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[Battery Park Hotel]

"Asheville, as a delightful resort, both winter and summer, has a reputation as widely known to the American people as any place on this continent.  It is excellent from every point of view-its climate, its scenery, its outdoor sports, and best of all, its Battery Park Hotel, are all constituent attractions that go to make up an ideal resort for pleasure, for health, and for recreation.  Its accessibility from all points of the compass has been wonderfully improved within the last year, and the facilities offered by the railroads are now additional inducements for people to visit Asheville.  The Southern Railway, under its new and progressive management, recognizing the importance of Asheville as a pleasure and health resort, and mindful that the traveling public demands the best transportation facilities and the most comfortable trains, has provided the most perfect facilities for people to visit Asheville.  The number of people visiting Asheville has increased every year since the Battery Park Hotel was opened-ten years ago-until now this Hotel enjoys the largest patronage of any Hotel in this section.  The city of Asheville has grown in like proportion and to-day its population is made up chiefly of natives of the North and West, who have built handsome residences which would be an ornament to any city."

"In reference to the climate of Asheville, it is only necessary to state that the United States Government Survey, places Asheville next to Denver in point of dryness.  The atmospheric conditions being pointed out on the climatic map prepared by Prof. Charles Denison indicate that Asheville has the dryest climate all the year round of any point East of Denver, and this fact has been fully established by actual observations on the part of the United States Government.  Out of 365 days there is an average of 259 clear ones.  The high altitude and the low latitude of Asheville conduce to insure mild winters and cool summers.  In a very able pamphlet on this subject, Dr. S. Westray Battle, Passed Assistant Surgeon in the United States Navy, and a distinguished physician, says : "The great Appalachian chain, upon reaching North Carolina, stands sponsor to a section which should be, and I predict will be, the great sanitarium of our eastern country.  As if conscious of its future importance it has seen fit to guard the plateau with its loftiest and grandest peaks, a half hundred of which tower to a height upward of six thousand feet, and a dozen pierce the sky at an altitude greater than that of Mount Washington or any point East of the Rocky Mountains.  As far as the scenery goes, 'age cannot wither,"

[View of Asheville showing Battery Park in distance]

"nor custom stale its infinite variety,' a point too little thought of in casting about for suitable climate."

"Asheville, the county seat of Buncombe, well situated, two hundred and fifty feet above the waters of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and one mile from their confluence, is itself twenty-six hundred and fifty feet above tide water.  The entire region is covered with a luxuriant growth of primitive forest of pine, balsam and the handsomest of the deciduous variety of trees generally, the mountains being wooded tot the very summits, an unusual and attractive feature which delights the eye and at once impresses most favorably the tourist and health seeker.  The scenic effects to be had here are a proper food for the eye of the sick and the well, and in rounding up the complement of a health resort are not to be lost sight of.  The Blue Ridge to the eastward is a water-shed of the mountain region of Western North Carolina, the plateau being well watered toward the Mississippi."

"The climate of Asheville plateau may be called a medium altitude, dry, all-the-year-round climate, enjoying peculiar advantages and many attractive features by reason of its geographical situation.  It is cool in summer, yet the winters, shorn of their hardness by reason of its southern latitude, induce almost daily out-of-door exercise, in the way of shooting, riding, driving, or short mountain excursions on foot.  Moderate altitude, dry and ozoniferous atmosphere, bright sunshine and beautiful scenic environment are the important factors of the region."

"Possibly one of the best proofs of the advantages of Asheville and the Asheville plateau as a place to live al the year round, and especially in the winter is obtained in the fact that Mr. Geo. W. Vanderbilt, after having traveled the world over, particularly the United States, selected Asheville as a place of residence.  His superb mansion and magnificent estate of one hundred and forty thousand acres, stand out as sufficient evidence that Asheville is one of the most entrancing places in America."

"The Asheville plateau lies between the Allegheny Mountains on the West and the Blue Ridge on the East, at an elevation of twenty-six hundred feet above tide water.  Its healthfulness is wonderful, and malaria, the disease of the century, is unknown in this section.  The fall of the French Broad River is upwards of seventeen hundred feet in forty miles, and being the natural water-shed of this region, it" 

[The Corner of the Palm Room in the Battery Park Hotel.]

