Asheville’s Top 5 Magical Holiday Must-dos

By: about in category: Transportation

Omni Grove Park Gingerbread Houses

A visit to the National Gingerbread House Competition has become a holiday tradition for both locals and visitors alike. What began as a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992, has become one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events. Judges consider 195 entries, with designs that range from amazing to out of this world. You’ll have to see it for yourself! The 27th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ winning creations will be on display until January 4, 2020.

Downtown Asheville Lights

A walk through Downtown Asheville at dusk is sure to get you feeling all the feels and into the holiday spirit! Be mesmerized in Prichard Park by the thousands of lights, dripping icicles and giant snowflake centerpiece.  

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

All of the lights! Asheville brightest holiday tradition just keep getting brighter! Walk through the Arboretum’s gardens Winter Lights and enjoy unique displays and landscapes deck out in over half-a-million holiday lights. Perfect for the entire family!

Christmas at Biltmore 

From the stunning 35-foot Frasier Fir Christmas Tree to the garland, spectacular light displays, candlelight evenings, and glowing fireplaces a trip to Christmas at Biltmore is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in holiday cheer. The Biltmore Estate offers both daytime and evening packages designed to make your holidays shimmer.

Dickens Christmas Biltmore Village

Go back in time with Dickens in the Village in Biltmore Village! First celebrated in the late ’80s’ as a way to bring both locals and visitors together for the holiday season,  the holiday affair has grown into a favorite weekend long and time honored tradition in Asheville. The event brings magic to the Village with over 25 performing acts, festive treats and strolling carolers dressed in Dickensian period costumes.

Biltmore Summer Concert Series

By: about in category: Transportation

The 23rd Annual Biltmore Concert Series kicks off July 25 & it is undoubtedly one of the hottest tickets on town.

For those looking for an amazing evening in Asheville, the Biltmore Estate hosts world-renowned musicians throughout the summer at this stunning one-of-a-kind venue.

From the B-52s to Chicago, the sound of music will swirl through the air, as the sun dips below the grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This 8,000-acre estate features their award-winning winery, an array of unique dining options, shopping, and the impressive splendor of George Vanderbilt’s European-inspired chateaux, the Biltmore House.

Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the Biltmore House is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques.

Asheville Premier Transportation is dedicated to matching your travel experiences to this remarkable estate.

Our fleet of town cars and SUVs allow for luxurious travel and premier professionalism and reliability.

Our professional drivers can pick up your group or party at any regional location or accommodation and be your personal chauffeur to the estate.

Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. throughout the summer and tickets are available on their website at www.biltmore.com  or by calling 866-336-1255; or in person at Biltmore’s Reservation and Ticketing Sales Center, 1 Lodge St., Asheville, NC 28803.

The upcoming Biltmore Concert Series lineup for 2019 includes:

July 25: The Beach Boys

July 26: The B-52s

August 3: The Charlie Daniels Band and The Marshall Tucker Band

August 6: Chicago

August 9: The O’Jays and Kool & The Gang

August 10: Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Biltmore Estates and travel with us in style for these truly magical Asheville moments.

*Please note that tickets do not include or require estate admission. Performers and dates are subject to change.

Top 10 Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Asheville

By: about in category: Transportation

While Asheville may be well-known for its sundry of adult libations, the city also boasts tons of kid-friendly fun the whole family can pour into.

~ Check out our Top 10 hot spots for kiddos below ~

 

Asheville’s Fun Depot

With over 65,000 square feet of indoor fun, Asheville’s Fun Depot is the ideal place to spend quality time with your friends and family regardless of the weather. Attractions and activities include: outdoor and indoor go-carts, 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, laser tag, bumper cars, a climbing wall, playgrounds and inflatables, mini-bowling, X-rider 4D Theater, arcade games, Aeroball, Lazer Frenzy, Atomic Rush, and more!

 

 

WNC Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity.

 

 

Asheville Pinball Museum

The Asheville Pinball Museum offers a wide array of pinball machines spanning from the 1950’s to the 21st Century! Once you pay admission, there are over 80 pinball machines and video games ready to play.

 

 

Asheville Museum of Science

Asheville Museum of Science is the premier exploratory science experience in downtown Asheville. With fully interactive exhibits, street level access, and a variety of educational programs, AMOS is a must visit for the whole family! Be a geologist in our Colburn Hall of Minerals, dig for fossils and say hello to our Teratophoneus dinosaur skeleton, climb into the tree canopy in our Southern Appalachian Forestry exhibit, and so much more at the Asheville Museum of Science!

 

Blue Ridge Parkway

Take the kids on a hike! The Blue Ridge Parkway is a ribbon of road that weaves through the region’s vibrant living traditions. From Cherokee life and agricultural history to Southern Appalachian crafts and music, the Parkway’s 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina offer many ways to explore rich traditions.

