More than 850 miles of hiking trails traverse the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They range from easy to difficult and provide half-hour walks to week-long backpacking trips. Below are our favorites from the North Carolina side, nearest the…

Ready to explore the great outdoors in Asheville and throughout Western North Carolina? The breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounds the city in all directions. One million acres of protected forest and parkland make this an…

Chimney Tops is one of the most popular and strenuous hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The summit has an elevation of 4,800 feet and is one of the park's most recognizable geological structures since it's a rare rock summit in…

Located on scenic Schoolhouse Hill, just a short walk from downtown Bryson City, McKinley Edwards Inn offers a delightful blend of mountain charm and modern comfort. This boutique inn, originally built in the…

Bring everyone together for a memorable family reunion at Engadine Inn and Cabins, a scenic mountain retreat in Western North Carolina just minutes from Asheville. Engadine’s charming historic inn and private Blue Ridge Mountain cabins offer…

Say “I do” at Engadine Inn and Cabins, a picturesque wedding and elopement venue nestled on 12 acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC. Just a short drive from downtown Asheville, Engadine provides a romantic country…

Say “I do” at Engadine Inn and Cabins, a picturesque wedding venue nestled on 12 acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC. Just a short drive from downtown Asheville, Engadine provides a romantic country setting with…

Engadine Inn and Cabins, is a historic bed and breakfast at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC. Their romantic Victorian house is perfect for a couple's getaway. Plus, they offer six cozy cabins with modern comforts that make…

Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Program and the Southern Highland Guild present the Graduating Class of 2026 Exhibit. Emerging artists display work in fiber, wood, clay, and metals and jewelry. Upstairs Main Gallery at the Folk Art…

Asheville is a dream destination for girlfriends getaways. The city's walkable downtown, incredible variety of experiences, and welcoming culture make it perfect for a girl's weekend or any groups looking to reconnect and explore together.…

Weaverville in the 1800s was home to grand hotels with visitors escaping the heat of southern summers. Author O. Henry spent some of his last days here, regaining his health before returning to New York City. Today, Main Street offers a lot for…

Labor Day Festivities
September 4-7 in 2026 
Asheville and the North Carolina mountains have many things to do and events during Labor Day Weekend. 

Kick off the weekend on Friday night with: 

Concerts on the…

The 3.6-mile Laurel River Trail in Pisgah National Forest (trail #310) near Hot Springs is definitely one of the flattest hikes in our mountains, yet it delivers plenty of mountain scenery along the way. It is a delight for those of us that love…

Located in the heart of Downtown Asheville along Patton Avenue, this 60-room, all-suite hotel is inspired by the free-spirited culture of our community. Enjoy a curated experience from the moment you arrive with an Assouline Library, four…

The mighty French Broad River starts as a small stream high in the North Carolina mountains and flows 200+ miles to Knoxville to help form the Tennessee River. It's the third oldest river in the world, even older than our mountains (formed some…

Grab your canoe or kayak! The French Broad River Paddle Trail opened in 2012 to connect more than 140 miles of the French Broad River from around Rosman, NC, to Douglas Lake, TN. The Trail serves to protect the river as a resource for recreation…

The historic town of Marshall in Madison County is nestled between rocky cliffs and the scenic French Broad River, just 20 miles north of Asheville. This "one street wide and a mile long" town of 889 residents celebrates its colorful past while…

The small town of Mars Hill in Madison County is best known for Mars Hill University. It also has a strong history of hosting cultural events. Many of the historic homes and buildings on Main Street show a connection to the university. The…

This is the only interstate section in the state to be selected as a scenic byway. It begins on I-26 at Exit 9 at Mars Hill. As you travel north, there is a scenic overlook offering views of the Blue Ridge Parkway. A second scenic overlook …