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Music lovers will be hard-pressed to figure out which Asheville music venues to choose from, so it’s probably best to plan to visit again and again. From rock and indie to blues, classic and bluegrass, the Asheville music scene is certain to strike a chord. The Asheville music culture is one that’s been written about – coast to coast – because it really marches to the beat of its own drummer.  

Photo credit: Jason Keefer

In 2019, “Rolling Stone Magazine” stated that “Asheville is “the new must-see music city.” It hails its musical spontaneity and close-knit camaraderie. Lonely Planet, a travel guide publisher, agrees and likens it to the early days of Nashville and Austin in the article – Why Asheville is America’s Next Major Music City.  And, the city’s melodic allure only continues to shine.   

Asheville Music Venues

Asheville has a mountain of music venues, but these are a few that locals love: 

The Orange Peel – In the heart of downtown Asheville, many locals affectionately refer to this place as simply – “The Peel.” It’s a top southeast musical destination and features state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Its musical roots run deep. Over the years it hosted musical greats such as Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, The Indigo Girls, The Smashing Pumpkins, Joan Jett, Ice Cube, Luke Combs and countless others. 

Grey EagleA family-friendly music venue in Asheville’s River Arts District, the Grey Eagle spotlights local talent and puts together a schedule of diverse musical genres that appeal to local interests. 

Photo credit: Tom Farr Photography via Facebook

Rabbit Rabbit – In Asheville’s South Slope, this outdoor live music venue also hosts movies and other special events. 

Photo credit: Libby Gamble Photgraphy via Facebook

Asheville Music Hall – This is an intimate, yet mid-sized music venue that, like many other Asheville music venues, has played host to an impressive roster of musical legends such as Ghostface Killah, Del the Funkee Homosapien and Disclosure. 

Photo credit at the AVL Music Fest, Matt Drum

Salvage Station – This place is often rated Asheville’s best live music venue. Why? It has indoor and outdoor stages, river views and several bars. Oh – and it’s all located in a defunct salvage yard where you can even enjoy a beer inside its oversized PBR can. Pretty cool – huh? 

Photo credit at Diane Wortham, Matt Drum

Wortham Center for the Performing Arts – Located in the center of Asheville’s Pack Square, this cultural icon hosts national and international touring artists. Past headliners include Kathy Mattea, Black Violin, Bela Fleck, DIAVOLO and more. 

Photo credit: Pat Cardwell via Facebook

Asheville Guitar Bar: Located in an old cotton mill in the River Arts District, this listening room  just hums with local musicians. Most nights music lovers will find acoustic music ranging from classical guitar and swing, to rock ‘n’ roll blues and more in a laid-back atmosphere with chandeliers, brick walls and leather chairs. 

Save the Date for these Asheville Concerts

While it’s nearly impossible to list them all, here are 15 live shows – of all different genres –

happening in Asheville this October, November and December that you may want to mark your calendar for:  

For a more comprehensive list of live shows in Asheville, visit:  https://www.exploreasheville.com/iconic-asheville/music/live-music-events-calendar/

And for those looking to explore a bit, a quick venture a few miles north of Asheville leads to the mountain town of Weaverville. A free music series – Music on the Knoll – kicks off in October and runs through April. Held in the community center above Lake Louise, these concerts will feature local and regional musicians. Zack Page and Friends is on the calendar for Oct. 22. 

Photo credit: Jason Keefer

Where to Stay While Enjoying Asheville Music Events

Visitors looking for a place to stay while checking out the local music in Asheville might want to consider the Downtown Asheville Modern Retreat in the trendy South Slope brewing district.   This modern retreat is conveniently located near Rabbit Rabbit, the Orange Peel, Asheville Musical Hall, the Salvage Station and the Grey Eagle – all within walking distance. 

So, are you ready to rock? Check your calendars, grab your tickets, and book your stay.

 

Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains continues to be a popular destination for group travelers of all kinds, but rather than lodging in places that are widespread and dispersed, why not have everyone take over a small-scale neighborhood? If you’re traveling as a group then stay together as a group. At Inspired Getaway, we offer group lodging at Cedar Cliff Village, a newly designed, small community of homes nestled together in Fairview, North Carolina that allows group travelers the option to stay in separate but together living spaces. 

Location, Location, Location

The Cedar Cliff Village location is difficult to beat. Located in Fairview, NC within 5-minutes of the Blue Ridge Parkway and 10 minutes to downtown, Cedar Cliff not only provides the convenience of groups lodging together but allows you to be in close proximity to all things Asheville has to offer. For wedding parties, corporate retreats or family’s traveling together, Inspired Getaway’s Cedar Cliff homes are also popular for the communal neighborhood amenities such as the community pavilion for picnicking, fire pit, and walking paths. 

Wedding Party Lodging

Planning a wedding or small elopement? Couples and wedding planners know Asheville is the second most popular wedding destination in the United States. Our colorful mountain landscapes and long-range views attract families and friends from all over the world to spend an entire wedding weekend together. And by together we also mean, stay together with Inspired Getaway’s group lodging options.

Save time and money by lodging together at Inspired Getaway’s Cedar Cliff Village. No more hassle of wrangling wedding guests who are staying all over town or in separate hotels. We’re set up to accommodate easier coordinating for your weekend wedding events.  For carpooling and transportation coordinating, the group rentals at Cedar Cliff offer guests next-door living making wedding party logistics an easier feat. 

Corporate Retreats

The same goes for small businesses or corporate retreats that want to assemble for company meetings, planning, and group wellness. Asheville’s unique backdrop and endless play activities make us one of the top destinations for wellness and company retreats. Inspired Getaway understands that planning a corporate retreat at a stuffy hotel can be disappointing and unoriginal.

Our quiet, small-scale neighborhood Cedar Cliff Village is an ideal way to convene yet escape to reconnect with coworking teams and ourselves without feeling like you’re stuck in another hotel. Cedar Cliff Village homes are also great for planning those extra add-ons like mobile spa massages and private chefs. There’s also plenty of space to hold meetings, gather around a bonfire in the evening, or relax in your own private hot tub after a long day of retreating. 

Family Travel

Planning a family reunion or group family vacation in Asheville, NC? Inspired Getaway’s Cedar Cliff Village is also perfect for families to gather for quality time together. Several of our Cedar Cliff lodging rentals are furnished and set up for small families with children. We understand that parents need space to relax but also need to know their children are nearby and safe. Some of the houses have amenities that include board games, bunk beds, TVs for gaming or watching movies, and space for running around and spreading out. A few are even dog friendly. 

Separate but together, relax and enjoy the mountain living lifestyle in Inspired Getaway’s Cedar Cliff Village. Inspired Getaway is ready to help you start planning lodging for your next group vacation, wedding  or corporate retreat. Contact us at info@inspiredgetaway.com to reserve your village in the mountains of North Carolina!