The last month of pregnancy. This is where being pregnant is no longer 'fun' and many moms-to-be become impatient. It is easy to find yourself looking at the clock wondering 'When is this baby going to come?!'.
The best thing to do during this time is to keep your mind busy; Distract yourself, if you will.
We put together a list of our top 10 ways to keep your mind busy in the last month of pregnancy in and around Asheville!
Party on and enjoy your last few days before you become a new mommy.
1. Visit the Biltmore House and Gardens
The Biltmore estate is a breathtaking sight in the summertime and what a better way to enjoy it than to wear a cute sundress and explore the romantic charm. This historic estate has a ton of dining options for almost every meal of the day and in an assortment of styles. If you're feeling fancy you can dine on authentic Vanderbilt china in the luxurious dining room overlooking the beautiful scenery. Or you can keep it casual with a lunch at one of the bistros.
You can casually stroll the gardens or catch a live music performance in the evening at the grand stage for the Biltmore's "Live After Five" concert held on Fridays and Saturdays in the Antler Hill Village and Winery. With a constantly changing lineup of performers you're bound to catch something you can relax to.
2. Relax at the Grove Park Inn
In pregnancy's final days you have sore muscles in places you didn't even realize had so many muscles. The Grove Park Inn hosts some of the most amazing resort accommodations that Asheville has to offer. Spend a weekend away catching up on some rest and relaxation.
This place is beyond beautiful and aside from it being a gorgeous resort, it is a complete spa and they book vacation bundles for both. Need I say more? Get that tired body massaged away, glowing skin from a facial treatment and soak away in the amazing pools they have.
This might just be the romantic getaway you need before full on motherhood sets in. Theres nothing wrong with a little pampering and after all these months of hard work? you deserve it. Plan a trip to the Grove Park Inn and you certainly won't be disappointed.
3. Take a Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Sometimes all you need is a good old fashioned drive to free your mind for a little while. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop at one of the viewpoints for a relaxing picnic. Pack up a little lunch or a few snacks and go find the perfect backdrop for a picnic.
Make sure you take lots of pictures of the beautiful landscape and wear some sunscreen in case some shade is hard to come by. A picnic is a great family activity that the kids will love to help prepare and pack up.
4. Rescue Tired Feet at Wake Foot Spa
Wake Foot Spa is one of the most luxurious spa experiences we could find in the Asheville Area. Choose from a selection of soaks and treatments to pamper away tired or achy feet. Combine these dreamy soaks with a professional massage session and you'll be walking on clouds in no time.
During the final countdown of your pregnancy it is difficult to get comfortable, so take the opportunity to unwind and get some much needed muscle relief.
When you're rejuvenated you can browse Wake's Boutique of locally made jewelry, all natural body products and hand poured candles to bring some of your spa experience home.
5. Visit The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
You have a sweet craving that's downright violent. Don't be alarmed because The Hop is one of the most amazing ice cream locations in Asheville. With all the home town charm this couple churns up, its hard to not feel right at home in front of these delicious ice cream sundaes.
If you're looking for something a little different, The Hop offers a big list of sundaes, desserts and milkshakes to satisfy any sweet tooth. We love that these guys offer a selection of vegan treats too!
This is an absolute Asheville staple and with pints and quarts to go, you'll be well prepared and stocked up for late nights with the new baby.
6. Take a Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens of Asheville
If you're a nature fan, don't let your mature pregnancy status keep you from taking a relaxing stroll through the Botanical Gardens of Asheville. This serene half-mile walking trail is another perfect place for a quiet picnic lunch at one of the many picnic tables on the grounds.
Take pictures of the vivid summer blooms at the Botanical Gardens while still getting yourself out and moving around. The expertly manicured backdrop couldn't be more perfect for a relaxing day trip near Asheville. You'll leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed after a dose of summertime fresh air and some breathtaking landscapes.
7. Head over to French Broad Chocolates for a Delicious Treat.
If your sweet tooth is out of control, the treats at French Broad Chocolates will be a summer must. Visit their chocolate lounge and sit back with some of your favorite sweets and enjoy the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the cafe.
If you are looking for a little more than a snack, visit their chocolate factory and see how the magic happens. French Broad Chocolates uses sustainable ingredients and are the masters of all things chocolate. Chocoholics rejoice!
8. Visit the Mission Breastfeeding Center and Boutique
Lets face it, the day is near! Use some of your free time this summer to make sure you're prepared for the big day and all the newborn care to follow. You'll leave the Mission Breastfeeding Center confident about breastfeeding your baby with a bag full of baby essentials.
This boutique has all the helpful materials you need to comfortably breastfeed your newborn from bras to pillows. This center is surely a must stop for moms to be. Get yourself aquatinted with this great postpartum resource while also picking up wonderful lounge wear for after baby's arrival.
9. Go Out On the Town for Dinner.
Asheville is full of great restaurants that cater to any craving you might have. For a farm fresh experience, we love The Blackbird. At this artfully casual location, you can choose a number of sampling menus to satisfy your need for full flavor and clean ingredients.
Another restaurant we cant seem to get enough of is Rhubarb. This place has incredible flavor combinations that are hearty and satisfying. A perfect mix of contemporary and comfortable, Rhubarb is a must visit in the Asheville area.
10. Go Glamping for One More Weekend Getaway
We absolutely love this chic and fun camping experience. Before you officially become a new mom, spend the weekend relaxing in a charming suite that takes camping to a whole other level. These vintage campers, tents and cabins have been carefully decorated to take you back in time to the sweet trailer vacationing craze of the 30s through the 60s.
Plan a girls weekend at Asheville Glamping and you'll have all the comforts of home. Pack up some food and clothes and spend time taking it easy before the big due date.
Spend some quality time these last few weeks before your due date and take the opportunity to get comfortable and relax. Whether you prefer a quiet dinner with a view or a fun vintage weekend getaway, Asheville North Carolina has you covered.
Enjoy the summertime before baby and take the opportunity to visit local businesses and attractions, even if it's only for a weekend!
