Experience sunrise from Grandfather Mountain's iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge at 7:40 AM. This special event offers rare access to the park outside regular hours. Witness sunrise from the bridge's lofty vantage point high above the valleys.…
Enjoy a variety of live music aboard a historic steam-powered train traveling through the Smokies. This new experience from Great Smoky Mountains Railroad combines mountain scenery with musical performances as the train follows the Nantahala…
Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys, and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing from Bryson City. Trips include sunset rides…
Join short, guided strolls highlighting Grandfather Mountain's rhododendron species and their ecological roles daily from May 23-31, 2026. These easy, 30-minute daily walks start at 1 PM by the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery entrance.…
Celebrate street performing culture at the inaugural Asheville BuskerFest, a free LEAF Global Arts benefit spread across multiple downtown stages including Pack Square, Pritchard Park, and the River Arts District. Enjoy scheduled performances and…
Experience regional talent across multiple genres at AVL Sounds Fest, the evolution of the successful AVLfest. This new festival spreads music across local stages throughout Asheville over four days. Check their website for lineup details, ticket…
Just 25 miles south of downtown Asheville is one of the country's top apple growing areas. Visit the orchards and farms for free! North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation, and Henderson County is the largest apple-…
The DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown location offers the convenience of a brief stroll to 200 locally-owned restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Plus, they're just a quick 10-minute drive away from the historic Biltmore Estate.…
Soprana is a MICHELIN Guide recommended Appalachia-meets-Alps, full-service rooftop restaurant with expansive, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perched atop the Embassy Suites in Downtown Asheville, Soprana features brick oven pizza…
Soprana is a MICHELIN Guide recommended Appalachia-meets-Alps, full-service rooftop restaurant with expansive, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perched atop the Embassy Suites in Downtown Asheville, Soprana features brick oven pizza…
Open mid August through early November, Stepp's is a fourth generation, 70-acre working farm with mountain views, just 5.5 miles from I-26 (and a mile off US Highway 64). Pick you own apples (or grapes or pumpkins) and shop in their Country…
Soprana is a MICHELIN Guide recommended Appalachia-meets-Alps, full-service rooftop restaurant with expansive, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perched atop the Embassy Suites in Downtown Asheville, Soprana features brick oven pizza…
This large rooftop bar offers views of Asheville’s cityscape and surrounding mountains, an ideal setting to unwind and take it in. Order drinks and enjoy small plates from the tapas-style menu. Enter through the hotel lobby on Broadway and…
Photo above courtesy of Terra Future Regenerative Neighborhood in West Asheville.
Intentional and Sustainable Communities in WNCAsheville and Western North Carolina have become a national hub for intentional and sustainable communities.…
If you love to find the best waterfalls and waterfall hikes in Western North Carolina, the Asheville area is the place for you! While there are hundreds of cascades in the "Land of the Waterfalls," these are our 60+ favorite waterfalls (each…
The Arboretum offers a variety of unique experiences while children discover the wonders of nature in a safe, enriching environment. Rent Discovery Backpacks, available for kids to use with tools to aid in their exploration of trees, insects,…
Banner Elk is home to this festival series. 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. When you buy art here you support the…
Escape the heat in Banner Elk and discover 60+ juried artists displaying works in a variety of media, including metal, glass, clay, wood, watercolor, acrylics, and more. Many restaurants, shops, and things to do nearby. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission…
This historic 1909 Greek Revival mansion resides in the tranquil Grove Park District of Asheville and showcases a large outdoor veranda and garden area, ideal for an intimate wedding. Choose from a variety of options from basic venue rental, a la…
This AAA Four Diamond bed and breakfast is housed in a magnificent 1909 Greek Revival mansion in the tranquil Grove Park District. Nestled on nearly two acres with an expansive lawn and gardens. Minutes to downtown restaurants,…