A Multitude of Options for Traveling to Wi10

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version

Once you’ve registered for Winter Institute 10 and made your hotel reservations, it’s time to start exploring travel options to Asheville and the Grove Park Inn, a unique, fun, and rewarding site for the Winter Institute’s 10th anniversary. While Asheville’s setting can make getting there a little bit more challenging than flying into a hub city, this memorable destination is well worth the extra effort and there are a number of options that can lessen the cost and the complications.

Direct flights to Asheville are available from Chicago/O’Hare, Charlotte, and Atlanta. And though direct flights can sometimes be expensive, there are alternatives. Five major airlines fly into Asheville, and there are a number of connecting flights. However, local booksellers advise against taking the last connecting flights of the day into Asheville, as they are frequently canceled.

Flying to either Charlotte (a major US Air/American Airlines hub) or into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greenville, South Carolina (served by a number of airlines, including Southwest), and then driving to the Grove Park Inn is a possible money-saving option. It’s approximately a two-hour trip from Charlotte to Asheville and less than a 90-minute drive from Greenville.

For those driving to Asheville, ABA has arranged for complimentary non-valet parking at the Grove Park Inn.

Southern booksellers are volunteering to host travelers through the Southern Hospitality Overnight Program (SHOP), developed by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance. This option allows booksellers traveling to the region to stay overnight with a SHOP host and then carpool to and from the event. Visit the SIBA website for details, including host cities and suggested airports, and to sign up.

Airlines flying into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) include:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • Allegiant Air
  • United Airlines
  • US Airways
  • American Airlines

Alternative airports and their distances from Asheville include:

  • 76 miles: Tri-Cities Regional Airport, Blountville, TN (TRI)
  • 78 miles: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Greenville, SC (GSP)
  • 128 miles: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, NC (CLT)
  • 217 miles: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, GA (ATL)
  • 237 miles: Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Raleigh, NC (RDU)

For domestic and international travelers traveling via Delta, a discount is available. When booking online, select “Book A Trip,” click on “More Search Options” and enter the meeting code NMJU4 for domestic flights or NMJU5 for international flights in the box provided on the “Search Flight” page. Reservations may also be made by calling Delta Meeting reservations at (800) 328-1111, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CDT. A direct booking fee may apply.

There are also several ground transportation options from the Asheville Airport:

  • Uber Asheville: A ride-sharing service. Prices vary. Travelers can download the Uber app to connect with a driver.
  • Accents on Asheville Airport Transportation: $59 per person one way, or $118 round-trip; $79 per couple one way, or $158 round trip. Prices include the driver’s gratuity. An airport transfer reservation form can be downloaded here.
  • Taxi: $2.50/mile, plus $2.50 starting on the meter.
  • Bus: Asheville – South 3 Route – Asheville Downtown, $1.00/person.

Learn more about the Winter Institute.