Holiday Travel: Not-So-Silent Nights in Asheville

/PRNewswire/ -- Asheville is known for mild winters, snow-capped mountains and a cozy downtown full of holiday tradition, but this year the season will sizzle with spectacle, savings and chances to splurge. Below are some of the season's best holiday events and travel deals for 2009:

ASHEVILLE SEASONAL SIZZLE: 19 Days of Not-So-Silent Nights

Holiday magic will literally be in the air as the night sky over Asheville sparkles during Seasonal Sizzle. Firework displays choreographed to Christmas music favorites will light up the night on Saturdays at 7 p.m. in December. Downtown streets will hum with carolers, roving performers and holiday shoppers. Local restaurants will offer "Sizzle Specials," getting guests in and out in time for the fireworks. Shops and galleries will stay open late, offering a festive occasion to browse decked-out window displays, art galleries and Asheville's whimsical boutiques. The lively atmosphere will go well into the evening - visit AshevilleSeasonalSizzle.com for event info and details about Sizzle after-parties.

-- Seasonal Sizzle Firework Dates: Dec. 5, 12, 19 at 7 p.m. -- FREE
-- Holiday Travel Deal: 'Tis the Season-al Sizzle Package -- Weekend
package includes two nights at historic Grove Park Inn, a $50 gift
card, twilight spa passes and appetizers at Magnolia Lounge. Watch the
fireworks from Sunset Terrace and enjoy the National Gingerbread
Competition Display.
-- AshevilleSeasonalSizzle.com - holiday events, travel packages,
seasonal recipes and shopping guides

MORE TOP HOLIDAY EVENTS:
-- Santa on the Chimney: To ready himself for clambering down chimneys
across the world, Santa will practice on 315-foot Chimney Rock. Dates:
Dec. 5 & Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. FREE with park admission
-- Warren Haynes Christmas Jam: Rock legend Warren Haynes returns to his
hometown bringing along his friends for the 21st annual Warren Haynes
Xmas Jam featuring Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco and Gov't Mule. Date:
Dec. 12
-- National Gingerbread House Competition & Display: Culinary
contestants from across the country will bring their edible
masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn this holiday season. Check out the
new behind-the-scenes gingerbread tour. Dates: Nov. 18, 2009 to Jan.
3, 2010. FREE
-- New! Legendary Inns Gingerbread Tour: Take a holiday trolley tour to
four of Asheville's historic bed & breakfast inns classically
decorated and featuring an elaborate gingerbread scene from 'Twas the
Night Before Christmas. Dates: Saturdays, Nov. 7, 2009 - Jan. 2, 2010
at 5 p.m.
-- Singing Santa & Asheville Holiday Parade: Grammy Award winner David
Holt and Appalachian songstress Laura Boosinger will preside over the
Asheville Holiday Parade. Always a favorite, Singing Santa croons from
atop his float as it winds through historic downtown. Date: Nov. 21 at
11 a.m. FREE
-- Christmas at Biltmore: Holidays arrive at America's largest home in
style. This year, Christmas at Biltmore promises more than 40
Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland, lights and holiday music.
Dates: Nov. 6, 2009 to Jan. 2, 2010

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AirTran Airways Announces New Seasonal Service From Atlanta to Portland, Maine, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

/PRNewswire / -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today announced that it will begin offering seasonal service between Atlanta and the following destinations: Portland, Maine, and Harrisburg, Pa. The carrier will operate one daily nonstop flight to and from each city between June 11 and September 8. Both cities are new destinations from Atlanta for the low-fare airline. The route will be served by AirTran Airways' popular Boeing 717-200 aircraft, which seats 117 passengers (12 in Business Class and 105 in coach).

AirTran Airways also provides nonstop flights between Portland, Maine, and both Orlando, Fla., and Baltimore/Washington, and between Harrisburg and Orlando. By adding direct flights to Atlanta, residents of Portland and Harrisburg will now be able to connect to more than 35 destinations nationwide.

"AirTran Airways is pleased that we are able to meet the demands of our customers by announcing seasonal service from our Atlanta hub to these great cities," said Kevin Healy, senior vice president of marketing and planning for AirTran Airways. "AirTran Airways' goal is to make traveling more convenient for our customers, and providing travelers in Portland, Maine, and Harrisburg with access to our entire network of cities through Atlanta helps us further that goal."

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