Stories by Cat Kessler

18 Stories Posts
Cat Kessler Headshot

Cat is the former Director of Content for ExploreAsheville.com. When she's not tweeting about hiking and cheese, you can find her posting photos of Blue Ridge Mountain vistas and many pints of craft beer.

Girl playing in fountain at Splashveille park in Asheville

Budget-Friendly Ways to Cool Down

Asheville's beat-the-heat adventures In the heart of the summer, there's no better time than now to find unique ways to cool down. Fortunately, you can escape to the mountains in and around Asheville to find relief from the hot days. Even better, you can leave your wallet at home because these refreshing adventures won't break the bank. French Broad River

LaZoom Haunted Comedy Tour

5 Haunted Tours in Asheville, N.C.

Tours & Celebrations to Give You Goosebumps... All Year Round A city that has as much history as Asheville is sure to have a few mysteries, and exploring the unknown can sometimes lead down strange and even spooky paths. But do not fear! All of Asheville's haunted and mysterious adventures are fully guided. Phantoms by Foot The Haunted Asheville Tours were developed by renowned

Tags

Fall, Tours

Santa on the Chimney

5 Crazy Reasons Why Asheville Should Top Your Holiday Travel List

While you're making your list, and before you start checking it twice, be sure to add a trip to Asheville, North Carolina, to the top of your holiday to-do's. Why? Asheville takes the holidays to the next level with these five can't-miss things to do and see. Santa Claus Goes Extreme Santa and his helpers may make their home at the North Pole, but Asheville is where Saint Nick comes to

Tags

Holidays

Lazoom Tour

9 Great Asheville Tours for Spring

For first-time visitors, or for seasoned travelers looking to dive a bit deeper, city tours can be a great way to get to know Asheville. And like everything else, many of Asheville's city tours are just a little bit different. Check out these tours that are just perfect for enjoying warm spring weather and becoming acquainted with "Paris of the South," "Land of the Sky" or

Hunger Games

Hunger Games Itineraries

Experience the Hunger Games: Day Trip Itineraries Go behind the scenes and explore the beautiful mountain locations filmed for The Hunger Games. Follow in the footsteps of your favorite tributes with these day trip itineraries, then retire to Asheville just like the stars did. Hunger Games Interactive Map Use the map* below to plan your Hunger Games getaway, or stop by the Asheville Visitors

Watch & Win: Free Hunger Games Survival Getaway

Hunger Games

The curtain went up on Asheville with the premier of the highly anticipated film, The Hunger Games , which opened in spring 2012. Shot on location in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, the movie showcases both the area's natural beauty and—through the lives of the young stars on set—the wealth of exciting things to see & do around town. Behind The Scenes—Arena

Video Thumbnail - youtube - Jerry Read Smith - Making Dulcimers in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Mountain Sounds, Legacy of Dulcimers

Locally Crafted Instruments Lend Melodies a Blue Ridge Ring Enthusiasts of Appalachian music are likely familiar with the whimsical sounds of dulcimers, instruments that have a rich legacy tied to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jerry Read Smith, a local craftsman who has made more than 8,000 musical instruments, builds hammered dulcimers in his workshop in the nearby town of Black Mountain. The

Bee in Fairview

Asheville, N.C. is Bee City USA

Honey Bees Make Life Sweeter in the Mountains Asheville goes by many names, including Land of the Sky, Paris of the South, Beer City USA and also Bee City USA. That's right—Bee City, as in honey bees. Honeybee (apis mellifera) by Eran Finkle (Flickr/finklez) The city became the inaugural Bee City USA in 2012, officially designating the community as one of the first in the nation to

Fall 2018 Landing Page Header

5 Things You Need to Know About Fall in Asheville

Top tips for experiencing fall in Asheville, NC Fall in Asheville, North Carolina is one of the most sought-after places to go leaf peeping. Due to the area's vast elevation changes, the Asheville area is home to one of the longest fall color seasons in the nation. To help you plan your fall getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, check out these useful tips on how to experience fall color in

French Broad Chocolate Lounge Stout Cake

They Put Beer in What?

Asheville’s beer culture goes beyond pints and pitchers of heady brew. From food to hygiene we’re finding new and unique ways to incorporate our favorite local brews into more than just a glass. Growlers Get your hands on some of Asheville’s most heady brew.  Crooked Condiments Mustards Take your sandwich to a whole new level. Highland’s Gaelic Ale and