you'll need/want a rental car while there anyway so that won't cost anything extra and the gas will be much less than the airfare to Asheville. And, you'll get to enjoy the beautiful scenery on the drive from Charlotte/GSP to Asheville. If coming from Charlotte you can take the scenic route up past the Lake Lure/Chimney Rock area. That will add some time to the trip but if you have the time it will be worth it.

[Loves mountains]

Ryan - We fly into Knoxville airport - there are direct flights from Chicago as opposed to Asheville which requires a layover (think Charlotte-Atlanta-Cincy) Knoxville airport is just under 2 hours to Asheville - and it's a pretty drive over the mountains through Hot Springs. I understand that Chicago has direct flights to Greenville, SC as well which is a bit closer to Asheville. Knoxville prices have been really reasonable of late.

[glenzx2]

Originally Posted by ryanwex

Thanks for all your help-This sounds like exactly what I"m looking for. Can anyone tell me the best airline to fly in? I'm assuming the Asheville airport doesnt have too many airlines going to it.

Thanks,
Ryan

Hi Ryan,
I see you're from Philadelphia, my home town (was just there last weekend visiting my Dad)... that's one crowded place these days! I live now in CT, and am flying into Charlotte at the end of the month on US Air. i avoid connecting flights like the plague, and hope that going direct from Hartord to Charlotte will be as painless as air travel can be nowadays.

I'm renting a car and driving to Hot Springs where, although it is supposed to be peak tourist season, I had no trouble getting a hotel room. I plan to check out Waynesville, and Mars Hill and maybe Burnsille. Asheville is great, but I need to end up outside Buncombe County.

This past spring we rented a cottage in Candler in early April (I think it was the week of the 7th)... it was unusually cold still, and parts of the Parkway were closed due to ice. So if you're going in the Spring, a bit later might be better.