 How would you like to take a "Presidential"-like vacation in Asheville? President Barack Obama and wife Michelle took a “romantic getaway” to Asheville on April 23-25, 2010. The President visited Asheville during his campaign during 2008, and regretted that he did not have time to explore the area. The first couple stayed at Grove Park Inn and enjoyed great food, golf, hiking, and a tour of Biltmore House.
Arriving by Air Force One at the Asheville Airport on Friday night, their first stop was lunch at 12 Bones Smokehouse Restaurant, returning after dining there during the campaign. They enjoyed ribs, mac & cheese, greens, baked beans, corn pudding and corn bread. Located in the River Arts District, the 12 Bones menu features a range of tasty smoked meats as well as vegetarian items. Everything is fresh and their smoke their meats for a long, slow lingering time.
Then they were off to check-in at Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, the historic hotel hillside resort overlooking downtown. The President enjoyed a round of golf at the resort, while the First Lady visited the spa. The Grove Park Inn opened in 1913. In the decades since it has become one of the South’s most famous and venerable resorts.
President Obama is the tenth United States President to vacation at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. The President and First Lady invited two other couples who are close friends of the First Family to join them for their vacation at the historic resort.
On Saturday, the President got in another round of golf and Mrs. Obama played tennis before the couple rode up the Blue Ridge Parkway to a hike on the Mountain-to-Sea Trail, near the Rattlesnake Lodge section of the 190-mile mountain section of the trail. They surprised a few hikers along their two mile woodland stroll. The Blue Ridge Parkway is part of the U.S. National Park Service and is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year.
The Cecil family, owners of the famed Biltmore Estate, gave the couple a private 45-minute tour of the Biltmore House, the largest private residence in America and National Historic Landmark. Rainy weather cancelled their planned garden tour.
After their visit to Biltmore, the First Family stopped near at the Corner Kitchen at Biltmore Village for dinner. Located in an historic house, this casual restaurant features many local ingredients. President Obama enjoyed the macadamia nut pesto grilled mahi-mahi with coconut rice, snap peas and pineapple salsa.
The President visited well-known evalengelist Rev. Billy Graham at his home in nearby Montreat (Black Mountain) before he departed on Sunday morning.
|
