Asheville Christmas Cats and Cozy Inns in N.C.

I fell in love with an adorable cat Christmas video from Asheville, N.C. this holiday. Getting 12 cats to cooperate on camera is certainly not an easy task. I talked with Asheville tourism staff for an article on Examiner.com about how this holiday video came to be this year. They say that after experiencing the hours they put into filming this video, the term "herding cats" has a whole new meaning to them. The Asheville Christmas story starring finicky felines and Santa is on Examiner. com. Be sure to click over to article to see the video. You will not want to miss it.  I love the fat cat with the shop local sign. I think that kitty may be my favorite.

The Lion and the Rose B and B in Asheville, N.C. 

There is no doubt that Asheville, N.C. is a great place to visit year-round, but it is especially quaint during the holiday season.

Now that I have kids, I tend to stay in hotels when I travel, but I was a big luxury Bed and Breakfast fan before having kids. Many bed and breakfast inns can be kid-friendly though so don't rule them out for a quaint experience when you travel.  A Bed and Breakfast Inn is about as local as you can get when staying somewhere on a trip.  The Innkeepers know their town better than anyone. Just be sure to check each Inn's policies to see what age the inn may welcome children. Some Inns are better suited for couples. Each Inn's policy section will state the best recommended age to have children as guests. What I think would be delightful would be an entire extended family booking an Inn for a weekend. Then you could leave the room doors open and it would be like staying with family with a nice aunt and uncle to cook everyone breakfast.

The Beaufort Inn in Asheville, N.C.

Since I am a very picky traveler when it comes to my lodging, I make sure that Bed and Breakfast Inns are certified by some sort of organization. Here's why. It requires the Inns to meet a certain level of standards for its guests. Several Inns in Asheville, North Carolina belong to the Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association. An association like this would be a good place to start for your travel research. When booking an Inn,  I would rely heavily on other guest reviews, overall appearance of the Inn, and its member associations. If an Inn has a Four Diamond Award by AAA then I take extra notice because then I know the service will reflect that of a very small, boutique hotel.

Sweet Biscuit Inn in Asheville, N.C. 

For the first time ever, members of the Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association have united to offer a holiday package through Jan. 3, 2014. Guests will also be treated to their Innkeeper's favorite cookies and a local shopping pass that is filled with discounts to the Innkeepers favorite recommendations in the area from boutiques to coffee shops. I love that idea.

Sweet Biscuit Inn in Asheville, N.C. welcomes families 

I've done some of  the children policy searching for you. My family pick is Sweet Biscuit Inn. This Inn welcomes children of all ages, even infants. The innkeepers provide roll away beds, portable cribs, and can recommend babysitting services.  The innkeeper is a France-trained chef. Scones and cinnamon rolls are on the menu at times. Even though I've not stayed here yet, I think this would be my pick for families.

Get cozy in Asheville this holiday or this winter. And on another note, remember that Bed and Breakfast rates include breakfast which is a always great travel savings.

Happy Holidays and Happy Traveling!