Get up-to-date local information and a free guide to the "First Peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains," including the cool small towns of Tryon, Saluda, and Columbus.  

The Gorge Zipline Canopy Adventure is one of the steepest and fastest canopy tours in the U.S. This adventure takes place in the rugged Green River Gorge east of downtown Saluda.

Tucked away in a tree preserve across the French Broad River from downtown Asheville is a playground for outdoor adventure lovers of all ages. The Adventure Center of Asheville is just five minutes from downtown and about 10 minutes from Biltmore…

Due to Hurricane Helene, Citron Gallery is permanently closed. Citron Gallery is pleased to present the opening of Evolving Visions: A Contemporary Collective—a group show that celebrates the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of contemporary art. …

Head to Grovewood Gallery for various unique holiday gifts, including ceramic tableware, wooden bowls and utensils, blown glass, fine jewelry, handwoven scarves, letterpress greeting cards, and much more. Wine and non-alcoholic cider will be…

Enjoy 15 miles of twinkling lights and displays through the small towns of Spruce Pine and Bakersville, with many holiday happenings throughout the month. While you’re there, choose and cut your christmas tree at a local farm with fun activities…

A festive time with outdoor oyster roast, games, live music, and a great selection of craft beers and ciders. Downtown Tryon. 1-6 PM. Tickets: $35/person through August. $75 after Sept 1. Tickets capped at 1,000.

November 2, 2024-January 5, 2025
Biltmore reopened on November 2, 2024 to welcome guests to Christmas at Biltmore. 

The Biltmore House is even more magical when adorned for the holidays - complete with 67 elaborate hand-decorated trees…

For the most up-to-date information on the Blue Ridge Parkway,  click here to visit their website. Portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway are opening following its NC closure due to Hurricane Helene impacts.

Since the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses…

Founded in 1787, visit one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina. Located just 16 miles east of Lake Lure, Rutherfordton in Rutherford County is a literal gold mine of interesting history. Beautiful historic antebellum homes line Main…

Offering hiking and kayaking tours throughout Western NC, lead by a certified Blue Ridge and WNC naturalist. Tours include exploring the French Broad River and many lakes around Asheville, scenic hiking with waterfalls, wildflowers, and stunning…

Appalachian Potters Market is a regional holiday tradition hosting over forty pottery artists at the McDowell High School in Marion, NC. Attendees can expect a large variety of work, including functional, whimsical, and sculptural ceramics. Enjoy…

The biggest event of the holiday season. See America's largest home decked out in festive finery. Candlelight Evenings are especially magical. See our extensive guide with tips, photos and details.

Banner Elk is a quaint mountain village between the Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain ski areas (our top North Carolina Ski Town). It's home to Lees-McRae College, a beautiful historic campus at the highest elevation of any college east of the…

The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina is holding a benefit concert for artists. Headlining the show is the chart-topping quintet Unspoken Tradition. Their music is influenced by their Western and Central North Carolina lives and their…

Walk through trails which become a live-action immersive story walk complete with actors, magical lights, and of course, Jack Frost. As you follow along the pages of the storybook Winterland, you will be on a quest to find Jack Frost and the…

This year, the Marshall Handmade Market event will be held at a new venue, Odonata Farm, due to Hurricane Helene. This historic barn and scenic field will host some of the best makers in the region. It will be a weekend of gathering with the…

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air, walk-through light show made from over one million lights at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville.  This year’s event features favorites, such as the famously tall 50-foot…