A self-guided driving tour through studios and workshops across Swain and Graham counties, including Bryson City. Meet local artisans, watch them work, and shop handmade crafts. Printed maps available at each location; directional signs mark the…
Twice a year you are invited to take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center near…
Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center near Fontana Lake and Robbinsville.…
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest near Robbinsville is a living memorial to writer/poet Joyce Kilmer, best known for the poem, “Trees.” Located by Lake Santeetlah in the Nantahala National Forest, it is about 100 miles west of Asheville (a two hour…
This gorgeous setting in the Nantahala National Forest is a short walk from the highway near Robbinsville and Lake Santeetlah. Reach Yellow Creek Falls via a beautiful short hike through the dense forest and by the cascading creek is about a…
Make plans early to attend one of three magical evenings on Grandfather Mountain during peak firefly mating season. Events begin with naturalist-led programs before moving to the viewing area after dark. Accessible for limited mobility. No pets,…
Enter for a chance to witness synchronous fireflies and blue ghost fireflies during the annual multi-night Grandfather Glows event. The event is accessible for people with limited mobility or in a wheelchair. Lottery entries are $5 per person;…
Oz is back! Summer at Oz is June 1-August 31. Autumn at Oz will return for fall 2026!
The former Land of Oz theme park that operated during the 1970s atop Beech Mountain reopens occasionally for us to follow the Yellow Brick Road to Emerald…
Lifeguards and restrooms are available seven days a week Memorial Day through Labor Day.
At Sliding Rock each summer, thousands of children and adults slip and slide down this favorite natural mountain waterfall in Pisgah National Forest,…
Founded in 1787, visit one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina. Located just 16 miles east of Lake Lure, Rutherfordton in Rutherford County is a literal gold mine of interesting history and has beautiful trail systems for walking,…
In 1832, Christopher Bechtler minted America's first one-dollar gold coin in Rutherfordton, 17 years before the U.S. Mint. During the mid-1800s, the Bechtlers minted more than $2.24 million in gold coins. The German immigrant moved to town in…
June 13, 20, 27 October 3, 10, 17 2026
Area artists gather on six Saturdays to show and sell their creations at the Art in the Park outdoor market at Pack Square in the middle of downtown Asheville. It runs 10 AM-5 PM each day.Visit…
Located at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park in Yancey County, this nationally recognized observatory is open to the public for 360-degree views of the moon, planets, and stars through custom-built telescopes. Each 2-hour stargazing session offers a…
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer, and shop local art, including jewelry, pottery,…
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer, and shop local art, including jewelry, pottery,…
The majestic Hickory Nut Gorge is a 14-mile-long canyon that cuts a picturesque pass as deep as 1,800 feet through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Abundant in undisturbed forests, waterfalls, and granite cliffs, the Gorge is home to the communities of…
Chimney Rock State Park is in the Village of Chimney Rock and Rutherford County.
The 1.1-mile Skyline Trail at Chimney Rock Park was completed in Fall 2017. This clifftop trail replaces the original one that closed in 2008 due to…
This 1.5-mile loop trail in Chimney Rock State Park takes you to the boulder fields and base of the cliffs of Rumbling Bald Mountain that towers over Lake Lure. The large parking area is about two miles from the main Chimney Rock Park entrance (…
A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk brings three days of festive events to this charming high-elevation mountain village the first full weekend of December. Most events are an easy walk from downtown. Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting, caroling…