Spring Awakening In Asheville, North Carolina-Rejuvinate Yourself

Winter has finally ended. Thank goodness for that little bit of revelation.Thinking about spring and a close destination you can take in for that long weekend getaway, think Asheville, Nc. Asheville pops up on national rankings for a variety of things: Modern Maturity named it one of "The 50 Most Alive Places To Be," Self magazine labeled it the "Happiest City for Women," it is one of AARP Magazine's "Best Places to Reinvent Your Life," and was proclaimed the "New Freak Capital of the U.S." by Rolling Stone. In the 2008 book The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner, Asheville was cited by the author to be one of the happiest places in the United States. What makes Asheville the happiest place for women and the United States? Read the articles or just go there yourself and find out.

It has been a long winter and many of us have been anxious to get on with spring's warmer temperatures. Of course, warmer temperatures mean more sun, and more sun brings more fun. It also brings the flowers to bloom and Asheville is an excellent place to observe the spring awakening. The Western North Carolina area is blessed with a variety of elevations and terrain containing a variety of plants, trees and shrubs in and around Asheville. It is also home to the Biltmore Estate with its beautiful gardens and Grandfather Mountain where the majority of the spring bloom appears at various times through the season.

This is a list of when and what to look for on your visit. March: Iris, Crocus, Narcissus "Daffodil", Yellow Violet, Spring Beauty, and Dutchman's Breeches. April: Phacelia, Cersis "Redbud", Yellow Lady, Rhododendron, Pink Lady, and Painted Trillium. May: Tulip, Violet, Dogwood, Trailing Arbutus, Mountain Laurel, Flame Azalia, Mountain Magnolia, Wild Cherry, Japonica, Trillium, Crab Apple, and Pinkshell Azalia. If you are like me and don't know a Phacelia from a Cersis "Redbud" take the opportunity to do some research and if you don't have the time, just go and enjoy it first hand.

Aside from flowers blooming, Asheville comes to life with spring activity. It is at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most visited national park in the United States. Hiking, fishing, swimming, tubing, rafting, horseback riding, and a host of other outdoor activity is available. Named a must-see destination in 2007 by Frommer's, it boasts a thriving arts community, a vibrant and inviting downtown, numerous historic and architectural attractions, and unique shopping options. Restaurants and dining are plentiful featuring all cuisines. Many restaurants also feature live music from jazz to bluegrass. A guided walking tour called Food Tours is offered. Also named one of the top 24 cities in the world for drinking beer! A great place to stay is the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa overlooking Asheville. Don't give it another thought, take the trip.-Vacation Rick Travel