Cindy Sheehan and David Swanson to be Keynote Speakers at the NWTRCC Gathering—Asheville Conference: May 3rd—5th 2013

Asheville, NC — The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC) will hold its National Gathering, at the Flood Fine Arts Center in the Phil Mechanics Building at 109 Roberts Street May 3rd through the 5th featuring workshops about War Tax Resistance, panels and keynote addresses by Cindy Sheehan and author David Swanson. A complete schedule of events and registration form with dates and times can be viewed at: HYPERLINK "http://www.nwtrcc.org/gatheringMay2013.php" http://www.nwtrcc.org/gatheringMay2013.php

 NWTRCC grew out of a National Action Conference in September 1982 called by the War Resisters League and the Center on Law and Pacifism. Today NWTRCC is supported by more than 45 national and local affiliate organizations along with a nationwide network of individual counselors and activists. NWTRCC has a small office in Brooklyn, NY and much of the work is done by volunteers. National Coordinating Committee meetings are held twice a year to discuss the needs of the movement, and to provide information about alternative war resistance methods to regional public audiences.The meetings are rotated to different parts of the country, thus making it possible for more local groups and individuals to be involved in the national war tax resistance network. Asheville Area War Tax Resisters, a NWTRCC affiliate, the Courtyard Gallery and the New South Network are hosting the event.

 David Swanson will present the keynote address on Friday May 3rd, 8pm at the Flood Fine Arts Center, in the River Arts District, 109 Roberts St. His presentation titled, "Lessons from an Overlooked Anti-War Movement" will center around thoughts from his various publications including War is a Lie.

Cindy Sheehan's keynote address on Saturday May 4th, 8pm at the Flood Fine Arts Center, will detail examples of why War Tax Resistance IS Courage using material from her popular podcast titled Cindy Sheehan's Soapbox. How to go about refusing to pay taxes for war will be part of the program allowing for the audience to begin to think about alternative methods for resisting taxes going to the military. 

Earlier on Saturday May 4th, Bill Ramsey of the Conscience and Military Tax Campaign (CMTC) fund and other alternative funds from around the country, will present checks from redirected war taxes to worthy organizations providing services to the underserved. This presentation begins at 10am at the Federal Building in Downtown Asheville and continues with a picket walk against the theft from the poor to the Phil Mechanics Building in the River Arts District at 109 Roberts St.

 Following lunch, the conference continues on Saturday at the Phil Mechanics Building with a series of concurrent workshops that begin at 1:30pm and repeat at 2:45pm. Audiences can chose between the following workshops:
"What you Don't Spend You don't Have to Earn--A Simple Life." Presented by redmoonsong a war tax resister since 1968.

War on Earth! Environmental Impact: Atomic Appalachia & the Militarized Southeast 
Presented by Clare Hanrahan and Coleman Smith of New South Network of War Resisters

 Social Media 101—Public Relations and Social Media Integration Presented by Ty Hallock, Top Floor Studios

 The War Crimes Times “News A Press That's Free Would Print”. Presented by Kim Carlyle - Editor of the War Crimes Times, a quarterly print publication of Veterans for Peace.

 "Reservations and Resistance: a conversation on what holds us back and what moves us forward as war opponents and war tax resisters." Presented by David Swanson and Bill Ramsey 

and War Tax Resistance 101 Presented by the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee. The basics of how to refuse to pay for war.

 A panel presentation follows the workshop from 4pm to 5pm in the Flood Gallery of the Phil Mechanics Building. Panel:
How Militarism Impacts the Work We Do-4pm-5pm
Discussion with activist members of the Firestorm Workers Collective, Beloved Community Center, Earth First!, Migrant and Immigrant Rights Organizations, Blove from the Peace Garden, and others about how militarism impacts their goals and objectives.

 Two final workshops follow from 5:15pm to 6:15pm: Alliance Building Q&A and How do we build Alliances Across Movements?

 News from the International Conference of War Tax Resisters Presented by David Gross, the NWTRCC representative at the International Conference on War Tax Resistance and Peace Tax campaigns in Bogota, Columbian

 At 8pm Cindy Sheehan gives her keynote address in the Flood Gallery at the Phil Mechanics Building. “War Tax Resistance IS Courage”

 On Sunday, May 5th, the conference concludes with a NWTRCC business meeting from 9am-12N where the public is invited to attend. To register for the entire conference, go to HYPERLINK "http://www.nwtrcc.org/gatheringMay2013.php" http://www.nwtrcc.org/gatheringMay2013.php The cost for all events is $15.00. The public is invited to attend any of the programs and workshops without registration by making a donation.

 The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC) is a coalition of groups from across the U.S., that has been providing information and support to people involved in or considering some form of war tax resistance (WTR) for the past 31 years. Their website is http://www.nwtrcc.org If you are tired of praying for peace but paying for war, plan to attend this informative and engaging conference May 3rd to 5th.

