Plan Your Trip

Find one of the biggest varieties of wildflowers in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains alone is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity with more than 1,660 kinds of flowering plants. Take a hike deep into Pisgah National Forest or enjoy wildflowers from your car as you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Amid the rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, here's a list of county health departments in our region with accurate information and resources related to each county. 

This team picks the perfect outdoor location for couples that love nature, including waterfalls and mountaintops. A variety of packages include professional photography session with gorgeous scenery, videography and custom ceremony with an officiant. Book weekdays (Mon-Thurs) for more private settings at some of the most iconic mountain locations. 
Rate: From $1250

Since 1930, this old-school bakery has delighted customers with its long, glass case filled with baked goods — apple fritters, doughnuts, assorted cookies, cakes, pies, and more. (309 N Main St)

This beloved WNC toy store is not only a place to shop but also a place for kids and adults to play. From classic toys to the newest, hottest items on the market, you’ll find them here. (418 N Main St)

Retreat to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a week of self-care! Stress management, fitness, spa, and culinary experts help you relax and break old habits that no longer serve you. Whether it's weight loss, yoga, hiking, or healthy, chef-prepared food that interests you, Skyterra guides you towards sustainable lifestyle changes at a 300-acre wooded campus of pristine trails and waterfalls. All-inclusive with programming, lodging, three delicious chef-prepared meals daily catered to your dietary needs and preferences, snacks, and refreshments. See their website for rates. 

Browse Sylva’s main street with independent shops and galleries for unique finds, a variety of restaurants, and four walkable breweries that host weekly events like live music, trivia, and even yoga. Also find a variety of ways to pamper and relax, including spas, a meditation center, and even guided forest therapy walks!

Since the late 1890s, tourists have flocked to this tiny railroad town of 700 residents. Main Street has many longtime businesses, including fantastic galleries and restaurants. A must stop is the 1899 Pace's "old time" General Store that is part museum. Since 1892 is Thompson's Store and Ward's Grill. Learn about the Saluda Grade at the Depot. Raft and tube on the Green River.

Bearwallow Mountain Trail offers a one-mile hike to exceptional views. At 4,232 feet above sea level, with a grassy meadow summit, the mountain features a nearly 360-degree view that includes Mount Mitchell and Mount Pisgah. The trail also provides a bird's-eye view of Hickory Nut Gorge, downtown Hendersonville and the South Carolina high country. A historic fire tower occupies the summit, along with grazing cows.

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 area of southeastern Henderson County.

Enjoy warm days and cool evenings at this gorgeous Inn & Resort in Flat Rock, just 20 mins to Asheville. Lots to do including kayaking, fishing, walking trails, outdoor games, and dining. Receive a $50 dining voucher when you stay 2 or more nights at onsite restaurant, Season’s at Highland Lake.

Green River Adventures offers white-water rafting, white-water kayaking, and waterfall rappelling in the Green River Gorge area of southeastern Henderson County.

Head to historic Grove Arcade for activities, games, demonstrations, and a live raffle at 5 PM. Enjoy beer and wine courtesy of Wedge Brewing at the festival, as well as food and drink specials at top restaurants nearby. Festival is free. 12-7 PM. 

Considering retiring? See why Asheville and Western North Carolina is named one of the best places to retire including perks like easy and accessible trails and waterfalls, world-class health care, life long learning programs, arts, music and more!

From casual lunch spots with outdoor patios, pubs, and cafes, the small town of Cashiers offers big flavor! Whether dine-in or take-out, savor bbq, pizza, Mexican, American fare, and more.

Find the perfect places for holistic wellness and self-care, whether it’s a week-long wellness retreat or a one-day experience. From the high concentration of experienced, certified, world-class yoga teachers and licensed and insured massage therapists and bodyworkers, Asheville is home to some of the most gifted holistic practitioners in the nation. 

Find many fun, friendly wineries for sampling local wines, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery at their vineyards. Many are located near each other - perfect for visiting several in a day.

This grand couples getaway at an historic inn in the cool small town of Saluda includes two weekend nights in a private cottage, couples massage, elegant dinner for two in their farm-to-table restaurant, bottle of French Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, breakfast each morning.
Rate: $995

Find the best places to stand-up paddleboard in and near Asheville on the pristine waters of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rent SUPs, take lessons and even take a guided river trip. Fun way to see fall color, too!

