Cornbread and beans. Country ham and wild ramps. Apple butter and sorghum. The humble cuisine of the Mountain South offers spoonfuls of heart, soul—and flavor. “Cornbread in Appalachia is both sustenance and communion, nutrition and identity,” writes Asheville-area writer Ronni Lundy in her James Beard Award-winning book Victuals: An Appalachian Journey, with Recipes . She
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 what the city
Take your Asheville experience to the next level! Discover incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the city skyline from Asheville’s growing selection of unique rooftop bars. With 11 rooftop bars (nine in the downtown alone), Asheville makes it easy for you to feel on top of the world in the "Land of Sky." The Best Rooftop Bars in Asheville Antidote Antidote is a
People all over the country are raising their glasses to Asheville’s wine scene. Travel Channel has named Asheville one of the “New Top 10 Cities for Wine Snobs.” In other words, the wine opportunities here are so plentiful and delicious that even the true wine aficionado can appreciate the selection. Why is the area such a fertile ground for good wine? Local winemakers
Just blocks from the heart of downtown Asheville you’ll find a vibrant, walkable neighborhood home to many of the city’s top makers. Artists, chefs and brewers have all set up shop in the South Slope District, breathing new life into the warehouses of this former industrial stronghold. Colorful murals beckon you to explore the area’s art galleries, award winning restaurants
Black Mountain, a small town only 15 miles east of Asheville, is home to a robust lineup of annual events. These popular festivals and gatherings showcase the lively culture of Black Mountain and attract big names in the world of art and music. Here’s a list of the top events Black Mountain has to offer throughout the year in chronological order. Black Mountain Marathon and Mount Mitchell
Readers of Trip Advisor named Black Mountain the “ prettiest small town in America, ” and for good reason. You can easily enjoy gorgeous views of the mountains around every turn and access numerous outdoor adventures within minutes of the downtown area. Here is a look at the top 10 things to do around town! 1. Discover Downtown Black Mountain and Shop the Local Stores The downtown
Experience wildlife up close with a family-friendly adventure to the WNC Nature Center , located just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville! Among the animals you’ll see are otters, black bears, wolves and a cougar! The 42-acre wildlife park features award-winning exhibits that are home to 60 species of wild and domestic animals and hundreds of species of
The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than a scenic drive. You could call the Parkway the country’s greatest hiking trail head. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers easy access to all kinds of hiking adventures, from short walks to day-long treks. In the Asheville area, the Blue Ridge Parkway is your base camp for hiking to 6,000-foot mountaintops, exploring refreshing waterfalls or taking a leisurely
2018 Santa on the Chimney Dates: December 1 and December 8 Before traveling the world to climb down chimneys and deliver presents on Christmas, Santa practices in the Asheville area on one of the biggest chimneys of all! The first two Saturdays in December mark Santa on the Chimney , a tradition that gives you and your family the opportunity to watch Santa rappel down the 315-foot granite
A beautiful historic district in Asheville transforms during the holidays, transporting you back in time to the days of Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol . On the first weekend of December, Historic Biltmore Village takes on new life as a quaint Victorian town for the Old World Dickens in the Village Festival . Biltmore Village is a unique shopping and dining destination in Asheville, located
Imagine hearing the leaves crunch under your feet as you feast your eyes on the golds, oranges and reds of autumn that surround you. The iconic trails of the Asheville area can be explored during any season but many of these trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains offer a truly special experience in the fall. There are few better ways to soak in the colors of fall foliage than with a hike. Asheville
A walk in the clouds in the Black Mountains Hike from the highest peak east of the Mississippi River (Mount Mitchell, 6684 feet) to the second highest one (Mount Craig, 6647 feet). On the ridge line of these giants of the Black Mountains, you might find yourself above the clouds. You'll begin the hike in Mount Mitchell State Park, one of the first state parks in the U.S. (established in
How to safely view the best waterfalls near Asheville, N.C. The Asheville area is home to hundreds of waterfalls , including some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the country. Exploring these natural wonders can be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences you have during your visit! But, we at Explore Asheville want you to make sure it’s a memorable experience for all the
Fall is a truly special time to visit Asheville. Not only can you experience fall in Asheville with stunning leaves and special events but also with the mountain harvest . In addition to many working farms in Asheville , the city is less than a half hour drive from one of the country's best apple growing areas, Hendersonville, N.C. Hendersonville hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival each
Asheville, N.C., in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains , is known for having one of the longest and most colorful fall foliage seasons in the world. Thanks to a large variation in elevation and unmatched biodiversity in the Asheville area, that long color season extends from late September (at the highest locations like Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell ) to early November (lower elevation
An introduction to Hickory Nut Gap Steep wooded slopes, mountain creeks, open fields and long-range views: this trail has a little bit of every type of terrain that you'd find in the Hickory Nut Gap area. Since the trail is new (completed in 2014) and not well known, you’re unlikely to have to share the payoff view at the summit with other hikers. What To Expect From the parking area,
Western North Carolina's newest trail offers challenges and rewards The Wildcat Rock Trail features a waterfall, long-range views, caves and wildflowers. Completed in 2017, the three-mile (each way) trail is the result of years of conservation efforts between a local couple and several conservation groups. The trail itself is the brainchild of Conserving Carolinas trails coordinator Peter
Roam the Roan Highlands on this unforgettable section of the AT Considered one of the most scenic areas on the entire Appalachian Trail, this section starting from Carver’s Gap (elevation 5,512) takes you across three spectacular unique grassy hilltops (known as "balds") with unimpeded views. If you arrive in mid-to-late June, you’ll catch the rhododendron bloom, one of
This classic hike near Western Carolina University delivers a workout Looking for a challenge? Dramatic views await at The Pinnacle, a rock outcropping that sits at elevation 5,008 feet. When you reach the summit, you'll see the town of Sylva below, with the Smokies in the distance and the Plott Balsam mountain range in the foreground. You’ll get a serious workout on this
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