• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

MomsWhoSave.com

Living Well. Shopping Smart. Family, deals, recipes, travel, reviews, home and decor, beauty, fashion, and much more!

  • home
  • all blog posts
  • lifestyle
    • family
    • health / self-care
    • diy / crafts / home
      • diy / crafts
      • home
    • beauty / fashion
    • personal finance
    • pets
    • reviews
    • education
  • printables
  • gift guides
  • deals
    • deals
    • >> search / browse online deals & coupon codes <<
    • daily deal sites
    • local deals
    • freebie posts
    • freebie list
    • free / frugal activities
    • store list
  • grocery & mobile coupons
    • all grocery & mobile coupons
    • Coupons.com
    • SmartSource
    • Savings
    • coupon database
  • giveaways
    • giveaways
    • sweepstakes list
    • ongoing giveaway linky — enter or submit giveaways
  • travel
    • travel posts
    • search travel deals
  • recipes
    • entrees
    • side dishes
    • appetizers
    • desserts & treats
    • beverages / smoothies / popsicles
    • recipe roundups
    • seasonal / holiday recipes
    • misc. recipes & food
  • blogger resources
    • blogger resources
    • blogger opportunities & more
  • about / pr
    • about
    • pr
    • link to us
    • affiliations
    • privacy
    • disclosure policy
home » travel » A Weekend Getaway to Asheville, North Carolina in the Mazda3

A Weekend Getaway to Asheville, North Carolina in the Mazda3

Disclosure: Articles may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). See our full disclosure here.

By Teresa

Last updated on December 17th, 2019 at 02:26 am

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Mazda. As always all opinions are my own.

I’ve been meaning to visit Asheville since moving to North Carolina. I’ve driven through the mountains near there more than once, and they’re gorgeous. And, living in North Carolina, you hear from everyone what a fun and interesting city Asheville is.

When I was recently provided with a 2019 Mazda3 for the week, it seemed like the perfect chance to hit the road. It’s always fun to drive a new car, and I wanted to take it out a little further than just my neighborhood. My husband I planned a quick weekend trip to the North Carolina mountains.

mazda3 hatchback

This was my car for the week, the 2019 Mazda3 Hatchback.



The Mazda3 is a smaller and sportier-feeling car than the one I drive every day, but I liked that. It was so easy to maneuver into parking spots and in city traffic. And, though the Mazda3 isn’t a big car, my husband and I were very comfortable, with plenty of leg and head room. We had plenty of space for our luggage and a few extra goodies we picked up on our trip too.

Blue Ridge Parkway views

There is so much to see and do in Asheville, but with only a couple of days, we had to make some choices. The night we arrived, we decided to take a drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway before it got dark. It was pretty dreary outside, but the views were still gorgeous. Photos definitely don’t do the views justice. I’m anxious to go back in the fall when the leaves change color.

Asheville, NC weekend trip

The Mazda3 was easy to drive up and down the mountain roads, and I loved all the safety features, especially since we hit bad weather. Keep reading for more.

Once we got back to Asheville, we went headed downtown, which is a good idea anytime. There are tons of great restaurants, shops, and on Friday nights, a drum circle. Check out the video–

https://momswhosave.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/drum-circle-asheville.mp4

Every Friday in the spring, summer, and fall, people gather at downtown Asheville’s Pritchard Park for a drum circle (weather permitting). You’re invited to drum, dance, or simply watch and enjoy.

With so many restaurants to choose from downtown, you’re sure to find something you like. We wound up at Sonora where we had some great tacos! 

Asheville NC downtown restaurants

Saturday was our only full day in Asheville, but unfortunately it was thunderstorming much of the day. We’d been thinking of doing a food tour so we could check out more of the city, but since it was raining, we bought tickets to tour the Biltmore Estate. I’m so glad things worked out the way they did because the house is spectacular! If you ever get a chance to go, I highly recommended it. 

Biltmore Estate

Construction began on George Vanderbilt’s 250-room French Renaissance chateau in 1889. Biltmore House is the largest private home in the United States.

Visit Biltmore House

The Biltmore Estate

bowling alley at Biltmore estate

The Biltmore House even has a bowling alley, gym, and indoor swimming pool. Servants needed to reset the pins.



sunset Blue Ridge Parkway

Sunset at the Biltmore Estate.

Our time in Asheville went way too fast. There is so much to do that we just didn’t have time for, so we will definitely be heading back–hopefully in the near future.

mazda3 hatchback review

I don’t usually enjoy these long drives, but the Mazda3 made the trip so comfortable that it went by quickly. Why? Here’s some of what there is to love–

— It drives like a dream. I don’t like driving big SUVS and minivans. Smaller cars are what I prefer, and the 2019 Mazda3 was everything I love. It’s sporty, has so much “get up and go,” and is fun to drive in the city and on the highway.

— The interior is luxurious. You sink right into the seats, and everything looks so high-end. I loved the two-tone red and black in the car I got to drive. Take a look for yourself!

