Make the holidays special for Grandfather Mountain's resident animals by gifting enrichment items from their wish list. These animals are native species that cannot survive in the wild, so their forever home is in their habitats at Grandfather…
Make any day special for Grandfather Mountain's resident animals by gifting enrichment items from their wish list. These animals are native species that cannot survive in the wild, so their forever home is in their habitats at Grandfather…
Give a warm and fuzzy gift through Grandfather Mountain's Adopt-an-Animal Program. Symbolically adopt black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, elk, or Sally the Corn Snake. Recipients receive a gift package with photographs, plush toys,…
Save at 600+ locally owned Asheville businesses with the $25 2026 Go Local Card. Discounts vary by business (check their directory for details). Buy for yourself, family, friends, or your team—bulk discounts start at 10 cards. 20% of the proceeds…
Marion celebrates big for a small town. Free festivities include a MerryPop local art market on December 13, the family-friendly Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on December 18, and the all-ages December 31 Neon NYE dance party, complete with a…
Celebrate art and resilience throughout the River Arts District. Explore open studios and galleries featuring 500+ working artists, plus 100 displaced creators now back to making and exhibiting their work. Enjoy live music, DJs, art…
North Carolina's oldest professional ballet company presents the full-length Nutcracker December 12-14 at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Follow Clara's magical journey through the Lands of Snow and Sweets to Tchaikovsky's beloved score.…
Warren Haynes' 33rd annual Christmas Jam returns Saturday, December 13 to Asheville's ExploreAsheville.com Arena. This year's lineup features Stone Temple Pilots, MJ Lenderman & The Wind, Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, and a Phil Lesh…
- Thursday, December 4
Brevard, Transylvania County: Browse beautiful locally made pottery while enjoying live music, pottery demonstrations, and hot apple cider served in pottery cups. Watch artisans at work and find unique ceramic treasures in a…
NC Stage Company: Professional Theatre in Downtown Asheville
For a great date night or family night at the theatre, check out North Carolina Stage Company. This professional equity theatre, located in the heart of downtown Asheville,…Bryson City is extra magical during the holiday season! Each November and December, 90,000 people climb aboard the Polar Express at the Depot and travel to the North Pole. Before or after your train ride, find many nearby shops and restaurants -…
Gourmet grilled cheese is the specialty of this eatery on wheels! Enjoy classics with specialty options like smoked gouda pimento or cream brie. Or specialty sandwiches like their ham and smoked gouda sandwich with caramelized onions and stout…
With a long history of holistic health and well-being, Western North Carolina is the perfect place to practice self-care, whether it’s a week-long wellness retreat or a one-day experience. From the high concentration of experienced, certified,…
Celebrated as a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains by outdoor lovers, Asheville attracts foodies, creative types, and experience seekers. This eclectic mix has resulted in Asheville being described as kinda weird- but in a good way! …
Here are some extra free resources to help you plan your vacation trip to Asheville and the North Carolina mountains, including downloadable and/or printed travel guides you can order from many towns in the Blue Ridge.
Free Monthly Email…
Asheville's original farm-to-table restaurant since 1979 features Chef William Dissen's seasonally-driven menu with organic ingredients from local farms. Two-time James Beard nominee for Outstanding Restaurant and Chef. Named The Most Sustainable…
Discover a very diverse community in gay Asheville! It's been a popular resort and relocation area for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities for many years. The large LGBTQ community enjoys welcoming visitors since most of them…
Blue Ridge Pride Festival 2026
Asheville's Blue Ridge Pride Festival celebrates the LGBTQIA2S+ community on September 26, 2026, noon-6 PM at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. Multiple stages feature regional musicians and talented…