Things to Do
The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest of the Pisgah National Forest just south of Asheville, NC. Accessible via Parkway Milepost 393.6, the Arboretum is surrounded by botanically-diverse Southern Appalachian Mountains, encouraging personal connections with nature in the gardens, hiking… Read More
Oconaluftee Indian Village poses the question, “Is it actually Cherokee history if it’s still happening?” Today you can transport back to an 18th century village full of authentic stickball demonstrations, dance, staged war reenactments—you name it. If it happened then, it’s happening now. Season opens May 1st, and tickets and… Read More
PARI is a former NASA facility that is now an active center for research and STEM education. Radio telescopes 26M (85ft.), space flight artifacts, meteorites, minerals, scenic views, hiking trails. A ‘Dark Sky’ designated location. Day tour, night viewings with optical telescopes and astronomy instruction. Family style cabin rooms… Read More
Pisgah Forest Gem Mine – two locations close to Asheville, at 507 N Main Street in Hendersonville, and 3338 Asheville Highway in Pisgah Forest. Open year round, indoor & outdoor gem mining, unique rock & retail shop featuring fine jewelry & t-shirts, waterfalls nearby. Now offering gold panning and… Read More
Showcasing the works of over 250 members, Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. preserves and promotes the traditional arts and crafts of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. We offer a vast selection of baskets, pottery, wood and stone carving, weaving, beadwork, and much more. Many products viewable at www.quallaartsandcrafts.org. Read More
RomanticAsheville.com: This insider’s travel guide to western North Carolina includes a mile-by-mile Blue Ridge Parkway guide with 50 Top Stops near Asheville. Also find waterfalls, best hikes, places to stay, things to do, packages, fall color forecast, festival calendars, Biltmore guide, Sliding Rock and small town features. Read More
Shoji Spa & Lodge – Asheville’s only Japanese outdoor hot tub spa. The Lodge, Loft and Studio at Shoji offer unique, luxurious and cozy accommodations surrounded by the majesty of nature overlooking the Pisgah National Forest just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Serenity and scenery are paramount, yet only… Read More
Smiley’s Flea Market & Yard Sale Fletcher, NC- Every weekend 6am to 5pm. Free parking & admission. From fresh Produce to Clothing, Electronics, Appliances, Books, Plants, Antiques and Collectibles, New and Used Items, and even 12+ food vendors including a full service bakery. Over 1,000 spaces; 100s of sellers,… Read More
For 90 years in Asheville & surrounding areas, the craft guild has showcased the region’s finest craftsmen through exhibitions, craft shops, special events, and fairs. Today, we are the second-oldest craft organization in America representing 800 Appalachian makers of contemporary & traditional craft from 293 counties in 9 states. The… Read More
“Unto These Hills” – Where Cherokee history comes alive, and drama is part of your adventure’s DNA. This outdoor drama is the Cherokee story, as portrayed by the Cherokee themselves. Performances occur daily from Memorial Day to mid-August, except Sundays, in the newly-renovated Cherokee Mountainside Theatre. Tickets and reservations are… Read More