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Adventure Awaits: Things to Do Between Your Western North Carolina Hikes
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items In the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, there’s always something new to explore, and it’s tough to fit it all in. But hey, that just means there’s always another adventure waiting! Here are some of my favorites in the Brevard and Hend...
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Sections
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Outdoor Adventure Awaits
Savoring Flavors at High Altitudes
Hidden Gems: Overlooked Spots You Don't Want to Miss
Mountain Arts, Culture & Entertainment: A Peak Experience
Knowledge is Power: Books and Inspiration
Outdoor Adventure Awaits
Adventure is calling, and the mountains are ready! Here are some recommendations for outdoor fun and exploration. I'm no 'extreme adventurer,' but I'm certainly making the most of everything this beautiful area has to offer!
The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Jump Off Rock in Laurel Park is ever changing, but this city park offers more than the vistas. There are trails to hike and open grassy areas for picnics and yoga and all are welcome.
Jump Off Rock - Welcome To Hendersonville, NC
Stopping at a scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway feels like hitting pause. The view is amazing—endless mountains fading into misty blue, with trees changing with the season. It's peaceful, with the sound of the wind rustling through the trees....
Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)
A definite hike to do! The DuPont State Forest 3 Falls Trail is a must-see for nature lovers! It’s a beautiful, easy-to-follow hike that takes you past three stunning waterfalls. The trail’s not too challenging*, so it’s perfect for a relaxing day o...
N.C. Forest Service - DuPont State Recreational Forest | NC Agriculture
Pisgah National Forest, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in Western North Carolina, spans over half a million acres of natural wonder. Whether you're hiking scenic trails, camping under the stars, or fishing in crystal-clear streams, there's...
Pisgah National Forest: A Beginner’s Guide
My favorite waterfall, Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest! It's so magical – just right off the road, and the view is absolutely breathtaking. The forest itself is full of hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning waterfalls. No matter what ...
National Forests in North Carolina - Pisgah National Forest
A definite hike to do! The DuPont State Forest 3 Falls Trail is a must-see for nature lovers! It’s a beautiful, easy-to-follow hike that takes you past three stunning waterfalls. The trail’s not too challenging*, so it’s perfect for a relaxing day o...
DuPont State Forest Three Waterfalls Hike - Asheville Trails
Bearwallow Mountain offers a quick, 1-mile hike to a grassy knoll, known as a bald, with stunning 360-degree views of mountain peaks like Mount Mitchell. It’s an easy hike, but since it’s on a private farm, you might also encounter some free-range co...
Bearwallow Mountain Trail - Conserving Carolina
Horseback Riding Tours in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Smokemont Riding Stables - Horseback Riding
It’s a great place for a relaxing afternoon, whether you’re just out for a peaceful walk, snapping a few photos, or even looking for inspiration for your own garden. Plus, it’s not usually super crowded, so you get to enjoy the peace and quiet withou...
BULLINGTON GARDENS
I love visiting The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville because it’s a serene escape with stunning gardens and peaceful trails. Whether you’re into plant life, hiking, or just enjoying nature, it’s the perfect place to recharge and get inspired.
The North Carolina Arboretum: Homepage
Flat Rock Municipal Park is a great spot to hang out! The walking and jogging trails are perfect for a nice stroll or workout. The playgrounds are clean, safe, and super fun for the kids. There’s so much to do here, whether you’re out for some exerci...
About The Park at Flat Rock in Flat Rock, North Carolina
I've been to the Sniffspot in Chandler, NC with to overly rambunctious Hound Dogs and the hour of fun there wore us all out
Asheville, NC Fully Fenced Dog Parks for Rent - Sniffspot
Every town and village throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains has farmers markets. There is no lack of fresh locally grown produce. Hendersonville in Henderson county is known for its Apple Orchards and Honey.
Farms & Farmers Markets | Explore Asheville
Savoring Flavors at High Altitudes
Enjoy delicious food and drink at breathtaking heights! Here are some recommendations for savoring flavors at high altitudes. I'm no 'foodie,' but I’m definitely busy sampling all the variety this area has to offer.
Cheers tobHendersonville! Sip, savor, and explore the best of craft beverages! From breweries to wineries, cideries to distilleries, and even a meadery, this unique trail has something for every taste. Raise a glass to a one-of-a-kind adventure!
Cheers! Trail - Welcome To Hendersonville, NC
Sierra Nevada Taproom in Mills River, NC, is the perfect spot to unwind with craft beers in both indoor and outdoor settings. Enjoy a variety of delicious snacks sourced from local farmers and food artisans while taking in the stunning mountain views...
Sierra Nevada Mills River Taproom - Asheville Brewery
Whenever I travel, I can’t help but check if there’s a Kilwins handcrafted chocolate store nearby—because, well, their chocolates are amazing. Lucky for me, I’ve found chocolate heaven right here in the mountains: Asheville, Black Mountain, Brevard, ...
