The Concierge’s Top Five Entertainment Choices: Near the Residences at Biltmore

May 29th, 2008

Asheville is a town where there are so many choices for entertainment, it can be hard to decide what to do. Maybe you’re planning a family vacation, or only visiting Asheville over the weekend. Perhaps you are looking for adventure, and a chance to participate in the local culture discussed so widely, in various media. The Residences at Biltmore is a concierge condominium, and our staff is here for our guests 24 hours per day. Our concierges are trained to understand and respond to the needs of our guests. They are also here to make creative, fun recommendations for dining, outdoor adventures, entertainment, spas, and more.
Leah Franks is an evening concierge. She mentioned she is often asked whether or not walking to Biltmore Village and the surrounding area is feasible from The Residences at Biltmore. Her answer is yes, but only if you feel hardy enough to walk back up the hill, once your outing is over. Those who are not used to the steep inclines may want to drive, and walk around once arrived in the general area.
Concierge Leah Franks was asked to focus solely on the area of South Asheville for her top five choices in entertainment. In a future blog, Leah will reveal her entertainment choices for downtown Asheville.

Top Five Choices for Entertainment in South Asheville
Biltmore Estate:
The Biltmore Estate is close to The Residences at Biltmore and an obvious destination for many of the guests here. Leah pointed out some interesting tours Biltmore Estate now offers in addition to a general tour of the “estate, gardens, and winery.” Biltmore estate has many idyllic views, working farms, riverside coves, wildlife, flora and fauna to take in.
The Segway Tour is a guided tour that utilizes the new upright personal vehicle often seen in urban districts, as a means of getting around faster. Leah says: “The Segway Tour is great for those who want to see more of Biltmore Estate but do not want to walk up and down hills to cover a wider territory.” A full admission ticket is required and an additional fee is applied for the Segway Tour. Other add on outdoor activities are also available. Visitors may add bike rentals, tubing, horseback riding, and more. Leah says it is definitely worthwhile to get out on to the grounds of the estate and explore, especially during the high season, when everything’s in bloom.

Asheville Historic Trolley Tour: The historic trolley tour of Asheville is a wonderful way to become familiar with the different districts of Asheville, and it’s lively history. The trolley driver narrates Asheville’s history while driving through the town. The main areas explored are: Biltmore Village, downtown Asheville, the Grove Park Inn and Montford Historic District. A trolley ticket is good for a whole day. Riders can disembark at will, and board the trolley again later. Leah says some guests even use the Asheville Trolley as way to get around town. From March-November guests can take the ghost tour on the trolley. As you ride, listen to the colorful ghost stories that popularized certain dwellings and establishments in Asheville.

The Gray Line Trolley Tours: The Gray Line Trolley Tours serve South Asheville, downtown Asheville, Montford Historic District, and the Grove Park Inn. The difference between this line and the Historic Trolley Tour is the Gray Line Trolley Tours also visit the River Arts District. Simply ask a Residences at Biltmore concierge for Gray Line Trolley Tickets, which are on sale at the desk. The Gray Line Trolley Tours can be boarded less than one mile from The Residences at Biltmore in Biltmore Village.

The Brews Cruise: A slightly different variation on the trolley theme is the Brews Cruise. This new, popular tour is for those who want to sample some of the best microbreweries in Asheville. A stop at three of Asheville’s microbreweries are included on The Brews Cruise: French Broad Brewing Company, Asheville Pizza and Brewing and Highland Brewing Company.

Cinebarre: Located on nearby Brevard Road, in the Biltmore Square Mall, the Cinebarre is becoming more popular as time goes by. This is an upscale movie theater and restaurant, where food, beer, and wine are served before and during the movie. Children under 6 are not permitted. The Cinebarre is a great way to relax after a long day of touring and shopping.

The Garage at Biltmore:
Next door to the French Broad Brewing Company on Biltmore Avenue is The Garage at Biltmore. This dance and music club is the closest nightclub to The Residences at Biltmore. The live music reflects local tastes and may include rock, techno, hip-hop and more. Leah says “The Garage at Biltmore is mostly an 18-30s crowd.” The Garage at Biltmore is a place where the visitor can sample the Asheville music scene. Leah says it is within walking distance – just remember the long walk uphill on the way back. Just phone the desk and the concierge will be happy to call a cab, if needed.