North Carolina
South Asheville, minutes from the Arboretum and the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Arden sits just south of Asheville, which makes it a practical base: you are close to the airport, close to Biltmore, and on the right side of town for the Parkway without paying downtown rates.
The North Carolina Arboretum is essentially next door, and Biltmore Park Town Square covers dinner and a film when you want an easy evening.
Nearby

434 acres at the entrance to the Parkway, with the Bonsai Exhibition Garden and ten miles of trails.
Official site
Restaurants, shops, and a cinema, for an evening that needs no planning.
Official site

The entrance is right by the Arboretum, so the overlooks start within minutes.
Official site
A straightforward local playground and sports courts, useful with children.

A 300 acre public lake with fishing, a playground, disc golf, and paddleboat rentals.
Official site