A North Carolina mountain town was highlighted as a top 2026 getaway, offering a blend of Revolutionary War history, mountain scenery and a growing food and hotel scene.
Boone has grown from a small Appalachian settlement into a year-round tourism draw, according to Southern Living.
What to do in Boone NC
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike sections of the Appalachian Trail, take in panoramic views along the Blue Ridge Parkway or summit MacRae Peak at Grandfather Mountain. In the winter months, nearby ski areas, including Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort, offer slopes for beginners and experienced skiers alike.
History-focused travelers can explore 18th-century life at the Hickory Ridge History Museum or attend the seasonal outdoor drama “Horn in the West,” which depicts Revolutionary-era events in the region. A self-guided historic walking tour of downtown also allows visitors to explore at their own pace.
Beyond history and outdoor recreation, Southern Living noted Boone’s walkable downtown, particularly the King Street corridor, for its mix of antique stores, thrift shops, independent bookstores and local boutiques. The High Country region, including nearby Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, offers additional attractions, shops and restaurants within a short drive.
The publication also pointed out recent upgrades to the town’s lodging options, including boutique hotels and renovated motor lodges, as well as a diverse culinary scene featuring bakeries, Southern breakfast spots, sushi, craft breweries and wine bars.
“For those making travel a priority, or simply looking for a getaway, now is the perfect time to put Boone, North Carolina, on your radar to visit in 2026,” Southern Living says.
Other top NC travel destinations
Last year, Oak Island, Hatteras Island, Topsail Beach, Ocracoke, Duck, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Nags Head and Wrightsville Beach were on Southern Living’s list of 50 best beach towns in the South, The Charlotte Observer reported.
North Carolina swept up several Southern Living’s 2025 South’s Best Awards, including:
You can find the full list of the best beach towns in the South online at southernliving.com.
Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.
Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.
Peak leaf season is nearly here, which means a vibrant display of fall colors.
In North Carolina, the change usually starts in the mountains and continues across the piedmont region before petering out toward the coast, forestry experts at North Carolina State University said.
Here’s this year’s timing for fall foliage.
When is peak leaf season in NC?
“We will likely see patchy colors toward the end of September in the upper elevations of the mountains,” Dr. Robert Bardon, associate dean and professor of forestry and environmental resources at NCSU, previously told CharlotteFive.
“The middle weeks of October should be the peak for colors in the upper mountains, followed by the foothills and piedmont regions toward the end of October and into November.”
A vibrant display of fall colors cover Mount Cammerer in North Carolina. Photo by the U.S. National Park Service
Coastal residents will have to wait a bit longer, as colorful foliage isn’t expected to peak there until the first few weeks of November, Bardon said.
The variety and intensity of colors is largely dependent on weather conditions. A mix of sunny days and cool nights will offer the best chance for “a vibrant display” of fall foliage, according to Bardon.
“Extreme changes in precipitation such as a drought or heavy rains, wind and hard freeze can all shorten the seasons,” he told CharlotteFive.
Where are the best places to see fall foliage in NC?
There’s no shortage of spots where leaf watchers can take in the beautiful fall colors — from Blue Ridge Parkway to the foothills and beyond, according to the National Park Service.
Blue Ridge Music Center – Milepost 213 (in Virginia)
Travelers can venture beyond the mountains to watch the leaves turn, VisitNC.com reported. Some must-visit spots include Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in Manteo; William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh; and Lake Norman State Park in Troutman.
Which roads are open?
Areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway have reopened to travelers vying for a peek at the fall foliage while others remain closed, or impassable.
The National Park Service advised road repair projects are ongoing as part of efforts to address landslides and other damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged parts of Western North Carolina.
So which roads are accessible?
Mount Mitchell State Park in Burnsville began welcoming visitors again on Sept. 15, just in time for leaf watching season, according to North Carolina State Parks.
“I am grateful to the National Park Service and NCDOT teams for their hard work to reopen this stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway and excited that people can continue to see what makes western North Carolina unforgettable,” Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement.
