Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over half a million acres, making it the largest national park in the East. A scenic auto tour of the park offers panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings and…
While NC Highway 261 is only 12.8 miles long, the curvy road is packed full of great views as you climb 3,000 feet in elevation to the Roan Highlands. This mile-high scenic drive begins in Bakersville by the historic courthouse and downtown…
Drive Highway 261 to Carver's Gap at Roan Mountain for spectacular views, hikes on the Appalachian Trail, winter snow along the mile high ridge and summer rhododendron blooms. The 12-mile drive starts in Bakersville. Note: Major sections of…
See the 360-degree scenic view from the tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via a half-mile walk or enjoy views from the parking area. Open April-November.
(1 mile round-trip, moderate) At 6,643 ft., this is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An uphill, paved trail takes you to the top for panoramic views from the observation tower.
Open daily. Online reservations are required. The only open route into Chimney Rock is NC 9 through Lake Lure.
Location: Temporary entrance in Chimney Rock Village, between Broad River Inn/Stagecoach Saloon and…
Looking for the best observation decks and towers to see the most dramatic panoramic mountain views near Asheville? Here are our favorite 10 scenic perches for a birds-eye view of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina…
- 310 ART Painting Studio
310 ART is Western North Carolina's oldest independent, woman and artist-run fine art school, serving students for over 20 years. Now at Re.Imagine Gallery and Studios in Fairview, choose from painting classes ranging from…
Canceled for 2025-Check Back for 2026 Dates
The 50th annual Village Art and Craft Fair continues a long tradition of bringing high-quality crafts to Biltmore Village. Presented by New Morning Gallery and Bellagio Art-to-Wear, the outdoor…19th Annual Art in Autumn, September 19, 2026
This juried arts and crafts festival fills Main Street in tiny Weaverville, just 7 miles north of Asheville. From 10 AM until 6 PM, the Art in Autumn festival features 114 artists from across the…There are dozens of farmer's markets throughout the mountains. The biggest by far is the Western North Carolina Farmers Market that is open every day in Asheville. Asheville hosts tailgate and farmers markets throughout the city for much of the…
Take an afternoon- or week-long painting or pottery class/workshop in Asheville at studios in and around Asheville. Group or private lessons are designed for beginners and experienced. Take home a souvenir of art that your create!
Your weekend guide to the best events across Western North Carolina—October 30 through November 2.
Thursday, October 30Cullowee, Jackson County: Echoes Across the Smokies: A Night of Strings, Stories, and Songs at Bardo Arts Center.…
The River Arts District (RAD) Art Market invites you shop artwork made by hundreds of working artists displaced by Hurricane Helene. Includes food trucks and family-friendly activities. Located in the parking lot of Pine Gate Renewables, 130…
Children of all ages love the spectacular views from the famous rock formation - plus the elevator ride up. In addition to several easy hiking trails, find discovery stations on the half-mile Great Woodland Adventure, visit live animals at Animal…
Asheville is known for its chef-driven, award-winning restaurants whose passion for local food creates authentic farm-to-table dining experiences you can’t find elsewhere in North Carolina. These experiences extend throughout the region,…
From casual to sophisticated, including MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurants, there are options to suit all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs throughout the mountains. See our top picks for…
Explore a variety of Blue Ridge Mountain farms, including historic sites to see the homesteads of yesteryear and working farms with animals and local food.
NC Mountain Working Farm Tours near AshevilleHickory Nut Gap Farm (pic above): This…
River Arts location under reconstruction in 2025. Meanwhile, their 12 Biltmore Avenue downtown location is open. This popular riverfront taco shop located in the River Art’s District of Asheville is a casual, kid & dog-friendly restaurant.…