"will be seen at a glance that with this great and perfect system of drainage, this locality must be absolutely free from malaria.  Pulmonary and throat troubles succumb to the balmy air of this section.  Some of the most learned and skilled physicians in the United States have recorded the fact that, in this climate, tubercular consumption is not hereditary.  This is a most remarkable and valuable truth, and has been proven in numberless instances."

"The Battery Park Hotel, famous everywhere for its excellence and hospitality, has been greatly improved within the last six months.  Thirty-six new and elegant rooms and a sun parlor, eighty feet long and sixty feet wide, have been added to the numerous attractions and comforts of the Hotel.  This new addition makes the Battery Park Hotel the most complete resort Hotel in the South.  All of the rooms are beautifully fitted up and connected with bath rooms.  Every modern day convenience has been put in the Hotel, and it is to-day absolutely complete in all points of comfort, convenience and attractiveness.  A grill room has just been completed which is known as 'Hunter's Lodge.'  Table d'hote dinners are served regularly, while during the day and night one may find all the delicacies of the season, including game and sea-food of every description."

"In the language of a noted writer, 'The Battery Park Hotel is so closely associated with Asheville that the names are almost synonymous.  It derives its name from its being located on a spot of historical interest, for it was at the very point where the Hotel now stands that the Confederates planted battery of artillery for the defense of the town.  The old breastworks still remain, but the grim messengers of death have given place to flowers, and the happy voices of children are heard from the old ramparts instead of the roar of artillery.  Crowning as it does the summit of  noble eminence in the centre of a lovely private park of twenty-five acres, and surrounded by a grove of ancient oaks, it presents a most inviting and picturesque appearance, and stands boldly in view for miles in almost any direction.  It is scarcely a stone's throw away from the public square of Asheville, yet is one hundred and twenty-five feet above it and so secluded in its own environments that the sojourner within its hospitable walls may find, if he desires, perfect restfulness and repose.  The structure is modern, architecturally beautiful, and singularly free from the skilled conventionalities of the usual hotel.  The frontage measures four hundred and seventy-five feet, yet it is so broken with broad porches, gables, oriel and bow windows that the dimensions deceive the eye.  The porches, which are a great feature because out-door"

[Picture of the Corner of the Turkish Room.]

"life is so attractive in Asheville, are broad and almost never-ending.  During the warmer season they are fringed with hanging and stationary boxes of flowers, and in winter enclosed in glass, thus affording invalids opportunities for sun baths and long walks without leaving the house.  From these extensive verandas the most magnificent panorama of mountain views is spread before the vision.  The scene changes with the hours, for the rosy lights of morning, the glare of the noon-day, and the deepening shadows of the evening, give to each in their turn a new and varied charm to the view.  To the left may be seen in full view the noble chateau of Mr. Vanderbilt, and directly in front as a grand centre-piece of the scene, stands old Pisgah, with its sentinels on either side, while down below in the near foreground, are the pretty streets and homes of Asheville.  Within Battery Park all is comfort and elegance.  The spacious entrance hall in which the office occupies a corner, is a picture of attractiveness with its massive fire-place, broad and graceful stairways and easy stairs.  Here every evening is a brilliant gathering of guests, who, in little groups-the ladies with their fancy work and the gentlemen with their cigars-pass the hours in informal sociability, lending a pleasing and congenial atmosphere, an unknown feature in many of the great hostelries.  On many evenings there are special entertainments in the grand ball room-the handsomest of any resort in the country-for it is fully equipped with a stage and all the furnishings.  No detail has been omitted to make the Battery Park a home in every sense of the much abused word.  The rooms are all light, large and cheerful, handsomely furnished, steam heated, many having open fire-places, and private porcelain baths.  There are also bowling alleys, billiard rooms, for both ladies and gentlemen ; a shooting gallery and all the accessories for popular amusement for old and young.  Mr. E. P. McKissick, the proprietor, is a gentleman whose genial personality and all-around good fellowship has given him a reputation as an ideal host which has reached far beyond the limits of North Carolina. He has a rare faculty, to a wonderful degree of not only managing the practical part of the business with  consummate skill, but of making visitors feel from the moment they enter the house that they are his personal guests. He has surrounded himself with most competent assistants. "

Within the last two years many new additions have been made to the list of amusements which are offered to the visitors who come to Asheville. Golf links have been established, which are said to be the best in the South. There are two systems of links in Asheville and people who enjoy this pastime will find every facility offered them here. Fox-hunting is another one of the pleasures. There are two excellent packs of hounds and weekly hunts are always on the programme [sic]. One of the most enjoyable and popular features of Asheville is the Swannanoa Hunt Club, which affords an added pleasure to those who enjoy out-door sport."

