• The Best Lakes Near Asheville, NC
    The Great Outdoors,  Surrounding Areas

    The 10 Best Lakes Near Asheville Perfect for a Day Trip!

    Nestled within the unforgettable landscapes of Western North Carolina, Asheville stands as a mecca in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes, this vibrant city offers an abundance of outdoor activities for local nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.  Among its many treasures, the region boasts an array of pristine lakes where visitors can go and seek tranquility and recreation. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 lakes near Asheville, what you can do there, and why you won’t want to miss your opportunity to check them out! The many lakes near Asheville offer a diverse array of…

  • A Guide to Springtime Foraging in Asheville
    The Great Outdoors

    A Guide to Springtime Foraging in Asheville

    Although mild compared to many other areas of the country, I, for one, feel like winter always drags on, even in Asheville. Maybe it’s harder here because of the anticipation of what’s to come.  Everything coming back to life in the springtime, to me, is like coming back home to myself. The birds are chirping in the blue sky, the sunshine is warming my skin, and the bare landscape of the woods and scenery starts to re-adorn itself in spatterings of green.  The whole vibe is iconic. One of the reasons I love spring in Asheville is because of the opportunities for foraging that begin to present themselves during this…

  • The Best Off-the-Tourist-Track Hikes Near Asheville, NC
    Surrounding Areas,  The Great Outdoors

    The 7 Best Off-the-Tourist Track Hiking Trails Near Asheville

    One of the main reasons people visit and live in Asheville is for its beautiful mountains and ample outdoor activities to enjoy. If you’re looking for the down low on all of the amazing hiking trails in Asheville that even the locals don’t want you to know about, then you’ve come to the right place. After all, these mountains were made for everyone!  However, before you go out hiking in Asheville, make sure you fully understand the activity level required for each hike. Choose hikes that are suitable for your skill level and come prepared with the essentials (i.e., water, food, appropriate clothing, etc.).  The Appalachians that run through Western…

  • What to Bring While Hiking with Kids in Asheville, NC
    Family Friendly,  The Great Outdoors

    What to Bring When Hiking in Asheville with Kids

    Asheville is filled with some amazing locations for family-friendly walks and hikes. Just walking in nature for 5 minutes is known to improve your mood, self-esteem, and tension, which is why this is one of my favorite activities to do with my children.  I have been hiking with them since they were six months old and two and a half. A “free” activity that can wear them out, cater to their sense of wonder, and is enjoyable for parents too? Total win in my book!  If you’re looking to go hiking in Asheville with your little ones, here are a few of my favorite must-haves for a happy, safe, stress-free…

  • The Best Waterfall Hikes Around Asheville, NC
    The Great Outdoors,  Surrounding Areas

    The 10 Best Waterfall Hikes Near Asheville

    Asheville’s surroundings offer infinite hiking opportunities, including many that will lead you to cascading waterfalls. Hiking to get to one of the many waterfalls near Asheville is always a fun adventure, and nothing beats a picnic in the sunshine while listening to the falls and taking in the view.  The 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest is home to many of the area’s most famous waterfalls (including Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls), swimming holes, and hiking trails. And over in DuPont State Forest, you’ll find six astonishing waterfalls, including some that have been featured in Hollywood movies.  The landscapes surrounding these waterfalls change with the seasons, giving excellent photo ops year-round.…

  • The Best Time of Year to Visit Asheville, North Carolina
    Community,  Family Friendly,  The Great Outdoors

    The Best Time to Visit Asheville, North Carolina

    As I’ve written about before, I wasn’t always an Asheville resident. For more than a decade, Asheville was where I went on holidays and vacations to see my in-laws, and as such, I’ve got a pretty solid window into the times of year that people come here for fun and adventure during vacations.  That being said, I’ve now lived here for a year and a half as well, which means I’ve also seen the in-between times, the times when local residents are the primary folks visiting attractions and all that downtown has to offer.  So here we come to the real question: What is the best time of year to…

  • The Best Things to do in Asheville in the Fall
    Attractions,  Family Friendly,  The Great Outdoors

    The 16 Best Things to do in the Fall 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 even more exciting.  Fall in Asheville is gentle and long (one of the longest seasons in the country), allowing us plenty of time to transition and retreat to the darkness of winter. If you’re looking to see fall foliage, the best month is October, although you can start to see…

  • The Best Things to do in Asheville in November
    Attractions,  The Great Outdoors,  Wining & Dining

    The 13 Best Things to do in Asheville in November

    November is an excellent time to visit Asheville. The average temperature is 60°F/40°F (though it’s colder in higher elevations), perfect for long days of playing outside and sleeping without the air conditioning.  Asheville’s fall season is long and beautiful, with sunny, dry, warm days and chilly evenings, and the fall foliage season goes from late September to early November.  In November, fall turns into winter, so many fall activities and landscapes remain to enjoy. Still, many of the most popular December holiday events start in November: the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn, the Winter Lights show at the North Carolina Arboretum, and the Christmas at…

  • The Best State and National Parks Near Asheville, NC
    Attractions,  Surrounding Areas,  The Great Outdoors

    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, and enjoy the beauty of this part of the world.  Consider how some of these parks could factor into your next weekend away, summer road trip, or even just be a pit stop on a road trip to see family!  Don’t forget to check out our web story: The Best…

  • Complete Guide to Chimney Rock State Park
    Surrounding Areas,  The Great Outdoors

    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 same time, the history of the park and its flora and fauna bring families who want to learn about nature during park programming or through observation.  This combination draws big crowds during the warm summer months and temperate springs and autumns in North Carolina. Here are some tips for making…