Fall foliage, N.C., Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. Alex Slitz alslitz@charlotteobserver.com
These sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway were also open or partially open as of Monday, Oct. 6:
Milepost 241. 1 to 248.1 at NC Highway 18
Milepost 249.3 at S. Laurel Fork Road to milepost 261.2 at NC Highway 16
Milepost 355.3 near NC Highway 128 to milepost 364.5 at South of Craggy Gardens Tunnel
Milepost 382 in Asheville to milepost 469 near Cherokee
“For safety reasons, the park asks that people continue to be patient and respect remaining closures,” the National Park Service said. “Multiple seen and unseen hazards exist in closed areas, and crews and heavy equipment at work make areas unsafe.”
Red pigments, or anthocyanin, are the result of a “high concentration of simple sugars” in a leaf’s cells while beta carotene gives leaves their orange color, forestry experts say. Photo by the U.S. National Park Service
Tanasia is a service journalism reporter based at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She recently joined the NC Service Journalism team and covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide stories. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.
Hendersonville is among the Western North Carolina towns welcoming back visitors in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Visit Hendersonville
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Government shutdown impact in NC
The government shut down Oct. 1, 2025, as Republicans and Democrats are locked in a stalemate over funding the federal government. Here are stories about how the impasse is affecting North Carolina, from paychecks and furloughs to shuttered services.
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Despite the federal government shutdown that went into effect on Oct. 1, Western North Carolina’s national park properties will remain mostly open — but a few things will look different.
The Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both a part of the National Park Service. According to the organization’s shutdown contingency plan, park roads, lookouts, trails and open air memorials will remain accessible to visitors.
“Critical functions that protect life, property, and public health will remain in place, including visitor access in many locations, law enforcement, and emergency response,” according to a National Park Service statement to the Charlotte Observer. That said, updated communications from the National Park Services will be limited.
During the shutdown, National Park websites and social media will not be maintained except for emergencies, the contingency plan says. Parks will not provide regular road and trail condition updates. According to the contingency plan, park staff will post signs notifying visitors about any limited services.
Impact on leaf season
This government shutdown comes as Western North Carolina approaches peak leaf season — the region’s busiest economic quarter of the year.
Last fall, Helene not only killed at least 108 people in North Carolina and severely damaged communities, it brought tourism and many small businesses in the region to their knees.
Two hikers enjoy the spectacular fall color along the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Tanawha Trail near Grandfather Mountain. Staff file photo cliddy@newsobserver.com
According to a study conducted by the North Carolina Economic Development Partnership, Western North Carolina experienced $1.8 billion in financial losses from Helene during the last quarter of 2024.
National Parks play a significant role in tourism in Western North Carolina. Last fall, the National Park Service announced that North Carolina’s national parks contributed $4.1 billion to the state’s economy in 2023.
To see a government shut down on the heels of that progress is disheartening, Explore Asheville CEO Vic Isley said. Just, last month, 114 contiguous miles were reopened on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
That said, people should still come, Isley wrote in a statement to The Charlotte Observer.
“The Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest remain open to drivers and hikers so that you can experience the iconic scenic drives, overlooks, and mountain trails that make autumn in Asheville so special.”
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park published this update on closed locations on Oct. 1:
Briah Lumpkins is the emerging news reporter for the Charlotte Observer. In this role, she finds important and impactful enterprise stories impacting the Charlotte-metro region. Most previously, Briah spent time in Houston, Texas covering underrepresented suburban communities at the Houston Landing. Prior to that, she spent a year at the Charleston Post and Courier for an investigative reporting fellowship through FRONTLINE PBS. When she’s not at work you can find her binge reading on her kindle or at the movie theater watching the latest premieres.
When the leaves begin to change and fall colors take over, few places deliver a more spectacular display than Roanoke, Virginia. USA Today’s 10Best national competition for Best Destination for Fall Colors, Roanoke took an impressive second-place finish among twenty contenders.
Roanoke sits in a valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, with ridgelines and overlooks that explode with reds, oranges, and golds from late September through October.
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Walking and biking trails that total more than 1,000 miles, with countless vantage points to take in the season’s fiery palette.
