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The Best Places to go Berry Picking in and Around Asheville
While there’s something charming about buying your produce at a farmer’s market, many people enjoy the thrill of the hunt, going out and picking all their own fruit and produce straight from the farm. Thus farms near Asheville, NC, have created an experience out of fruit picking, allowing you to buy the berries and apples you pick by the pound. Orchards near Asheville in nearby Henderson County often grow some rows of berries even if their primary fruit crop is apples (the area is known as Apple Alley!). If you’ve got a hankering for fruit and prefer to pick your own, here are some farms where you can often find…
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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…
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The 16 Best Things to do in Asheville in July
When it comes to summer in North Carolina, I can think of a few wonderful spots: the Outer Banks are great if you’re in search of a great beach day, and there’s lots to do in Raleigh and Charlotte. The best spot, though, would have to be Asheville in July – you get all the fun of hot temperatures paired with mild evenings, and the beautiful backdrop of the mountains makes every day of fun and adventure incredibly picturesque. While not everyone agrees on the best time to visit Asheville, you’re sure to find yourself in good company if you come to Asheville in summer. Plan both ways to enjoy…
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The 17 Best Things to do in Asheville in April
All of nature is waking up in and around Asheville in April: flowers are blooming, the river surges with lots of spring rain, and the wildlife that was a little more sparse during the winter is back out and about (people start talking about bear sightings again!). April still gets its fair share of showers, but in general, activities that are seasonally open tend to come back to life after the winter, and you’ll find that the streets of downtown Asheville become much more lively and full of visitors. Visiting Asheville in April offers a wonderful chance to take advantage of the temperate spring weather before the high season of…
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The 9 Best Farmers’ Markets in Asheville
Farmers’ markets in Western North Carolina are such a combination of an attraction. First, they are often picturesque, a great way to see the life and the hustle and bustle of the city while getting a little walking in and feeling like you’re connecting with the place. Second, they support the many small agricultural businesses in our community, both those who raise livestock and farm plants but also secondary businesses making artisan bread, cheese, soups, pasta, and all kinds of handicrafts. Third, they are a great way to make a night in special, bringing home some fun and even unfamiliar ingredients to make your own Iron Chef challenge in the…
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The Best Places to see the Leaves Change in Asheville in the Fall
I’ve always loved autumn anywhere in the world, but after I moved to Asheville, my love for that time of the year deepened. In some other places, fall is just a spark before a long winter. But Asheville’s fall colors – which include leaves but also flowers – last a long time, gifting us with a five or six-week-long festival of color! This gives us plenty of time to witness the magical process of trees shedding their leaves. As Hermann Hesse put it, “That is the way leaves fall around a tree in autumn, a tree unaware of the rain running down its sides, of the sun or the frost,…
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14 Incredible Scenic Drives Near Asheville, NC
One of the best and easiest things to do in Asheville is to pack or grab a picnic lunch and go for a drive to enjoy the beautiful, relaxing vistas the Asheville area is so famous for. The Blue Ridge Parkway is “America’s Favorite Drive” and one of the most beloved scenic drives near Asheville. But with so many scenic drives in the area, it’s not the only one! The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s beautiful all year round. It offers all kinds of experiences and adventures, from watching the sunrise or sunset from an overlook or after a hike to spectacular…
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Explore the Outdoors at these 13 Beautiful Urban Parks in Asheville
I love visiting local parks when I travel, and I love to spend time at a wide range of Asheville parks. Parks are great for pausing, breathing in all the newness when you’re away from home, and getting to know the local crowd. I’m a people person, and I’ve always got the best travel advice from talking to strangers! When my kids were younger, I used to travel with a list of playgrounds and green areas to ensure our urban adventures were balanced with free running around time. I met some of my current mom-friends while our kids were playing in Mexico City, Madrid, and Asheville parks. Our city has…
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Complete Guide to Rafting and Kayaking in Asheville, NC
The incredible beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains leads a lot of people to come to Asheville in search of adventure, pursuing outdoor adventures in order to really get connected with nature. Whether you’re a thrill seeker and adrenaline-high rider or just want a little arm workout while you explore tranquil waters, rafting or kayaking in Asheville is a great way to get outside. The city is shaped by outdoor enthusiasts, giving you the chance to explore whether you’re ready for a bumpy ride down some whitewater or you just want to silently paddle into a cove and watch a heron or turtle enjoying the sunshine. Knowing what you’re getting…
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13 Fun and Easy Family-Friendly Hikes Around Asheville
I once read a quote about libraries being one of the few public spaces left in our society where you’re allowed to exist without the expectation of spending money, and we can say the same about nature. Two essential tools to raise a healthy kid are access to books and nature. The good news is that exploring the outdoors offers some of the best – if not the best – Asheville activities for kids! Fortunately, there are kid-friendly hikes near Asheville for everyone, from big-city or local families looking forward to introducing themselves to hiking trails to adventures for more seasoned hikers. I’ve included a list of kid-friendly hikes near…
