Enjoy Asheville's romantic side

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Celebrate this month of love with a trip north to Asheville, N.C. and to the très elegant Cedar Crest Inn. Locally known as the "Pink Lady," this bed and breakfast is one of the most opulent residences surviving from the 1800s. Downtown Asheville is just one mile distance and one of the entrances to the Blue Ridge Parkway is just four miles away.

The inn is perched on a hillside just three blocks from the legendary Biltmore Estate (http://www.biltmore.com).

A romance package includes a two- or three-night stay; a three-course breakfast daily; a bottle of champagne room delivered upon arrival; a box of deluxe chocolates, a vase of fresh roses, afternoon tea and cookies; nightly desserts; wireless Internet; parking and two 2-day admission tickets to the Biltmore Estate (the French Renaissance chateau which was once the home of the George W. Vanderbilt family from the late 1800s -- and today still family owned and operated).

Package prices, based on double occupancy, range from $500 for a Deluxe room for two nights; $650 for a three-night stay (rooms 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or guest cottage 1). Stays in a Premium room are $575 for the two-night package; $700 for three nights (rooms 2, 5, 9 or carriage house 1, 2, 3). Two-night rates in a Premium room are $575; $700 for three nights. Ready to splurge for the Grand Suite? Stay two nights at $690 or $850 for a three night indulgence (room 10 or guest cottage 2).

The romance packages are available on stays through Feb. 11 or 15-28.

Or, check out the inn's "Flowers Everywhere!" package, valid April 3-May 16, which celebrates the Spring season at the Biltmore Estate during its grand display of the "Festival of Flowers" event.

Book a stay by calling 877-251-1389 or visit online at www.cedarcrestinn.com

Visit this link to take a virtual tour of this delightful haven, http://cedarcrestinn.com/take_a_tour.html