Kilwins Hendersonville, NC
Icecream is cheaper than Therapy! Frozen custard in this case.
Whit's Frozen Custard
Special treat! A Southern Cup Fine Teas is a boutique tearoom offering a wide variety of some of the finest quality loose leaf tea and infusions and afternoon tea offerings.
Boutique Tearoom & Tea Store | Hendersonville, NC
Tucked away in scenic Ashe County, the northwesternmost corner of North Carolina, Ashe County Cheese is a treat for both your taste buds and your curiosity! You can watch the cheese-making process in their viewing room while enjoying some of the fres...
Ashe County Cheese
Hidden Gems: Overlooked Spots You Don't Want to Miss
These gems are often overlooked by visitors, but they’re treasured by us locals. Ready to uncover some hidden spots you won’t want to miss?
St. John's in the Wilderness, Flat Rock, NC, is a gem often overlooked by visitors but cherished by locals. The graveyard, peaceful and serene under a canopy of trees, offers a beautiful and poignant stroll through history.
St. John in the Wilderness: Episcopal Church Flat Rock
Have you ever been lucky enough to spot a White Squirrel? Was it in one of these places: Brevard, North Carolina; Marionville, Missouri; Olney, Illinois; Kenton, Tennessee; or Exeter, Ontario?
Brevard White Squirrels - What To Know & Where To Find Them
The Freinds of the Henderson County Public Library Bookstore is often overlooked, but it's a wonderful source of used books. Find your next good read and help the Henderson county Library system.
Friends of the Henderson County Public Library
The Asheville Salt Cave offers a truly unique self-care experience. They offer salt cave meditation, massage therapy and Turkish Hammam of steam, exfoliate and purification. It is a one of a kind experience. I visit the salt cave almost yearly and ha...
Asheville Salt Cave (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Mountain Arts, Culture & Entertainment: A Peak Experience
There's no such thing as too much fun! We've spent hours here and still haven't tried every machine.
Profile for Appalachian Pinball Museum - Facebook
Always a Hit, never a miss!
Theatre | Flat Rock Playhouse | Flat Rock
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is home to the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee Indians as well as some of the oldest mountains on the planet.
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (U.S. National Park Service)
Knowledge is Power: Books and Inspiration
Dive into a treasure trove of fun facts, handy info, and inspiring sources about North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountain region. I've gathered some cool reads and tidbits that I hope you'll find both enjoyable and informative!
I'm a fan of the 2011 3rd edition and I'm looking forward to the 2024 Touring Western NC Backroads: 4th edition. It is sure to be a great update with updated routes. I definitely recommend this read for anyone looking to explore the hidden gems of th...
Touring Western NC Backroads: 4th Edition
Planning to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway? Just a heads up, GPS might not always work, so it’s a good idea to have a road atlas and trail maps on hand. AllTrails is a fantastic resource for hand-curated trail maps, driving directions, and tons of re...
Blue Ridge Parkway | List - AllTrails
Planning to explore the trails of western North Carolina? It's a fantastic idea! However, be aware that in some remote areas, GPS signals might be unreliable. To ensure a smooth adventure, it's wise to have a road atlas and detailed trail maps on han...
Western North Carolina Trails - AllTrails
I've never seen the blue ghost firefly myself, but I’d love to! Maybe you'll get lucky and spot one during your exploration of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Blue Ghost Fireflies, Brevard NC
The National Park Service is the ultimate resource for our national parks. Get up to date information on cconditions and closures before you go.
Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)
Ready for the road trip of a lifetime? The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile adventure through Virginia and North Carolina, offering breathtaking views of the Appalachian Highlands. With 26 tunnels and over 200 scenic overlooks, it's the perfect route...
16 Surprising Facts About the Blue Ridge Parkway - Only in Your State
I’ve found that NC Tripping Blog is my go-to guide for all things North Carolina! Whether I’m hunting for travel tips, uncovering hidden gems, or looking for the best places to explore, this fun and informative blog has everything I need to make the ...
Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed)
Check out The White Squirrel Institute and learn all about the famous white squirrels of Brevard, NC! You can even help save them by donating or adopting one. How cool is that?
Adopt a white squirrel and support the White Squirrel Institute
Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or travel inspiration, this Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide website serves as a valuable resource for exploring this beautiful region. This article offers Blue Ridge Parkway History, ...
40 Fascinating Facts about the Blue Ridge Parkway
Visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains? Why not elevate your stay by booking a tree house rental! Nestled high among the trees, it's the perfect way to experience nature up close and make your trip unforgettable. Explore the possibilities!
Airbnb | Brevard - Vacation Rentals & Places to Stay - North Carolina
Looking for a unique getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Stay cozy and charming in a tiny home! If you can’t quite commit to living in one full-time, why not vacation in one? I happen to call a tiny home my mountain retreat, and it’s the perfect way...
Airbnb | Vacation rentals, cabins, beach houses, & more