President Obama Heads to Asheville, North Carolina for All-American Vacation

[RamboLiberal]

President Obama and the first family head to Asheville, N.C., this weekend for a short vacation that is vastly different from last summer's trip to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts and the Christmas journey to a luxurious vacation rental in his childhood home state of Hawaii.

Art and music scene and historic Biltmore estate draw visitors to the area.

More PhotosThe city on the edge of the Appalachian Mountains features a funky and eclectic downtown, more than 30 art galleries, a large culinary scene and one of the most spectacular estates ever constructed in this country.

Its location just off the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the Shenandoah National Park, makes it a great launching point for tourists looking to hike, bike or go rafting.

For Obama, the city also offers something else: a chance to appeal to everyday families and generate favorable publicity in a potential swing state.

"Asheville has the virtue of being a place where average Americans go on vacations," said Darrell M. West, director of governance studies at the nonprofit Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.


http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/48HoursIn/president-obama-vacations-asheville-art-galleries-restaurants-history/story?id=10434607

[Jennicut]

1. National Parks? Hiking? I would so be there, if I could.

I have hiked in the Washington Mountains in NH. It was beautiful and peaceful. Hope he has a good time but a President is never fully "away" from the job.

[LisaM]

2. It's a beautiful area

There is good hiking there - beautiful part of the country, and they have a vibrant arts and music scene.

[murray hill farm]

7. The Ashville Drum Circle in the downtown park...

every week (Fridays, I think) is amazing. Drummers drumming, sometime flutes,whoever shows up can play. Usually a humdred of more folks are there dancing and weaving to the music. Lots of kids there with their parents. It really is a wonderful experience. Right in the heart of downtown.

[Cha]

13. That's interesting..I belong to a Drum Circle up here

in New York..and I used to live in Asheville back in the '70's so I know how amazing their downtown area is.

[Cha]

3. Asheville, North Carolina is beautiful..especially

in the Spring with the Dogwoods,Jonquils, and Daffodils in bloom.

I've read this is a boon for the local economy there to have a Presidential visit..so everybody wins.

[ClarkUSA]

4. It's the bluest part of the state. Wonder if Michelle's SC cousins might visit them? n/t

[BlooInBloo]

15. I thought RTP would have been the bluest area?

[change_notfinetuning]

5. May he accidentally turn on progressive talk radio and hear NorMAN GoldMAN,

whose show is actually aired there. He could learn a thing or two.

[liam_laddie]

6. Grove Park Inn

Earlier, I read* they're staying at the Grove Park Inn, which reminds me of a stone version of Old Faithful Inn. The original section (1913-14) has Arts&Crafts furnishings; it's a wonderful place indeed...a great choice. However, I'd say its rates are above what an Average American Family can afford, especially these dark days. Few of my circle could afford it...
*ABC link didn't work for me...

[LisaM]

11. The places where a US President can stay are actually very limited

they have to meet a lot of security requirements. They can't just go stay in the cute little motel by the side of the road.

[NightWatcher]

8. thanks for the heads up, we were thinking of going there this weekend

Georgia coast or Fla Keys it is now.

[wysingm]

9. To Help Rennovate a House

President Obama will travel to Asheville this weekend with his wife, first lady Michelle Obama, but their children will not be joining them on the trip, a White House spokeswoman said.

Phillip Gibson, director of community outreach for the Environmental Leadership Center at Warren Wilson College, said he invited the president and first lady to help rennovate a house as part of the college's INSULATE! program.

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20100422/NEWS01/100422011

[Clio the Leo]

10. Pretty cool if they take up that offer. NT

[Cha]

12. Thanks for that bit of news..we'll see what

happens.

[BlooInBloo]

14. That destination is no more American than Hawaii was. Fuck anyone who suggests otherwise.

[tekisui]

16. Welcome back to Asheville, Mr. President.