Stories by Jason Tarr

35 Stories Posts
Jason Tarr - uncropped

Jason is the former Content Manager for ExploreAsheville.com and a former television news reporter.  He's also an avid outdoorsman who spends nearly all his free time hiking and photographing the mountains of western North Carolina. When he's not hiking or writing, you'll find him singing karaoke around town or catching a local sports game.

Hiking in Bent Creek Forest in Asheville, N.C.

Taking the Trail Less Traveled

On your next visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains, take the trails less traveled! While certain trails seem to get all the love, there are other exciting trails (often starting in the same area) that are overlooked. Set your trip apart by exploring these hiking gems that are hidden in plain sight. And, by exploring these lesser-traveled trails, you'll be helping to support Leave No Trace by

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Asheville, NC skyline with beautiful rhododendron blooms

A Spring Guide to Asheville, NC

Spring is a time of rejuvenation in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mother Nature renews herself as the mountainsides green up with fresh leaves. Bright blooms emerge. And, warmer temperatures breathe new life into the city. It can also be a time for you to experience a personal spring rejuvenation. Awaiting you are stunning gardens with thousands of flowers, wellness offerings to boost

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Beautiful and classic holiday decorations at Cumberland Falls B&B in Asheville, NC

Deck the Halls: Asheville Bed & Breakfasts Go All Out for the Holidays

When deciding where to stay in Asheville, North Carolina, you'll want to consider the area's unique collection of bed and breakfasts. Known for their personalized experiences, home-cooked meals, historic architecture and warm hospitality, bed and breakfasts provide a home away from home while you're exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. While these accommodations are

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Max Patch

Mountain Balds Near Asheville, NC

Balds offer stunning views along iconic Asheville area hiking trails Hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC, you’ll find a series of mountaintops that offer incredible 360-degree views because they are mysteriously barren of trees.   These wide-open spaces are known as mountain balds. The balds are typically dominated by grass, making for a scene right out of the Sound of

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Biltmore Blooms in Asheville, NC

Top Spring Events in Asheville

As the warmer temperatures bring beautiful blooms to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville’s calendar of festivals and celebrations also blossoms. Experience these colorful events that are sure to help you leave winter behind and put that spring back in your step. Here is a look at the spring events in Asheville in 2023. Spring Flowers and the Outdoors Reign These Asheville happenings

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Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC is known as a shopping destination.

Top 10 Things to Do in Biltmore Village

Just outside the entrance gate to Biltmore Estate, you’ll find a unique district where local, small businesses brush arms with top national brand retailers. Biltmore Village was conceived by George Vanderbilt, the creator of Biltmore, and then designed by world-renowned architects to resemble an English village. Biltmore Village retains that same architecture and historic cottage charm

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Person looking at hand blown glass

19 Things to Do on A Rainy Day in Asheville, NC

While Asheville is known as a world-class outdoor adventure destination, you may be surprised by the wealth of indoor activity options at your fingertips when you visit. So, when you see rain pop up in the forecast, don’t despair! There are more than enough adventures on this list to explore until the sun comes out again. 1. Museums In culture-rich Asheville, a growing number of museums will

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The Asheville Museum of Science is a fully-interactive science experience in downtown Asheville, N.C.

Museums in Asheville, N.C.

In a city rich with culture, it's no wonder Asheville is home to a growing number of top-notch museums. From a newly expanded art museum to the opening of a museum celebrating a famous Asheville inventor, you'll find a breadth of unique experiences. These museums are highly-interactive, allowing people of all ages to explore art, history and science hands on.   

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9 Surprising Outdoor Adventures in Asheville, NC

Asheville is an outdoor adventure lover's paradise. The area is home to millions of acres of forests, 40 mountain peaks above 6,000 feet and the world's third oldest river. Here in the Blue Ridge Mountains you will, of course, find favorite outdoor activities such as great hiking, biking and rafting. But Asheville is no ordinary place. Unique and unusual experiences are

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