April 2, 2014
Brelaun Douglas
News Writer
Travel
Photos courtesy of exploreasheville.com
Asheville, North Carolina is home to the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and year-round culture. With activities ranging from family friendly to romantic to adventurous, Asheville is an ideal place to visit at any time of the year for natural beauty, art, and culture.
Things to See and Do
Can’t decide between horror or comedy? Combine the two and join Lazoom’s Haunted Comedy Tour for a night filled 
with scares and laughs. Departing from the Thirsty Monk Pub in downtown this 60 minute tour takes visitors through Asheville’s seedy past with tour guides unearthing tales of scandal, murder, mystery, ghosts and deceit; guests are guaranteed to see a ghost along the way, so make sure to have a camera ready. The tour is adult only and requires patrons to be at least 17 years of age due to the mature content. Those 21 and older are welcome to bring unopened containers of wine or beer to enjoy along the tour.
For those seeking adventure compounded with family fun, provides the mix. A short distance from the heart of downtown, this park offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of aerial obstacle courses to fit every guest’s expertise. With 50 unique obstacles, the park continuously challenges patrons and even has obstacles for children as young as seven. For added fun, a combo pass is offered in order to enjoy the Treetop Adventure Park, as well as the Zipline Canopy Adventures within the same day. For members of the military, Treetop Adventure offers a 10% discount as thanks for serving the country.
If romantic is the mood you’re in then visit Asheville Hot Air Balloons, LLC. 
Floating in the sky between 500-2000 feet, riding in the balloon gives you a beautiful view of North Carolina’s scenery including the Hominy Valley, Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains and the Pisgah National Forest. The wind guides the balloon as you soak in the glamor of the landscape and with each season comes something different to enjoy. Flights are offered year round, seven days a week – weather allowing – and groups larger than six are able to obtain a discount.
Lodging
Set upon Sunset Mountain, The Grove Park Inn provides both old-fashioned and modern style rooms and suites with spectacular views: The Blue Ridge Mountains and the extravagant golf course are both within view from guestrooms. A spa with a mineral pool, inhalation room, eucalyptus-infused steam room, and fireside lounges is available to guest to enjoy and relax at within the inn. Themed rooms are available upon request ranging from the spacious Presidential Suite to the serene Spa Suite to the rustic Bruce Johnson Arts & Crafts Suite. To enjoy an adult only experience, book a room with the Club Floor, ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic getaways. 
Rooms are over-sized, spacious and have spa-like bathrooms with hydro jet showers and over-sized baths. Members of the Club Floor also have complimentary access to the spa facilities and evening cocktails.
Located downtown within distance of many shops, restaurants, and sources of entertainment, Aloft Asheville lets you experience downtown like no other. Rooms are loft styled and boast contemporary urban atmospheres and décor. Dine within the hotel at the outdoor observation deck that overlooks Biltmore Avenue, or enjoy a drink at the W xyz bar. Relax in the third floor pool deck and enjoy the view of the mountains or work up a sweat in the state-of –the-art fitness facility. This hotel is pet friendly with no fees or restrictions on pets’ weight or size.
Dining
An elegant, yet modern, interior combined with fresh and flavorful cuisine makes 131 Main a go to spot fordining out in Asheville. Patrons are encouraged to look on through the French-style cooking suite as chefs prepare their meals. Fresh meat and fish are purchased daily by the staff and the wine steward works with the culinary team in order to create the perfect combination of wine and foods.
12 Bones Smokehouse caters to the carnivore in you with choices ranging from baby back ribs, to beef brisket to pulled pork. Sides such as macaroni and cheese, jalapeno cheese grits, baked beans, and pickled okra are all made from scratch, as well as all deserts. Nestled in the Rivers Art District, the restaurant is surrounded by art and beauty, such as The French Broad River, and multiple art studios. You’ll also find enjoyable company the other tourists who visit the area.
