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Summary: Most useful WNC guide I've found
Review: Pantas lists activities, events, galleries, antique shops, kid stuff, historic info, architectural tour info, and so much more....There is something for everyone in this tome. And, though it focuses on Asheville and Hendersonville, this book touches on the major attractions in surrounding areas as well--perfect for day trips or even longer side excursions.My only complaint is that, if readers do choose to tour outside the book's focus, they'll have to look elsewhere for dining and lodging options as this text only includes that information in for Asheville and Hendersonville.
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Summary: Guide offers a wealth of information for all interests
Review: Pantas' guide book offers a wide range of topics to suit every interest: outdoor/indoor team sports, camping, antiquing, historic walks and driving tours, kid activities, drama, music, food, lodging....the list goes on. The guide tackles Asheville & Hendersonville - the largest WNC cities - and also includes the major surronding attractions like the Great Smokies National Park, Cherokee, Maggie Valley, etc. The accompanying drawings, made by Pantas, in pen and ink are exquisite and make this tome as much an art book as an information source. Whenever available, Pantas includes websites and/or email addresses to suit virtual trip planners such as myself. These resources even make it an excellent tool for the local that wants to find out more about what's just down the road in their own WNC communities. The only failing of the book is that it doesn't cover surronding areas of Asheville/Hendersonville very well in the accommodations and dining sections. The counties in which these cities are situated have many fine accomodations and restaurants all within a short drive of their county seats (15 miles or less). He should also consider including restaurants and accomodations near the outlying attractions so that people taking a day trip to one of the places he suggests that is not so close to Asheville will know where to eat or where to stay if they're too tired to drive back the same day. One other small thing is Otherwise, the book is beyond reproach.
Rating: 
Summary: The only guidebook available to Asheville and Hendersonville
Review: Receiving rave reviews.Over 100 pen and ink illustrations, 18 maps, 400 + pages. Complete coverage of Asheville & Hendersonville including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. The best of area restaurants, accommodations, bed & breakfasts, country inns. Coverage of area museums, cultural and nature centers including the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Biltmore Estate, Grove Park Inn, Cherokee Reservation, Harrah's Cherokee Casino, Blue Ridge Parkway, Carl Sandburg Memorial and much more. Complete guide to outdoor recreation -golf, skiing, hiking, whitewater rafting, camping and all other outdoor sports. In depth look at historic architecture, tours of historic districts and the Asheville Urban Trail. Festivals, events, daytrips, kid's activities and summer camps, arts and crafts, galleries, universities and medical facilites are also covered. Real Estate and relocation information presented.
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Summary: Hendersonville, N C Times-News Review, ( Barbara Diamond)
Review: The Hendersonville, NC Times-News, in its August 2nd, 1998 issue, had the following comments about The Ultimate Guide to Asheville and Hendersonville. "Well priced (at $14.95) for a book of its size and scope, The Ultimate Guide is thoroughly researched, organized for easy use, and illustrated with many of Pantas' own gorgeous pen and ink drawings. Because it is written by someone who actually lives here, The Ultimate Guide has a sense of caring, commitment and completeness that is often lacking in regional guides written by visiting authors. Pantas has divided The Ultimate Guide into five sections: "Getting Acquainted "(with the Asheville-Hendersonville area): "The Best of Asheville, Hendersonville and Flat Rock" (accomodations, dining, attractions, galleries, etc): "Asheville" (city facts, history,...): "Hendersonville and Flat Rock" (city facts, history,...): "Western North Carolina" (exploring the areas around Asheville and Hendesonvillee -natural and cultural attractions). Guidebooks, in general, are geared to the short-term visitor and newer residents. Since Asheville and Hendersonville are replete with both catergories, The Ultimate Guide should attract and keep a large and enthusiastic readership. Author Lee Pantas certainly deserves a nice, big shiny star for his fine coverage of our area and all that it has to offer.
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