First time in Asheville

I%26#39;ll be traveling to Asheville next week with my 75 year old Mother. We are excited to be getting away together and plan on spending at least one of our four days at the Biltmore. We usually like taking city tours the first time we visit a new town so we might take one of the trolley tours one day and visit some of the local shops.

I know the area has a lot of artisans and any recommendations of places not to miss - especially for hand-made jewelry would be great.

We will also spend one day taking in some of the local scenery. Mom is a trooper - but not a hiker and after the day at the Biltmore I want to limit her exertion. Are there any suggestions for a specific destination? I saw a drive to Max Patch Bald which sounded nice - but I%26#39;m not sure how much foot work is involved to get to the end. We can of course just drive part of the BRP.

Any other advice or ';not to miss'; type activities would be greatly appreciated.

First time in Asheville

I would think Mom might enjoy and afternoon in Biltmore Village...fits the bill with New Morning Gallery and others...lunch at Corner Kitchen.

All sorts of great drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. She might enjoy the Arboreteum - many of the walks are quite benign and you also get to see the beautiful gardens. Downtown Asheville is a must see - art galleries, jewelry, great restaurants...

First time in Asheville

The Grove Arcade downtown would be a great suggestion. They have local shops and great places to eat or grab a beverage. Woolworth Walk would be another option woolworthwalk.com. You could visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Destination Center (the building itself it neat to look at and they play an award winning movie of the area that is a nice laid back thing to enjoy (and it%26#39;s free). You can then leave there and drive up the parkway to the Folk Art Center. Biltmore Village is also a great suggestion, but keep in mind that there are cobble streets and depending on how steady your mom is would determine if that would be a good fit.

Oh, one more thing. I know that the Asheville Historic Trolley offers their trolley tour through the River Arts District. You can also get on and off the trolley so if you see something that interests you, you can get off and tour and then pick up the next trolley.

You%26#39;ve gotten some great advice here. I would add that you can see some nature without a ton of exersion if you visit the following areas:

1. Graveyard Falls- you can see the falls from the road or take a short walk to the lower falls

2. Looking Glass Falls- again right off the road

3. Mt. Pisgah- it won%26#39;t take you to the top but you can get some great views

4. Depending how much you want to drive, you can drive almost to the top of Mt. Mitchell (highest peak east of the Mississippi).

I would also recommend driving the parkway- it%26#39;s a great day. You can pack a picnic and visit the folk art center (the folk art center is at the entrance to the parkway). This link will help you find the kinds of activities you like: http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

Thank you for all of your suggestions. I think we are going to have a great time.

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