 Contacts: Ruth Benn: (800)269-7464, Executive Director, NWTRCC, New York Media Contact: Carlos Steward, 828-273-3332, NWTRCC, Asheville Keynote Speakers can be interviewed by contacting them at: David Swanson, Speaker/author: HYPERLINK "mailto:david@davidswanson.org" david@davidswanson.org Cindy Sheehan, Speaker/activist: HYPERLINK "mailto:CindySheehansSoapbox@Gmail.com" CindySheehansSoapbox@Gmail.com Images of David Swanson and war crimes can be found at: HYPERLINK "http://warisacrime.org/image/tid" http://warisacrime.org/image/tid Images of Cindy Sheehan can be found at: HYPERLINK "http://cindysheehanssoapbox.blogspot.com" http://cindysheehanssoapbox.blogspot.com

County Commissioner Candidates in Asheville NC Fail to Respond to Artists

Even though the largest turnout of voters so far this election season,  showed up for a Meet the Candidates forum at the Flood Fine Arts Center, few county candidates for commissioner appeared. Worse, the 5 that did show up were unprepared, prompting a response that even though they were given an "open book test" they all failed!  Here are their responses to questions given them weeks before the Meet the Candidates forum.

Flood Gallery Candidates Forum on the Arts Questionnaire
   

All thirteen candidates running for County Commissioner were invited to the Candidate Forum held at the Flood Gallery on October 9^th.  Of the thirteen: Ellen Frost, Carol Peterson and David Gantt sent regrets because of a commitment to another event, but David Gantt sent his Campaign Manager, Carmen Ramos-Kennedy to represent him.  Brownie Newman, Holly Jones, Terry Van Duyn, David King and J.B. Howard attended the event with over 150 concerned citizens present. There was no response at all from the other candidates.  Written responses were requested for publication from all candidates and sent to them two weeks before the event.   Below are the responses sent by David Gantt, Holly Jones, Brownie Newman, Terry Van Duyn and Christina Kelley G. Merrill.  None of the other candidates cared to respond.   

1. As noted in Americans for the Arts, 2012 report of the “Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences in Buncombe County” the total non-profit arts economic impact on Buncombe County is over $43.7 million a year, provides over 1,400 FTE jobs, and generates almost $2.3 million dollars in local government revenue.  Taking into consideration that Buncombe County’s non-profit arts sectors’ numerical data is nearly double the amount found in other counties with a similar population base, have or would you research policies that have been put into place by other cities around the country that value their art communities, (i.e. Minneapolis, MN as well as other cities such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia) and if so, have you given any thought to what Buncombe County can do to protect and encourage the arts organizations that are providing these jobs, incomes, and government revenues?

David Gantt:  Buncombe County is blessed with a very strong and vibrant arts community.   I would value and give strong consideration to programs and incentives that nurture our good and economically powerful non-profit arts community.

Holly Jones:  I was one of two elected officials who attended a presentation about this survey this summer and have reviewed its findings. I was not surprised to read the results nor was I surprised that Buncombe County arts organizations outpaced other communities. Clearly, arts organizations play a valuable role in making Asheville the incredible community and destination that it is today. Policymakers should approach support of local arts organizations as it does other investments in local infrastructure, which means determining the return on investment as it relates to community economic viability and quality of life. This support should be determined by merit and ability to document measurable outcomes. I look forward to this conversation and learning more about other communities’ successes.

Brownie Newman: I have looked through the links provided here. I do not have any specific policy proposals at this time for how Buncombe County can protect and strengthen arts organizations, but I am open to hearing ideas, proposals and suggestions.

Terry Van Duyn: Absolutely. For example, The Community Foundation of WNC has chosen “protecting natural and cultural resources” as one of it’s three focus areas. We are partnering with Handmade in America to fund a position that will identify grant sources, provide technical support for grant applications, and track outcomes associated with that work.  We have also set aside some funds for matching dollars to help small, rural communities qualify for grant funding. Buncombe County could do something similar in collaboration with the Asheville Area Arts Council.

Christina Kelley G. Merrill: First of all I want to start by saying that I very strongly support the Arts culture of our County and if elected to the BC Commission, I hope to be a BIG part of shifting support to help grow and nurture our Arts community! I would absolutely be interested in researching policies in other areas of our Country and think it is extremely important to restore the reputation our County and the city of Asheville to an "Arts and Artist Haven" vs what it has become. 

2. A strong arts sector is an economic asset for Buncombe County that stimulates business activity, attracts tourism revenue, and retains a high-quality work force.  For each non-profit arts event attended in Buncombe County an average of $35 additional dollars (not including ticket or admission revenue) per person are put back into the local economy.  The arts have also been shown to be a successful strategy for revitalizing rural areas and inner cities. What impact, in your opinion, does the local arts community have on the quality of life for the citizens of Buncombe County, and how important do you consider that to be?   Do you think there should be policies that minimize the displacement of artists if the greater good of the city and county is served by the services provided by these artists?

David Gantt:  The local arts community has a huge impact on Buncombe County’s quality of life and job offerings.  I would like to review and consider a coordinated policy recommendation customized to our County that minimizes displacement of artists during development and growth cycles.

