Here are some of our favorite places to stay. They are all very different; each has its advantages. Relative price and distance from downtown indicated. For more about Asheville, see here.

Laughing Frog Estate, Walnut (near Marshall)

35 min, $$$$. Absolutely regal. The owner's a dear, a SERIOUS foodie, and a master gardener as well.

The Sourwood Inn, North Asheville

15 min, $$$. Great location on the Parkway yet close to town. Another very sweet owner.

Carolina Bed and Breakfast, Montford

5 min, $$$. NTLH graduates; see here.

Mountain Light Sanctuary, Barnardsville

35 min, $$. Rustic and out there in many ways, but simply magical.

The Hawk and Ivy, Barnardsville

20 min, $$$. Lovely gardens, owned by former President of Slow Foods Asheville.

Hummingbird House Backyard Guest Cottage, Montford

2 min, $$. Cute, impeccably landscaped, and a short walk to downtown.

Ashevillage Institute, Asheville

2 min, $$. A working permaculture demonstration site, a little urban oasis with always something playful and interesting going on, from fermentation to aquaculture.

Riceville Retreat, East Asheville

13 min, $. An entire apartment in the home of an herbalist, surrounded by her lovely native perennial gardens and the Blue Ridge Parkway just a mile away. Alan used to live here; his piano's still there!

Meanwhile Back in Saluda, Saluda

45 min, $. Homeschooling family WAY into mushrooms, just a couple miles from Pearson Falls.

 

Our hunt took place at Laughing Frog Estate. The property is so breathtakingly beautiful that I knew on the drive in it was going to be a magical day...

Anna Morgan