There’s Always Something Around the Bend in Asheville You don’t have to travel far from Asheville to become immersed in natural beauty. The topography of the Blue Ridge Mountains lends itself to some of the best scenic drives and awe-inspiring panoramic views you’ll find in the southeast. Within minutes, find yourself surrounded by the same forests, waterfalls and vistas that
Choose Your Own Hiking Adventure in Asheville, NC 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
Asheville is a Garden-Lovers Paradise Asheville, North Carolina's scenic natural landscape is a mecca for greenery, flowers and blooms. The Asheville area has a favorable climate for lush gardens, and the locals have a long history of being instilled with a passion and respect for protecting and showcasing the land. In the late 19th century, George W. Vanderbilt hired Frederick Law Olmsted,
Asheville’s Ancient Connections The Asheville of today features stunning Art Deco architecture, the sounds of drums in Asheville's Pritchard Park on a Friday night and the smells of international flavors as you pass by myriad of local restaurants. But stop and ponder this: the area traces its roots back to The Cherokee, a sacred and ancient civilization dating back 11,000
Has there ever been a creature so fearsome yet so adorable than the bear? If you spend enough time hiking or picnicking in the mountains near Asheville, you might see a bear. Fortunately, the black bear tends to be friendly and will not attack humans unless provoked. Of course, the best way to avoid run-ins with North Carolina's largest mammal is taking measures to prevent a bear encounter.
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
Shortly before fall in Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains, thousands of Monarch butterflies pass through the Asheville area as they migrate south to Mexico. The butterflies travel more than 2,000 miles on their journey, and we're fortunate that Western North Carolina is right along their route! When to see Monarch butterflies in Asheville, NC From the middle of September and
See Splendid Fall Views From The Air With glowing reds and brilliant yellows sprayed across the mountains, fall in Asheville is a season to behold. But for those with just a little bit more adventurous spirit, here’s a suggestion: How about getting the most unique view of the fall leaves of all from the air? Whether you’re looking for a peaceful float or a heart-pounding freefall, here
Astronomy in the Blue Ridge Mountains Surrounded by the tallest mountains this side of the Mississippi River, Asheville is the perfect home base for your stargazing adventure. There's nothing quite so spell-binding as looking up into a starry sky filled with constellations, distant planets and a golden moon. As a smaller city, Asheville produces minimal light pollution so you can easily
Trout, smallmouth bass, and great scenery abound The phrase “gone fishing” typically means goofing off, avoiding responsibility, or just dozing in the shade. Not so for a dedicated group of Asheville-based outdoor guides. For these hardworking sport fishermen, “gone fishing” means long hours of field research: heading into the mountains to explore the region’s nearly