Local tourism officials say the award supports ongoing efforts to promote a “metro mountain adventure.” The unique combination of urban amenities and mountain wilderness that defines the Roanoke region. Vacationers can spend the morning hiking, the afternoon sampling craft beer, and the evening dining at local restaurants downtown.
For anyone planning a fall trip to Roanoke, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must. This iconic drive passes through the Roanoke Valley and has numerous pull-offs for scenic photos. Nearby Peaks of Otter is a classic stop, offering hiking trails and the beautiful Abbott Lake.
McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed overlooks in the region, especially striking when framed by autumn leaves. Hike up Mill Mountain to see the famous illuminated Roanoke Star and take in sweeping views of the valley drenched in color. For a slower pace, the Roanoke Valley Greenways and its blueways offer gentler paths perfect for quiet walks through the foliage.
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Back in town, Roanoke’s fall festivals, art walks, and harvest celebrations turn the city into a lively seasonal destination. Go Outside Festival (GO Fest) is a major October highlight, drawing outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend of live music, gear demos, rock climbing walls, beer gardens, and races that celebrate Roanoke’s “metro mountain” identity.
The Historic City Market, one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Virginia, brims with pumpkins, gourds, mums, and fresh produce during harvest season.
Roanoke, VA for the Best Fall Colors
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Mountaintop views, riverside trails, and colorful back roads make Roanoke, Virginia, the perfect place to experience the fall season. Spend an afternoon or a whole weekend and see why this Blue Ridge city earned its spot among the nation’s best destinations for fall color.
According to murmurs in Western Carolina, this fall is shaping up to be one of the most colorful in years—and, of course, it comes with special meaning.
Dr. Howard S. Neufeld, a biology professor at Appalachian State known regionally as the “Fall Color Guy,” predicts a long season of blazing reds, golden poplars and scarlet sourwoods across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
With more than 100 tree species and 5,000 feet of elevation change, the region is home to one of the longest fall color seasons in the world. And this year, as Asheville marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, visitors will find countless ways to join the celebration.
Ahead are 29 things to do this September in Asheville— from a U.S. art premiere to newly reopened trails, restaurant openings and festivals that showcase the community’s resilience and creativity.
Fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, N.C., in October 2024. The scenic highway is one of the best places to view autumn color in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Image courtesy of Explore Asheville.
Take in the views
There’s no shortage of fresh ways to drink in fall’s colors in Western Carolina, starting from the moment you arrive at the recently expanded Asheville Regional Airport, fresh with a new terminal.
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway in August completed a major repair that opened 38 miles of continuous access from milepost 382 in Asheville and Buncombe County. Nearly 60 percent of the Parkway in North Carolina is now open, including the Folk Art Center, Graveyard Fields and the Cold Mountain Overlook. An updated guide to reopened sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found here.
Climb (or ride) to Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock State Park reopened in June. Reserve tickets in advance and ride the 26-story elevator to Sky Lounge for sweeping views of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm’s store is open year-round for local meats and farm products. Image courtesy of Explore Asheville.
Enjoy farm, family and fall traditions
Meet the Trolls at the N.C. Arboretum
The brand-new traveling exhibition, “Trolls: A Field Study” by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, makes its U.S. debut at the North Carolina Arboretum, Nov. 15, 2025 to Feb. 17, 2026. Grab a map and discover 12 larger-than-life trolls across 65 acres of gardens and 10 miles of trails.
Tour (and taste) on Appalachian farms
The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) hosts its annual Farm Tours on Sept. 20 to 21, which offer a chance to experience how food is grown and raised through guided tours, demonstrations and tastings. This year’s tour highlights 24 farms in the region that specialize in a variety of produce and products, including Addison Farms Vineyard, Looking Glass Creamery and Wilderkin Beekeeping. One pass is good for all passengers in a single vehicle at all farms, both days.
Get lost (on purpose) in a corn maze
Just five minutes from downtown Asheville, Eliada Homes’ Fall Festival & Corn Maze returns Sept. 26 with rides, food trucks and family fun.
Studios in Asheville’s River Arts District welcome shoppers during a neighborhood event. Image courtesy of Explore Asheville.
