Asheville and Western North Carolina reward repeat visitors. There's always a new trail, a fresh restaurant, novel experience at iconic attractions, or hidden gem you missed. Our travel blog is where we share what's happening, what's worth your time, and what only locals know.
News & Updates
Weekly Blog: Happening this Weekend in Asheville and WNC
Discover the best things to do in Asheville and Western North Carolina this weekend. Our weekly roundup of highlights.
Pink Lady Halloween Party at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Celebrate Halloween at The Pink Lady Party, October 29, 7-10 PM at Omni Grove Park Inn. Enjoy tarot readings, themed cocktails, small plates, dueling pianos, and a costume contest. Ages 21+.
Your Fall Sports Guide to Asheville
Read a preview of the competitions bringing athletes, families, and fans to Asheville this fall and winter—plus a recap of recent sporting events.
Autumn at Oz, Beech Mountain
Autumn at Oz returns to Beech Mountain for three weekends only in September 2026. September 11–13, 18–20, and 25–27. Experience this world-class immersive theatre event. Interact with Dorothy, Miss Gulch, and more characters. Skip along the theme park's Yellow Brick Road, set against Beech Mountain's high-elevation fall color. Cost: $70, general admission, with an $8 add-on for Overlook access; plus tax and ticketing fees.
Fall Hayrides & Corn Mazes in WNC
The first corn maze to open for the season is Darnell Farms in Bryson City. Visit its corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin patch beginning September 12 and through November 1, Wednesdays through Sundays. Booking opens September 1. Read more to learn about WNC's seasonal corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patches.
Hawk Watch at Grandfather Mountain, September
Every September, Grandfather Mountain becomes a front-row seat for fall raptor migration. Join naturalists for a month-long citizen science project counting hawks, falcons, and eagles riding the thermals south.
Labor Day Weekend Events
Find Labor Day Weekend things to do and events in the NC mountains in and near Asheville for a great holiday getaway.
'Tis the Season to Plan a Visit to Omni Grove Park Inn
It is time to make plans to visit the 2026 National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville. The one-of-a-kind display of edible creations begins November 16 and remains on view through the winter holiday season. Bakers of all ages are welcome to enter.
Exciting News for Sports Fans
We're partnering with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission to bring you sports coverage across Western North Carolina, including event listings, local storytelling, and a dedicated guide to the Southern Conference Basketball Championships in Asheville.
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Asheville Stonewall Fest
This all-ages pride festival celebration features live music, pop-up drag shows, comedy, and more. All free, but you must reserve tickets. Kickoff Friday at a rooftop bar, main event Saturday at… More Information
July 24 Reopening Date for Pearson's Falls
Pearson's Falls and Glen announced it will reopen on July 24. There is now an online reservation system and a $10 entry fee for adults, $1 per child 6-12 years old. No tickets are sold to walk-up…
Flame Azalea Festival in Robbinsville
This free family-friendly annual festival celebrates the stunning native flame azaleas. For 2026, Chatham County Line is the musical headliner. Experience arts and crafts vendors, live glass blowing, Cherokee demonstrations, and food. Donations to Graham County Fire & Rescue appreciated. 10 am-6 pm.
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America 250 Celebration at Dancing on the Square, Robbinsville
Join in or just listen and watch at Dancing on the Square on Robbinsville's Courthouse Square. Grammy-nominated bluegrass musician and WNC native Darren Nicholson provides the music while renowned…
Chimney Rock State Park Reopens June 3 — Ahead of Schedule
A Memorial Day weekend landslide forced a brief closure at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, but crews moved fast. The park reopens at 8:30 am on Wednesday, June 3. This is two days ahead…
Grandfather Glows: Firefly Viewing Lottery Opens May 22
Grandfather Mountain puts on one of the most remarkable natural events in the Southern Appalachians, and getting in requires a lottery.
Spring Events & Festivals: Asheville & WNC
See our top picks for Spring events and festivals in the Asheville area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, March through May. Includes Easter Weekend, Mother's Day Weekend, and…
Lake Lure Rises: Grand Reopening Memorial Day Weekend
After nearly 20 months of restoration following Hurricane Helene, the lake in Lake Lure is back. The town holds a grand reopening.
VIP Spa After Hours at the Omni Grove Park Inn
A rare treat is available May 19 at The Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn! This exclusive after-hours access will be candlelit and include soaks in therapeutic pools, unwinding in steam rooms and…
Memorial Day Weekend
Find festivals, events, and our top things to do to kick off summer during the holiday weekend in Asheville and the NC mountains.
Pearson's Falls & Glen Has Reopened
Great news! Pearson's Falls & Glen has reopened. The beloved Polk County preserve closed after Hurricane Helene and its aftermath damaged the falls, the trails, and the road.Pearson's Falls… More Information
Detours Due to Permanent Ramp Closures
Recent permanent ramp closures on I-26 and I-240 affect routes to Riverside Drive, Hill Street, and Patton Avenue. If you're navigating downtown Asheville or heading to the River Arts District,…
Friends of the Falls Membership, Pearson's Falls & Glen
Pearson's Falls & Glen has launched Friends of the Falls, a new membership program supporting one of WNC's most beloved natural sanctuaries.
Spring Break & Summer Discovery Camps, NC Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum offers a variety of Spring Break and Summer Camps for varying ages and interests including outdoor exploration, hiking, arts & crafts, local ecology, geocaching,… More Information
Easter Weekend in Asheville
Easter Weekend brings blooms, bunnies, egg hunts, Sunday brunch, sunrise services, and more in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains.
Forest Therapy - Certified Forest Therapy Trails in Jackson County, NC
Jackson County, NC offers two Certified Forest Therapy Trails near Asheville, designed for mindful forest bathing. These sensory-focused paths promote relaxation, stress relief, and wellness.
Spring at Biltmore
This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 75,000+ tulips, orchids, azalaeas and elaborate floral displays inside Biltmore House.
Affordable Getaways in Brevard NC
Brevard sits just 24 minutes from the Asheville airport and 45 minutes from downtown Asheville at the doorstep of forests and mountain beauty. Nature's wonders are abundant and free.
Packages & Specials for Asheville & Mountains
Pick a package or special that is perfect for your vacation, with discounts and travel deals for hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, country inns and cabin rentals in the North Carolina mountains…
First Peak Visitors Guide & Information
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.
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Winter Wellness Getaways in Jackson County
Discover winter wellness getaways in scenic Jackson County, NC — from certified forest therapy trails and peaceful snowy landscapes to spas, retreats, and cozy lodging in Cashiers, Sylva, Dillsboro, and surrounding small towns, perfect for relaxation.
Trolls: A Field Study at the NC Arboretum This Winter
Twelve whimsical troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo will make their U.S. debut at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, Nov 15, 2025-Feb 17, 2026. Crafted from reclaimed materials, the trolls will explore the Arboretum and join the Winter Lights display, sparking wonder and promoting sustainability.
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Mardi Gras Parade
Asheville's family-friendly Mardi Gras parade rolls through South Slope on Sunday, February 15. The parade "steps off" at 3:05 PM. All are welcome to dress for theme and participate. Or just the…
Outhouse Races
Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line! Sapphire Valley Resort in Jackson County.