See one of Asheville's architectural treasures and spiritual anchors with the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the country.

Enjoy some virtual experiences in Western NC including outdoor video tours, fitness, meditation, museum tours, kid resources and more. 

If you're planning your wedding in and around Asheville, then you have your pick of fantastic food, cocktails, and wedding cake options! Asheville's foodie status affords couples a variety of delicious cuisines and styles from formal to casual options. See our top picks!

Enjoy scenic horseback trail rides in the Asheville area with miles of trails, experienced guides and gentle horses. For the more experience riders, there are hundreds of miles to explore.

See our fishing tips and best creeks, rivers and lakes to fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina side and nearby towns including Cherokee, Sylva and Bryson City.

Located close to downtown Asheville, this community supported acupuncture clinic offers a casual and supportive group setting for treatment. They offer acupuncture treatments on a sliding scale making it affordable for those who need it. They also offer a variety of medicinal herbs for purchase!

Enjoy plenty of fishing spots, whether novice or experienced. Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes and classes geared toward women. 

This beautiful waterfall setting is an easy hike in Pisgah National Forest. It's located in a lush cove off NC Highway 215, about 10 miles north of Highway 64 and 6.7 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Downtown Hendersonville’s most iconic building, the historic 1905 courthouse, is now home to the county museum. Learn how Hendersonville was founded and has evolved over the decades with interactive exhibits that depict what life was like for early residents. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday 1-5 PM. (100 N Main St)

Explore world-class special exhibitions and the museum's outstanding collection, showcasing the very best of 20th and 21st century American art in the heart of downtown Asheville.

(25 Sweeten Creek Rd) Located just outside Biltmore Village, this small, family-owned brewery brings pub-style back to the brewery experience. With an emphasis on quality beer and a focus on classics and comfort. They also offer a pub-style menu. Open daily. Dog friendly!

Some 185 working artists have set up shop in the River Arts District. Drive a little, walk a little to visit studios and galleries. Find an amazing variety of art and see how the artists create it. It's just a few miles from downtown Asheville and Biltmore Estate.

Buy art and support the restoration of the historic school in Banner Elk. Find a big variety of artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry, and more. Many other things to do nearby. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission. 

Cashiers offers many lodging options including boutique hotels, inns, vacation rentals, camping, and more. Find destination lodging in Cashiers to accommodate romantic getaways, family vacations, pet-friendly stays, and ease of access to all the outdoor exploration!

Stay in popular West Asheville in this conveniently located hostel on Haywood Rd with walkability to restaurants, bars,... read more

This 2-day Arts & Craft event showcases a 3-D winter wonderland scene and holiday decorations in two large exhibit halls featuring over 80 local artists and crafters selling handmade jewelry, pottery, ornaments, home decor, soaps, garden art, and so much more. Also, enjoy an array of baked goods and the center’s boutiques and shops. Friday, 10 AM-6 PM. Saturday, 9 AM-5 PM.

Founder Alison Colberg L.Ac. Dipl. O.M. practices Daoist influenced Classical Chinese medicine which includes acupuncture, herbalism, essential oils, nutraceuticals, medical qi gong, functional medicine, stone medicine, nutritional therapies, and medical intuition as well as several adjunct techniques. They have a full dispensary of Chinese medicinal herbs for unique, custom formulas for each client's individual needs. ​

Carolina Living Choices is a guide for active, senior living retirement in Western NorthCarolina. They offer a wealth of information and expertise on real estate, 55+, and retirement communities near Asheville, including lifestyle resources for education, enrichment, recreation, and travel. See helpful articles and request a free print and digital retirement guide on their website.

Lodging in downtown Asheville plants you right in the middle of our unique culture with access to art galleries, locally-owned boutiques, award-winning restaurants and more.... read more

Choose from a large variety of 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 as well as access to activities including zip-lining, a trampoline park, rafting, snow tubing, and a ski lift pass!
Rates: From $100/night studio, $134/night 1BR, $185/night 2BR