Experience the River Arts District’s revival
The River Arts District (RAD), a mile-long stretch along the French Broad River, was one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods during Hurricane Helene. Studios flooded, galleries shuttered and the district’s creative heartbeat seemed at risk. A year later, the revival is in full swing, and it’s worth carving out a day to explore.
Walk the Marquee on Sept. 25
The Marquee is one of the largest indoor art markets in the South. Floodwater rose high enough to soak entire stalls. On Sept. 25 it reopens with nearly all 350 vendors back in place. Come ready to hunt for antiques, odd objects and handmade furniture.
Join the RAD Rendezvous party (Sept. 16)
The group behind The Radical Hotel has opened a new gallery and studio space called RAD Rendezvous. Up to 40 artists will work here. Visit on Sept. 16 for the grand opening. Expect music, open studios and work fresh from the flood year.
Take a class at Local Cloth
On Sept. 13, Local Cloth reopens its workshops. The nonprofit supports hundreds of fiber artists. Sign up for a class in weaving, natural dyes or spinning. Leave with fabric that still smells of lanolin.
Join the RAD Resilience festival (Sept. 13)
The River Arts District Association will host RAD Resilience. Hundreds of artists will open their doors. A street market will line the blocks. Food trucks will park near outdoor installations. Plan to walk for hours.
See trees felled trees turned into art
Go to Foundation Woodworks, a woodshop run by 11 master carpenters. The workshop was wrecked by floodwater last year, but the group has rebuilt it. See their furniture and sculpture, then learn about their nonprofit, Echoes of the Forest. The project takes downed trees from Hurricane Helene and turns them into benches, tables and public sculpture.
On Sept. 26, head to the N.C. Arboretum for “Wood, Wonder & Renewal”, a one-day celebration where these works will be unveiled. Go early: it’s the same weekend the giant wooden trolls by Danish artist Thomas Dambo arrive at the gardens.
Celebrate the second-ever RADfest (Nov. 8 to 9)
Return to the River Arts District for RADfest. Spend two days with open studios, food trucks and live music. Last year’s debut drew thousands.
Diners toast on a rooftop patio with Blue Ridge Mountain views in downtown Asheville, N.C. Image courtesy of Explore Asheville.
Eat and drink
Asheville has long eaten well, and its dining rooms and breweries are buzzing again. If you are in town for the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, pull up a chair at these tables.
Eat shrimp and grits at Corner Kitchen
Corner Kitchen has reopened in Biltmore Village. Order the pecan-crusted trout from Sunburst Farms or the shrimp and grits with red-eye gravy.
Crusco, which opened in July, honors the late chef Brian Canipelli. His wife, Kat Kearney, runs it with his former staff. Order heirloom vegetables from local farmer Evan Chender, known as The Culinary Gardener, paired with house-made pasta or seafood.
Line up for Slava Cafe
This fall, Slava Cafe will open on Wall Street. Try traditional Ukrainian breads, pierogis and cabbage rolls. For Asheville’s small Ukrainian community, it will feel like home. For you, it will be new.
Try modern Mexican at Xico
Later this fall, Xico will open on Biltmore Avenue. Order Yucatán-style grilled fish or Veracruz mole. Stop by the downstairs taqueria, Zico Xico, for quick tacos, sopes and huaraches.
Eat bagels and deli fare in West Asheville
Finest Deli is opening its first brick-and-mortar with soups, sandwiches and pasta. Grab a cheap beer in the beer garden. Then head downtown to Jersey South Bagel Co. for Jersey-style bagels with lox or whitefish salad.
Book a table at Piccolina
In September, Piccolina will open beside Trackside Studios in the River Arts District. Go by day for pizza, sandwiches and Italian ice. Come back at night for handmade pasta and risotto.
Try wine and a shrimp roll at Leo’s House of Thirst
Head to Leo’s House of Thirst in West Asheville. Ask for a glass from their James Beard-nominated natural wine list, then pair it with a small plate from the kitchen. Sit in the garden if the weather holds.
