...Been working on the road trip itineraries for this coming season....(11 planned so far..)

Thinking about DC to Asheville NC, down the Blue Ridge Parkway, with 2-3 days in Asheville for Biltmore visit, etc.

I'd appreciate any suggestions/recommendations ref: local area highlights, campgrounds, etc.

Lee; We did it in two days . First was rain until noon so we did inside self guided tour with headsets, this is the best way, as you can do at your speed ,stop for lunch , start up agian . The greenhouses are great if you like flowers and trees and it is a nice place to get away from the crowds to a place with lots of seating in the sun or shade. This place is very large and was even bigger to start. We got the 2 day full pass which included free lunch at the old stables which is 10-15 minute drive and well worth it. The chef did a custom salad just for you and the buffet was large and nothing was simple, great deserts. Second day we did a behind the crowds tour or the roof tops. You look out and see no roads, wires, buildings, highlines, nada, forever ( yes it is that big a place). Did we like it? Yes. The area has many nice state parks, shopping towns, water falls, water falls, water falls. Pasgah Mts Nat. Forest was sold to US by the Mrs. Vanderbilt. The Blue Ridge Parkway in this section is good with a must see stop at Pisgh Mts Nat Forest,Lodge Restaraunt for beakfast, lunch or supper , the view south is forever. Du Pont State Forest is small off to itself but great waterfalls. Lake Lure is nice with last years 2006 HGTV Dream home project(check it out at HGTV.com) We did it in that fall and will go back soon in spring to see the place in bloom. We stayed west side of town near the airport9 I think I hear 1 plane, it was private with cable TV, lake, small full hook-ups. JKB 1988 Regal 454

Lee; Of course it can,t compare with Three Oaks Michigan. JKB 1988 28' Regal 454

Lee, I live about 110 miles west of Ashville, NC. While you are in Asville, go have lunch or dinner at the Grove Park Inn. Cherokee Casino is about 50 or so miles from there also. And while there, go to the park at Catalooche and visit the elk herd. There is white water rafting also, if you are into that. Very scenic area, with plenty of lakes, mountains. Happy motoring .
sky

Hi All,

Made it to Tucson AZ and got to se the Kitt Peak Observatory. Heading back to the cold! The old '87 is doing fine.

Jim

Jim, take yer time - it's warmin', heah in de Souf...STar Party in Jax, FL 3/9-10, another in MS in mid April, yet another near Macon late April. Snow's not expected at any of them...

Thanks John & Sky for the good info....Sounds like we better expand our stay into 2-3 days to take it all in, plus hit all the good vittle places. Biltmore's interior will be my bride's highlight - mine will be attempting to stay vertical during the tour of the grounds on a Segway......

...and you're right John, NOTHING beats good old Three Oaks, MI! I'll be passing thru there next month enroute to the Soo to hunt for the ever-elusive smelt

Lee: The smelting in Chicago is not bad and a great way to spend a spring night. JKB 1988 28' Barth 454

Did you make it to Asheville yet? Our daughter in law is the editor of the Arts & Entertainment section of the local free paper MountainXpress.com
It is a good resource for you if want to visit online too.

If you have never been to the Biltmore Estate it is jaw dropping & it takes a lot for me to be awed. You will enjoy it. I've never camped in Asheville so I can't help you there. There are many that are not even listed in Woodalls etc.
Mrs. humbojb

When you go to Biltmore, ask to take the behind the scenes tour, I think that is what it is called, you will see the innerworkings of the place & it is fascinating.
Mrs. h