Whether you crave quiet mountain romance or outdoor adventure, First Peak of the Blue Ridge delivers. Explore scenic trails, waterfalls, charming towns, equestrian events, wineries, galleries, and seasonal festivals in Tryon, Saluda &…

Discover Restaurants in the First Peak Region – Browse local dining in Saluda, Tryon, Columbus, Mill Spring and beyond with curated listings by type and town. Find casual eats, coffee shops, pizza, Mexican, barbecue and more.

Looking for ideas of things to do during the holiday season in Asheville and Western North Carolina (including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's)? We have plenty of vacation ideas for a getaway. The area is one of the best places to shop…

Help protect our mountains for you and future generations. Leave No Trace is a national program which promotes the protection of our nation's wildlands through education, research, and partnerships. It builds awareness, appreciation, and respect…

Gather your friends or family for a memorable getaway in Asheville with Mighty  Tree  Properties. Choose from spacious homes offering 4 to 8 bedrooms accommodating up to 20 guests, perfect for large groups or multi‑family retreats. With rentals…

RomanticAsheville.com's Haywood Park Hotel Giveaway 2025-2026

Official Rules

No Purchase Necessary to Enter

Sweepstakes Period: RomanticAsheville.com's Giveaway (the “Sweepstakes”) starts at 1:00 AM Eastern Time (“EDT…

January 1, 2026
The North Carolina state parks offer free guided First Day Hikes each New Year's Day, the perfect chance to begin a resolution for exercise and a connection with nature (#optoutside). If rain or snow is in the…

Well before the age of modern medicine, Asheville and Western NC was a wellness destination, offering unique health benefits to its visitors. The region’s natural forests, clean mountain air, purified running waters, and natural hot springs were…

Flat Rock Playhouse is officially designated The State Theatre of North Carolina. They present a stellar line-up of shows since they are a Professional Equity Theatre. It's just 30 minutes from Asheville in the village of Flat Rock near…

Go to a state park near Asheville for a free guided hike with a forest ranger - a great way to begin a resolution to get outdoors for exercise and education. Most are easy trails, perfect for all ages and fitness levels.

During the winter months of often muddy and snowy hiking trails, a great alternative is hiking (or biking) on a closed section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. While the higher elevations (like the photo above at Soco Gap) are frequently blanketed in…

Winter hikes can provide many wonderful surprises like better views (since leaves are off the trees), few fellow hikers, no bugs, brilliant skies with clear distant views on many days and cool temperatures. Here are some of our favorite winter…

Waterfalls near Asheville can be even more spectacular to see during the winter months. Leafless trees often make for clearer views. And experience magical icy scenes during winter cold snaps in our North Carolina mountains. Not only are the ice…

Asheville: Christmas Day dining options for lunch and dinner include The Omni Grove Park Inn's Blue Ridge, Edison, and Vue 1913; Hemingway's Cuba's traditional Cuban cuisine; Posana's gluten-free specialties at their downtown…

Discover the hiker's paradise of Transylvania County, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse trails. Known as the Land of Waterfalls, this area boasts over 250 cascades, with many…

After exploring NC's Land of Waterfalls, try these top taps to cap off a day of adventure. The clean, clear, and chilly waters that run down the mountains and fill Transylvania County’s streams, rivers, and lakes have long been one…

Marion, McDowell County: Enjoy a First Day Hike at Black Bear Campground. Kick off the New Year with a moderate hike featuring a brand-new segment of the Fonta Flora State Trail at Lake James. Reconnect with nature on one of…

At Azalea Bar & Kitchen, enjoy a chef-driven menu that fuses classic fare like burgers and pasta with elevated techniques, local draft beer, and house-made desserts that celebrate the tastes of the South.

Relax on their STELLAR patio,…

Linville Falls can be even more beautiful in the winter - and more tranquil since the summer crowds are gone! There are two "entrances" to this beloved waterfall.  During the spring, summer and fall, we prefer parking at the Linville Falls…