Holly Jones:  My opinion about art’s contribution to our community’s local quality of life is best answered by a look at our family’s calendar and checkbook for the last two months. Our activities included: shopping excursions for art in the RAD, attendance at NC Stage’s latest performance of Buckminster Fuller; visits to the Artery for a poetry performance and an opportunity to see photographer Ralph Burns’ exhibit; ballet rehearsals for the Nutcracker with Asheville Ballet Conservatory at Diana Wortham Theater as well as tap classes; piano instruction with Asheville Music Center and auditions for the Asheville Children’s Chorus and a week at art camp at the Asheville Art Museum. These activities depict how our family’s quality of life is greatly enhanced by our local art community and I believe this to be the case for thousands of Buncombe County citizens. Furthermore, our daughter, as a student in our community’s public schools, greatly benefits from the many contributions of art through her public education. The richness of this is in large part due to the foundation that has been built by the artists in our community. I am open to a conversation about artist displacement and learning about viable options.  I think the idea of cultural district is an interesting one. Any solution to this problem will clearly need the cooperation of state and city officials.  However, prior to making any decisions I would want to continue conversations with the artists that have made investments (in the RAD for instance) in order to understand all the dimensions of this issue.

Brownie Newman: I think the arts community is very important to Asheville and Buncombe County for the reasons you outline above. I understand that the need for affordable spaces for artists to work. While the County government is not in a position to dictate to private property owners what they charge to lease their space for, if some of the arts organizations have specific policy recommendation for how we can encourage or create affordable space for artists, I am open to considering it. I am not aware of any specific proposals that have been made at this time.

Terry Van Duyn:  When I moved to Buncombe County 20 years ago we had a population of about 120,000, an Art Museum, a Symphony, the Diana Wortham Theatre, ACT, a ballet company, and thriving art galleries, to name just some of our cultural treasures. There is no doubt about the impact the arts have had not only on our economic vitality, but on our quality of life. We need to acknowledge the importance of the arts and recognize the fact that that economic engine is able to move elsewhere.  I am certainly interested in looking at ways to mitigate the ill-effects of artist displacement in creative ways, like collaboration with non-profits that already work to support artists.  

Christina Kelley G. Merrill:  I absolutely agree with the statement above about the benefits of a strong art sector, however I am not sure I understand what is meant by "displacement of artists".

3. "Artists are the advance guard of what's hip and cool," says Bert Sperling, founder and president of Portland (Ore.)-based Sperling's Best Places and compiler of BusinessWeek.com's list of the Best Places for Artists in America, because creativity leads to growth.   A vibrant community of art and culture attract and encourage not only tourists, but also the creative class who are essential to the design innovation that is spurring the tech and eco industries that are and will continue to shape urban centers of the 21^st century.  Artists and designers in the creative class are willing to take risks to achieve success, but they need affordable housing, living wages, and affordable creative spaces to work in.  How would you propose that Buncombe County value, support, advocate and create affordable space for artists and others in the creative sector?

David Gantt:  We must continue to work hard on workforce (affordable) housing for artists and all other residents.  I am very open to consider other targeted policies to create and retain affordable space for artists to live and work in.

Holly Jones:  While I am in complete agreement with the value that the creative class brings to our community, my advocacy for affordable housing and living wage is neither limited to or prioritized for artists. The affordable housing deficit we experience in our community cuts across all economic sectors. All workers in Buncombe County should be able to find safe, attractive affordable housing. The addition of the Glen Rock Depot to the River Arts District has been a recent driver to the area’s vitality.  This successful housing development has contributed to an increased opportunity for artists and their businesses as more people have discovered the area. I have been a long-time advocate for the creation of affordable housing throughout our community and will continue to push hard for this if re-elected. Promoting a living wage is important. However, data tells us that workers making a living wage would still require monthly rents to be between $525-575. Safe, attractive housing stock in that range, in our community at this level is inadequate. My policy ideas for increasing the availability of affordable housing include: identifying a dedicated funding stream for the development of safe, attractive affordable rental units as well as the promotion of inclusionary zoning.

Brownie Newman: I don’t have any additional comments to add beyond my response to question #2. If the arts community has a proposal to address this concern, I am open  to considering it.

Terry Van Duyn: Buncombe County has a long track record of working with non-profits like Habitat for Humanity and Mountain Housing Opportunities that seek to address the issue of affordable housing.  We have a long way to go, but we have good partners to work with.  Identifying the arts community specifically in objectives around affordable housing and workspaces would seem to make a lot of sense.

Christina Kelley G. Merrill:  As far as the Buncombe County board of Commissioners providing affordable housing for just one particular group or industry it is difficult to separate the need verses all who need affordable housing.



 4.  In light of the 8.5 million dollar incentive package the City of Asheville gave to New Belgium Beer to build its brewery in the River Arts District, are there other incentives that can be offered to artists and business owners in general to stay or come to Buncombe County?  

David Gantt:  Our current economic incentive policy involves benchmarks of total investment dollars, job creation numbers, mandatory health insurance benefits for employees, and other easily measurable figures.  Since I have been on the Commission, this policy was amended to include expansions of existing businesses as well as new relocated businesses. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say that most artist and other small businesses are unlikely to meet the parameters of our current policy.

