1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC
www.grovearcade.com
See CATGORIES on right of this page for more Places to SHOP
For unique shopping & dining in downtown Asheville NC, be sure to check out the historic GROVE ARCADE, It’s an architectural gem filled with locally owned boutique shops, galleries, wine bars and restaurants. Opened in 1929 as a thriving public market until the 1940’s when the federal government took control. It was renovated and reopened to the public in 2002. Discover this treasure for yourself! (Romantic Asheville photo)
1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC www.grovearcade.com See CATGORIES on right of this page for more Places to SHOP Biltmore Estate’s “Tour the West Range!” Tour only offered in September!
Fall is a perfect time to experience the spectacular colors that transform these Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina! What better time to take advantage of the special Biltmore tour of the estate’s beautiful west side for a fascinating look at past and present forestry, agricultural, and sustainability initiatives. Meet your motorcoach at the shuttle stop in Antler Hill Village for a memorable and enlightening experience. (Biltmore Estate photo) Asheville Vacation Homes vacation rental guests may purchase discounted Biltmore Estate entrance tickets good for two consecutive days. The special tour is $25 per person. Call for reserved tickets: 800-211-9803 Saturdays & Sundays in September: 11AM, 1PM, 3:30PM See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places to Explore; Biltmore Estate Canton Labor Day Festival 2017 – the biggest & best yet! This is event has been held for one hundred eleven years!!! Great live entertainment, Handmade Craft Expo, Papertown Kids Village, Free Gospel Concert, Parade, Vintage Car Show, Historic Museum & More!
Buy advance tickets at Ingles stores! Sunday, Sept 3 – Monday, 4, 2017: noon – 9 PM Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton, NC. http://www.cantonlaborday.com/ See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more EVENTS The famous Apple Festival Street Fair in downtown Hendersonville NC is this Labor Day weekend! For over 60 years, this popular event offers 4 days of freshly picked apples, arts & crafts, food and free live entertainment at the Historic Courthouse on Main Street. Special kids activities, rides & inflatables await your little ones! (Romantic Asheville photo)
Monday’s spectucular finale at 2:30 - 5 PM includes the King Apple Parade with professional floats, bands, youth groups, antique cars, fire trucks and more! Festival Location: Main Street in downtown Hendersonville, NC Friday, September 1 - Monday, September 4, 2017 10AM – 8PM For a complete listing of daily events: http://www.ncapplefestival.org/ See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more EVENTS Winged Wonders: Step into the World of Butterflies at the NC Arboretum in Asheville NC. See the miracle of metamorphosis!
On display now through October 29, 2017 (9 AM – 5 PM daily) inside the Baker Exhibit Center Greenhouse, this is an indoor butterfly exhibit featuring a chrysalis-rearing chamber and a walk-through butterfly house where visitors can meet a whole host of local butterfly species, including monarchs, swallowtails and more. Exhibit support provided in part by The NC Arboretum Society, and iHeartMedia Asheville. Refer to website for directions, hours & pricing: www.ncarboretum.org/ See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more KIDS! Things To Do Hendersonville Eclipse Information
The Hendersonville Visitor Center completely sold out of eclipse glasses last Wednesday and is not expecting another shipment. Hendersonville commemorative eclipse t-shirts are available for sale at the Visitor Center, 201 South Main Street. The price of the shirts is $15 for youth sizes through adult x-large and 2x are $16 http://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/latest-news/hendersonville-eclipse-information Check the Visitor Center Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/VisitHendersonvilleNC/ Where can I watch the eclipse in Henderson County? Historic Courthouse Square – eclipse viewing on Main Street, begins at 2pm – free eclipse viewing glasses will be handed out while they last – open to the public Henderson County Public Library – 1-3 pm – free viewing glasses available between 1pm and 2pm (while supplies last) – NASA live feed in Kaplan Auditorium, viewing on field behind library Solar Eclipse and Moon Pie Wine Sipping Party – Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards – Noon-5pm – enjoy viewing the eclipse with a glass of local wine and a Moon Pie Good public viewing locations: The Park at Flat Rock, Mills River Park, Fletcher Community Park, Jackson Park, Westfeldt Park, East Flat Rock Park Except Delays in Popular Viewing Areas With an influx of visitors expected for the solar eclipse on August 21, U.S. Forest Service staff remind visitors to keep the forests clean and safe. Plan ahead and prepare for the eclipse weekend, August 18 to 21. Recreation sites on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are expected to be at full capacity for the eclipse so have alternative plans if needed. https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc The Blue Ridge Parkway expects throngs of people looking up at the sky for a once-in-a-lifetime view on Monday, August 21st. From around 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., a total solar eclipse will cross much of the southern section of Parkway. For updates go to: https://twitter.com/BlueRidgeNPS… See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more EVENTS FREE SOLAR ECLIPSE FESTIVAL in downtown Asheville’s PACK SQUARE PARK where you can experience a 99% eclipse! Enjoy music, food and fun hands-on eclipse related activities with the Museum of Science and University of North Carolina from noon – 3 PM. Come early to allow for traffic & parking!
