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Maggie Valley, North Carolina: Best Activities, Events, Restaurants, and Shops!
Since the days long ago when Maggie Mae Setzer lived here and became the namesake of Maggie Valley, this little piece of paradise just outside the Asheville metro area has been a draw for everyone from nature lovers to those looking for a dose of small-town charm. Between the many nearby mountain vistas and the easy jaunt back to the…
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Weekend Trips From Asheville: The Best State and National Parks Nearby
Whether you simply live nearby or are an Asheville local, sometimes the best thing for you, your friends, or your family is to get out of the city and see something new. The good news is that North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina boast a variety of great parks where you can affordably explore nature, learn history, get great exercise,…
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Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe Review: The Hub of a Local Literary Community
The headwinds on bookstores have not been easy the past few years: from the popularization of e-books and audiobooks over physical tomes to the overall shake-up that social distancing created in an already-precarious in-person retail market, it’s no wonder that independent bookstores are becoming a more precious and prized fixture in a community. Asheville has a long history of supporting…
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14 Fun and Spooky Ways to Celebrate Halloween in Asheville
Asheville in October gives a steady display of fun and beauty. From the gorgeous color of the leaves and perfect fall weather to the many festivals and events held to enjoy the season, there is something to do every single day of the month. Each family celebrates Halloween in Asheville in a different way. Some traditions come back year after…
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Green Sage Cafe: Healthy, Delicious, and Sustainable!
I tried Green Sage Cafe back when they had only one location in 2010 (their original location opened in 2008). It’s impressive in the restaurant business when an independent restaurant, especially one with a strong commitment to sustainable and healthy practices, is successful 15 years after opening. Owner Randy Talley has clearly found a version of the breakfast and lunch…
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The Best Places to go Trick-or-Treating in Asheville
Halloween in Asheville is fun, like everywhere else, and beautiful! The weather is perfect by the end of October: warm, sunny, glorious days and chilly, crisp nights. Most years, the trees still display their stunning fall colors, and the evening breeze adds the last touch for a perfect night to celebrate the magic of fall. The roots of the current…
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Complete Guide to Electric Cars and EV Charging in Asheville
If you’ve spent time in North Asheville and pay attention to the high-pitched whine of battery-powered cars, you’ll immediately notice that Asheville has a fleet of Teslas, hybrids, and other electric-powered cars. Once you start paying attention, you’ll see that they are definitely a presence here, even if gas-powered cars are still the overwhelming majority of any traffic jam coming…
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A Guide to Chimney Rock State Park
On the website for Chimney Rock State Park, they mention that this destination is “part living classroom, park outdoor gym,” and that really sums up well the opportunities when you visit this park. Chimney Rock features such interesting cliff faces and rock formations that many people come here for beginner to strenuous hiking as well as rock climbing. At the…
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A Guide to Live Music Venues in Asheville, NC
For a city of less than 100,000 year-round residents, Asheville is truly a destination when it comes to musical talent. As a tourist destination and a well-known hub for arts and culture, musical acts who would otherwise gravitate to Greenville, Charlotte, or Knoxville often find room in their schedules to stop by one of the many music venues in Asheville,…
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From Corn Mazes to Apple Picking: 16 Fun Fall Activities in Asheville
My admiration for Asheville never decreases, but I must admit that fall is, hands down, the most beautiful time of the year to be here. The trees display unreal red, yellow, and bronze colors, the flowers are spectacular, and the average temperature is 68°F/46°F. If that’s not enough, there are many events, and the bountiful harvest makes our food scene…