Bite into BabyBull Burgers
At BabyBull, order a double smash burger with fries. The menu is short, the flavors sharp. Expect a line, and stay for a local draft.
Line up for Good Hot Fish
Go to Good Hot Fish and ask for a plate of fried catfish or the trout bologna sandwich. The hush puppies and boiled peanuts come hot, the pickles cut the grease. Eat it fast, the way locals do.
Downtown Asheville, N.C., is framed by vibrant fall foliage as visitors stroll past historic architecture and sidewalk cafés. Image courtesy of Explore Asheville.
Celebrate culture, festivals and music
Plan to be in Asheville this fall and join the gatherings that define the season. Music, food, and neighborhood pride fill the calendar in the weeks around the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene.
Dance at Goombay Festival (Sept. 4 to 7)
Head downtown for Goombay Festival, a street festival that has filled downtown Asheville with music and food for more than 40 years. The name comes from Caribbean culture, but the event centers on Affrilachian heritage—the history and traditions of African Americans in Appalachia. Expect jazz, gospel, hip hop, a fashion show, wellness classes, and family activities. Last year’s festival was canceled by Hurricane Helene. This year, the return is personal.
Celebrate Pride in Pack Square (Sept. 26)
Mark the anniversary weekend with Blue Ridge Pride Festival. Pack Square Park fills with music, food and rainbow flags. Start the weekend early: Pattie Gonia, the drag queen activist, brings her “SAVE HER!” climate tour to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Hear the blues in Black Mountain (Sept. 26 to 28)
Spend the weekend at the Black Mountain Blues Festival. Stroll between venues, catch panel discussions, and sit in on open jams.
Drink and dance at Burnpile (Oct. 4)
Spend a day at Burnpile, the annual festival thrown by Burial Beer Co. This is not a small taproom party. More than 60 craft breweries from around the world pour beer here, alongside national touring bands who play outdoors all day and into the night. Bring a blanket, pace yourself, and expect to spend hours in the company of beer makers, music fans and locals who treat Burnpile like a holiday.
Join LEAF at Lake Eden (Oct. 16 to 19)
Bring the family to the LEAF Global Arts Festival. Walk the lakeside campus in Black Mountain. Hear Valerie June, Making Movies, and Las Montañitas alongside artists from around the world.
Hear the symphony honor Black Mountain College (Oct. 25)
Book tickets for “Convergence,” an Asheville Symphony program tracing music from European romanticism to John Cage, who once worked at Black Mountain College.
Mark a century of American music at The Asheville Sessions (Nov. 6 to 9)
Honor the 100th anniversary of the first commercial Appalachian recordings with The Asheville Sessions. Go Friday to hear Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show at The Grey Eagle. Return Saturday to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium for River Whyless, Tyler Ramsey, Toubab Krewe and Floating Action.
Guests enjoy drinks at sunset on a rooftop bar in Asheville, N.C., with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Image courtesy of Explore Asheville.
Plan your visit now
Fall in Asheville is lively, and events tied to the anniversary of Hurricane Helene will draw even larger crowds. Book lodging early, leave extra time for mountain drives, and check schedules before you go. With art, music, food and the Blue Ridge views all in season, a little planning ensures you spend more time enjoying and less time waiting.
As a child, summer felt like the longest time of my life. Days stretched on and on, and it felt like the sun was never going to go down, in the best way. We’d get out of school at the end of May and head back to school mid-August. For almost three whole months, I’d spend my mornings reading on the front porch until my neighborhood friends would swing by for a visit, or we’d head to the surrounding woods to work on our fort or play an epic game of hide and seek. On rainy days, we’d play hours of board games or Atari.
In the evenings, around dusk, we’d run around, capturing lightning bugs (or fireflies, depending on where you grew up) in jars, letting them go after a bit. As children, we didn’t understand we were threatening these delicate insects, so I certainly wouldn’t suggest that now, but it’s a core memory all the same—a cap to our long, summer days.
I now homeschool my son and try to give him the same amount of time off, with the freedom to explore new things he wants to learn. I find him working on guitar and making beats for hours at a time or packing a day bag to head to the creek with his friends. He even spends his mornings, as I did as a child, reading. I hope that his days feel as long as mine did in the summer months.
