asheville resources
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The Appalachian Trail stretches from Maine to Georgia and is an essential and beautiful โmust experience. www.hikinginthesmokys.com/appalachiantrail.htm
The Blue Ridge Parkway consists of 469 miles of road that weave throughout 29 counties of Virginia and North Carolina. www.blueridgeparkway.org
The Cradle of Forestry, (11250 Pisgah Highway, Tel: 828-877-3130) is located in the Pisgah National Forest. Here you can learn about the first school of forestry in the museum and then if you like, walk miles of peaceful trials; itโs great for birders too. www.exploreasheville.com
Craggy Gardens, (Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Tel: 828-298-5330). Craggy Gardens is approximately 24 miles from Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers one of the most dramatic viewpoints along the drive. www.blueridgeheritage.com
The Great Smoky Mountains get their name from the mist/fog that lingers between mountain tops, thus looking like smoke. Often the clouds dissipate as the day warms up, revealing nature at its best. www.smokymountains.com/park
Hot Springs, (315 Bridge Street, Hot Springs, Tel:828-622-7676). The best place in the area to enjoy natural hot springs. www.nchotsprings.com
Pisgah National Forest is home to 500,000 acres of the forest for hiking, driving, camping, picnicking, and/or mountain/road biking. www.exploreasheville.com
Triple Falls in DuPont Park, (DuPont State Recreational Forest, Cedar Mountain, Tel: 828- 877-6527). Along these trails youโll discover several waterfalls and an unexpected covered bridge. www.hikewnc.info
The Lobster Trap
Photo: Lynne Harty
ART & ENTERTAINMENT
Asheville Chamber Music, (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Tel:828-575-7427). One of the oldest chamber music organizations in the United States. www.ashevillechambermusic.org
Asheville Gay Menโs Chorus entertains, advocates for LGBTQ rights, and connects the whole area through their choral excellence. www.ashevillegaymenschorus.org
Diana Wortham Theater, (Biltmore Ave, Tel:828- 257-4530). Dance companies, theatre, Broadway revivals, and even the circus perform at the Wortham. www.dwtheatre.com
Montford Park Players at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, (92 Gay Street). Free Shakespeare in the park. Bring your picnic basket, bug spray, and an umbrella. www.asheville.com/shakespeare-in-the-park
North Carolina Stage Compny, (15 Stage Lane, Tel: 828-239-0263). Enjoy the classics like Romeo and Juliet as well as their visiting artistโs series and more. www.ncstage.org
ATTRACTIONS
The Biltmore Estate, (One Lodge Street, Tel: 800- 411-3812). Welcome to Americaโs largest home. www.biltmore.com
Museum Of The Cherokee Indian, (589 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee, Tel: 828-497-3481). Here youโll find an extensive museum honoring the Cherokee that includes exhibits, events, and celebrations. www.cherokeemuseum.org
Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Competition. 290 Macon Avenue, Tel:800-438-5800. From late November to early January enjoy mind-boggling gingerbread creations at the Grove Park Innโs competition. www.romanticasheville.com/gingerbread
North Carolina Arboretum, (100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Tel: 828-665-2492). Here you can enjoy walking trails, education programs, an elaborate bonsai collection, and beautiful gardens. www.ncarboretum.org
Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center, (Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Tel: 828-523-4110). Celebrating Southern Appalachian artists, the Folk Art Center truly has something for everyone. www.southernhighlandguild.org/folk-art-center
Thomas Wolfeโs Memorial State Historic Site, (52 North Market Street, Tel: 828-253-8304). Thomas Wolfe is probably best known for his classic novel Look Homeward, Angel, which went on to become a hit Broadway play. Wolfeโs historic Victorian homestead is open for house tours. www.wolfe-memorial.com