Mazda 3 hatchback two-tone interiorMazda3 two-tone interior

— The navigation system was great, but I could also use my phone and Google Maps. My phone and music, and the whole bluetooth system, sound system, and display worked well overall. (My husband was especially impressed with the Bose sound system.) I loved the backup camera too. It seemed to give me a broader view than what I’m used to seeing.

Mazda3 hatchback review

— I haven’t even mentioned safety yet, and this is perhaps the one thing that impressed me most about the Mazda3. I felt more secure in knowing I was driving with i-Activsense® safety features like these: 

  • Adaptive Front-lighting System illuminates a greater distance and changes depending on vehicle speed and other driving factors, pointing the headlights in the direction the driver is traveling towards.
  • Smart City Brake Support uses a sensor on the front of the windshield that detects potential hazards in front of the vehicle. When traveling at low speeds, the system is able to add power to the brakes, and in the event the driver takes no action to try to avoid the collision, the system will automatically apply the brakes and reduce engine power.
  • Blind Spot Monitoring uses radars to detect vehicles that may be in your vehicle’s blind spot. If the driver tries to change lanes and there is a vehicle detected in the blind spot, the system will alert the driver.
  • High-Beam Control switches between high and low beams based on oncoming and preceding traffic.
  • Acceleration Control stops sudden and accidental acceleration and is able to lower engine output to avoid any sort of collision.
  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control adjusts and maintains a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front by use of a millimeter wave radar. The Distance Recognition Support System displays following distance to the driver.
  • Rear Vehicle Monitoring System measures the distance between your vehicle and following vehicles with a rear bumper-mounted radar that will alert the driver of potentially dangerous situations.
  • Lane Departure Warning System is able to detect road markings and keeps the driver aware of their position on the road.
  • Forward Obstruction Warning calculates the distance between objects and the front of the vehicle, alerting the driver of any potentially dangerous situations.

You can see these features for yourself here. They really are incredible!

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Check out the 2019 Mazda3 Hatchback! I know you’ll love it as much as I did.

interior mazda3 hatchback


You can also find MomsWhoSave on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Join us for updates.

Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe to MomsWhoSave’s blog posts below! Then be sure to confirm your subscription when you get the confirmation email.

Filed Under: review, travel Tagged With: 2019 mazda 3 interior pictures, 2019 mazda 3 review, 2019 mazda3 hatchback, 2019 mazda3 review, asheville pritchard park, Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Estate photos, Biltmore Estate review, Biltmore House review, downtown asheville events, downtown asheville things to do nearby, drum circle in asheville video, drum circle video asheville nc, free downtown asheville events, free things to do in asheville nc, free things to do in downtown asheville, free things to do in downtown asheville nc, friday nights in asheville nc, mazda 3 awd, mazda 3 interior pictures, new mazda 3 pictures 2019, restaurants near pritchard park asheville, review 2019 mazda 3, review 2019 Mazda3, review Mazda3, things to do in asheville nc, unique things to do in asheville nc, video of drum circle in asheville nc

Previous Post: « Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — A Guide for Your First Visit to Black Spire Outpost
Next Post: Practical Ways to Fit More Exercise Into Your Day »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christina Gould

    at

    What a nice car. I love the color. Thanks for posting!

    Reply
  2. Sarah L

    at

    Lovely place to visit. Now I want that car…..

    Reply
  3. JoKing

    at

    I love my Mazda 6 and am thinking about getting a cuv. The 3 looks nice but I think it’s a little smaller than what i am wanting. I love NC but have never been to that part of NC.

    Reply
  4. Antoinette M

    at

    Looks like a great place to visit!

    Reply
  5. Linda Sweeting

    at

    Interesting reading. Trip looks very interesting. Thanks for having the sweepstakes!

    Reply
  6. Krista M

    at

    Whoa the Biltmore Estate looks incredible!

    Reply
  7. Clem

    at

    That’s a nice looking car and Asheville seems to be a fun place to visit.

    Reply
  8. Christina Gould

    at

    Wow, that’s a nice car. I haven’t been to Asheville, NC since I was a kid. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  9. Charlotte V

    at

    I’ve never been to Asheville, NC but have been to Cherokee, NC. I’ve always wanted to go to Asheville! North Carolina is such a beautiful place! I wouldn’t mind moving there! I wouldn’t mind driving that Mazda either!

    Reply
  10. Terri Quick

    at

    Thank you for sharing this

    Reply
  11. Karen P.

    at

    Oh this looks lovely! I might have to add this as a stop on one of my upcoming road trips. 🙂

    Reply
  12. sheila ressel

    at

    I’ve been to Ashville a few times and love it. So much to see and do. Loving that Mazda. Would love to take a road trip in that. Looks really comfy.

    Reply
  13. Tracie Cooper

    at

    My hubby and I are looking forward to a fall trip to Asheville.

    Reply
  14. Dana Rodriguez

    at

    My dad took me there a couple of times when I was a little girl. It is very beautiful!