Holly Jones:  For the record, Buncombe County provided $8.5 million in tax incentives for New Belgium and the City of Asheville provided $3.5 million. I am not a fan of the tax incentive game. However, it is a necessary evil local policy-makers must engage in if our community is going to be able to compete. The tax incentives that were recently granted to New Belgium were based on: # of jobs created paying a living wage with benefits; the amount of investment in the tax base; and the commitment to revitalize a Brownfield area. Artists and businesses that can bring these benefits to our community are currently encouraged to approach Buncombe County to discuss incentives. I am also open to discussing new ideas that promote such ends.

Brownie Newman: Artists are mostly small business owners or people who work for small businesses. One of the  ways that Asheville provides financial support for small business owners (or people who have an idea to start their own business) has been through funding of Mountain Bizworks, which offers both a small training program as well as start-up capital. The Mountain Bizworks program has helped hundreds of small business owners in Asheville and western North Carolina start successful small businesses. I would like to learn more about how beneficial this type of program has been specifically for artists and the arts industry. Is this a successful model that we can build off of, or are the needs of artists sufficiently different from other types of small businesses that something different is necessary?

Terry Van Duyn:  Gentrification of the River Arts District seems to already be driving artists out of their studios.  Perhaps some kind of tax abatement, possibly around artist co-ops, would make it more attractive to maintain existing studio spaces. 

Christina Kelley G. Merrill:  I have said throughout my campaign that I do not think it is fair and it causes resentment to offer incentives to outside industry and not offer the same to our hard working Entrepreneurs and local businesses already established in the County. If there are going to be incentives for any business than they should be offered across the board.

5. Currently Buncombe County provides little to no support to the local creative sector.  A couple of options for the County to consider in shaping its support for the arts locally, is to initiate a 2 to 1 match for the Grassroots Grant that the N.C. Arts Council gives to Buncombe County for local redistribution, (currently approximately $50K annually), and partnering with the City of Asheville’s Cultural Arts Division to expand programming to the rest of the county.  What are your feelings about this?

David Gantt:  I would consider such an allocation.  I do not recall a specific request or vote on this idea, but would favorably consider it after getting a consensus from the arts community on the desirability of this.  I feel matching Arts Council money would be a good investment in a valuable part of our economy and local employment picture.

Holly Jones:  I am very supportive of the proposed matching approach. I would initially support a 1:1 match requiring accountability through measured outcomes. My understanding is that the current grassroots grants are available to all of Buncombe County, so it should not require an expansion of service area.

Brownie Newman:  I need to be better educated on the program to provide a meaningful response. I would like to sit down with folks from the organizations that are involved in the NC Arts Council funding process to better understand how their funding process works, how the funds are utilized, what funding (if any) Buncombe County is currently providing, and how additional funds would be used if the County  budgeted matching funds  as suggested. One other question is how are these types of decisions are currently made by the County? For example, what staff or department is this run through and is there currently a specific decision making role played by the Commissioners?

Terry Van Duyn:  I would whole-heartedly support working with the Asheville’s Cultural Arts Division around programs like the Grassroots Grants.  We need to look at ways to grow the amount of dollars we have for investments like these.

Christina Kelley G. Merrill:  We need to look at the over 200 non profits already receiving money from the County first,. There needs to be a reduction and redistribution of these funds, we can not put any further burden on our Tax payers.

6.  In what ways can the art community reach out and connect to the greater community beyond financial impact and numbers, and how can we improve/expand on what is already taking place?  How would you like to see the arts bring different communities together?

David Gantt:  I would love to meet with you and discuss programs and offerings tailored to Buncombe County.  I do not have sufficient knowledge of what is available and possible for our goals.  I will make myself available when asked to meet.  We should strategize on the best way to obtain maximum “bang for the buck” on behalf of the arts community.

Holly Jones:  I believe the arts can bring communities together and profound opportunities exist. Our community is experiencing renewed divides as it relates to the newly drawn and unnecessary political boundaries in our county. Helping to reject that false division and find ways of working together would be very important.  I also believe that the arts community would do well to continue to bring itself together and begin determining clear, defined and strategic initiatives.  Continuing the political conversation and advocacy will require a united and committed front.

Brownie Newman: When I was in high school, I was very involved in arts stuff, especially creative writing. I attended Interlochen Arts Academy in the creative writing department in Michigan my Junior year of high school. I attended the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts as a creative writing student. My Senior year of High School, I attended the Greenville Fine Arts Center, also in the writing department. While I did not specifically pursue being a “writer” after school, the things I learned in my writing and art classes had a larger influence on my life and had a more useful impact on my future professional career than any other parts of my educational background.

In terms of how the arts community can be more engaged with the larger community here in Asheville, I certainly do not have all the answers. I think public art is a great investment for the community, and I will support that for our county properties and facilities, including the use of artists from Buncombe County. I also like the idea of connecting the artists in our community with our young people, both in school settings and outside the schools. I am especially interested in ways we can help connect the most disadvantaged kids in our community with arts. In so many ways, these kids need the arts more than anyone. One of my favorite arts groups in Asheville is the Evergreen Charter School Marimba Band.  How do we give more kids in Asheville the chance to be a part of something like this?

