June 7-8, 2024
Head to Forest City (60 miles southeast of Asheville) for a festival that celebrates local moonshiner Amos Owens and his corn whiskey-based "Cherry Bounce" moonshine. A big concert in the Pavilion on Park Square opens the…
Taste and sample Indian street food like you’ve never had before at this critically acclaimed Asheville restaurant, where James Beard Award-winning Chef and Owner Meherwan Irani crafts delectable dishes for locals and visitors!
Chai…
Held at the historic Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center near Franklin, this 10-year anniversary celebration includes a pottery sale with studio artists, fun activities, and a hot dog lunch available. 10 AM-3 PM
The Blue Ridge Parkway was built for picnics! In addition to hundreds of picnic tables along the way, there are many overlooks and mountaintops that make perfect places to spread your blanket. Here are our favorite Parkway picnic spots in the…
July 20, 2024
Downtown Waynesville welcomes the world for Folkmoot USA International Day, held from 10 AM until 4 PM. This outstanding street festival fills Main Street with two performance areas featuring continual performances by…Experience deep relaxation with Salt Water Floatation (sensory deprivation) and stress relief with Esalen Massage. Detoxify and destress with a far Infrared sauna session, or explore how thoughts manifest in the body with Somatic Experiencing.…
Experience deep relaxation with Salt Water Floatation (sensory deprivation) and stress relief with Esalen Massage. Detoxify and destress with a far Infrared sauna session, or explore how thoughts manifest in the body with Somatic Experiencing.…
Explore an outstanding collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries and discover the richness of Western North Carolina’s unique artistic history at the Asheville Art Museum. Groups of ten or more adults are invited to schedule a…
Experience deep relaxation with Salt Water Floatation (sensory deprivation) and stress relief with Esalen Massage. Detoxify and destress with a Far Infrared sauna session, or explore how thoughts manifest in the body with Somatic Experiencing.…
Go nuts at this three-day downtown Brevard festival featuring a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts, and much more on Memorial Day Weekend.
Named 2023 and 2024 Best of the Best by Trip Advisor, this 125-year-old Queen Anne Victorian Asheville NC bed and breakfast inn features a large wraparound porch and gazebo for daily social hour and 10 meticulously restored rooms.
…(3.5 miles roundtrip, intermediate) This waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest is just three miles from I-40 in Old Fort. Hike the 1.1 mile River Trail to the Lower Catawba Falls, a 250-foot cascade. For a shorter, more accessible hike, you can…
Spend the night where the Appalachian Trail hikers stay, at Nantahala Outdoor Center's main campus. This budget-friendly, hostel-style lodging along the Nantahala River is the ultimate home base for outdoor enthusiasts with whitewater rafting,…
NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) in the Nantahala Gorge is a 500-acre playground for outdoor lovers. In addition to rafting and kayaking on the Nantahala River, you can fly on zip lines, play on the treetops, bike, and hike. Replenish at two…
Our top pick is the Beach at Lake James State Park (pic at top of page). Go to the Paddy’s Creek Area for a large beach area with a modern bathhouse and protected swim area. It’s open May 1 through September 30, 10 AM-6 PM. A fee is charged when…
Catawba Falls is now open as of May 31, 2024!
(Top photo by Brandon Thrower)
This beautiful waterfall, located in Pisgah National Forest, is only 30 minutes from Asheville and is easily accessible from Interstate 40. It is near…Choose from many cabins, cottages, and vacation rentals in the Blue Ridge Mountains (that sleep 2-25 guests). Eligible properties offering our Mountain Discovery Pass will receive a Biltmore Estate pass and access to activities, including a…
NOC has been offering whitewater rafting for over 50 years! Enjoy family-friendly paddles on both the French Broad River outside of Asheville and on the Nantahala River campus outside of Bryson City with ziplining, lake paddling, restaurants,…
Mount Mitchell (elevation 6,684 ft.) is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, and it's easy and free for all to enjoy. Located 35 miles northeast of downtown Asheville, reach Mount Mitchell via a very scenic drive on the Blue Ridge…
School’s out for summer! While the excitement of summer break is felt by kids and parents alike, some structured activity helps kids stay engaged in learning, exploring, and making new friendships. Plus, many parents work and rely on summer camps…