Seeing as I’m a Florida native (lived in Florida since I was 2, so that totally counts), Fall foliage season is one of those myths we hear about, but never get to see (like snow) unless we take a trip up north of the border. One of my favorite places “up north” is Asheville, North Carolina. It’s small, stuck in the mountains (real! live! mountains!), very laid back, and it has real! live! seasons! For us in Florida, we don’t have a Fall foliage, or really, any sort of massive leaf-color-changing time. Sure, we have a few trees around that change from green to red, but that’s about it.

Seeing the Fall foliage and leaves changing is one of those things every human needs to witness for themselves. Asheville is one of those easy places to get to from all over the east coast, and Asheville is plentiful in hotel rooms.

Biltmore House Fall Foliage, Asheville, North Carolina

Much of the changing leaves can be see within the city limits of Asheville, but a short drive into the mountains reveals vistas of color changes begging to be photographed.

Biltmore Village Inn
Touted as the “closest B&B to Biltmore House, this cottage offers ongoing specials and deals for visitors on romantic getaways. It’s hard to find a negative review of this near-perfect lodging establishment, and when you’re surrounded by the beauty that is Asheville during the Fall foliage season, you want the best.
119 Dodge Street,
Asheville, NC 28803

Holiday Inn Asheville-Biltmore East
An award-winning hotel on the Blue Ridge Parkway with views of the mountains and easy-access to more Fall foliage viewing. Like the name suggests, this hotel is close to the famed Biltmore House where photographers dream of taking their best shots.
1450 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805

Homewood Suites by Hilton
The list of stellar guest reviews speak for themselves at this location. The hotel sits within walking distance of much of downtown Asheville, and the just a short car ride to Biltmore House.
88 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805

Photo courtesy: Romantic Asheville

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa in Asheville, NC

If you’re trying to plan a romantic getaway, but need help coming up with just the right way to show your sweetie how much you care, The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa might be just what you need. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, it’s a perfect destination just about any time of year, and being nestled in the mountains you have the chance for some beautiful views.

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa offers a variety of packages and specials to help you plan just the getaway you have in mind. Looking for romance? Choose from one of six different packages designed to help you get things cooking, with spa treatments, gourmet meals, fabulous views, and other special treats. Plan a girls’ getaway or a golf weekend with one of their seven rejuvenation packages. Stressed? Maybe you should stick to the spa-related packages. The hotel also has packages available for a number of events and holidays.

The surrounding mountains

Obviously, the spa here is a big deal, and it should be — it was ranked #13 Worldwide by Travel & Leisure “World’s Best Hotel Spas” 2008! We’re not talking about a hot tub and a couple of massage tables. Rather, picture over 40,000 square feet of space devoted to the spa, and 15,000 of those are dedicated to amenities you can take advantage of before and after your treatment, such as mineral pools with underwater music, waterfall pools, and a eucalyptus-infused steam room, so you can truly have an entire day of pampering, all with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in sight.

Since 1913, The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa has been an important hotel, and is now considered one of the more famous hotels in the South. It started out as a resort dedicated to its guests comfort, and continues to do so, offering a state-of-the-art sports complex, complete with classes, equipment, even trainers for the fitness-minded.

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa offers something for everyone, whether your goal is to relax, reconnect, or reenergize. Depending on room choice and time of year, you can expect rates to be anywhere from the mid-$100s up to $700 or $800 for swankier digs. Got a date in mind? Check the rates for your desired reservation here.

Photo credit: The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa