May is one of the most beautiful months in the Blue Ridge Mountains because Spring has mostly finished blooming and the summer heat hasn’t quite settled in yet. The flowers are bright and colorful, the green foliage on the trees is providing just the right amount of shade for crisp, warm late days in the sun.
With vaccine rollouts, it’s no surprise that folks are packing their bags and hitting the roads for a much awaited relaxing vacation. Here in Asheville, we are already seeing people flocking to soak up some mountain air and get a taste of the outdoors. It feels really good doesn’t it?
Although COVID has been difficult for so many, here in Asheville, the entrepreneur spirit is alive and well! The result? Multiple unique outdoor picnic companies have popped up in the past 12 months. And, they’re all worth exploring!
Book your getaway here:
✨ Asheville Country Getaway – Outdoor fireplace, spacious living rooms and gorgeous kitchen! Perfect for the family vacation, close to all things Asheville!⠀
✨ Daughter’s Den – Just 10 minutes to downtown Asheville and the Biltmore Estate and 5 minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway. New home just waiting your arrival.⠀
✨ Modern Farmhouse Retreat -⠀Also just moments away from the Blue Ridge Parkway and 10 minutes to downtown Asheville. This quiet newly built green home will keep you cool and cozy all summer long.
✨ Modern Westside Retreat – This brand new, beautiful home is located in Fairview, NC, and is only 10-15 minutes to Downtown Asheville, about 5 minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and 15 minutes to Biltmore House. ⠀
Asheville’s New Picnic Companies
Asheville Picnic Company, the trailblazer for these adorable picnic companies, launched just as COVID was closing our city down –offering a more traditional, nostalgic picnic set up with all things Asheville! APC will hand deliver your basket and blanket, anywhere you are, filled with foods and snacks made right here in Asheville to welcome you in the best possible way. And the best part is…you get to keep the basket and the blanket!
Asheville Picnic Company will get you all set up anywhere you’re landing!
For a more luxurious spin on the traditional picnic set up, Dreamscape Luxury Picnics and Parkway Picnics will take great care of you. Both provide posh set ups with carefully crafted charcuteries and finger foods by Gather Round Charcuterie Company. Also, local flowers, velvet pillows, candles and all the things you need for dining and setting the mood are all provided for your pleasure.
Photo credit: Angi Spielman
Another option is Popup Picnic AVL. Also a creative, luxurious escape to the outdoors. They specialize in unique, comfortable laid back spaces where all you have to do is arrive and enjoy.
Which one is our favorite? We love every single one of them and know you will too!
State + National Forests are OPEN and Not to Be Missed!
Photo credit: Nantahala Outdoor Center
North Carolina has four huge national forests within the state and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Whether you’re driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or stepping out for a long hike, either way, there’s no doubt you’ll see and feel alot.
The two national forests here in the mountains are Pisgah National Forest and Nantahala National Forest. Both are wildly beautiful and perfect for any outdoor adventure, especially for hiking, rafting, mountain biking and scenic drives.
Pisgah National Forest – Go explore over 500,000+ acres surrounding the city of Asheville where you will find some of the oldest geological features, cascading waterfalls, recreational fun and big mountain scenery. Endless driving, hiking and biking trails!
The Cradle of Forestry – Opening April 21st, 2021! Explore this historic campus located deep in the Pisgah National Forest on the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, quality exhibits, and historic buildings of the first forestry school in America. It’s just four miles from popular Sliding Rock.
Nantahala National Forest – The largest of our four National Parks here in North Carolina, and the most rainforest like in all of the U.S. This vast forest is made up of over 530,000 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County. It’s a great place to find soaring hikes, world class river rapids and incredible lakes!
The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a great place to start!
Photo credit: Nantahala Outdoor Center
DuPont State Forest – If mountain biking and waterfall chasing is your thing, then head to Brevard, NC where the adventure begins at DuPont State Forest. Known for filming the movie, Last of the Mohicans, this state forest has more attractions than you can even imagine. Enjoy hidden lakes, air strips, miles and miles of hiking + biking trails, DuPont State Forest is an adventurer’s dream.
Headwaters State Forest – Headwaters State Forest is within the DuPont State Forest, will be open to foot travel only. Hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing are examples of recreation opportunities that will be possible in this forest.
Don’t just take it from us, book your next vacation with Inspired Getaway so you too can enjoy a much-needed outdoor vacation adventure in Asheville!
