Archive for the ‘Specials’ Category
Sunday, April 11th, 2010
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. It will be celebrated on Thursday, April 22 in many ways and in many countries. But what does Earth Day really mean?
In the US, Earth Day as it was named, is celebrated on April 22nd, having first started in 1970. Around the world, Earth Day is called different things and celebrated at different times, but the concept is still the same. It is a day (or period of time) for people to appreciate and focus on the Earth’s environment, either through events, fundraisers, celebrations, and other types of activities geared toward awareness.
In Western NC, we too, celebrate Earth Day. Some of the activities planned here include:
At the Inn, I try to be aware of the purpose of Earth Day year-round, through an ongoing effort to green the Inn and to reduce waste and the environmental impact of operating this place. I wrote an earlier blog on my efforts at becoming green and those are ongoing. Even today, my son built a 4′ X 7′ garden box so that I can start growing my own vegetables, herbs and fruits for use in cooking here at the Inn. While a small gesture, it’s just one step in a checklist of things I am doing around here to become more eco-conscious.
As travelers, we all have the responsibility to pay attention to the amount of trash we create while on the road (we tend to produce more trash away from home than at home). We should also pay attention to the practices of the places we stay at and eat at and support those businesses that make an effort at eco-friendliness. In Asheville, there are plenty of accommodations and restaurants that are going green. Check out Posana Cafe and Green Sage Coffeehouse Cafe and you’ll be impressed, not only with their food, but with their “greenness.”
For me, Earth Day is something I try to be conscious of all year. But even if you only celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, many people can do a lot of good. Come to Asheville during our Earth Day celebrations, and you will receive a 40% discount off the 3rd night of your stay (between 4/13 – 4/27).
Thursday, April 1st, 2010
Although Asheville is a relatively small city, it is a popular tourist destination. When I speak to potential guests on the telephone, I find myself educating many on all that Asheville, and the surrounding cities and mountains, has to offer. Asheville is not just the downtown area, although downtown is definitely a must-see, must-experience part of the city. I also have to explain that for most people, you can’t really experience all this area has to offer on foot; you really need a car (or some other long-distance type of transportation) to get around to everything. Therefore, being a B&B in South Asheville about a 10-15 minute drive from “downtown” is not a bad thing because guests are going to be driving all over this area anyway.
For example, southeast of Asheville is Chimney Rock Park and Lake Lure; south of Asheville is “South Asheville” and all the development going on including the opening of several restaurants, spas/salons, shopping areas and movie theaters plus Hendersonville (the apple capital of the south) and Flat Rock; southwest of Asheville is Brevard with all its glorious waterfalls, Dupont State Park and Pisgah National Forest with pieces of the Blue Ridge Parkway and tons of hiking; west of Asheville is “West Asheville” and its new revival of the area shops, restaurants, and artist community; further west is Waynesville, Cataloochie Ski and Elk area, and the Cherokee Reservation; northwest of Asheville you have several starting points for white water rafting and other water adventures; north and northeast of Asheville are lots and lots of cool places and mountains to explore including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone and Blowing Rock, Linville Caverns, Mount Mitchell State Park, Grandfather Mountain, and several ski locations; and east of Asheville is Black Mountain.
There is so much to include in the list, but I assume the reader gets the picture. Asheville is much more than just downtown Asheville and in order to really get the flavor of this area, visitors need more than a couple of days. However, I totally understand that people may not have a lot of time and want to pack in as much as possible during a short or long stay. That’s where the Go Blue Ridge Card comes in.
The Go Blue Ridge Card is one card for about 30 different attractions. One card, one fee, up to 30 places to visit! You can get a 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day card and days do not have to be used consecutively. You have up to 2 weeks to use all of the days on your card.
Some of the attractions included in the card are: BILTMORE ESTATE, Grayline Trolley Tours of Asheville, Lake Lure Tours, Chimney Rock Park, Grandfather Mountain, and Wildwater Rafting, just to name a few.
This is a HUGE savings if you plan to visit more than 2 attractions on the list. The cost of each ticket is as follows:
- 2-day: $84.99 (adult); $54.99 (child – ages 3-12)
- 3-day: $114.99 (adult); $59.39 (child – ages 3-12)
- 5-day: $159.99 (adult); $94.49 (child – ages 3-12)
To add a little excitement (and incentive) to guests, during the month of APRIL, I am offering a SPRING BREAK MID-WEEK DEAL:
- stay 3 nights in any room priced $130/night or higher (Sundays – Thursdays), receive a complimentary 2-day GO BLUE RIDGE CARD.
- Stay 4 nights in any room priced $130/night or higher (Sundays – Thursdays), receive a complimentary 3-day GO BLUE RIDGE CARD.
- Stay 5 nights in any room priced $130/night or higher (Sundays – Thursdays), receive a complimentary 5-day GO BLUE RIDGE CARD.
This special may not be combined with any other discounts, specials, or offers. Complimentary card is for one person and reservation must be booked between 4/1 – 4/24 for stays to be completed by 4/29.
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Book a 3-night reservation at 1847 Blake House Inn Bed & Breakfast for travel dates between April 3 – May 16 (that’s Biltmore’s Festival of Flowers) and be entered into a drawing for either 2 FREE tickets or 1 FREE Annual Pass.
Reservation must be booked between February 22 – March 23 to qualify for the drawing. Winner will be notified via email and will be featured on our Facebook Fan Page. No other specials or discounts may be applied to the winning reservation.
If you have been to Biltmore before, there is exciting news this year. The Estate will be opening the new Antler Hill Village, adjacent to the Winery and River Bend Farm. The Antler Hill Village will include a new exhibition space, village green with live entertainment, dining, shopping, and a new outdoor adventure center. As part of this project, Biltmore Winery will be enhanced to offer a newly-designed tour and tasting areas.
Because of the extraordinarily cold and snowy winter this year, we are all awaiting Spring and the massive flower display at Biltmore with excitement and anticipation. Winning free tickets/annual pass is just the perfect excuse to come to Asheville and enjoy it all with us.