Terry Van Duyn:  In an effort to get to know my district even better, I did the Leicester studio stroll and was blown away by the quality of the art that was being produced by that community.  We need a way to identify, link, and market our regional artists in a way that is countywide and celebrates that countywide heritage, much like ASAP does for farmers.  I don’t want to reinvent the Asheville Cultural Arts Division, but I’m wondering if we could work together to brand it so that the Leicester Arts community and the River Arts District, Handmade in America and the Southern Highland Craft Guild can support and promote each other.

Finally, we need more arts education in our early childhood development, K-12 schools, and institutions of higher education, like AB Tech.  Ensuring that the arts are an educational priority in the face of the huge state-wide budget cuts to education will be a challenge, but one that’s worth taking on.  

Christina Kelley G. Merrill:  Buncombe County has it's own TV Channel - Charter Ch 3 BCTV and production budget. This is a huge missed opportunity to have an on going "Artists showcase" style show, where we can promote local Artists and businesses throughout WNC! I would be willing to head up this project.

Running for County Commissioner in November, 2012:

CHAIR:

David Gantt (D)

J.B. Howard (R)

District 1:  (2 seats)

Holly Jones (D)

Brownie Newman (D)

Don Guge (R)

District 2:  (2 seats)

Ellen Frost (D)

Carol Weir Peterson (D)

Mike Fryar (R)

Christina Kelley G. Merrill (R)

District 3: (2 seats)

Terry Van Duyn (D)

Michelle Pace Wood (D)

Joe Belcher (R)

David King (R)

Where can I find out where I vote and what district I am in?

http://gis.buncombecounty.org/Districts/Map.html

Asheville Vacation Options

Asheville, North Carolina is one of the nicest places to take a vacation. A vacation in Asheville is something people from all over the world are enjoying every year. There is so much to do in this lovely little mountain town, and the people are wonderful. The community is welcoming, creative and courteous. Asheville is a very diverse place, with many different kinds of folks all living together in a beautiful part of the Appalachian Mountains. The city offers a tremendous amount of different things to do and places to see. The history and geography of the area come alive and fill the region with an deep sense of peace and vibrancy. Asheville itself is a wonderful little city, and boasts all the things a larger metropolitan area has to offer while still retaining its small town roots and feel. Restaurants, night clubs, art galleries and boutiques are nicely juxtaposed against a mountain landscape full of outdoor adventures, hiking trails, beautiful national forest and breathtaking vistas.

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Renting a mountain cabin is another great way to truly sink into the experience of the area. Enjoy the bounty of nature in this rustic setting while being near the city to be able to enjoy all that the urban environment has to offer.

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Asheville, NC in Summer

The weather is getting warmer and it’s time to plan a summer vacation in Asheville, NC. Asheville is the ideal place to take a family vacation this summer. This beautiful little mountain town has something for everyone, from thriving downtown full of shops and restaurants to a vast array of outdoor adventures. Asheville, NC is the little gem in the heart of the Western North Carolina mountains. People from all over the world have made Asheville their preferred destination for vacations and there are many good reasons why. The creative culture, quaint downtown area, up and coming arts districts, lively music scene and beautiful natural landscapes make this an ideal place for anyone to take a trip. Asheville is an unbeatable location for a trip of any kind, and especially for a wonderful summer vacation.

Planning your summer vacation in Asheville is ideal because of the diversity of things to do here. Every member of your family will find this wonderful and exciting city welcoming to them. The city boats one of the most active arts communities anywhere in the country, some f the most beautiful national forests and parks anywhere in the world and a welcoming southern hospitality unrivalled by any city anywhere. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Asheville offers something for every taste.

If a downtown experience is what you are looking for, Asheville is ideal. Choose to stay in one of the cities many lovely and inviting bed and breakfasts for easy access to everything in the downtown area. Boutiques specializing in local hand made items are waiting to show you the unique arts and crafts culture of the area. Stores and shops of every kind make Asheville a wonderful city to walk and shop through. The most eclectic variety of restaurants and cafes await any type of culinary tastes. A wide variety of diets and preferences can be satisfied by the diverse range of places to enjoy a meal in this little mountain oasis. Art galleries and studios are everywhere, and Asheville has long been known for its art community. Studio tours and strolls are a regular happening in all corners of the city.

If a more outdoor adventure is in order, renting a mountain cabin is perhaps the way to go. Enjoy the rustic peace and serenity of the WNC wilderness without sacrificing comfort in a beautifully renovated and updated cabin in the mountains. Everything from fishing to kayaking to hiking thousands of miles of trails in the pristine Appalachian Mountains await the summer vacationer who decides to come and commune with the natural world here. Rock climbing and other outdoor adventures are popular here, and there plenty of resources available to find everything you need to get outside and enjoy the woods and mountains.

