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It’s no secret that Asheville is a top-notch vacation destination, but there’s more to a visit to Appalachia’s sweetheart than meets the eye. An easy 15-45 minute drive in any direction – north, south, east or west, will land you in an artsy and walkable downtown with a small-town vibe. 

GO NORTH!

Weaverville – it’s life at a slower pace. This inviting mountain town is only about 10 miles north of Asheville, but it has a whole different energy. It’s a bit like taking a step back in time. It’s not unusual to see folks stopping each other on the sidewalk to exchange neighborhood stories, while sipping a hot coffee or tea from its beloved Well-Bred Bakery. Locals and visitors, alike, can be found strolling its picturesque Main Street while exploring its impressive selection of high-end art galleries such as Magnum Pottery and Miya Gallery. Nature lovers can also enjoy the Main Street Nature Park right in the heart of town or visit Lake Louise Park. Chances are they’ll get a glimpse of some ducklings splashing around by the small waterfall and big red waterwheel. 

Photo credit: Weaverville Business Association

 

HEAD SOUTH

For many years, Hendersonville – about a 30-minute drive from downtown Asheville – was overshadowed by its northern sister, but as it’s been discovered by retirees and tourists, it’s really started to shine on its own. There are many reasons to visit this western NC region. A big one is that it’s an apple lover’s dream. It’s home to nearly 20 apple orchards – many where you can pick your own – as well as its annual Apple Festival, held over Labor Day weekend. People can meet the growers, sample different varieties, listen to some of the regions’ top-notch entertainment and a whole lot more. Now, if apples ain’t your thing, there’s wine too – and a lot of it. There are at least seven vineyards that we know of and each has a personality all its own. Burntshirt Vineyards is one of the oldest family-run vineyards and Stone Ashe is one of the newest. If you play your cards right you can do a little of both – pick and sip. 

Photo credit: Visit Hendersonville

 

EXPLORE THE EAST

In recent years, Trip Advisor readers have named Black Mountain, “The prettiest small town in America.” Snuggled in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains, it’s about a 20-minute drive from Asheville and it’s a wonderful place to spend the day. Visitors can sip on an organic brew at Pisgah Brewing and then put their singing to the test at open mic night at the White Horse. If shopping is your bag, there’s no shortage of eclectic shops to explore in its very walkable downtown. And, nearby Montreat is home to Ten Thousand Villages, a retailer that sells fair-trade crafts and housewares from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. This area also gives hikers easy access to some of the most beautiful hikes around. The Graybeard Trail is an 8-mile challenge but pays off with incredible views. 

Photo credit: Visit Black Mountain

WANDER TOWARDS THE WEST

Located in Haywood County, Waynesville is the furthest destination from Asheville – about a 45-minute drive. It’s one of the region’s top agritourism destinations and boasts a healthy selection of farm-to-table restaurants, U-pick Farms (i.e., flowers, vegetables) and farmer’s markets. Its historic farmer’s market is a great place to pick up some local treats. And while Waynesville is very proud of its Appalachian heritage, it embraces many cultures in one community each year at its Folk Moot Festival. There are live storytellers, music, artist workshops and so much more. The Haywood Arts Regional Theatre is also a cool spot to take in a live play or performance. 

Photo credit: Nina Bauer (@hiking.nina) and Visit NC Smokies

And all of these vibrant towns are just minutes away from the splendor of the Blue Ridge Parkway – America’s favorite drive. An interactive map makes planning this mountain escape fun and easy. There’s just so much to explore. 

So, what do you say? Are you ready to book an Inspired Getaway? Check out our vacation rental property list or contact us directly, info@inspiredgetaway.com.

When you come to Asheville, North Carolina, in September, you can look forward to local festivals, touring farms or viewing the first fall colors. While peak leaf-viewing season changes year to year, you’re sure to find activities in Asheville that inspire excitement and yes, even love.

Inspired Getaway Partners with local vacation rentals to make your fall visit to Asheville unforgettable. They partner with the region’s top experience-based businesses. When you stay at a vacation rental that uses Inspired Getaway, the best of Asheville is at your fingertips.

North Carolina Apple Festival, Hendersonville, NC

What Asheville Festivals Happen in September?

Festivals are designed to bring people who’re interested in the same thing together. Several fall festivals near Asheville include:

North Carolina Mountain Cheese Festival

There are always events in and around Asheville during the month. Plan your visit in advance to include one or more of these activities.

Are There Food-Related Events in the Area?

If you’re interested in one particular kind of food, check out a food trail to sample the variety that the area offers, such as:

Where Can I See the Fall Colors?

Typically, the fall color season lasts from the end of September to early November, but it changes from year to year. Check ahead of time for the best dates and places, if that’s your goal. The higher reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains turn color earlier. Color also changes earlier with sun and cooler weather; it lasts longer with rain and warmer weather.

Many overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway let you view the glory of autumn in Western North Carolina. If you’re athletically inclined, follow some local hiking trails for fabulous views with or without waterfalls. Several spots worth viewing include:

Start making plans to fall in love with Asheville. Book a vacation rental and decide which activities you prefer. Welcome to Asheville, the vibrant mountain hub of Western North Carolina.

Asheville offers some memorable vacation experiences. The mountain scenery and cool summer temperatures are simply icing on the cake because the Western North Carolina region offers so many things to do. Your options include sightseeing, hiking and ziplining.

The North Carolina Arboretum, located just south of Asheville, provides well-groomed trails and beautiful gardens of native species. Educational programs, seasonal events, biking trails, photography, winter lights and garden exhibits make your visit worthwhile as you commune with nature. Other enticements include:

What Are Some Specific Features of the Arboretum?

This park sits within the Pisgah National Forest. It features easy hiking paths that include Bent Creek Road, Old Mill Trail and Wolf Branch Road, all of which are shorter than 1.5 miles. The Arboretum also has tougher hiking trails if you’re up for it. You can also find biking trails of various levels of difficulty.

ArborEvenings, a weekly event, includes live music, performances by numerous regional and local artists, and delicious food. It’s free for Arboretum Society members and for visitors who pay the standard parking fee. The parking fee runs from $16 for a passenger car to $100 for a large bus. Except for certain events, there’s no extra entrance fee to visit the Arboretum. Parking discounts include:

What Else Does the NC Arboretum Offer?

The NC Arboretum has 65 acres of maintained gardens to delight your senses. Wildflowers at the Arboretum and Bonsai Exhibition Garden always attract a crowd. The gift shops, educational sessions and guided programs offer something for every nature lover.

The Arboretum sits within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, also part of the Pisgah National Forest. The nearby Bent Creek area is 6,000 acres of recreational forest that doubles as a research center. Broaden your nature experience in Western North Carolina with a visit to Bent Creek for:

Why Choose Inspired Getaway in Western North Carolina?

Inspired Getaway has concierge services for short-term vacation rental properties. Bringing together the best quality rental properties into one easy-to-access and easy-to-rent website, Inspired Getaway provides an exclusive experience and discounts for guests. The company includes rentals near Asheville and the Arboretum, making you feel at home with:

Whatever your reason for visiting Western North Carolina, Inspired Getaway properties suit your budget and taste. They help you find the perfect vacation home, from a rustic cabin to a luxurious downtown condo. For an experience of a lifetime, contact Inspired Getaway. 

 

Springtime in Asheville bursts forth with more than vibrant flowers and fresh leaves. Lots of unforgettable experiences await you around the city, leading you to fun times that entice you to return.

Inspired Getaway makes your spring visit to Asheville unforgettable by partnering with our city’s top experience-based businesses. When you stay at a vacation rental that uses Inspired Getaway, the best of Asheville is available to you.

What Does Asheville Picnic Company Offer?

Asheville Picnic Company delivers woven baskets filled with local delights to your vacation rental or one of Asheville’s most beautiful, including:

Order Asheville Picnic Company for your favorite outing.

Asheville Picnic Company offers traditional or luxury picnic baskets to suit your tastes. These baskets come with everything you need for a picnic in Asheville.

What’s the Most Efficient Way to See Asheville?

Asheville has so much to see. The most efficient way to get to it all is on the seat of an electric bicycle from the Flying Bike Electric Bike Tours.  Their all-ages tour stops at Asheville’s noteworthy points of interest, including:

Book your Flying Bike Tour!

The Flying Bike Tour is a great group activity. You ride a Pedego Boomerang Plus e-bike, which is comfortable and easy to use. You can choose the level of electric assistance to get a workout or to relax.

How Can I Best Enjoy the Adult Beverages of Asheville?

Asheville Wine Tours lets you experience North Carolina’s best vineyards and wineries in luxurious comfort. The wine regions you visit with Asheville Wine Tours include:

Van in Black and Asheville Wine Tours will transport you around in style and comfort.

For something stronger, indulge in a Cultivated Cocktails + H&H Distillery Experience. You can taste locally crafted spirits at Cultivated Cocktail’s cozy downtown Asheville location. To learn more about the making of H&H spirits, join them for a tour of the distillery.

Cultivated Cocktails Experiences. Book today a taste of Asheville in a glass.

Can I Have A Wellness-Forward Experience In Asheville?

If you want to experience relaxation and self-care on your visit, Asheville Wellness Tours is your one-stop shop. You can tour everything a wellness-minded visitor needs, including:

So many great experiences with Asheville Wellness Tours!

Asheville Wellness Tours connects you with nature, yourself, and others. All of Inspired Getaway’s seasonal business partnerships do the same to enhance your stay in Asheville. Contact us today to ensure your visit to Asheville is the best it can be.

When you arrange a short-term vacation rental near Asheville, NC, you open up a world of possibility, especially if you love to get outdoors. You don’t need to be an avid hiker, endurance athlete or motorcycle enthusiast. All you have to do is step out your front door or drive a little way. That’s why more and more people are choosing to live and vacation in Western North Carolina.

That’s the value Inspired Getaway brings to your vacation. They partner with properties such as Cedar Cliff Village near Asheville to manage rental houses in desirable locations. And in the summertime, one of the best places to be remains, the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround Asheville, where a day trip can lower the temperature by five degrees or more while raising your spirits.

What Peaks Are Near Asheville?

Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, is less than an hour away, near Burnsville. With a 360-degree view and pleasant amenities, Mt. Mitchell State Park is a great outing for the whole family … and cooler than back in Asheville. Most people drive to the top, except for the final ramp to the summit.

A little further away squats Grandfather Mountain, a nonprofit enterprise. It’s famous for its mile-high swinging bridge, which has delighted kids and scared moms for decades. But there’s more to do there while you’re cooling off, including hiking trails, wildlife habitats and a nature museum.

What about the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Driving up or down the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs near Asheville, you’ll immediately feel the cooler temperatures. You’re surrounded by lush green forest way up in the mountains. If you’re interested in sightseeing, there are sights worth seeing around almost every bend in the road, such as:

All along the Blue Ridge Parkway are trailheads to hiking trails that lead deeper into the surrounding forest, where you’ll find it much cooler than being in the city. You can find waterfalls and even ruins along the Mountains-to-Sea trail or on parts of the Appalachian Trail. You can even drive from near Asheville to near Boone, a quaint mountain city higher up in the hills. Boone, like Asheville, is worth a visit.

So look for Inspired Getaway the next time you begin planning a vacation to the mountains. They take care of everything so you can get out and see the sights. Inspired Getaways manages properties all around Asheville.

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