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Asheville: Cosmopolitan City Meets Luxury Mountain Getaway by James Gibson

When planning a North Carolina getaway, Asheville is a must see on the travel-destination list. The allure of Western North Carolina?s largest city is becoming widespread and Asheville has been touted as the ?Paris of the South.? The New York Times calls it a ?surprisingly cosmopolitan city.?
What makes Asheville unique is that the sizzle of the city is within a stone?s throw of great outdoor adventure. Natural Geographic Adventure Magazine ranks Asheville the number one out of ten cities for popular outdoor sports in the region.
Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham and Atlanta?s close proximity to Asheville make it a perfect vacation destination when planning either a luxury-style mountain getaway or a family vacation.
Asheville boasts a vast array of accommodations. There is everything from luxury condominium rentals with 24-hour concierge service to more traditional mountain getaways. So, whether you are planning a corporate trip, romantic getaway, golf vacation, or fishing expedition, Asheville has something for everyone. Some accommodations are even pet friendly. Try booking during the weekdays to beat the weekend crowds and receive more discounts.

Asheville, North Carolina: Experience the Best in Mountain Travel

Downtown Asheville is a pedestrian-friendly city. Its unique skyline of art-deco style buildings are surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city has a year-round population of 74,000 and is home to America?s largest privately-owned home, the Biltmore Estate, and the historic Grove Park Inn. While accommodations are available at both, most people visit these urban legends and choose to enjoy other Asheville hotels and luxury mountain getaways.
?The Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn are great places to visit,? Marge Nusser of New York, NY said, ?but I prefer to seek out accommodations that are a bit more intimate, yet still upscale in their services.? Many accommodations offer discounted or complementary tickets to such attractions as the Biltmore Estate.
A fun way to kick start your mountain travel experience is to stroll through the Asheville Urban Trail. This 1.7 mile, self-guided tour stops at over 30 stations throughout the downtown area. ?This trail gave me a handle on the downtown sites in less than one hour,? Howard Fortune, an Atlanta resident, explained. ?I came here for the great outdoor activities, but quickly learned my way around the city.?
Downtown Asheville is primarily comprised of independent businesses. In today?s age of super-sized malls, the change is refreshing. Eclectic art galleries, micro-breweries and cozy cafes can be found at every turn. Asheville is also a food lover?s paradise and culinary offerings range from traditional southern comfort food to four-star cuisine. Bill Dykeman, a retired chef from Raleigh said, ?Asheville has food from around the globe.?

Discover the Outdoors: Plan the Perfect North Carolina Mountain Getaway

When leaving downtown, choices still abound. The mountains that surround Asheville and the four major rivers that encompass the area make this an outdoor enthusiast?s dream mountain getaway. Take advantage of the travel concierge services at one of Asheville?s luxurious hotels. They can make dinner reservations, arrange for tee times, schedule outdoor events, and more.
In summer, whitewater rafting, hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail and fly fishing one of the hundreds of trout streams for native brook trout, rainbow or trophy brown trout are some of the more popular activities. Karl Danielson, a Charlotte native, avid golfer and fly fisherman explains that he can stay at a luxury condominium rental with concierge services that directs him to the some of the best trout streams east of the Mississippi. ?And, the next morning I have a tee time at a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course within minutes from my room,? he added.
Nearby excursions include Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure to the south. To the west, there is Great Smoky National Park, and to the east, Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Rockies. Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain sit to the north and are filled with natural wonders that promise to enhance any romantic mountain getaway or family vacation plan.
Asheville is a year-round playground. The holiday season abounds with light festivals, Inn tours, dazzling sites at the Biltmore House, exceptional shopping and the famous Gingerbread House competition at the Grove Park Inn. Winter brings skiers and snowboarders to the area and spring is a wonderful time to explore the beautiful gardens at the North Carolina Arboretum.
So, next time you are planning a weekend mountain getaway or an extended stay, think Asheville where their motto is ?altitude affects attitude.?

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James Gibson is the Managing Director of The Residences at Biltmore, a condo hotel in Asheville, North Carolina with concierge services designed to pamper and delight guests. Mr. Gibson has over twenty years experience in hospitality. He has been Hotel Manager at the Ritz Carlton San Juan Hotel, Spa and Casino, and a General Manager of the Adam's Mark Columbia in South Carolina. He has also worked in six Hyatt Hotel Corporation properties in a management capacity. Email concierge@residencesatbiltmore.com or visit http://www.residencesatbiltmore.com/hospitality for more information.

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Subprime Mortgage Loans ? What Is A Subprime Loan? by Carrie Reeder -

Perhaps you have seen a television commercial or billboard advertising super low mortgage interest rates. If you have good credit, you are likely a good candidate for such loan programs. On the other hand, if your credit score is low, obtaining a prime loan rate is not very feasible. In this case, a subprime loan is the best option.

Subprime vs. Prime Mortgage Loans

Individuals familiar with home loans are likely aware of two loan programs. Those with a good credit rating will generally qualify for prime loan rates. Moreover, homebuyers who have cash for a down payment and closing costs will also qualify for prime rates. If your home buying situation is slightly different, you may qualify for a subprime loan.

What Are Subprime Mortgage Loans?

Subprime mortgage loans are primarily offered to individuals with low credit scores. These persons do not qualify for traditional financing. Mortgage companies and other financial lending institutions have exact lending requirements. If an applicant does not fit their criteria, the loan application is denied.

While getting approved for a mortgage loan with bad credit is a major feature of subprime loans, there is one main drawback to subprime loans. Because large portions of the loans are granted to individuals with poor credit, the odds of these loans defaulting are high. Because of this, most subprime loans have a higher interest rate. Of course, rates depend on credit. Applicants with fair credit may get approved for comparable rates, whereas those with extremely low credit scores can expect rates with a two or three point increase.

How to Choose a Subprime Mortgage Loan Lender?

Some lenders specialize in subprime loans. Furthermore, many traditional mortgage companies have begun offering subprime loans. The fastest and easiest way to locate a reputable subprime lender is through a mortgage broker.

Everyone's situation varies. Some bad credit applicants have funds for a down payment and closing, whereas some prime applicants do not have extra money to cover these costs. A mortgage broker is able to find the best loan program for your situation.

To begin, applicants will need to submit a quote request. You must include information such as income, credit rating, home price, etc. Based on your profile information, lenders will compete for your business and submit detail quotes. Thus, you are able to review mortgage rates and terms before choosing a loan package.

Carrie Reeder offers advice about Subprime Mortgage Loan Companies Online. View our Recommended Subprime Mortgage Lenders Online.

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