July 4, 2026
One of our favorite small towns has one of the biggest July 4th festivals in the North Carolina mountains. The main street (Everett) in downtown Bryson City is closed for an old-fashioned, all-American celebration. From an early…
See the historic barns of Madison County as you drive across the rolling hills and through beautiful mountain valleys. These barns tell the story of this rural county, located just north of Asheville. Luckily, a non-profit group call “Appalachian…
Looking for the best hotel in downtown Asheville? Walk to all the restaurants, shops, breweries, galleries and more - without worrying about finding a parking spot. Here are our top picks and highest reviewed hotels in the heart of…
Enjoy southern hospitality at its finest at this historic, boutique hotel located in the heart of Downtown Asheville. Treat yourself to one of the elegantly-appointed, oversized luxurious suites and over-the-top guest service. Enjoy complimentary…
This premier luxury cabin and home vacation rental firm has 240+ hand selected properties, ranging from quaint 1 bedroom cabins and lofts for romantic weekends to sprawling 9 bedroom estates for large family gatherings, corporate retreats or…
Celebrate Independence Day with three days of free activities at Bryson City's Railroad Square. Each day features live music, local vendors and artisans, food trucks, and kids' activities. Fireworks show after dark on July 4th. Free. Hours: 9 am…
- Biltmore Estate AshevilleAmerica's Largest Home & Castle Experience
Click here for Biltmore's helpful Know Before You Go tips and estate hours
Experience the grandeur of Biltmore, George Washington Vanderbilt's magnificent 1895 French…
The Carson House in Marion is one of the top house museums in North Carolina. We love its fascinating history and the way it tells a full history of both powerful and the marginalized people in Marion. One of the permanent exhibits is Bondage…
Unwind at the picturesque vineyards in the Tryon Foothills Wine Country near Columbus and Tryon. The Tryon Foothills AVA (American Viticultural Area) recently received official recognition as a premium grape-growing region! It's an easy 45-mile…
Take a free, self-guided tour to 23 studios and shops in Leicester, a community nestled in the mountains near Asheville. 10 AM-5 PM
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic train excursions through the North Carolina mountains along Nantahala and Tuckasegee rivers, across valleys and through tunnels. All of the train rides depart from the depot in downtown Bryson…
Home of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western North Carolina is one of the best places in the United States to own a home, relocate to, retire, and vacation. With year-round access to scenic natural beauty, world-renowned fly fishing, outdoor…
This premier luxury cabin and home vacation rental firm has 240+ hand-selected properties, ranging from quaint 1-bedroom cabins and lofts for romantic weekends to sprawling 10-bedroom private estates for large family gatherings, corporate…
One of WNC's most anticipated spring street festivals draws 10,000+ visitors to downtown Sylva each year to celebrate Appalachian heritage, the mountains, and spring's arrival. Live music, vendors, and small-town charm fill the streets. 10 am to…
This 500-seat theatre in the heart of downtown host many top-notch performances by professional touring artists and local arts organizations. The intimate theatre has exceptional acoustics and sightlines. Check out their calendar with events…
This bird sanctuary is an 8-acre wildlife oasis in the north Asheville area. Walk a 3/8-mile boardwalk through a wetland area and by the lake, complete with sitting areas along the way to soak up the views and watch birds. No dogs allowed. Blue…
The Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary is a wonderful 8-acre wildlife oasis in the busy north Asheville area. It is a great spot for a evening walk or morning birding expedition. Walk a 3/8-mile boardwalk through a wetland area and by the lake, complete…
Asheville Parks and Recreation maintains 54 public parks, 6 miles of greenways, 11 community centers, a comprehensive athletic program, many facilities that provide resources for a range of activities, and numerous programs for youth, seniors and…
Free celebration of Juneteenth with a family-friendly evening of food trucks, live music, games, and a climbing wall at the outdoor gym. A joyful community gathering honoring freedom, history, and liberation. All are welcome.