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Asheville Fall Foliage Touring Tips
For a romantic getaway to enjoy one of the longest leaf
color shows in the country, go to Asheville, North Carolina. This city,
nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, boasts the famous Biltmore Estate, the
scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and a vibrant downtown with 200 shops, 30 art
galleries, and 50 restaurants. Events and festivals abound during October,
including Michaelmas English Harvest Fair at Biltmore Estate and the Urban
Trail Art Festival in downtown. Here are some tips, provided by
RomanticAsheville.com, to help you plan an escape to enjoy the
spectacular autumn colors:
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The number one question is: “When is the peak color?”
No matter when you plan an autumn visit, you can take a short drive to
find peak color. The highest elevations at more than 6,000 feet, such as
nearby Mount Mitchell (the highest point east of the Mississippi River),
will peak in late September or early October. The peak color slowly
descends in elevation until it reaches the lowest elevations at 1,300 feet
(Chimney Rock and Lake Lure) by late October or early November. Weather
patterns and temperatures can speed or slow the process.
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Make your room reservations early. Many times,
weekends are booked at one of the many bed and breakfast inns and hotels
months in advance. But you can check for last minute cancellations!
Romance packages are listed on
www.RomanticAsheville.com.
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To avoid the biggest crowds, stay on Sunday through
Thursday nights. Saturdays during October are extremely busy at
attractions such as Biltmore Estate, and highways and country roads will
be more heavily trafficked.
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Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most
scenic roads. With the varying elevations along the Parkway, this is the
quickest way to find the best areas of colorful foliage. The elevation of
the Parkway around the city of Asheville is approximately 2,200 feet, and
it rises to 5,000+ feet as you drive north or south. When you find an area
of brilliant foliage, stop for a walk along a trial or take a detour on
one of the intersecting roads. Be patient and expect slow traffic,
especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
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If you encounter fog in the higher elevations, don't
despair. The weather can change rapidly. It could be very sunny an hour
later. Fog and low clouds are most frequent in the mornings, but can also
create interesting photo opportunities.
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Take a picnic or snacks. Restaurants along the
Parkway and in rural areas away from Asheville are not plentiful. You will
discover plenty of spots for a cozy picnic.
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Fill up your gas tank before taking a scenic drive
out of the city. Gas stations are sparse in remote areas and along the
Parkway.
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Bring a sweater or jacket. While it might be 80
degrees and sunny in Asheville, it may be 20 degrees cooler at the higher
elevations. Nighttime temperatures can drop quickly.
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Take your camera. The warm light of the early morning
or late afternoon can create the most dramatic images. Remember to ask
someone to take a photo of the two of you!
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Bring binoculars for bird watching or bringing a
distant picturesque view a bit closer.
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If you get tired of driving, go whitewater rafting or
ride the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad to watch the color show.
For more information about romantic getaways to the
Asheville area and fall foliage updates, go to
www.RomanticAsheville.com. This comprehensive site features guides to
bed and breakfast inns, full service resorts, restaurants, romantic outings,
Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, shopping, golf, hiking, and whitewater
rafting. It also includes scenic photographs, tips from locals, and
easy-to-read maps. Many of the romantic outings included are free, while
some cater to extravagant tastes. One lucky person who registers at
www.RomanticAsheville.com will win the “Ultimate Asheville Romantic
Weekend” with two nights accommodations in a luxury suite at the Four
Diamond Richmond Hill Inn, a romantic dinner both nights, tickets to the
Biltmore Estate, and a gift certificate for a gallery. The trip is valued at
$1,500, and the winner will be announced in December.
Edited by Dave Shultz
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