Family Stories

42 Stories Posts
Serafina

From Biltmore to the Forests: Your Guide to the Serafina Experience

Plan an escape that will bring the best-selling novel series to life In the cavernous basement of the Biltmore Estate and in the magical forests surrounding Asheville is a mythical protagonist, 12-year-old Serafina, who has captivated the attention of the nation’s readers. The first chronicle of her daring quest to solve mysteries, Serafina and the Black Cloak , enjoyed an extended stay atop

GSMNP Sunset

Day Trip: Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Discover the Smokies by Trail, Train or Tube To walk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to follow in the footsteps of the Cherokee Indians; living on this land for more than 14,000 years. Because of the great efforts of many, today the 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) is protected forever. And today all of us can stand atop Clingman’s Dome and see the same

Fresh local produce at a Farmers Market in Asheville, NC

Where to Find Farmers Markets and Local Harvest in Asheville, N.C.

An Emphasis on Fresh, Local Products from Asheville Area Farms Nearly 100 tailgate markets can be found in the Southern Appalachians and a whopping 20 of them are located in the greater Asheville area. Shop at one of these many markets and odds are you'll be shopping alongside chefs from the best Asheville restaurants. Eateries like Tupelo Honey Café , Sovereign Remedies and The

WNC Cheese Trail

Pick Your Own Produce at a U-Pick Farm in Asheville

Pick Your Own Produce What could be better than standing in the late spring or summer sunshine, the wind brushing your face as you hold the ripest, juiciest strawberry you’ve ever seen in your hands? This simple pleasure can be had at several U-pick farms in the Asheville area where you can pick your own fresh, juicy produce. Vacation cuisine can be about more than just ordering at a

Amy Ager | Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Experience Farm Life in Asheville

Down on the farm Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) devotes itself wholeheartedly to fostering the area’s local-food movement. For the last two decades, the nonprofit group has carried out this mission by helping local farms thrive, linking food growers with buyers and generally creating a healthier community through these

Cozy Night In

6 RAD Reasons to Rent a Mountain Cabin in Asheville, N.C.

From rustic to luxury, Asheville cabin rentals provide a place to call your own If you’re looking for accommodations with character, then you should definitely consider an Asheville cabin rental. Tucked throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains are a variety of unique home rentals offering all the amenities you would expect - privacy, cozy fireplaces and even cozier hot tubs. Aside from

Ski Lesson at Cataloochee Ski Area

12 Family-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Winter in Asheville

There’s plenty to do for the whole crew, indoors or out Avoid the crowds that come with fall, spring and summer, and enjoy Asheville with your family at the coolest time of the year. Games and Interactive Museums With more than 30 pinball machines and over a dozen classic video games in the “Arcave,” there’s enough nostalgic button pushing at the Asheville Pinball

Navitat Zipline

Thrills for Everyone: A Zipline Guide to Asheville

Find Your Perfect Zipline Tour in Asheville Take in the sites of Asheville from a new perspective – by soaring hundreds of feet above the ground.  From strictly tree-based courses to courses fit for little ones, here’s a guide to the best zipline experiences in Asheville. Go Far, Go Fast If you’re looking for a heart-pounding thrill, grab a friend and head out on the

A couple hiking in the woods

Asheville Hiking Guide: The Trail Starts Here

Choose Your Own Hiking Adventure in Asheville, N.C. Thousands of miles of trails twist, meander, dip and climb through the peaks and valleys around Asheville. In this world-class hiking destination, you can take your pick from peaceful hikes along mountain streams and technical scrambles up steep terrain; hikes that are short and sweet and multi-day adventures. Some hikes give you a view into the

Otters

Otters

Meet Obi-Wan and Olive, two adorable North American river otters that call the WNC Nature Center home. These playful creatures are found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats and can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. A river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Facts You Otter Know Life expectancy in zoos: 16 years Life

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