Stories by Jason Tarr

32 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 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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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 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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Whitewater Rafting

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

Couple enjoys glasses of wine atop the AC Hotel rooftop balcony.

Best Rooftop Bars in Asheville, NC

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

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A couple enjoys the beautiful views from Green Man Brewing in Asheville, NC

Top Things to Do in Asheville's South Slope District

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 and

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