My husband is in a band, and I travel for work all the time, so when we planned a late summer vacation, we wanted a trip where we could stay in one place the whole time, rather than packing up and moving around every few days, as we are so accustomed to doing; A trip where we could hike and be outside, eat great food, and get a mix of city and small towns. We found the perfect spot, and it was exactly what we needed.
For those of you living in a place with a few weeks of summer left before school starts again, and are looking for an end-of-summer trip, head to the mountains of Western North Carolina and plan for a week of adventure.
There’s much to do in the area around Asheville; listing everything would give you weeks of activities to enjoy. From hiking, to zipline, to tubing and rafting, to eating, shopping, to beautiful drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, to all the small towns to explore, there’s just so much to see and do. I’ve planned a long weekend for you, mirroring our recent trip and highlighting the best parts.
Something to keep in mind when planning your visit: Asheville is situated in the greater Appalachian temperate rainforest, which translates to a high daily rainfall. These microstorms don’t last long, but it does mean you should plan accordingly. We did all our hikes, adventures, and exploring in the morning, leaving the rainy afternoons for getting cleaned up and resting before heading to dinner each evening. We stayed in an Airbnb for the convenience of washing clothes and having a full kitchen. I appreciated the opportunity to pack a picnic for all our hikes.
Day One:
Head to Dupont State Recreational Forest for a hike to Triple Falls and High Falls. The paths are well-marked and easy to navigate, although steep. We packed a lunch and found a nice rock to eat before swimming under the waterfall. The water is crisp and cold, but refreshingly cool on the hot days. We also hiked to Hooker Falls, which is flatter and better suited for families with smaller children.
High Falls at DuPont State Recreational Forest
High Falls at DuPont State Recreational Forest
You’d be remiss to skip visiting Botiwalla by Chai Pani in West Asheville. Dinner is fast casual, local, and full of so much flavor. I’ve craved their okra fries at least once a week since we returned home. Head down the street to The Hop for an after-dinner ice cream cone. They are a local institution, open since 1978. Both dairy and vegan ice cream is available.
If you aren’t beat from all the hiking and swimming and want to do a little more exploring, head to Wedge Brewery to have a local beer. If the record store next door, Records in the Rad, is open, stop in for sure. It’s well curated, and we found a stack of outstanding records to add to our collection.
Day Two:
We started our morning with donuts at Hole Doughnuts. Each donut is made to order and light and fluffy inside, while remaining crispy on the outside. There was this throwback feel to waiting for our order. No one felt impatient or glued to their phones. Not to get too heady, but it evoked a sense of nostalgia I don’t find too often. Just watching the simple art of frying donuts was enough for the collective patrons. Pro tip: If you are in a hurry, you can order ahead online, and it will be ready when you arrive.
Hole Doughnuts in Asheville, NC
Hole Doughnuts in Asheville, NC
Time to explore downtown Asheville. It was a lot bigger than I remembered from my time as a summer camp counselor, when we spent our day off in the city. A few places I would not miss: East Fork Pottery’s flagship store. It’s beautiful, and all their stunning pottery is made in town. The Moogseum is a look at the life of Bob Moog, the “Godfather of Synth Music” and a pioneer of synthesizers. It’s interactive and fun for all ages. Pop into the Rowan Coffee downtown location, located next door to the museum, for an afternoon tea or coffee. The Asheville Pinball Museum offers an all-you-can-play flat rate. Rated one of the best arcades in the country, it’s easy to understand why. Stop by Malaprop’s Bookstore, as it’s one of the best independent bookstores I’ve encountered.
After downtown, head to West Asheville to do a little exploring. Flora is an excellent little shop, along with Harvest Records and Bagatelle Books on the same block. Enjoy Haywood Road, as there are so many shops, cafes, cocktail bars, and restaurants to discover.
When you are ready for dinner, while you are in the neighborhood, try Itto Ramen. If you love ramen, you will love the authentic flavors here.
