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Asheville for Gay and Lesbian Visitors |
Also see: 10 Favorites for Gay/Lesbian Visitors | Gay Real Estate | Asheville Gay Travel Feature |
Gay Dating in 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,
read
Andrew's 2009 feature on Asheville.) |
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 WHAT TO DO?
Gay and lesbian folks visiting Asheville find a very friendly atmosphere overall, especially downtown and at Biltmore Estate. 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). Downtown boasts four gay/lesbian bars, including a sprawling dance club. To help you plan your trip, visit the 10 Asheville Favorites for Gay and Lesbian Visitors. Also, read about gay Asheville neighborhoods and real estate.
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INNS / BED & BREAKFASTS / CABINS: GAY OWNED / OPERATED |
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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. |
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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. |
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Brookside Mountain Mist Inn, Waynesville
Carolyn and Dina's luxury bed and breakfast is in the quaint town of Waynesville, just 30 minutes from downtown Asheville. Their oversized guestrooms are immaculate. Enjoy privacy and peacefulness in their park-like setting, just one mile from downtown Waynesville with great galleries and restaurants. You will also be next door to golf and a short drive to hiking and rafting in the Great Smoky Mountains. They even have a garage to store your kayak, bikes and cycles.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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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. |
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27 Blake Street, Asheville
Enjoy the romantic Garden Room in this 1897 house within easy walking distance of Asheville in the historic neighborhood of Montford. 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. |
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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. |
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1891 Cedar Crest Victorian Inn, Asheville
Marcio purchased this grand home in December 2007 and invites you to visit! This is 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. |
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North Lodge on Oakland, Asheville
Greg and Gregg invite you to the peace and serenity of their 1904 house, nestled on an acre of gardens that include a gazebo and fountain. Enjoy a three-course breakfast each morning. Then explore nearby Biltmore Estate or downtown. Return to enjoy goodies from the snack pantry and fresh baked cookies. Relax with an in-room massage. Does it get any better?
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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Talking Branch Cabin, Hot Springs
Located just 45 minutes northwest of Asheville, this cozy and private log cabin is situated next to a beautiful creek with small waterfalls and moss covered rocks. The property covers more than 74 acres of land with a hiking trail that begins at your doorstep and meanders through towering trees, wild flowers and ferns, ending at a lovely picnic spot beneath a canopy of spicebush and walnuts. Owners Frederike and Karen are avid nature lovers, organic gardeners, and beekeepers.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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The Cottage on Town Mountain, Asheville
Ralph just finished building this charming cottage in late 2009. It's beautifully decorated with antiques, oriental rugs, and original art. Enjoy plenty of privacy under towering evergreens and beautiful mountain sunset views from a large, private porch and the large living room. Bedroom suite includes a jetted tub for two and shower for two! Two miles from downtown Asheville, five minutes drive to Blue Ridge Parkway. Amenities include a fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, breakfast items, two televisions, wi-fi, outdoor dining table, and gas grill.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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Louisa's Porch B&B, Asheville
A stay with Bob is more akin to borrowing a friend's home for a getaway week or weekend. Plan to settle in, make full use of the facilities, enjoy nearby shopping and restaurants and let Bob take care of breakfast preparation and cleaning in his newly renovated historic home that opened as an inn in the Fall of 2009. Located in the Montford historic neighborhood, you'll enjoy rocking on the porch and the easy walk to downtown. Traveling with another couple? Book both rooms and have the house to yourself!
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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INNS / BED & BREAKFASTS / CABINS: GAY FRIENDLY
While these places are not gay-owned, they are very welcoming with a friendly staff and elegant accommodations. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Beefy's Retreat, Mars Hill
Philip (a.k.a. Beefy) and his friend "Sweaty" finished his "micro castle" in October 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, IPOD dock, gas fireplace, and a variety of DVDs, games and books. And it's pet friendly. Located near Wolf Laurel with great skiing and hiking is right outside your door. It's on a mountain road, but no 4WD is required. Sleeps up to 6.
Click here to visit their Web site.
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Applewood Manor Inn Bed & Breakfast, Asheville
Larry and Nancy, along with Mr. Monty and Miss Maggie (Australian Silky Terriers), invite you to stay in their colonial, turn-of-the-century home in the historic Montford District. They believe in privacy and intimacy, so there are quite a few private spots to relax. Walk the grounds, try out the porch swings, or relax in Adirondack chairs on private porches. For the ultimate in privacy, stay in their one-room romantic cottage next to the inn. They are just three miles from Biltmore and a 25-minute stroll past magnificent old homes to downtown Asheville.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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The Beaufort House Inn, Asheville
Enjoy the warmth and friendly atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind historic property. Built in 1894, this historic home has been meticulously restored with an air of casual luxury and elegance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this beautiful Queen Anne Victorian is situated on 1 ½ acres set back off the road in the quiet, residential neighborhood of the Chestnut Historic District. It provides an oasis of beautifully landscaped grounds, gardens, and waterfalls just a half mile stroll from the vibrant activities of downtown Asheville, NC. Jim and his wife, Chris, look forward to meeting you!
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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GAY & LESBIAN 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. |
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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.
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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. |
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Hidden River Events, Asheville
Hidden River is pleased to serve members of the LGBT community for their vacation rental and commitment ceremony/special events needs. They provide all that is needed for a largely outdoor celebration, including accommodations for up to 46 people. Clients can select all of their vendors or contract with them for full or partial service. Located in the beautiful Swannanoa Valley, next to Warren Wilson College, they are one of the prettiest venues in the region and offer kind and efficient services designed to meet your needs.
Click here to visit their Web site.
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| ASHEVILLE REAL ESTATE |
 Troy Winterrowd
Designer and Real Estate Broker Troy Winterrowd works with buyers and sellers here in Asheville at Real Living Connect, a gay-friendly agency with a storefront in the heart of downtown.
Click here to visit his Web site.
See more on Troy: Gay Living in Asheville |
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 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. |
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 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, so he is an expert in hospitality business. He has worked with several gay and lesbian couples in purchasing a bed and breakfast in the Asheville area. He and his partner of 17 years, Norman, live in Asheville. They love to travel in their motor home and spoil their “dog-children” Cody and Bailey.
See Asheville Area Bed and Breakfasts For Sale |
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| Thinking of moving to Asheville? Read more about Asheville Real Estate for gay & lesbian relocation. |
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| MORE |
| Read Stereotypd, the monthly GLBT newspaper.
Go to 10 Asheville Favorites for Gay and Lesbian Visitors.
For a relaxing massage or therapeutic bodywork, visit Body in Balance Asheville Massage & Bodywork.
For a national directory of GLBT friendly wedding professionals, visit RainbowWeddingNetwork.com.
For a directory of local gay-friendly businesses, see the Asheville Purple Pages. |
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