Living full time in our motor home allows us to be Ready To Go. . .on to the next adventure!

Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco Skyline as seen from the Marin Headlands - California

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Full Time RV Travel–Asheville NC–Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park

DSC_6173

Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park

225 Amboy

Asheville NC 28806

(828)254-4676

Located right on the banks of the French Broad River,  which bears the distinction of being the third oldest river in the world, the RV park itself is really great.

DSC_6172

As advertised, all of the sites have nice cement slabs, of which, half back right up to the river.  We could sit right in our living room, and watch the kayakers and tubers floating by. . .very enjoyable.

Rear View Window - RiverFront RV Park - Asheville NC - 23JUL2011

Now making a reservation, and getting checked in. . .that was another story.  Calling for the reservation was very casual. . .the guy simply asked for the dates of our stay, and a last name. . .said, okay then. . .and that was it.

When we got here, he just had our name written down in a spiral notebook. . .but hey, we had a reservation, and a place to stay. . .so it was all good.

The absolutely ONLY negative is that the freeway is RIGHT THERE. . .I mean within spitting distance, so sometimes, when the truckers use their exhaust brakes you can hear it, even from inside the RV. . .

DSC_6176

ALSO. . .when you exit the freeway. . .at the END of the exit ramp. . .IMMEDIATELY make a right hand turn into a PARKING LOT AREA that sort of looks like a combination feed store/garage/RV shop. . .THAT IS THE OFFICE. . .and that is where you will check in.  It is a ghetto. . .and smells horrible. . .like wet dog. . .with mess piled everywhere. . .and I do mean everywhere!. . .but once you get past all that. . .the RV park is great.

We did have a WEE bit of a problem with low wattage. . .BUT. . .keep in mind, it was mid summer. . .July, everyone is running their a/c on high I am sure. . .so I think it is just to be expected.

We figured out very quickly, even with 50 amps, to turn one thing off before you turned the next one on. . .and don’t try to run several big things at once.  That is not the norm when we have 50 amp, but we just adapted, and pretended we only had 30 amp, and it worked out great.

If we plugged something in, and the digital voltage meter squealed, we quickly unplugged it, before the SURGE PROTECTOR could shut us down. . .you DO have a surge protector. . .RIGHT?

Now, Asheville NC itself, is just fabulous. . .this has been my favorite stop so far!

I will share a few things we have done. . .but before we get started, let me save you a few bucks.  I found this nifty little trick too late. . .but maybe you can use it. . .and then I will feel better!

Check out the the GO BLUE RIDGE CARD. . .it looks like a pretty good deal.

By the time I discovered it, we had already paid the admission, and done some of the stuff. . .so it wouldn’t have saved us enough. . .but wow. . .anyway, check it out.

Okay, here are a few things we did. . .

We always look for the GRAY LINE TOURS wherever we go. . .we’ve never had a bad one. . .and they are always worth every penny!

DSC_6111

They took us to nine different areas in the city, which we probably would not have seen on our own.  NOTE THOUGH, that they DO NOT take you to the Biltmore Estate. . .you can only go to Biltmore Village, which is a fabulous shopping area that includes the fanciest McDonald’s in the world. . .

IMGP0988IMGP0985IMGP0989

My poor hubby does NOT usually eat at McDonalds, but he made the supreme sacrifice. . .and suffered through a burger, just to make me happy. . .(thanks Babe.)

We drove a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. . .

DSC_6102

where, even though it was raining. . .

DSC_6096

and the tunnels felt tiny. . .and dark!

DSC_6097

the views were magnificent. . .

DSC_6098

Another day, we drove to Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 45 minutes from Asheville. . .the big attraction there is to hike to the top of Chimney Rock. . .which is almost a mile high. . .

DSC_6080

The admission price is $12 per person, and they made sure to tell us the elevator was out. . .but there’s stairs all the way from the bottom to the top. . .right?. . .and we are in fair shape. . .right?  HA!  I thought I was going to die. . .but I made it. . .

CapRock State Park - CapRock NC - 3/4 mile climb to the summit - 21 JUL 2011

the views, which on a clear day, can be up to 75 miles, were just wonderful. . .but. . .I DON’T KNOW. . .

CapRock State Park - CapRock NC - 3/4 mile climb to the summit - 21 JUL 2011

unless you are under forty, and in fantastic shape. . .I think I would wait for the elevator to be fixed. . .seriously. . .it was a very, very difficult climb. . .especially in the heat. . .even with water. . .I will think long and hard, before I try a moderate to difficult trek again.

Back to Asheville. . .we finally made it to the Biltmore Estate. . .

DSC_6148

It was just magnificent. . .absolutely stunning.  There are no words or pictures that could ever describe the overwhelming presence of such a glorious place. . .inside and out.  You must see it for yourself. . .

All I can tell you is. . .it was worth every penny of the admission price of $49 per person (online ticket price) $59 at the door. . .and once I found out that they do not accept any government grants, but are totally self sufficient and self reliant, I was even more appreciative of such a wonderful experience.

We were advised to rent the audio equipment, which is available as soon as you enter the mansion for $10. . .I would say that was also a wise investment. . .it was less expensive than paying for a guided tour, and allowed us to go at our own pace, and enjoy the ambience of each room.

Overall, Asheville NC, has been a wonderful experience, and I am glad we came to see it. . .

One last note. . .the WNC (West North Carolina) Farmer’s Market is really great. . .so if you are here in your RV, make a trip by there, and support the local growers. . .really tasty stuff!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our trip as much as we’ve enjoyed experiencing it, and if you ever decide to head to Asheville, be sure to contact us. . .and we’ll tell you all the other details we left out here. . .have fun. . .

Safe travels,

Janice and Dave Evans

The Best Restaurants & Places to Eat in Asheville NC | Sharing ...

Looking for some of the best restaurants in Asheville, NC and the best places to eat in Asheville, NC? Click now for our hot and fresh foodie's guide!

Publish Date: 07/25/2011 12:46

http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/places-to-eat-in-asheville-nc/



I Dig Hardware / I Hate Hardware » Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC

Today I had the pleasure of visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. My trusty guide for the tour was Rachel Smith of Karpen Steel, who suggested the Biltmore as a stop on my road trip and then arranged ...

Publish Date: 07/01/2011 8:04

http://idighardware.com/2011/07/biltmore-estate-asheville-nc/



Biltmore Estate and Gardens | What Grows There :: Hugh Conlon ...

I have visited the Biltmore Estate on several occasions, but my May visit this year was special. I had the opportunity to interview Parker Andes, Biltmore's Director of Horticulture, and Bill Alexander, Landscape and ...

Publish Date: 06/30/2011 12:00

http://www.whatgrowsthere.com/grow/2011/06/30/biltmore-estate-and-gardens/



The Biltmore Estate – An American Treasure | Fayette Woman

If you are an American history buff or just love spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful gardens and magnificent architecture, make a visit to the Biltmore.

Publish Date: 06/15/2011 16:19

http://fayettewoman.com/biltmore-estate-american-treasure.html



From Blogger Pictures
Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below.

As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address


No comments:

Post a Comment