|
|
|
|
Asheville for Gay and Lesbian Visitors |
Asheville Gay Owned/Friendly Inns | 10 Favorites for Gay/Lesbian Visitors | Instinct Magazine
Gay Dating in Asheville | Gay.com Top 10 Getaway | New York Times: Moving To Asheville |
 Asheville is becoming a popular vacation getaway for gays and lesbians. This mountain city is something of an undiscovered gem among lesbian and gay tourists, surprising when you consider Asheville's significant feminist and lesbian/gay communities. The region supports an active art scene and is rich with hiking and outdoor opportunities. Downtown Asheville sits like a saucer nestled among the slopes of numerous and verdant mountains. It's well preserved, with many great old buildings, cool restaurants, acclaimed crafts galleries, and fun shops. Vibrant by day, the area is becoming steadily more lively at night. It's easy to find friendly and approachable locals, and a diverse crowd at coffeehouses and bars or just strolling about. Organic bakeries, co-ops, and politically active cafes proliferate. The city prides itself on being a haven of divergent and eclectic views. (Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA by Andrew Collins) |
|
WHAT TO DO?
Gay and lesbian folks visiting Asheville find a very friendly atmosphere overall, especially downtown. There is a large gay and lesbian community that enjoys meeting visitors (since most of them were once visitors before they fell in love with the area and moved here). To help you plan your trip, visit the 10 Asheville Favorites for Gay and Lesbian Visitors. |
|
| INNS / BED & BREAKFASTS / CABINS: GAY OWNED / OPERATED |
|
|
1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage, Asheville
Frank and Ralph have made big improvements to this New England Shingle-Style home during the last four years. Filled with antiques, collectibles, and original works of art, the house is a short walk from downtown. While Frank is busy cooking and greeting guests, you will find Ralph "playing" in his beautiful gardens with many unusual plants or in their greenhouse filled with 1,500 orchids and tropicals!
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
Bittersweet Cottage & Suite, Asheville
Matt and Stephen's arts and crafts style cottage and Asian-inspired suite atop Elk Mountain was designed with the discerning guest in mind. Evidence of this is the custom wood paneling, central air, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen (with a refrigerator stocked with breakfast items), and glass block bath. Enjoy the vistas of Asheville and the mountains from the deck..
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
Compassionate Expressions Mountain Inn, Cabins & Spa, Leicester
Reva and Lenora welcome you with country hospitality to their magical 40-acre private mountain retreat, a 30-minute drive from Asheville. Enjoy spectacular mountain views from your choice of accommodations: inn rooms, cabins and RV sites. Quality spa and healing services are available to soothe your soul. The retreat is a great spot for commitment ceremonies, retreats and workshops.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
27 Blake Street, Asheville
Enjoy the romantic Garden Room in this 1897 house within easy walking distance of Asheville. Carolyn will welcome you into her home that features award winning gardens. The suite has a private entrance, private bath, queen bed, AC, cable television, coffee maker and mini fridge.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
Mountain Laurel B&B, Asheville
Step through the door for a haven of comfort and safety in a welcoming atmosphere. Mountain Laurel sits on a hill surrounded by trees, woods, and mountains. Three spacious rooms are available, all of which have satellite TV, VCR, and many other amenities. Enjoy an extensive library of gay/lesbian books, magazines, and videos.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
105 Main Street Bed and Breakfast, Mars Hill
Robb and Steve welcomes you to their grand 1901 home in a charming mountain town. Enjoy vista views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, casual atmosphere, delicious breakfasts, afternoon appetizers, library, wireless Internet, and a cozy sitting room with an electronic keyboard inside an early 1900s upright piano (ready for you to play!).
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
1891 Cedar Crest Victorian Inn, Asheville
Bruce and Marcio purchased this grand home in December 2007 and invite you to visit! They are the closest B&B to Biltmore, located just a few blocks away from the entrance. And they are only a mile from downtown! Take a glimpse back in time, while enjoying all the luxuries and modern conveniences of the present. Check out their special discount to gay & lebian visitors!
