(1.7-mile loop, easy) This outdoors museum is a self-guided walking tour on the sidewalks of downtown Asheville, leading to 30 sculptures that depict local history.
The Asheville area has one of longest lasting fall color shows in the country. Fall foliage begins to change in the highest elevations in early October and finishes in the lowest valleys in early November. See our week-by-week color prediction…
Enjoy the many outdoor street festivals, art fairs and other events. Most are free, and you can find one about every weekend during the Spring, Summer and Fall in Asheville and the surrounding mountain towns. See our Top Spring Festivals, Top…
The mighty French Broad River starts as a small stream high in the North Carolina mountains and flows 200+ miles to Knoxville to help form the Tennessee River. It's the third oldest river in the world, even older than our mountains (formed some…
Stargaze with members of one of the top astronomy clubs in the country with monthly stargazing events at observatories, on mountaintops or along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Don’t miss the views that can be seen from Grandfather Mountain, which at 5,946 ft’ is one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountain range. Grandfather Mountain State Park encompasses 2,456-acres of wilderness to explore. If you are staying…
The Courtyard offers the convenience, amenities and service you deserve. Experience the Bistro, offering a variety of breakfast and dinner options, as well as a full bar and Starbucks coffee. After a day in the mountains, enjoy their amenities or…
This 10-acre garden near the University of North Carolina in Asheville features Southern Appalachian plants, and includes peaceful hiking trails in the middle of the city.
Hit the slopes for plenty of winter of fun. Since we have the highest mountains in eastern America, you will find plenty of snow, either natural or man-made, for sking and snowboarding.
Gorgeous Fontana Lake is the largest lake in Western North Carolina, surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. The 480-ft. tall Fontana Dam is the highest dam east of the Rockies (the equivalent of a 50-story skyscraper). Walk or drive across the…
This 76-mile mountain scenic drive is packed with things to see and do, including plenty of waterfalls, picnic spots and hiking trails. The Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway is highlighted by beautiful mountain scenery and rich local history…
Franklin, North Carolina, is known as the "Gem Capital of the World." The area is rich in gems and minerals and is a favorite spot for rockhounds of all ages. The famous Cowee Valley north of Franklin lures thousands each year to its mines which…
Here are parts of the official Blue Ridge Parkway map, with Milepost numbers every ten miles. The first map is the section north of Asheville to Grandfather Mountain. See our mile-by-mile list of Parkway things to do. Also, download a PDF of the…
Begin your day of mountain adventures with a hearty breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch at a big variety of local restaurants. Here are our top spots and favorite places in and near Asheville. Be sure to make reservations well in advance for…
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy your vacation getaway to Asheville and the western North Carolina mountains. In fact, many activities won’t cost you a dime! Here are our Top Ten Free Things to Do for romantic outings or fun with…
The French Broad River Festival in Hot Springs ran for its last time in 2021. It grew steadily from a one-night benefit party on the banks of the French Broad River to an all-weekend festival featuring some of the best music in the area and a…
Grab your canoe or kayak! The French Broad River Paddle Trail opened in 2012 to connect more than 140 miles of the French Broad River from around Rosman, NC, to Douglas Lake, TN. The Trail serves to protect the river as a resource for recreation…
Take a short hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy panoramic views from Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, located near Mt. Pisgah in Pisgah National Forest. The views are better than from atop Mt. Pisgah, with half the hike (only 1.5 miles…