You can also experience the event at the NC ARBORETUM where the first 250 cars will get free eclipse glasses. Explore the trails, gardens & exhibits while you wait. (Romantic Asheville photo) Monday, August 21, 2017: Beginning to end, the eclipse is from 1 PM to 4 PM. See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more EVENTS MOUNT PISGAH is only 15 miles from Asheville NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway standing at 5,721 feet! It is easily seen from many miles away by the identifying 339 foot TV tower perched at its peak which is the highest TV antenna east of the Mississippi at 6,023 feet above sea level.
At the site of Mt Pisgah is a wonderful Restaurant with spectacular long range views and the food is excellent! You can hike the 1.6 mile trail up to the peak for awesome views (moderate difficulty and steep toward the top). Do NOT hiking during a lightning storm! At the Mt. Pisgah parking area you’ll also find the Buck Spring Trail leading to the historic exhibit of the stone remains of the George Vanderbilt Hunting Lodge which was quite popular with his Biltmore Estate guests in the early 1900’s. Enjoy a leisurely drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville. Pull off at the various look-outs along the way to enjoy the awesome views and maybe take a stroll along one of the many hiking trails, then head on to the Mt. Pisgah Restaurant to indulge in a delicious meal or dessert. See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more Outdoor Adventures Asheville Comedy Festival 2017 is the largest comedy event in the Southeast!
This 11th year event has over 50 comedians selected from 400+ applicants around the world performing their stand-up routines for 4 days. It’s aptly called: “Laugh Your Asheville Off!” This is a special time for comedians, fans & TV network executives to gather. (Romantic Asheville photo) Wed, August 9 - Sat, Aug 12, 2017 For a list of performers, locations, times & to purchase tickets: www.AshevilleComedyFestival.com See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more EVENTS White Water Rafting, Tubing & Kayaking! Asheville NC is “#1 Vacation with a Splash” recommended by ABC’s Good Morning America & National Geographic Adventurer.
With 6 rivers to choose from for water adventures, numerous rafting guides, rentals of kayaks, canoes & paddleboards, Western North Carolina is the place! Calmer rides are found along the French Broad River and the busy Nantahala River (1.5 hours from Asheville) is well-known for its 8 mile dam-controlled river with 20 class II/III rapids and numerous outfitters. Other rivers include Pigeon River, Green River, Tuckasegee River & North Toe River. (Romantic Asheville photo) See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Outdoor Adventures Historic downtown Hendersonville is the second largest downtown in western North Carolina (Asheville is first) with many things to do, see and taste. The beautiful quaint Main Street winds around planter boxes and lush landscaping. With more than 100 unique shops and 20 wonderful restaurants, it is a delight to explore with a big variety of locally-owned high quality stores and galleries. And see their famous painted bears! Stay in one of our nearby vacation rental homes! (Romantic Asheville photo)
www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.com See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more Places to Explore LEAF Festival in downtown Asheville NC is Friday & Saturday, August 4 – 5, 2017 in Pack Square Park! FREE!
Be prepared for an awesome time & come wearing your best funky attire! Community diversity is celebrated in music, art, culture & food. Enjoy the family-friendly workshops, fun activities, shop for local handcrafts & food from culinary artists. Three stages feature over 200 performers, 80+ local culinary and craft arts vendors, & the LEAF Art Dash 5K! www.theleaf.org/downtown/ See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more EVENTS CRAFT FAIR OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS is the biggest & best show of the year now in its 70th year! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you explore over 200 craftspeople filling two levels of the Civic Center in downtown Asheville NC! The artists are from the Southern Highland Craft Guild which has a rigorous jury process for its members from the mountain counties of 7 states. Meet & purchase directly from these remarkable artists! (Romantic Asheville photo)
$8 Admission & children under 12 are free. July 21 – 23, 2017 (10AM – 6PM & Sunday is 10 AM – 5 PM) U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville NC (828) 298-7928 www.craftguild.org See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more EVENTS Antler Hill Village and Farm on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC is a reason you may need to spend several days at the Estate. Here you can tour & taste wines at the famous Biltmore winery. Visit the fascinating Vanderbilt exhibit “The Legacy”, shop, arrange Outdoor Adventures and enjoy meals at Cedric's Tavern or Bistro Restaurant. And don't forget the Creamery for ice cream! All attractions at Antler Hill Village are included in admission to the estate. (Romantic Asheville photo)
Guests of Asheville Vacation Homes may purchase discounted tickets and I will have them at your vacation rental home so you don't have to wait in long ticket lines! See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more BILTMORE ESTATE Hike AND Massage! Ascend Adventure Wellness offers the unusual combination of enjoying a hike in the Pisgah National Forest followed by an outdoor massage and spa treatment! Choose from an easy mile-long hike to a waterfall or a 6 mile mountain hike to a panoramic view….ending at the base camp set in the woods along a creek complete with massage table, therapist, tent and a private flush toilet. (Citizen Times Twitter photo)
(828) 747-9917 https://www.ascendadventurewellness.com/ See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Wellness & Health, Outdoor Adventures Hendersonville NC’s Urban Trail: OCHLAWAHA GREENWAY connects Jackson Park, Patton Park, Berkley Park, Sullivan Park, & William H. King Memorial Park.
