Is it hot in here?

Fighting over the thermostat yet?

No need to fight when there are plenty of fun activities to do indoors while you're in Asheville.

This month's Indoor Scoop

•  "A Biltmore Christmas" debuts + so does our ONLINE GIVEAWAY
• Forget Netflix, check out these cool, funky, artsy, dine-in Asheville independent theatres
• An Apple a Day Recipes from our Innkeepers and a Mid-Week Getaway Special
• Asheville's Year Round Christmas Shoppe and Where to Pick Your Own Christmas Tree

It's time to get in the spirit!

Our Asheville and mountain weather is one of the most popular reasons people choose to visit and live in the Asheville area.  We experience all four seasons without the extremes.  It's why so many flock here in the middle of summer where cooler temps provided by our canopy of forests make for cooler temps on the ground.  Our winter weather is just enough to experience the chill, the snow and your fabulous winter wardrobe without enduring long months of frigid temps.  Our cooler temps generally dip some time toward the end of October, perfect for pumpkin patches and Christmas trees.

So, if you're spending the winter holidays with us, we encourage you to consider these indoor activities that are sure to brighten your smile and warm your hearts (and hands and tummies).

Hallmark's "A Biltmore Christmas" debuts ( and so does our giveaway):

The Perfect Holiday Couple - Biltmore Estate plus Hallmark Christmas movies makes for the perfect holiday couple and what a great way to start the season. Like hot chocolate and marshmallows, cookies and milk, you will fall in love with "A Biltmore Christmas" debuting on November 26th on the Hallmark Channel.  The entire film was filmed at The Biltmore Estate where even the cast stayed (well, not at THE HOUSE itself but at the Inn on Biltmore) throughout production.

A Holiday Giveaway - To get you excited, we're doing an online social media giveaway which will include some fabulous Hallmark/Biltmore Estate themed merchandise, the cookbook by Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association and two bags of locally made Poppy's Popcorn.  Be sure to follow us on ➡️ Instagram and ➡️ Facebook to be eligible for this week long giveaway (November 6 - 10).

And don't forget, many of our members offer a discount for Biltmore Estate Tickets. Click here

Tired of Netflix?  Experience a movie the old fashioned way and check out Asheville's local independent, cool, artsy, funky and dine-in film theatres. Each one is unique and offers more than the traditional snacks and beverages.

• Grail Moviehouse- Located in the River Arts Distrit with plenty of parking and surrounded by an eclectic array of graffiti art covered restaurants, coffee shops and art galleries, the Grail Moviehouse fits right in as an independent, locally owned theater, screening first run, art and independent films, documentaries, and a regular rotation of seasonal and cinematic series.  You can get the usual theatre snacks along with local beer, cider and delectable local treats. Sit back and relax in these smaller theatres that make you feel like you're in someone else's cool living room. With a nod to history, Grail Moviehouse features Silent Sundays (silent films featuring live piano accompaniment and special themes like classic horror movies for Halloween.
• Fine Arts Theatre,in downtown Asheville features art and independent films in a building that should have it's own documentary due to its colorful history dating back to 1947. The theatre was re-opened in 1996 with a much more grown up update and featuring films that are more family friendly than its past.

An Apple A Day from our Innkeepers

Awww baking. The best indoor activity and our Innkeepers love to bake! Who doesn't love the smell of warm apples and cinnamon and then enjoying the fruits of your labor with friends and family! If you missed the NC Apple Festival in September, you can still enjoy them apples!  We asked our Innkeepers to share their favorite apple recipes.  Click here to view, bake and then eat!

If you enjoyed these recipes, check out the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association Cookbook.

ABBA member, Bent Creek Lodge, is offering a mid-week getaway from now through January 31, 2024! Stay any 3 nights (or more) that include a Tuesday, and receive Tuesday 50% off!

Book online here.

Bent Creek Lodge is located minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway and features beautiful mountain views, cozy seating by an inviting fireplace, hearty breakfast and miles of hiking and walking.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

Once you've baked the pie, watched "A Biltmore Christmas", how about holiday decorating?  Get your shopping on while you're here and be sure to visit The Olde World Shoppe in Historic Biltmore Village, a year round Christmas decor shop filled with gingerbread houses, Santa figures, handmade ornaments and more.  Historic Biltmore Village itself is its own pedestrian shopping district with its history steeped in the development of The Biltmore Estate. At the behest of Frederick Law Olmsted, Biltmore Village was designed between 1894-1895 and has withstood many changes. Today it is one of the most popular places for shopping and dining (local tip - street parking is also free).  You'll even see a cart with chestnuts roasting!

Pick Your Own Christmas Tree - Of course, one of the most popular November indoor activities is the holiday decorating and of course, A Christmas Tree is a must.  This is a perfect activity for your last day in Asheville. Before heading out, have a hot breakfast at your member Inn. Plan your trip by first checking out websites to find out when they are open for the season (most are open mid-November). Some Christmas tree farms are accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway while others may require at least a 30 minute drive as they tend be in higher elevations. Here's a great blog describing the Christmas Tree farms near Asheville. You can also visit our local WNC Farmers Market where from Mid November to Christmas they are the largest Christmas Tree Market on the East coast.

Tips: Christmas trees can last for a few days in the back of your truck.  Keep the tree in the net (so the branches don't fly around) and bring a tarp to protect your truck bed or car top.

No matter what, staying inside is sounding way more appealing even when you're surrounded by these beautiful mountains!

From all of us at Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association, Happy Holidays!