Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association
Asheville, North Carolina
Few organizations can boast 100% participation....the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association (ABBA) can and does. I have never seen a more diversified group work together with such professionalism. Each innkeeper and inn bring their own theme and flavor to the group, yet they blend. From farmhouses to a majestic finishing school, from those in the business a few months to those that helped organize state associations; there are all levels.
The group initially banded, 3-1/2 years ago, to co-op advertise and set some standards for the "20-mile" area. With over 100 B&Bs within the 20-mile area, the Association is poised for growth and without having to compromise quality. This growth will allow the group to advertise internationally and strengthen its base. The Association recognizes that the area's main draw for years has been the Biltmore Estate. With the addition of the Biltmore Hotel, the group needs to grow now more than ever.
Individually, inns are making improvements that include waterfalls, gardens, fireplaces and romantic suites. The Historical Montford area has its own newspaper, run by editor Jeff Kelley, to help. It was also, in the Montford area, that InnRes.Net was launched. This is a new online availability program to make it easier for their guests. Weaverville inns are involving local artists and showing off their talents at the individual inns. They also meet on Thursday nights, just to stay close.
This is a group of winners. They have organized seminars and are ready for growth. It will be interesting to watch this year and their choices. My projection is the Association will double this year and then double again the next. It already is being looked at as a model Association and it is only going to get better and stronger.
GOOD LUCK ASHEVILLE!
Be sure to visit each of the inns below that we have reviewed and tell them Cruising America says HI!
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * 2408 Becker St., New Braunfels, TX 78130 * 830-214-0827 * freedom04@awindingroad.net
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