Cool weather means Asheville beckons

Autumn’s the perfect time of year for a trip to Asheville. But anytime is a good time to head to this part of North Carolina to drive a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway - a 469-mile recreational road connecting Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks - and one of the nation’s most scenic roads. Check out his Web link for how best to enjoy the ride (and for updates on a closed section north of Asheville) and for what to do and see in the area and ideas on where to stay, http://www.romanticasheville.com

AshevilleNow.com is the new online spot that offers the most comprehensive info for visits to Asheville and Western North Carolina. The Outdoor Activities section lists 16 guides ranging from the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking to gem mining and getting to area waterfalls.

Another place on the Net to plan a visit is at http://www.exploreasheville.com

Need more reasons to go?

Asheville was chosen by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Great Adventure Towns and Smithsonian calls the city the second best for its collection of Art Deco architecture in the southeast. Outdoor Magazine ranks Asheville the #1 Southeastern Outdoor Town and Frommer’s places the city in its Top Twelve Worldwide Travel Destinations.

Get to Asheville from the metro Atlanta area in an easy day’s drive. It’s about 190 miles each way.

For those wishing to celebrate in a big way, consider a splurge stay at The Swag - a luxurious inn set at 5,000-feet in the mountains in Waynesville and about 45 minutes from Asheville. Rates for two persons start from $430 a night, which includes three meals daily and many room and property amenities. The Swag offers 15 rooms, suites and cabins - and many have fireplaces and balconies. Just an FYI - the county bans liquor sales by the drink, but you are free to bring your own adult beverages. http://www.theswag.com