The North Carolina Arboretum

While visiting Asheville you simply must check out The North Carolina Arboretum. No matter what you came to the area for, you can get it all right here. The Arboretum has hiking and biking trails. A magnificent bonsai collection, numerous gardens, art exhibits, classes and too many other projects and items to mention here. Just go on their web site and be blown away with the pictures and raft of information. They also have a cafe and gift store. To get directions from Treetop Mountain Vista just use Google or Mapquest and put in starting point : 40 Little Stoney Fork, Candler, NC 28715 and destination : North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville . Depending on which search you use you will get directions using the Parkway (mapquest) or main hwys (google). Their web site also gives directions. There is a small parking fee of $6 per motor vehicle.

Come see "America's Largest Home" the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is located in the heart of Asheville, NC, just 20 minutes from Treetop Mountain Vista. You don't have to travel to Europe to experience a castle. It's right here, and George and Cornelia Vanderbilt called it home for many years. The estate is beautifully landscaped over several spectacular acres. This time of year especially, the gardens are a sight to behold. They also have many special programs going in honor of Spring, some of which are: Guided garden walks, Free seminars at A Gardener's Place, Biltmore Backyard Wagon Tour, Our Secret Walking Tour, The River Bend Farm Walking Tour, and many more special events.

The estate also has wonderful restaurants and gift shops. If you've never been, you must experience the lunch buffet at the Deerpark Restaurant. You simply won't believe the gorgeous array of delicious foods, prepared by expert chefs. They also have a special Sunday Brunch you won't want to miss. (no I don't get a kick back from the Biltmore, I just want my guests to experience the best while visiting the Asheville area :-) Be sure to get on their web site at www.biltmore.com or call toll free 800-413-9787 to purchase tickets or get more information.