Asheville lures Atlantans in new campaign

Asheville, known for artisan food, bustling arts, great breweries and The Biltmore House, is putting on a 30-day dog and pony show to woo Atlanta tourists.

Every day in the month of March Asheville representatives will offer a free treat at an Atlanta location, in hopes of selling locals on making Asheville a must-see destination.

On Wednesday diners at Murphy's in Virginia-Highland can taste cheeses from Looking Glass Creamery. On Thursday Asheville's Highland Brewing Company will offer specials on its craft beer and free glasses at TAP in Midtown.

The "30 Days of Asheville" marketing strategy is intended to put Asheville's best foot forward and to capitalize on a summer season that may see Atlanta drivers stay closer to home.

"Asheville has been rising up in consciousness as a travel destination," said Dodie Stephens of the Asheville Convention and Visitor's Bureau. "We see this as a chance to let Atlantans get  a taste of our local culture. One thing we find is that Atlantans don’t realize how close Asheville is."

Rising gas prices and the 3.5-hour drive time between Atlanta and Asheville will also make the destinations more attractive, said Stephens.

Some other amusements that Asheville will bring to town: samples of apple butter from Imladris Farms on March 14 (location to be announced); an Asheville drum circle (a regular Friday ritual in downtown Asheville) at Atlantic Station on March 19; and, at some point during the month of March a rescheduled hot air balloon flight that was cancelled due to bad weather earlier this month.