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A Romantic Vacation in Asheville

Beautiful Asheville, NC is one of the bet places in the world to take a romantic vacation. Whether you choose a bed and breakfast, a mountain cabin or a cottage rental, Asheville will help you renew and reconfirm your love for you partner. Whether you are wishing to find a spot to take a honeymoon, renew your vows to a long-term partner or just get away for a romantic trip with your sweetheart, Asheville is ideal. The magical mountains of Western North Carolina and the welcoming energy of the city of Asheville will put you in the perfect frame of mind for love.

The city has so many wonderful bed and breakfasts, and this is the ideal route to go if you want to be pampered a little bit. The beautiful bed and breakfast options are amazing, and the facilities and cuisine are unbeatable at these well maintained and classically perfect retreat spots. Experience southern hospitality in all its glory as you bask in the quaint and welcoming environment of a true southern bed and breakfast the upscale yet rustic environment of these Asheville gems shows through, and there is no better way to treat your special someone to a weekend getaway or week long retreat.

If a little more privacy is required, or you want some solitude for your time away, consider renting your own private country cottage. Renting a country cottage in the Asheville area is a great way to experience all the warmth and wonder of the area while still maintaining a sense of separation from the world. A variety of rentals are available, and you will not regret the charming atmosphere that they have to offer. A cottage rental might be just the thing to re-spark that old flame or just fan the flames that are already blazing in any intimate relationship. A country cottage rental is a great option for any honeymoon as it gives privacy yet easy accessibility to the city of Asheville.

If a more rustic option is desired, a mountain cabin rental may be in order. Spring time is a great time for this, as the nights might be cool enough still to enjoy a cozy night by the fire, yet the days are warm enough to go out and enjoy a hike in the woods and enjoy all the budding trees and blossoming flowers that go along with the magical spring season in the mountains. The mountains of WNC are incredible at this time of year, and the energy of the mountains is inspiring an amazing beyond belief.

One of the best things about enjoying any of these options is the fact that the city of Asheville and all the amazing attractions of the surrounding areas are so accessible. Whether you are renting a cabin in the mountains, renting a cottage or staying at a wonderful bed and breakfast, you can be out in the pristine wilderness of the local national forests or at a fun night spot in the heart of the city in a few short minutes. The city is full of art and culture and offers a little bit for any personality type. Enjoying your second honeymoon, a romantic getaway for two or really taking a vacation in Asheville for any reason is a wonderful, healthy and rejuvenating experience.

Spring Break Vacations in Asheville

Spring break is coming up and it’s time to think about where you might want to go to experience the wonderful changes happening in the natural world as well as take a little time off from the workaday world to just relax and recharge the batteries. Although many people think of the beaches and the oceans and the tropical paradises when they think of sprig break, a little getaway in the mountains is a wonderful alternative to the packed and sweltering party atmosphere of those more traditional spring break locations. Taking your spring break vacation in Asheville, North Carolina is a wonderful alternative to the beaches and ocean resorts of the traditional spring break locales. Experience the mountains is all of their budding beauty and you will see why so many people are choosing to enjoy spring break in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Asheville offers something for everyone on a vacation, and there is no end to the fun that can be had there, whether it be adventures hiking through the mountains, whitewater rafting, rock climbing or picnicking in then national forest or enjoying the many wonderful night spots, gourmet restaurants or independent boutiques and shops located along the beautiful city streets. If you are an outdoorsman, Asheville and the surrounding are will offer you endless enjoyment, and if you prefer the city life, there is no shortage of things to do in this wonderful mountain town.

There are endless options for places to stay in this city, from mountain cottage rentals, to wonderful bed and breakfasts. Weekend getaways or week long retreats are all available and waiting for your spring time vacation.

In the city of Asheville you will find an incredible amount of art galleries, small museums and boutiques that offer locally crafted, hand made arts and crafts. This region of the country has long been known for its masterful folk artists and the amazing array of items produced here. From pottery to old fashioned quilts to anything in between, the mountains of Western North Carolina are full of the craftiest of artists.

The music scene is flourishing as well in Asheville, and there are so many talented up and coming groups and individual musicians it is amazing. Local singer songwriters are some of the best you will find anywhere, and they are putting Asheville of the map as a serious location for talented and amazing musical contributions. With plenty of venues to choose from, Asheville is able to offer a variety of performances on any day of the week, not only on the weekend nights. With open mics, small festivals and all manner of performances happening, Asheville is sure to please any music critic.

The surrounding area is some of the most beautiful natural environment anywhere in the world, and the miles and miles of hiking trails will take you to some of the most pristine locations you can imagine. Waterfalls, forests, streams, meadows and the most bio-diverse landscape of any part of the country are waiting for you to explore them in Asheville.

Why do the same old traditional beach trip for spring break? Renting a cabin in the mountains of Asheville, NC is a wonderful way to experience the majesty of these ancient forests and bring a little variety to your spring break vacation.

Asheville Winter Vacation

Imagine being nestled beside a warm fire, with a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate clutched in your hand watching a light snowfall out the window. The mountains in the background create an idyllic backdrop for the amazing view out of your big window. This is the perfect way to unwind after a day of shopping at quaint boutiques in the beautiful downtown area, or walking wooded paths in serene and tranquil Appalachian mountain trails. This is your private retreat, a cottage rental in the ancient and magical mountains of Western North Carolina.

