There are many hiking trails in beautiful Cataloochee Valley, home to the elk. A quick favorite is the one-mile Rough Fork Trail along the cascading stream.
Find plenty of unique inns, bed and breakfasts, local boutique hotels, cabins and campgrounds near all the things to do in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton and Forest City.
Stop by for free travel guides, brochures and advice for fun in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Rutherford County. See a display of movies filmed here, including Dirty Dancing and Last of the Mohicans. The “Map Room” includes a wall-sized timeline of…
(3.2 miles, moderate) This loop hike in the Smokies includes a 1,200-ft. tunnel at the end of Bryson City's Lakeview Drive, known locally as the "Road to Nowhere." Lakeshore Trail starts here too, a 35-mile long trek to Fontana Lake Dam.
(356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville) Watch raw apples arriving for pressing, fresh apple juice being pumped into tanks ready for fermentation or the finished product being put into kegs or bottles. Their 20 taps feature their lineup of crisp…
This beautiful 1898 pink lady in the Montford historic district near downtown Asheville is uniquely decorated with antiques, period-style furnishings and Persian rugs. The high ceilings, four fireplaces, original golden oak and stained glass…
Located at Milepost 331 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Little Switzerland, this free museum features treasures found around the state and the local Spruce Pine Mining District through interactive displays on a wide variety of minerals and gems.…
Find a big variety of 40 artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry, and more in downtown Banner Elk. Many restaurants, shops, and things to do nearby. Benefits their historic school renovation. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
Find a big variety of 40 artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry and more in downtown Banner Elk. Many restaurants, shops and things to do nearby. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
Asheville offers a multitude of places to go for live music and dancing any day of the week.
Find many events, festivals and our top things to do to kick off summer during the holiday weekend in Asheville and the NC mountains.
Refresh yourself and have fun in our cool mountain waters in our lakes, rivers and waterfalls. See our favorite swimming spots (including popular Sliding Rock), tubing spots, pools and beaches.
See the below calendars to find the best events and festivals of all sorts in Asheville and nearby towns in western North Carolina, no matter when you plan to visit! In addition to our "five" seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall & Holidays…
The small community of Cowee near Franklin is big on history dating back 1,400 years! Today, drive the winding mountain roads for gorgeous farm views, visit local artists at a repurpose school and enjoy music jams at a well-known general store in…
The Governor's Western Residence in Asheville is hidden away on Town Mountain just a few miles from downtown, so few visitors and many locals don't even know it's there. The estate is only open for public tours one or two days a year - including…
Take a guided expedition through the Biltmore Estate to match your skill level. The western-style, one-hour guided ride is perfect for beginner to intermediate-level riders. A private three-hour trail ride with picnic lunch is designed for…
Our top mountain beach near Asheville is at Lake James State Park. The 700-ft. long beach is open May through September, 10 AM-6 PM every day. It features a bathhouse with nice changing rooms, concessions, and a protected swim area. Lake James is…