[Picture of the Moon-Flower Walk at the Hotel]

GOOD GOLF

The principal feature in the way of amusements in Asheville is, of course, Golf. The Swannanoa Country Club was organized several years ago, and it has the best Golf links that can be found in the South, with possibly one exception.

Some of the best professionals in America, who have played on this course, pronounce it sporty and interesting. The course is a nine hole course, and is two thousand nine hundred and seventy yards in length. The first hole in 175 yards, the green being guarded by a brook, with woods to catch a pulled or sliced ball. The second hole is 280 yards, with a bunker guarding the green -- a pulled or sliced ball is badly punished by rough ground. The fourth hole is 360 yards, with a bunker on the drive, one on the second shot and a stream behind the green. The fifth hole is 280 yards, with rough ground for the first 100 yards, "trouble" for any ball that over-runs the green. The sixth hole is 450 yards, the drive crosses a stream, a wagon road and a street car track, while the second shot has a flat bunker. The seventh hole is 320 yards, and has a bunker for the drive. The ninth hole is 440 yards --cop bunker for the drive and flat bunker for the second shot.

This description is rather meager, but at the same time it will convey a fair idea of the excellence of the Swannanoa Country Club's course. The fair green is the most perfect to be found in the South. It has been sodded and thoroughly rolled, while no expense has been spared to make it absolutely smooth.

The Country Club is housed in one of the most comfortable buildings that can be found on any Golf course in America. Everything looking to the comfort and convenience of golf players has been followed in the erection of this building. Shower baths and all such conveniences are comprised in general features of the house.

There are numerous streams around Asheville that are teeming with trout and black bass, while the French Broad River is well stocked with salmon and trout. Mr. William Bruce Leffingwell, the author of "Wild Fowl Shooting" and other books of interest to sportsmen, speaking of Asheville says: "Game is plentiful in the vicinity of Asheville, and one can find deer, turkey and quail almost without number ; and then too, in the ...

[Picture of Swannanoa Golf Club House and a view of the Club House from the 9th Hole from the Brook.]

Within the last year the roads in and around Asheville have been wonderfully improved. The Good Roads Association in conjunction with the County Commissioners have taken the matter of good roads in hand, and Asheville has possibly the best roadways that can be found at any resort in the South. These two bodies have adopted the macadamized system, and instead of the mud that has obtained in Asheville in the past in the winter time, the macadamized roads will be found. The mountain drives have all been improved under  the direction of the  Good Roads Association, while the different avenues of approach to Asheville have been and are being macadamized and made perfect, so far as driving., horseback riding and bicycling is concerned. The train service to Asheville  is now so arranged that parties visiting the South and Florida can go or come by Asheville without less of time. Round-trip tickets, good for ninety days, are on sale to Asheville from all points North, East and West. Apply to any agent of the Southern Railway in any of the prominent cities, and further information will be given regarding Asheville and tickets. It should be stated in this connection that round-trip tickets are on sale from Asheville from all points North, East and West. Apply to any agent of the Southern Railway in any of the prominent cities, and further information will be given regarding Asheville and tickets. It should be stated in this connection that round-trip tickets are on sale from Asheville to Florida, which enable parties to visit Florida while they are wintering at the Battery Park Hotel. Through vestibule sleepers are run daily between New York and Asheville over the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Southern Railway ; also between Asheville and northwest via the Queen and Crescent Route and Asheville and Florida.

Baggage is invariably checked through from and to all points. A special electric car is run to the Battery Park Hotel, and it meets all trains, conveying passengers to and from the Hotel in ten minutes. For any further information, address  ...

E.P. McKISSICK, Proprietor