    Reply
  15. donna porter

    at

    Visiting the Biltmore Estate is something on my list. My husband has been over 25 years ago before we were married and tells me I would love it!

    Reply
  16. Alicia Webster

    at

    My husband’s side of the family is from Asheville and his mother was raised there, but I have only been once (when on a trip while en route to another destination). It was so beautiful, and it reminded me in many ways of Northern California (where I am from). I absolutely do want to go to the Biltmore Estate someday with the family, and my kids are now old enough to enjoy it as well.

    Reply
  17. Kate S.

    at

    I have wanted to go to Asheville for years now… but every time we go through NC it’s either not close enough or there’s a time crunch. 🙁 It looks like a great place and hopefully I’ll soon get to see it all for myself!

    Reply
  18. Heather Swanson

    at

    I would love to see The Biltmore estate

    Reply
  19. Derrick Johnson

    at

    I’ve never been to North Carolina before and the Mazda3 looks real interesting too!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube




healthy eating

Mediterranean Bowl

Mediterranean Buddha Bowl (Vegetarian & Vegan Options)

Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Mexican Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa & Black Beans (vegan & gluten-free)

Quinoa Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Quinoa & Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Black Friday Sale: 30% Off Store Wide

MomsWhoSave bio
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Food Advertising
It's too cold outside! I'm ready for summer now. . It's too cold outside! I'm ready for summer now.
.
.
.
.
#flashbackfriday #boating #boats #boat #NC #ncliving #exploreNC #visitNC #NCbeaches #ocean #carolina #water #northcarolina #northcarolinaoutdoors #northcarolinaliving #ncblogger #outdoors #outdoorsnc #ncoutdoors  #onlyinnorthcarolina #oceanlovers #oceanair #easternNC #welovenc #CarolinaBeachNC #KureBeachNC #WilmingtonNC #CarolinaBeach #KureBeach #wilmingtonliving
I thought of Maya Angelou when I watched the inaug I thought of Maya Angelou when I watched the inauguration. She was the poet at Bill Clinton's inauguration, if anyone remembers. This is the link to that reading youtube.com/watch?v=8ecWterxtq0 ("On the Pulse of Morning")  She lived not far from me, and when she died, I went to her estate sale. I regretted not going to see her speak while I had the chance and wanted to buy something that belonged to her. We were actually able to go into her house. People were picking through her dishes and rooms full of books, and there were paintings and scuptures she'd been gifted that were selling for thousands of dollars. Her bedroom was closed off, but it felt like we shouldn't be there.  For the few who don't know it, this is probably her most famous poem and my favorite:  Still I Rise  You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.  Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.  Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?  Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.  You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.  Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?  Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.  Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
.
.
.
#mayaangelou #mayaangelouquotes #drmayaangelou #mayaangeloupoetry #mayaangeloupoems #quotes #mayaangelouwisdom #forgivenessquotes #forgiveness #stillirise
Beautiful! . . . #inaugurationday #usa #biden #pr Beautiful! 
.
.
.
#inaugurationday #usa #biden #president #presidentbiden #bidenharris #vicepresident #vicepresidentharris #inaugurationday2021#inauguration2021 #democracy #unitedstates #joebiden #kamalaharris #unitedstatesofamerica #inauguration @transition46 @potus @
I know what I'm doing Wednesday! Join me, and tune I know what I'm doing Wednesday! Join me, and tune in at 10:00 AM Eastern time at bideninaugural.org/watch 
.
.
.
.
@bideninaugural @joebiden  @kamalaharris  @drbiden @douglasemhoff @transition46  #inauguration #inauguration2021  #KeepTheFaith #democracy #bidenharris2020 #thefutureisfemale  #usa  #biden #president #bidenharris #joebiden #kamalaharris #madamevicepresident #truthoverlies #unityoverdivision #scienceoverfiction #hopeoverfear #lovetrumpshate #inaugurationday #bidenadministration #washingtondc #presidentbiden #vicepresidentharris #whitehouse #bidenharrisinauguration #buildbackbetter #46 #uniteforabetteramerica #diversityandinclusion #womensupportingwomen
Moms and dads, check out these grape caterpillar k Moms and dads, check out these grape caterpillar kabobs. The could not be easier to make! 👉 mws.tips/grape
.
.
.
.
#kidsnacks #healthyeating #recipes #kidsfood #funfoodforkids #funfood  #grapes #schoollunches #schoolsnacks #kidfriendly #momapproved #grapecaterpillars #grapekabobs #fruitonastick #momlife #parenting #foodforkids  #caterpillars #kidfood #kidfoodideas #ncblogger #ncbloggers #funsnacks #eathealthy #eathealthyfood  #kabobs #fruit #kabob
#MLK #MLKDay #MLKDay2020 #MLKquotes #MLKweekend #M #MLK #MLKDay #MLKDay2020 #MLKquotes #MLKweekend #MLKJr #blacklivesmatter #BLM #MartinLutherKingJr
Follow on Instagram

Copyright MomsWhoSave © 2021 · Genesis Framework