Order this free 48-page printed guide featuring everything you need to know to plan your visit to the High Country including places to stay, things to do, event calendar, maps, and more!
Order a free copy of the award-winning travel guide to the Rutherford County foothills that includes Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton, Forest City and much more!
Order a free visitors guide for the Sylva, Dillsboro, Lake Glenville, Cherokee and Cashiers areas, including info on fly fishing, hikes and waterfalls in Jackson County, NC.
Gorgeous Fontana Lake is the largest lake in Western North Carolina, surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. The 480-ft. tall Fontana Dam is the highest dam east of the Rockies (the equivalent of a 50-story skyscraper). Walk or drive across the…
Road Biking around Asheville
For road bikes, a popular spot is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Read some great tips about biking on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, read a biker's journal of his ride of the entire Parkway. There are plenty of…Enjoy the great outdoors of the North Carolina mountains with these trails, many of which are paved, perfect for wheelchairs, strollers, scooters and those with mobility challenges. These are also great for small children and those on crutches…
Find campgrounds for tents, campers, and RVs near several entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Cherokee, Fontana Lake, and Bryson City areas.
Robbinsville (population 620) and Graham County is located in the western tip of North Carolina. If you are wanting to escape the crowds, head to this "wild" west where the Nantahala National Forest covers 68% of the entire county! So you'll find…
This 75-mile North Carolina Scenic Drive follows NC Highway 28 and US Highway 129 by several lakes through the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains. The Indian Lakes Scenic Byway takes you through the "wild west" through rural…
In the tiny community of Stecoah (north of Robbinsville) is a surprising jewel offering amazing art, craft, and entertainment that you normally find in much larger towns. Located in a historic school building on the Indian Lakes Scenic Byway,…
Our top mountain beach near Asheville is at Lake James State Park. The 700-ft. long beach is open May through September, 10 AM-6 PM every day. It features a bathhouse with nice changing rooms, concessions, and a protected swim area. Lake James is…
October 16-17, 2026
Experience the quintessential showcase of traditional mountain life at the annual Harvest Festival at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, located near Fontana Lake and Robbinsville. Enjoy the best of Appalachian…
The Fall Studio Tour lets you explore 80+ artist studios and galleries across Mitchell and Yancey Counties. Drive scenic country roads, meet artists in their creative spaces, and discover diverse media from pottery to paintings. A perfect weekend…
Tucked away in small village near Fontana Lake and Nantahala River is an amazing gallery that showcases the work of 180+ area artists and hosts a great summer concert series. Many artist studios nearby. 90 minutes west of Asheville…
Enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of autumn on the Creekwalk with music, crafts, and homemade apple butter making during peak fall color. Free admission. 92 Crimson Laurel Way. 10 AM-4 PM
Drive scenic mountain roads to find 100 fine artists and crafts people in every medium at their studios for a free, self-guided cultural adventure in the Penland, Spruce Pine, and Burnsville area.
- Meeting Space, Business Events, and Private Parties
Asheville and the surrounding towns in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains offer an exceptional variety of event venues for gatherings of all kinds. From sleek conference room rentals…
Celebrate Memorial Day (the last Monday in May)
Memorial Day weekend is May 23-25 in 2026
Celebrate the start of summer in Asheville during Memorial Day Weekend with fun festivals and events. See our list of things to do around WNC, below.…Looking for a unique activity during your Asheville getaway? Cork & Craft Asheville provides instructor-led paint-and-sip experiences for bachelorette parties, girls’ weekends, and private groups. Cork & Craft creates a personalized,…
Celebrate the community of Hot Springs and the Appalachian Trail at this free family-friendly festival benefiting Rebuild Hot Springs Area. Live music, hands-on workshops, games, food, and a 30+ vendor market featuring handmade goods, art, and…