Day Three:
Grab breakfast and a morning coffee at Rowan Coffee on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Besides being a stunningly designed coffee shop, their menu is delicious. I don’t drink coffee, but I do love a good tea, and Rowan hit the spot.
Rowan Coffee on Haywood Road in Asheville, NC
We are now traveling with a teenager, so we are incorporating more teen-friendly activities into our travels. I’ll be honest, my husband and I loved our tubing adventure down the French Broad, but our son was a bit bored. He’s 13, and it was just too slow for him. I, on the other hand, took an actual nap on the water. It was exactly what I needed, because I was clearly exhausted, as evidenced by the fact that I fell asleep in a moving tube on the water. It was peaceful to say the least.
Next time, we will go white-water rafting down the Nantahala or find a different part of the river to tube down with more current.
After your tubing, get out of town and explore Black Mountain or Brevard. They are in opposite directions out of the city, so you’ll have to decide which you prefer. If you go to Brevard, do not miss the chance to get a pulled pork sandwich at Smoke On BBQ. I’m going out on a limb and say it is the best BBQ I’ve ever tasted. No notes, just fantastic pulled pork. Head to Sliding Rock, a classic, freezing-water natural water slide. It’s a must-do at least once in your life. Brevard is the land of waterfalls, so you can also find some stunning hikes.
Dinner time! One of the best meals of our trip was dinner at Leo’s House of Thirst in West Asheville. It was so cozy and innovative without being stuffy or pretentious. Each dish is a work of art, and you can see the attention to detail in every selection from the revolving menu.
Leo’s House of Thirst in West Asheville
Leo’s House of Thirst in West Asheville on East Fork Pottery dinnerware
Leo’s House of Thirst serving on East Fork Pottery
*Kids are welcome, but look first to make sure your child is adventurous enough before trying it out. The dishes are complex and explore a different side of the palate. My teen loved it, but he seeks out dishes he hasn’t tried. I know that’s not always the case, so I want to give a heads up. If your child does want to try it, you won’t be sorry. It’s incredible.
Day Four:
As I previously mentioned, we are exploring in a different way now, traveling with a teen, so we did a first for all of us and went ziplining. We opted for the mountaintop package, and it was worth the price. As my son said, “It’s a core memory experience,” and I think that’s true. There are several places to zipline, but we went to Navitat. It felt like a bonding experience, soaring above the trees and flying through the mountains. Between the three ziplines we did, we hiked and learned about the local flora.
After your morning zip lining, take a long drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s completely stunning. Plan ahead, though, because parts are still closed due to Hurricane Helene. We stopped and hiked up to Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, above the clouds, with sweeping views of the rolling, blue mountains. I plan to drive the entire length of the parkway one day. We took our Nocs binoculars and monoculars to use while overlooking the mountains, looking for birds and other animals.
Mountain tunnel on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Using a Nocs monocular to look over the Blue Ridge Mountains
Using Nocs monocular and binoculars to look over the Blue Ridge Mountains from Fryingpan Mountain Lookout
Using Nocs binoculars to look over the Blue Ridge Mountains from Fryingpan Mountain Lookout
Nocs monocular fits easily in a pocket for on the go exploring.
Blue Ridge Parkway overlook
After getting cleaned up, we had dinner at Chai Pani. Hands down, the best butter chicken I’ve had. Aside from the Indian staples, the menu featured shareable-sized, out-of-the-box dishes, such as bhel puri and hara masala prawns. End the evening with gulab jamun and a slice of carrot halwa cake.
Chai Pani in Asheville
Bonus trip:
Add a couple of days to your trip and head to the charming small town of Boone. Catch the last week of Blackberry Jam, with live music, and stop into a local restaurant to grab a dessert or cocktail created around the prized blackberry.
Boone has become known for its thriving agritourism, offering something for everyone. Enjoy one of the many working farms for a tour, U-Pick blackberries, apples, and flowers, take the kids to an alpaca farm, or enjoy one of the booths at the farmers’ market to meet the local growers. If you can’t make it on this trip, Boone offers visitors something to do year-round, so think ahead to fall break and go pumpkin picking, visit a corn maze, and go horseback riding.