Come walk, bring your dog or bike. It is a relatively flat paved trail and is handicap accessible. The Greenway is a 10-foot-wide asphalt path for cyclists and pedestrians. Benches, water fountains, and three bicycle Fix-It Stations are along the trail. The Audubon Society named the Greenway as a birding “hot spot.” Wildflowers, native trees & small mammals abound. (Photo from website) http://www.friendsofoklawaha.org/Oklawaha/index.php See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Outdoor Adventures Solve a mystery! Holmes Educational Forest in Hendersonville NC on July 8, 2017 special event “Forest Habitat Mystery” allowing participants to follow signs of animals in the forest and solve a mystery. This ¼ mile is from 10 AM to noon.
Open daily Mon – Sat. Easy short hikes on well-marked trails with exhibits and displays depicting ecology of a managed forest. This 240 acre area in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a great treat for kids with the half mile walk of the Talking Trees Trail where pressing a button on a kiosk has a pre-recorded message about each tree. 1299 Crab Creek Rd, Hendersonville, NC (828) 692-0100 http://www.ncesf.org/hesf/home.htm See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more KIDS! and Outdoor Adventures Asheville’s WNC NATURE CENTER is a 42 acre Native Wildlife Natural Sanctuary that is a fun, educational adventure for kids of all ages! See 60+ species of animals including cougars, bobcats, wolves, foxes, bears, deer, raccoons, snakes, snapping turtles, otters, birds, fish and other many others native to our Appalachian mountain region. It’s beautiful to wander the hilly terrain nature paths to see all the animals in their spacious natural habitat enclosures (not cages!). Kids love the petting zoo! Go often to see the ever changing seasonal special exhibits. Open every day except major holidays: 10 AM to 5 PM. 75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC (828) 298-5600 http://www.wncnaturecenter.com/ See CATEGORIES on Right of this page for more KIDS! and Places to Explore 4th of July Lake Julian in South Asheville Fireworks Extravaganza are one of the largest around! FREE. Fireworks starts at dark but come early & enjoy the day. Bring a lawn chair or blanket & find a spot along the lake. There are picnic tables, grills, a sand volleyball court, two horseshoe pits, boat rental and a playground. Bring a picnic! No pets please due to crowds.
Park at Estes Elementary School on Long Shoals Road across from the lake. Daytime shuttle runs 8 AM-6 PM. From Asheville take I-26 East to Exit #37. Turn left at the light onto Long Shoals Road. (Buncombe County Recreation Services photo) See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more EVENTS Big 4th of July Celebration in downtown Asheville NC!
Beginning at 2 PM – 6 PM in Pack Square Park is the Ingles Independence Day Celebration with the Splashville Fountain, children's activities including a bouncy house. 5 PM live music begins for the evening. Food trucks on hand, restaurants are open, beer & wine will be available to purchase. And, of course, FIREWORKS at 9:30 PM. (No outside alcohol, coolers or pets in the park.) (Romantic Asheville photo) See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more EVENTS Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, Brevard & Hendersonville, NC is Mother Nature’s waterslide! This summer favorite finds kids & adults sliding down the sloping 60 foot boulder to splash in an 8 foot deep pool (you must know how to swim!)
Memorial Day to Sept 4, 2017, life guards on duty & restrooms open 10 AM – 6 PM. Cost is only $2 when staff are present. Be forewarned the water will be cold and be sure to wear sturdy clothes & water shoes. Children under 7 must slide with an adult. Dogs must be leashed and cannot slide. (Romantic Asheville photo) Hotline for high water closures: (828) 885-7625 See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more Outdoor Adventures Celebrate your 4th of July in Hendersonville NC!
For more information or a concert schedule, call the Henderson County Tourism at 828-693-9708, 800-828-4244 or www.visithendersonvillenc.org. See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more EVENTS SHINDIG ON THE GREEN Festival returns for its 51st year on July 1, 2017!
FREE Bluegrass Music & Dance Festival in downtown Asheville NC’s Pack Square Park held Saturdays during the summer. Performers present traditional and mountain string bands, ballad singers, mountain dancers and cloggers. Enjoy jam sessions under the trees where anyone can join in, dance in the street, partake in the food concessions or sit on the lawn. Celebrate our Southern Appalachian mountain culture & traditions. Saturday Concerts 7-10 PM: July 1, 8, 15, 22, August 12, 19, 26, September 2, 2017 Dogs, alcohol, & smoking are prohibited in the Park. (Romantic Asheville photo) Info: 828-258-6101, ext. 345 folkheritage.org. See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more EVENTS |
AuthorStephanie Joy Johnson, owner and hostess for Asheville Vacation Homes! I love sharing what I know about this amazing place in the Blue Ridge Mountains where I live! CATEGORIES
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