Bryson City features many tours and routes to show you the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas on horseback. Their horseback riding guides and riding stables have multiple options for guided trail riding…
See native fish, amphibians, and the rare Eastern Hellbender Salamander in one of the Southeast's largest habitats for this endangered species. Free admission. Downtown on the Tuckasegee River. Open February through December.
Located on the second floor of the historic courthouse in Bryson City, see photos, exhibits and video about the early settlers in the Great Smoky Mountains, including a restored log cabin porch. Free admission.
Memorial Day Weekend (Annually)
Friday, May 23 through Sunday 25, 2026
This fun street festival in Downtown Brevard honors some special wildlife critters, the white squirrels. These are not albinos but siblings to the gray…While you may first think of outdoor exploration during a family vacation to Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will be surprised at the number of indoor activities and things to do with the kids. This is especially important on those…
Opening honors will include a Presentation of Colors by American Legion Post 317 of Marshall, NC, followed by the National Anthem, performed by Bradley Parker, USMC, representing Marine Corps League Detachment 1317, and the Pledge of Allegiance.…
Find plenty of things to do for a romantic Valentine's Day and week 2025 in Asheville and the beautiful North Carolina mountains. Whether you are looking for a getaway of pampering and relaxation or adventure and exploration, you've got…
Christmas in the Mountains, held the first Saturday in December each year is an indoor arts and crafts show and sale just in time for holiday giving. The tiny community of Stecoah (near Robbinsville, in Graham County) consistently offers amazing…
Go nuts at this three-day downtown Brevard festival featuring a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts, and much more on Memorial Day Weekend.
Fall is a very busy time for various street festivals, events, art tours, and more in Asheville and our mountain small towns. Most are free to enjoy! The autumn foliage color show adds to the excitement. See our Fall Foliage Forecast for a week-…
See historic objects and contemporary Cherokee art. This exhibit explores how Cherokee people navigated the American Revolution. On display at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee. Open daily. Adults $15, children 6-12 $8, under 5 free.…
The Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad is offers unfogettable race experiences and brings the community and visiting spectators together to celebrate. The theme for 2026 is Run for Recovery. The races are Slam the Dam 10K and Race to the Rock 5K (climb…
Experience a unique oasis in Asheville, a salt-enriched microclimate that allows the body and mind to gain relaxation and balance. The power of salt therapy has been known for centuries. Plus, get a hot salt stone massage and other spa treatments…
Order a free vacation travel guide (or download a digital version) for the Bryson City area with things to do, dining and lodging for the Great Smoky Mountains. Includes the "All Aboard" official publication for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad…
Order your free 56-page Adventure Guide for Brevard and Transylvania County, Land of the Waterfalls, with scenic drives, hikes, waterfall map, festivals, art, museums, and picturesque Main Street.
Order a free guide to Morganton and Burke County, located east of Asheville and home to Linville Falls, Lake James & South Mountain State Parks, small towns, scenic drives and hikes to Table Rock and the Linville Gorge.
Order the printed, official North Carolina Travel Guide, a great state highway map for the car, Civil War Trails, winery guide or Access NC guide for travelers with disabilities. All guides are free of charge.