The pottery of the North Carolina folk potters awaits you at Appalachian Crafts. Teague, Owen, McNeill, Wyndham, and Cole, as well as many skilled artisans from the surrounding neighborhoods. Phil Brown's carved eastern song birds, neat little wooden boxes from Virginia, wooden toys, hand-woven looped rugs, hand-quilted quilts, jams, jellies, wooden kitchen utensils, CDs of local folk singers, and even bees' wax candles! Rather read? We have books by local authors (Thomas Wolfe, Wilma Dykeman), books on what to do and where to go: hiking, biking, exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, and even some down home Southern cookbooks! Y'all come!

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The Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT), founded in 1979, is Western North Carolina's first professional modern dance company. The company performs up to 80 times a year in Asheville, the southeastern United States, and abroad (France, Canada, Cuba, Mexico). ACDT's repertoire consists of full length modern dance theatre productions, smaller modern dance works, and educational dance theatre performances for children. ACDT is the producer of several dance and performing arts festivals in Asheville: The Fringe Arts Festival, the North Carolina Dance Festival, the Men's Dance Festival, and the 48 Hour Dance Project. In addition to their regular performance season, ACDT also invites dance companies and artists from around the world to share their talents and enrich the Asheville community.

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Closest whitewater rafting outfitter to Asheville, 22 miles northwest, Blue Heron Whitewater offers a variety of trips on the French Broad River. Choose the trip that fits your group and schedule. Half-day trips enjoy 5 miles, class II-III rapids, minimum age is 8. Full day trips enjoy 8 miles, a fresh, deli-style lunch and a class IV rapid, minimum age is 8. Families with younger children can choose the Float Trip, minimum age is 4. When water levels permit, the adventurous may opt to paddle inflatable kayaks, or guide their own raft. Blue Heron guides share the best rapid routes they know, and in the pools between, the human and natural history of this ancient river corridor. We provide the river-related gear, including splash jacket and pants, and wetsuits in cool weather, no extra charge. High quality experience, competitively priced. A fun rafting trip engages you with the mountains. When you are on the river you are no longer a spectator!

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Cataloochee Ski Area,located mile high in the mountains of Western North Carolina, is the home of "Great Skiing in the Great Smokies!" One of the first areas to open each season, Cataloochee is committed to making your skiing experience the best it can be. Utilizing one the most advanced snowmaking systems in the Southeast on 16 lighted slopes, 3 aerial lifts,2 carpet lifts, 1 handle tow & over 4000 sets of snowsports equipment, Cataloochee offers something everyone. A PSIA & AASI member Snowsports School for all ages and abilities, and Children’s Learning Center for kids ages 4-12. Groups of fifteen or more receive FREE beginner lessons when renting equipment. A cozy fireplace, restaurant and lounge as well as The Shop at Cataloochee, featuring signature gifts await you in the lodge. Tube World, six lanes of snowtubing fun is located in Maggie Valley! Easy 4 lane access; 40 minutes from Asheville with great midweek packages makes economical winter fun closer than you think!

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A discovery packed nature and science emporium. Full selection of binoculars and telescopes. Hiking guides, packs and hats, nature books and toys. Adjacent gallery features the world's best wildlife artists.

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Classic fashions for children featuring the JD line at 30 to 50 percent off retail. Many other fine lines available. Baby gifts, tea sets and music boxes designed to fit a mother's taste and a child's whimsy.

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Restored to its 1940s heyday, this grand downtown emporium features clothing, comfort footwear, traditional housewares, toys and over 500 old-fashioned candies. You'll also find an outdoor department brimming with travel and outdoor gear for all seasons. Step back in time at locations along main streets in Boone, Hendersonville and Waynesville and the original store in historic Valle Crucis.

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The area's largest complete children's store with more than 6,000 children's book titles, unique educational and "fun" toys and games, and a full range of quality children's clothing.

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Take a trip back in time while enjoying three historic buildings filled with great toys, practical housewares, hand woodworking tools, regional books, nostalgic collectibles and garden gifts. Shipping available.

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As North Carolina's original family theme park, Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, cowgirl, indian or an engineer. Shop along Main Street, pan for gold or visit the Deer Park. Tweetsie has amusement rides for all ages and live entertainment throughout the park. And of course, hop aboard our historic steam-powered train for a fun-filled three-mile Wild West journey through the scenic mountains.

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The newest fun place for dogs in Asheville. We offer a delicious variety of homemade treats and chews, dog clothing, unique toys, accessories and pet photography. Use our stress-free grooming service, We do not cage pets or use cage dryers. Our State-of-the-Art Self Serve dog wash makes it fun and easy to wash your dog, bring the whole family.

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Timeless children's fashions for girls newborn to 12 and for boys newborn to 8. Clothing for everyday and special occasions including smocking, matching brother-sister outfits. Upstairs above Once Upon a Time.

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