 

 

Tubing the French Broad River

Tubing the French Broad River has become one of the most popular activities to do in Asheville during the summer months! Check out Zen Tubing, Sky Tubing or French Broad Outfitters, all conveniently located in the city for tube rentals and river shuttles.

 

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Their scenic rail excursions take you from our historic depot in Bryson City, through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina. Their variety of train options and special event trains makes them perfect for making memories. Dine in the First Class Cars with a private attendant and breathtaking views or take it all in while riding in an Open Air Gondola. Step on board for your next rail adventure!

 

Asheville Tourist Game

Take them out to the ball game! The Asheville Tourists are a minor league baseball team based in Asheville, North Carolina. They play in the Class A South Atlantic League and have been a farm team of the Colorado Rockies since 1994.

 

 

Ziplining

Zip through the trees at one of the many zip lining companies located just minutes away from Downtown Asheville. Not only will you get the adventure of a lifetime, this is one of the most unique ways to see the spectacular mountain scenery of WNC. Check out Navitat, or the Adventure Center of Asheville for more info!

Love in Asheville: Valentine’s Day Itinerary to Make You Swoon

By: about in category: Transportation

Valentine’s Day is less than one week away, which means it’s time to plan that special something, for that special someone. This is one of our favorite holidays every year because we get to see couples young and old, fall in love all over again. While you are busy planning each detail of the day, you can leave the driving to Asheville Premier Transportation. We are available for full day rental or by the hour to chauffeur you and your date throughout the city in style. We can even hit that sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway you’ve been dreaming about. Thinking more of a “Galentine” with your besties? We can pick up the whole crew! All it takes is one call and we begin setting up your trusted and luxurious ride. Here’s a  few of our favorite ideas for this year’s Valentine’s Day trip itinerary that will surely make you say those three special words…”I heart Asheville.”

 

A sweet surprise.

 

While dinner is a definite, may we recommend, life is short, eat your dessert first. Start your romantic time in Asheville a couple days early at French Broad Chocolate Lounge. On Feb. 10, they are hosting a free, fun, family-friendly sensory chocolate tasting at their factory at 21 Buxton Ave. in Downtown Asheville. Guests will be able to sample the seasonal confections in their Aphrodisiac Collection at their experience tables, sip bubbly, hot chocolate and coffee, and nibble on savory snacks.

 

 

 

A table for two.

 

A Valentine’s Day dinner is a must do no matter where you are. However, if you are in Asheville, this changes everything. As you may know, Asheville is known as one of the greatest foodie cities in the nation. Asheville’s independently-owned restaurant represent the spirit of this culinary city. With over hundreds to choose from, we recommend starting your search on Asheville’s Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) calendar of events. Click HERE and fall in love with an array of Valentine’s Day culinary events in Asheville.

 

 

 

 

Twilight in the mountains.

 

Craggy Gardens – About 20 miles up from Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Craggy Garden offers a 360 degree panoramic of the stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. During the chilly winter months, bring a cozy blanket, and a cup of tea or coffee (because they love you latte) and trek up the ridge to watch the awe-inspiring sunset that falls from the sky each evening and melts into the sea of mountains.

 

 

 

 

Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie

The luxurious travels and fashionable style of one of the greatest love stories in history are currently on display at the stunning Biltmore Estate with a new exhibition, Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie. The exhibit takes you to the romance and passion of the era with more than 45 film dazzling costumes from the iconic film—representing the extensive wardrobes required by transatlantic travelers like George and Edith Vanderbilt in the early 1900s. This is the first large-scale exhibition of fashions from Titanic, which won a record 11 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Costume Design.

 

 

 

 

Engagement Season Arrives!

By: about in category: Transportation

It wasn’t too long ago that a few friends and I, taking advantage of the “slow” season in Asheville, enjoyed an afternoon hike up to Craggy Gardens. It’s truly one of the most beautiful, and accessible, areas on the Parkway. Just at the top, overlooking the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, we spotted the silhouette of a young man down on one knee. It was a magical moment to witness. The woman, visually excited, jumped twice and then fell into his arms. We can’t be sure, but we think she said yes 🙂

We realized later that while the “slow” season might be a great time to visit Asheville to beat the crowds, this time of year is a “season” all it’s own. This my friends, is called engagement season.

Did you know that the top 4 days to get engaged are during the winter months? Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day overwhelmingly top the chart for popping the big question. And while “engagement season” may not require reservations, what comes next certainly has a waiting list.

Last year alone, Asheville hosted over 2,200 couples as they exchanged their “I do’s.” That’s 2,200 venues booked, weekends booked and of course, wedding transportation booked. To make sure you get the perfect vendors, venues and vehicles for your perfect day, we always recommend contacting in advance.

Asheville Premier Transportation offers an array of professional wedding services catered to serve your special day. Our professional wedding chauffeurs provide unparalleled customer service and timeliness. We offer private getaway cars, small group transportation to and from your venue, and private tours and travel for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

New seasons, bring new celebrations and Asheville Premier Transportation is ready to get you there in style!

