by NicoleC » Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:19 pm
We previously lived in NC and spent quite a bit of time up in the mountain towns. Generally, when we're that close to Asheville, we typically drive in a good bit of the time because it's such a wonderful city and has fun things to do as well solid dining (Laughing Seed for vegetarian, Salsa for Mexican Caribbean Fusion, Early Girl or Tupelo Honey for Southern Food -- we've eaten at all of them with our daughter between ages 0-4)
Harris Teeter is the main grocery store in NC (It's much better than Kroger, etc) and in the mountain towns there is usually an Ingles! which is a good choice, too.
There is so much to do there with kids -- it's such a great area up to Asheville and down to upstate SC. The little downtowns around there are fun to explore (ie- Hendersonville) and my daughter used to love going into Mast General Store. You'll be right next to Chimney Rock -- we hiked that with her, but you'd need to have a hiking backpack to carry small children. Lake Lure is beautiful -- hopefully you'll have access to a boat.
I miss going to the mountain orchards and picking apples in the fall.
Enjoy!