A mountain cottage rental in the Asheville, North Carolina area is the ideal way to spend a winter time retreat. Whether you are on a special personal retreat to get away from the workaday world, enjoying a business trip or spending quality time with your family, renting a personal cabin in the mountains or indulging in a country cottage rental is unbeatable.

The peace and serenity of the mountains is yours, with wildlife scurrying through thickets and birds chirping in the tranquil forest. Enjoy the authentic experience of living in your own rustic sanctuary while having the convenience of being just minutes away from the bustling yet friendly downtown environment of lovely Asheville, North Carolina.

There is always a multitude of things to do in this beautiful mountain oasis, but one of the things that make wintertime vacations in this celebrated part of the country is the ability to find peace and quiet outside of the typical tourist season. Milder weather than other winter vacation destinations make this a great place to get away while ensuring that you will be able to complete everything on your personal or business agenda.

Thousands of acres of national forest land cris-crossed by thousands of miles of hiking trails offer the outdoor enthusiast every opportunity to explore the natural surroundings, while a steadily growing population of wonderful restaurants, shops and nightspots offer the ideal metropolitan experience.

Asheville has become famous for its widely acclaimed arts and crafts community, and there is no shortage of galleries, shops and boutiques specializing in local hand crafts and arts. Gourmet restaurants that feature the very best of local culinary talent and an amazing variety of locally obtained ingredients make this an even more special place to experience true local flavor.

Taking a vacation in Asheville, North Carolina during the wintertime is an experience you will not soon forget, and many options for places to stay make it a different experience every time you visit. Select a wonderful private mountain cottage rental or rustic cabin in the woods, or stay at one of the areas many bed and breakfast retreats. The Asheville options for bed and breakfasts is nothing short of amazing, and there is no better way to experience the true meaning of southern hospitality and mountain lifestyle than to stay at one of these magical spots.

Try a vacation in Asheville to really get a battery recharge and find a little tranquility in a busy world. Whether you are here for a weekend get-away, on a week long trip or on an extended stay, spending time in this beautiful mountain wonderland will help you understand why so many people from all over the world are making Asheville, North Carolina their favorite vacation and travel destination.

Vacation in Asheville for Artists

Asheville, North Carolina has long been known for its creative and artistic community, but now more than ever this beautiful and welcoming mountain town has become famous as an artistic Mecca of the southeast. From the amazing architecture of the magnificent downtown buildings and the rich artistic history of the world famous Biltmore Estate, to the thriving and newly re-invigorated River Arts District and the up and coming creative community of West Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina is definitely one of the countries new arts and crafts capitals.

From the fine arts and sculpture, to folk arts and crafts, to music and dance, Asheville boasts one of the most eclectic and diverse creative cultures anywhere in the world. Traditional Appalachian folk artists working in mediums such as rustic furniture, hand thrown pottery and quilting coexist perfectly beside newer experimental mediums such as film, photography and sculpture. The music scene has exploded and boasts some of the most talented up and coming artists performing such diverse styles of music. On any given night in this lovely Appalachian mountain town, you can experience a traditional bluegrass jam session, then hear exciting world fusion music and then finish off your evening with experimental electronic or punk rock. Asheville is diverse to say the least, and that is reflected in all the different forms of art happening in this city.

Taking a vacation in Asheville to experience some of the wonderful and eclectic art is something everyone should do at least once. The amazing downtown area is full of boutiques that offer locally handmade arts and crafts, and galleries of every style and taste line the streets and avenues of this diverse and welcoming community. There is good reason why Asheville, North Carolina has long been known for its rich artistic and creative history.

When planning a trip to the beautiful and wonderful city of Asheville, North Carolina, there are many, many options available for where to stay. The traditional route of renting a hotel room is not always the most exciting, and there are better ways to truly experience the culture of WNC and the Appalachian region. One of the best ways to truly get a feel for the southern hospitality on an artistic Asheville holiday is to stay in one of the cities many bed and breakfasts. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, or doing a longer stay in this lovely and enchanting mountain town, staying in a traditional and rustic bed and breakfast will give you the genuine experience.

If a more private situation is desired, or you are traveling with a larger group of friends of your whole family, perhaps the way to go is a cottage rental. Renting your own private cottage in the beautiful mountains of Appalachia is a great way to get a feel for what it is really like to live in the Asheville area. Be cautious, however, for the longer you stay in this amazing little town, the harder it is to leave, which is why so many people are relocating to Asheville from all over the country and all over the world.

Asheville, North Carolina is one of the most culturally diverse and welcoming places in the world, and taking a vacation in Asheville, North Carolina will allow anyone who is an appreciator of the arts to have a wonderful and exciting adventure in one of the countries most beautiful and wonderful areas.

Post Holiday Vacation In Asheville

Sometimes, the thing we really, really need after the holidays is a vacation! Now that all the hustle and bustle and excitement of the holiday season is over, we may find ourselves a little drained and tired from all the preparations, travel, cooking, shopping and general business of the holiday season. Escaping for a little holiday of your own after all the work you put in creating a perfect holiday for your family and friends is certainly something to be considered. One of the most beautiful and welcoming places to take a post-holiday season vacation is Asheville, North Carolina.

