The president and first lady Michelle Obama will make the trip this coming Friday, the White House said in a statement, and will stay the weekend at the Grove Park, sources familiar with the plans said. There will be no public events.

An inn spokeswoman said she could not confirm the trip.

“The Grove Park Inn does not provide any information on prospective guests, either real or imagined,” spokeswoman Deborah Potter said.

Obama was last in Asheville on Oct. 5, 2008, less than a month before the presidential election, for a rally at Asheville High, where he spoke to a crowd of about 28,000.

While in town, Obama got lunch at 12 Bones Smokehouse, surprising patrons during a break in debate preparations.

“I only had like 10 minutes notice of when they were going to come in,” said Jake Dann, the front house manager at 12 Bones. “But really, their security was all really nice … and as far as after he got here, it was pretty chaotic to even attempt to run a restaurant, but he was very nice. Everybody got some time to at least say ‘hi' and shake his hand.”

Dann said Obama spent about 35 minutes at the popular barbecue restaurant.

He doubted the president would make another appearance at 12 Bones, but said he would be more than welcome there.

“Asheville has a way of calling people back,” Dann said. “You leave, but somehow you always want to come back.”

Asheville comes to life in spring, with various festivals and events for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and lovers of arts, crafts, live music and the theater. No matter what your interest is, you can find something interesting and fun to do in the Asheville area in spring.







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