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
INNS / BED & BREAKFASTS / CABINS: GAY FRIENDLY
While these places are not gay-owned, they are very welcoming with a friendly staff and elegant accommodations. |
|
 |
Inn on Main Street, Weaverville
Dan and Nancy invite you to join them for your romantic getaway at their beautiful seven-room Victorian B&B in quiet, artsy Weaverville, just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville. Walk to fine dining, galleries, live music and a scenic mountain lake. Take a drive to hot mineral baths, rafting, antiques, trails or the Blue Ridge Parkway. Snuggle by the fire or enjoy the whirlpool tub. Celebrate the variety and harmony of the human experience in a casual atmosphere.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
Cottages at Spring House Farm, Chimney Rock
If you are looking for peace and quiet, retreat to one of only six fully-stocked cottages (with fireplaces and hot tubs) on 92-acres. Owners Zee Anne and Arthur Campbell are pro ecology and have created an oasis with in the midst of valleys and hills, streams and trout ponds, deep woods and pastures. Use numerous hiking trails to explore the property. Picked by Outside Traveler magazine as a "Top Ten Hideaway". 37 miles southeast of downtown Asheville.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
Owl's Nest Inn & Engadine Log Cabins, Candler
If you are looking for a country setting, go to Owl's Nest Inn, about 14 miles west of downtown Asheville. Built in 1885, the inn sits on 12 acres and offers plenty of romantic spots with its wraparound porches, picnic areas on top of a mountain, and benches in the meadow to enjoy the mountain views. Two adorable log cabins top the knoll behind the inn.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
The Lion & the Rose Bed & Breakfast, Asheville
Jim and Linda's beautiful pink lady sits at the top of a sloping lawn with gardens above Montford Avenue. Faithfully restored to its original elegance, each room is adorned with antiques and Persian rugs. Indulge your romantic fantasies with decadent gourmet breakfasts, and relish in the comfort of luxury linens and feather beds.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
Carolina Bed and Breakfast, Asheville
This turn-of-the-century Arts and Crafts style home has been graciously restored to it's original charm. Located in the Montford Historic District, it's just a 1/2 mile walk to downtown. You will find heart pine floors with six well-appointed guest rooms and a cottage that feature private baths, whirlpool bathtubs, fine linens and quilts, and most with working fireplaces. Other amenities that David and Susan offer include a full gourmet breakfast, afternoon refreshments, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and lovely gardens.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
Asheville Seasons Bed & Breakfast, Asheville
Interested in antiquing, eclectic shopping, art galleries, or stimulating your palette? Leave your car here and take a leisurely stroll (only 1 mile) to downtown Asheville. Tom and Ginger bring you all four seasons, no matter when you visit. Each of their thoughtfully planned rooms represents a season. Enjoy a guest pantry with complimentary coffee, tea and cold drinks and a delicious breakfast. Come relax in their beautiful and comfortable home and feel your stress level go down by the hour.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
|
Asia Bed and Spa, Asheville
At this luxury bed and breakfast near downtown, it's all about pampering and general well-being. They have built every facility and amenity to ensure your total relaxation and rejuvenation. After a couple's massage or a wet-body treatment and scrub, enjoy the cedar-lined Sauna Courtyard for two, European steam shower, and double-whirlpool tub in your beautiful suite.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
|
Beefy's Retreat, Mars Hill
Philip (a.k.a. Beefy) finished his "micro castle" in early 2008. Inspired by the storybook houses in the woods, you may feel like you're going to visit Hansel & Gretel. The difference is that you'll enjoy plenty of modern conveniences like multiple flat panel televisions, Direct TV, wi-fi, gas fireplace, and a variety of DVDs, games and books. And it's pet friendly! Located near Wolf Laurel, great skiing and hiking is right outside your door.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
COMMITMENT CEREMONIES
Asheville is becoming a popular destination for a gay and lesbian commitment ceremony or holy union. Any of the inns featured can help with arrangements for a very small gathering. For a larger celebration, Homewood (gay operated) is ideal. |
|
 |
Mountain Magnolia Inn, Hot Springs
Commitment ceremony or romantic getaway? Retreat to this 1868 Victorian Mansion. Soak in the famous hot mineral baths. Enjoy exquisite dining prepared by Chef Martha Beakes and served under the direction of her partner and hostess Sachi who also coordinates the details of commitment ceremonies. The Inn's mission is to provide a space where people can come to rest, relax, and renew their bodies, minds and spirits. While the Inn is elegant, the atmosphere is relaxed and dress is casual. They are located in a quaint valley town just 40 minutes north of Asheville. Steps from the Appalachian Trail.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 |
Homewood, Asheville
Homewood is a beautifully restored 1920's stone manor located in Asheville's post-Victorian historic district of Montford. The elegant castle features original hardwood floors, cherry walls, 20 foot ceilings, grand Appalachian stone fireplaces and alabaster sconces. Monroe will help you arrange the perfect ceremony, inside or outside, big or small.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
| REAL ESTATE |
 Eva Hartman & Amy Giles
Eva and Amy are a Broker/REALTOR Team working with Town and Mountain Realty in Asheville, North Carolina. Eva and Amy specialize in land, residential and commercial property in the city or further west in the glorious Blue Ridge Mountains. Their personal yet professional approach will help assure that you're in good hands.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
|
 Lyssa Cross, Asheville Realtor/Broker
Lyssa at Keller Williams Realty is a Certified Residential Specialist and an Accredited Buyer Representative. This extensive training, experience and commitment means that she has all you need to know to find and close a deal!
Click here to visit her Web site. |
|
 Bland Holland, Hospitality Broker
Bland specializes in the sale and purchase of inns, bed and breakfasts and "boutique small hotels." Since he is a specialist in this area, he does not work in the residential field. He owned a bed and breakfast (Azalea House in Florida) and managed others (Dolce’s Lakeway Inn and Resort in Austin, Texas and Richmond Hill Inn in Asheville, NC), so he is an expert in hospitality business. He and his partner of 15 years, Norman, live in Asheville. They love to travel in their motor home and spoil their “dog-child” Cody.
See Asheville Area Bed and Breakfasts For Sale |
|
| MORE |
|
|
|
