The Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains
Your guide from the Hemlock Inn, Bryson City

Great Smokies: Intro | Deep Creek (Waterfalls) | Catalochee | Great Hikes | Oconaluftee | Newfound Gap/Clingmans Dome | Gatlinburg | Great Drives Blue Ridge: Bryson City | Dillsboro | Cherokee | Franklin | Maggie Valley | Asheville Waynesville | Joyce Kilmer Forest | Blue Ridge Parkway | Fontana Lake/Dam | Fishing Whitewater Rafting | Biking | Great Smoky Railroad | Biltmore Estate

Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville
North Carolina is about 60 miles way. It has a vibrant downtown with great architecture and more than 200 shops, including 30 galleries. While downtown, eat at one of the 50 local restaurants. This is an arts mecca and many artists open their studios for tours.

The biggest attraction in Asheville is famous Biltmore Estate (see our Biltmore page). Tour America’s largest home at the Biltmore Estate and America's most visited winery.

Here is our recommended day trip to Asheville from Hemlock Inn:

From Bryson City take Hwy. 74 and I-40 to Asheville . Exit at the second Asheville exit off of I-40 (which is I-240). This expressway will take you to the heart of the city. Take the Civic Center exit shortly after crossing the long bridge. You might like to visit the Asheville Chamber of Commerce first. As you come up to the Civic Center ramp, turn right at the light and go one block to the Chamber. To go to the Civic Center and downtown business district, turn left instead at that light. You may park in one of the large parking garages to the right of the Civic Center (behind the Library) and walk most anyplace downtown. In addition to the varied and interesting architecture (notably, St. Lawrence Catholic Church and the Art Deco S&S Cafeteria building), you may enjoy visiting various shops on Haywood and Wall Streets. Tops for Shoes is a must for smart shoppers.

The Antique District centers around Lexington and Rankin Avenues, the two streets which parallel Haywood Street behind the Civic Center and Library.

Biltmore Village just off Biltmore Avenue (Hwy. 25 South), near the entrance to Biltmore Estate, is a district of interesting shops and buildings, notably All Souls Episcopal Cathedral, New Morning Gallery, and Fireside Antiques. A good place for ice cream is the Biltmore Dairy Bar, visible south from All Souls Cathedral on Hwy. 25.

It takes almost a full day to explore Biltmore Estate. You may purchase tickets for the Biltmore in the Hemlock Inn office.

Follow Hwys. 74E/I-40E to Asheville, take the fourth Asheville Exit (Biltmore/Hwy. 25). Turn left at bottom of ramp onto Hwy. 25W. Follow signs to Biltmore Estate, bearing left at second traffic light (at All Souls Episcopal Church). Turn left at next light.

Tour the Gardens and Greenhouse on arrival. Have lunch at The Stable (at the House). Tour the House after lunch. Be sure to take the complete tour which includes the downstairs servants quarters, kitchens, swimming pool, gymnasium, bowling alleys, etc. Leave the house at 3:00 , and drive through the Estate, stopping at the Winery. Return to Hemlock Inn around 5:00 p.m. Driving time from Asheville to Hemlock Inn, 1¼ hours.

For more about Asheville North Carolina, go to RomanticAsheville.com.

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Hemlock Inn
Adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
P.O. Box 2350, Galbraith Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713
phone: 828-488-2885 / fax: 828-488-8985
Reservations taken from 7:30 AM until 11:00 PM EST
e-mail: hemlock@dnet.net

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