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BENT CREEK LODGE BED & BREAKFAST

Bent Creek Lodge, located in the mountains outside Asheville, N.C., sits in a forested triangle between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the French Broad River. This bed and breakfast is just 10 miles from the historic Biltmore Estate and from the antique stores, art galleries and historic buildings of downtown Asheville. The North Carolina Arboretum and the entrance to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are less than one mile from the lodge. Other outdoor activities nearby include horseback riding, biking, hiking, canoeing, rafting and fishing.

Surrounded by 160 wooded acres, this mountain retreat was designed to sit serenely amid the pleasant scenery of the mountains. A spacious great room with a stone fireplace, comfortable seating areas and a pool table is as inviting as the suroundings. Massages are available on site.Hot breakfast every morning, with specials such as apple and mascarpone stuffed French toast and smoked trout hash with poached eggs.

10 guestrooms of the Bent Creek Lodge occupy three different levels uniquely decorated in varying North Carolina themes, with antiques and handcrafted furnishings. High-speed wireless Internet access and a CD player/stereo are available in each unit. Each guestroom has a balcony or patio with mountain and forest views.

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT ASHEVILLE, NC

Located in the foothills of Western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Asheville, N.C., is ideal for outdoor adventurers and visitors to the city's vibrant shops, galleries and cafes. Beautiful scenery is just two miles from the hotel at the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, which attracts thousands of motorists in the fall with its kaleidoscope of red, scarlet, brown and yellow leaves. Convenient to Interstate 240, the SpringHill Suites Asheville is close to opportunities for kayaking, white-water rafting, hiking and cycling. Tourists are near the famous Biltmore Estate, the mansion and gardens built by the Vanderbilt family that attract thousands of visitors from throughout the world.

The SpringHill Suites Asheville features daily continental breakfasts, and a 24-hour market offers snacks and beverages. Several neighboring dining options are available, and some restaurants will deliver meals to guestrooms. For relaxation, the SpringHill Suites offers an indoor pool, spa tub and fitness center. Guests can also enjoy a business center with high-speed Internet access and wireless Internet access in the lobby.

The three-story SpringHill Suites Asheville features 88 suites with complimentary wireless Internet access, work desks, cable television, and pantry kitchenettes with microwave ovens and mini refrigerators.