Join Grandfather Mountain naturalists for an easygoing guided stroll showcasing the park's blossoming Catawba rhododendron and other native species. Included with park admission. Meet outside the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Wheelchair and…
Grandfather Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountain range (elevation 5,946 ft.), is 70 miles from Asheville, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and near the fun small town of Banner Elk.
While it is not as tall as…
Looking for a beautiful spot for a leisurely stroll to enjoy nature in the middle of the city? Go to the Botanical Gardens of Asheville, located just two miles from downtown at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. The garden collections…
Parts of Roan Mountain Recreation Area have been closed for repairs in Spring 2026. Check their homepage for general information and their hiking website for trail closures. Carver’s Gap and the Appalachian Trail will remain open, but there…
New Belgium marks its 10-year-anniversary in Asheville with a carnival-style celebration featuring local artists, live music, interactive games, custom pet portraits, live caricatures, face painting, and more.
Twenty-five Guild member artists offer juried handmade work in ceramics, wood, fiber, glass, metal, and more at the Folk Art Center. Each mini pop up fair features a rotating lineup for a different experience each time. Free. 10 am–4 pm
The "big city" 1,300-seat performing arts center is located on the Isothermal Community College Campus in tiny Spindale (just 3 miles from Forest City, NC) and features an impressive Mainstage Performing Arts Series featuring music, dance, comedy…
The 500,000+ acres of the Pisgah National Forest surrounding Asheville feature some of the most beautiful and rugged mountain scenery, and the best recreational opportunities in eastern North America. The Pisgah National Forest covers much of the…
This self-guided family challenge invites participants to visit five bridges and footlogs built or restored by the Pisgah Conservancy's Trail Crew. All are located near Brevard. Complete all five at your own pace, snap a photo at each, and submit…
Close out summer in style at the Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa, September 3–8. Spend sun-drenched afternoons poolside with live music and sweet treats, then gather Sunday evening for the Stars, Stripes & Sparkle Soirée. Cap the evening with…
Sylva is a very fun and picturesque small town (population 2,500) in Jackson County at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Stroll its "all American" Main Street, packed with local restaurants, friendly stores, galleries, bookshops and…
Open May 23–Sept. 7 in 2026!
Sun, swim, paddleboard and kayak in an idyllic mountain setting at Wildcat Lake in Banner Elk. This 13-acre lake has a white sand beach, swimming dock, lifeguards on duty, a bath house, picnic tables, and a…
Blind Tiger is far more than a boutique hotel or elevated bed and breakfast. Near downtown in a neighborhood location with easy access from the highway and within walking distance to attractions and points of interest, Blind Tiger is a place…
The lake held a "soft reopening" to public access on April 20, 2026. The town plans a grand reopening of the lake Memorial Day weekend!
One of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the country, Lake Lure is nestled in the foothills of the…
Find a big variety of cabin rentals in North Carolina for your getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Will there are no cabin rentals inside the park boundary, you can choose from hundreds just outside the park - ranging from…
Tucked into the heart of the Nantahala Gorge near Bryson City, Nantahala Cabins has welcomed guests to this stunning corner of the Smokies since 1998. This family-owned and operated retreat offers studio to three-bedroom cabins accommodating two…
(Photo and artworks by Thomas Dambo)
WHAT: Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo
WHERE: The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, North Carolina.
WHEN: Nov. 15 – Feb. 17 in the gardens & trails; Nov. 15 – Jan. 4. during…
After nearly 20 months of restoration following Hurricane Helene, Lake Lure is back. The town holds a grand reopening Memorial Day weekend. The lead up and the event is called Together We Rise. Town leaders have been waiting for the lake level to…
Jackson County, NC offers two Certified Forest Therapy Trails near Asheville, designed for mindful forest bathing. These sensory-focused paths—Pinnacle Park and the accessible Jackson County Greenway—promote relaxation, stress relief, and…