 

 

Ringing in the New Year: Asheville Style

By: about in category: Transportation

The parties, the bubbles, the balloon drops! If you are ringing in the New Year in Asheville, NC – it’s time to make the resolution  to do it in style!

Whether you are planning a romantic evening out with dinner and champagne or a full night of party hopping, Asheville Premier Transportation offers luxury town cars, SUV’s and our new fully equipped 14-passenger Ford Transit to fit your entire New Year’s Eve party!

Enjoy the sparkle and grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains, dine in our award-winning culinary city and stroll through the romantic winter streets of Downtown Asheville this holiday’s eve. It’s not too late to book your personal transportation and discover why Asheville, NC was the only US city in the world to make the Forbes “15 Coolest Places to Go in 2018.”   Ride into the New Year in style with Asheville Premier Transportation!

Check out our favorite ways ring in 2018

Tryon Intl Equestrian Center is hosting two parties in celebration of New Year’s Eve  Sunday, Dec. 31 –  Legends Club and Campagna Italian Grille – for the price of one all-access pass. Individual tickets are $80 per person or $150 per couple and include passed heavy hors d’oeuvres from theme of country celebrating New Year’s at that time throughout the night, a dinner buffet, two live bands, a DJ, champagne toast, party favors and more as you watch the ball drop!

Winter Lights at NC Arboretum: Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition, walk through the winter wonderland of nearly 500,000 energy-efficient LED lights at the Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This outdoor holiday exhibit is one of the most popular holiday experiences each year in Asheville. Open New Year’s Eve! Dress warm & grab a cup of hot cocoa or cider for the walk!

Biltmore Estate: Biltmore Estate is open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Experience the wonder of the holiday season at the breathtaking Christmas at Biltmore. Visitors can cozy up by candlelight under the grand holiday décor of the Biltmore House and experience the holidays underneath the extravagant 35-foot Frasier Fir Christmas Tree in the banquet hall. With miles of ribbon, garlands, and lights, this is an experience the entire family will remember for a lifetime.

The Omni Grove Park Inn: Famous New Year’s buffets & parties!  Blue Ridge Dining Room will feature the big New Year’s Eve Buffet and a New Year’s Day “Good Luck” Buffet. Plus, ring in 2018 with the Grove Park’s special New Year’s Eve Times Square Party in the Grand Ballroom.

Asheville Symphony Orchestra: Celebrate in the U.S. Cellular Center banquet hall following the performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. The after-party will feature a 1940s jazz band, dancing, and a midnight toast. Tickets for the after-party are $125 per person and include party favors, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and champagne.

Rosé All Day: Asheville Travels, Tours & Tastings

By: about in categories: Tours, Transportation

We have had such an amazing time traveling through Western North Carolina with our groups and parties this summer! It seems only fair to share with our followers some of our epic adventures: Rosé All Day: Asheville Travels, Tours & Tastings.

In August, we had such a great time spending the day with a group of lovely ladies touring Silver Fork Winery and South Creek Vineyards and Winery! Our group was celebrating an upcoming wedding and wanted to take a journey on our Catawba Valley Wine Tour.

Located in Nebo, NC, South Creek Winery, was our first stop to tour their charming Italian Renaissance Farmhouse and taste award winning Bordeaux Style Wines.

Next we ventured to Silver Fork Winery, located just down the road in Morganton, NC and one of the first vinifera grape growers in North Carolina. Silver Fork boasts a budding 3.5 acre vineyard and 7 varietals; Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Chambourcin, Tourega Nacional.

Both wineries had the most amazing views and an incredible space to share the afternoon with our new friends and family.

In September, we celebrated with a fun-spirited group of bachelorettes as we transported them from a rental cabin in Fairview to their breathtaking wedding venue, The Crest Center & Pavilion. 

We want to thank each of these groups and we absolutely loved being a part of these special days.

Do you have a special event coming up in your life?

Asheville Premier Transportation offers customizable tours to experience the best of what Asheville has to offer. Our professional driver can pick your group up at any accommodations and be your personal chauffeur. Enjoy a day touring our local wineries, breweries, adventures on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or even a professional driver for your group to experience a night out in Asheville. All in a day and all the driving is left to us!

 

 

 

Ty Pennington in Waynesville and Asheville NC!

By: about in category: Transportation

ty pennington asheville waynesville

Every now and then I get to drive a celebrity around town. Of course there are many celebrities coming to the area. Some want to stay incognito, and others are here in public, and sometimes with a mission to accomplish. Ty Pennington recently came to the Asheville area to work on a community project in Haywood County where they are turning the old Hazelwood Prison in Waynesville into a shelter and soup kitchen. This is a Haywood Pathways Project. Asheville Premier Transportation has the pleasure of transporting this wonderful person around while he was in town. Thank you for the opportunity!