Asheville, North Carolina is fast becoming one of the premier vacation destinations for tourists and travelers from all over the country and all over the world. This beautiful little mountain town, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, has become famous for its culture, art, scenic surroundings and welcoming atmosphere. Travelers from near and far are discovering the history, landscape and wonderful people who inhabit this incredibly gorgeous region of the United States.

Asheville has something to offer every person from any walk of life. From upscale dining and resorts, to spas and health centers, to art galleries and nightspots, Asheville is sure to welcome anyone with something they can truly appreciate. Artists, musicians, craftspeople and other appreciators of alternative lifestyles and creative culture will find Asheville, North Carolina the most amazing place in the world, while a visit to the historic and breathtaking Biltmore Estate with its incredible gardens and magnificent architecture, or a stay at the classy Grove Park Inn with its beautiful grounds and lovely hospitality would make a great adventure folks who truly appreciate the finer things in life.

For many, many years Asheville’s reputation as a creative hot spot has been growing. From the incredible architecture and craftsmanship of the Biltmore Estate to the up and coming explosion of creative culture in the newly restored and enhanced River Arts District, Asheville has become known as one of the most inspiring places for creativity and the arts in the Southeast, and indeed all over the country. Galleries, craft shows and other creative events abound, and art walks in all the districts of the city boast some of the best independent artists and craftspeople working anywhere in the world today.

Restaurants, clubs and nightlife are another of the attractions to the wonderful city of Asheville, North Carolina. Accompanying the amazing visual arts and crafts revolution going on in the city is the incredible amount of music and dance that is happening there. Asheville, North Carolina is now home to some of the countries hottest up and coming musical groups, mastering styles as diverse as can be, from the historically popular Appalachian blue grass music to modern rock and electronic. Some amazing recording studios and live music venues have found a permanent home in Asheville.

Another creative industry that is finding a warm welcome in this beautiful and quaint mountain town is the film industry. With more and more movie stars and film executives becoming enchanted by this incredible region, the number of films being produced and shot in Asheville, and film companies being founded here, Asheville is becoming a hot spot of the movie industry. Just another reason so many creative minded people are finding a vacation in Asheville to be a welcoming and inspiring thing to do. Asheville is a great place to visit and also to live.

Asheville Travel Ideas

Asheville, NC offers a wonderful vacation experience for just about any type of traveler. A person from any walk of life or background will find a lot of enjoyable things to see and do, from the incredibly diverse selection of local restaurants, pubs and nightclubs to the vast array of art galleries, quaint little boutiques who offer hand made goods from local artisans or coffee shops that line the friendly streets and avenues.

Outdoor adventures abound in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Hiking trails line the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway and lead to breathtaking mountain vistas. Rivers and river sports are as plentiful as anyone could hope for in this region from swimming and fishing to kayaking and rafting. Mountain hiking adventures and challenges to all levels of rock climbers from novice to advanced can be found all over the Appalachian Mountain area. Horse lovers will feel right at home with miles and miles of beautiful trails to explore and fellow horse lovers everywhere to connect with.

Artists will find a multitude of attractive things to do and see in Asheville. The Appalachian Mountains have long been known as home to some of the world’s best professional folk art and craftspeople. From the architecture of the buildings in charming downtown Asheville to the tiny little gems of craft shops that line the country lanes in the surrounding counties, the Asheville area is thick with creative energy. The new breed of artists making a name leaving their mark on the area can also be found here. From pottery to metal sculpture work to fashion and clothing, local artists are flocking here to become part of a thriving creative and supportive community of artists and craftspeople.

Anyone who finds themselves drawn to the alternative healing arts will find a warm welcome in Asheville these days, as the community of professional alternative health practitioners steadily grows. Massage therapists, energy workers and healers of every stripe are taking up residence in this area, making for a wonderful community of health care available from traditional to alternative and everything in between.

The climate in the Asheville area is wonderful and changes with all the seasons. Winter, spring, summer and autumn are all represented in the changing of the seasons, yet the climate is milder than many places in the northern parts of the country. Autumn is particularly pleasant with the mild weather and brilliant display of changing leaves painting the mountainsides in lovely hues.

There are many options for lodging in Asheville and accommodations in Asheville available to any who visit Asheville. Renting a house as a vacation rental is a great option for a longer stay in the area, and many beautiful rentals are available in different areas of the region. Another option is a cottage rental, choosing s lovely and quaint mountain getaway or family retreat. Weekend getaways are a perfect choice for mountain cabin rentals or scenic cottage rentals.

Many, many options await the traveler or tourist who selects a vacation in Asheville, NC. However you choose to stay and whatever you choose to do while you are there, Asheville, North Carolina is a perfect vacation destination for anyone. This historic mountain city is fast becoming known for its diverse population, progressive artistic culture and traditional southern hospitality. Come see for yourself why Asheville, NC is on everyone’s top ten places to visit.