Places to Visit

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 The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is home to more than 2000 species of plants, lovingly tended by local volunteers. From the Bridge, visitors can look upstream to view the famous Chimney Rock, and downstream where the river flows into Lake Lure surrounded by the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is always something to see as the plant and garden decorative displays change with the seasons. Visitors often comment on the unexpected blooms that appear at unusual times due to the isothermal microclimate of Hickory Nut Gorge. Even in the coldest months, festive lighting invites a walk across the Bridge both day and night. Our unique gardens are free and open to the public all year. The vast majority of the gardens are wheelchair accessible. Coming Soon

 Visit Grandad’s for the day and enjoy a variety of family fun activities on a 100-acre family farm and apple orchard located in Hendersonville NC near Asheville.  Select pre-picked apples fresh off the trees daily from our bins or enjoy you-pick on select weekends. Starting in late September, in  Grandad's Pumpkin Patch you will find pumpkins and jack o’lanterns in every size and shape. At Grandad's Barn and Country Store, you will find a great selection of fall harvest decorations, apple peelers, apple bakers, and other apple gifts. Come by our bakery where we have hot cider doughnuts all day along with apple pies, cookies, hot cider, apple cider slushies, and many other apple goodies to eat! 

Just 25 minutes from Asheville, Black Mountain boasts a lively downtown packed with galleries and cozy bistros, offering a charming and walkable experience overflowing with arts, crafts and — at an elevation of 2,405 feet —  incredible outdoor adventures that include awe-inspiring hikes and thrill-seeking mountain bike trails. 

Named for the mountain range that towers over the town, Black Mountain became a haven for pioneers in the world of art, painting, music, poetry and architectural design during the mid-twentieth century. The town was once home to Black Mountain College, one of the most highly-respected and innovative experimental art colleges in the U.S. Today it remains an artist mecca with multiple galleries showcasing some of the region’s best southern Appalachian arts and crafts.

People of all ages lineup to take the plunge down the sloping rock face waterfall on their way to landing into an 8-foot-deep pool of water. Given that the water is about 50-60 degrees during the season, it’s sure to be a refreshing adventure! If sliding isn’t your thing, there are two observation decks where you can experience the fun from a safe distance.

The best time to slide is between Memorial Day and Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty and the on-site bathroom/changing rooms are open. Sliding Rock is extremely popular, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early and avoid rush hours of noon to 4 p.m. When the parking lot is full, it closes until spaces are available. There is a fee of just $4 per person  to enter the recreation area. Credit card is the preferred method of payment but cash and check are also accepted.

Mount Mitchell's summit (elevation 6,684 feet), located in the Black Mountain range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The peak is located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Mount Mitchell State Park, just 35 miles northeast of downtown Asheville. You can drive nearly all the way to the summit, making it easy to explore this natural wonder. And, it's free for all to enjoy.

At the summit, there's an observation deck. On a clear day, you can enjoy spectacular views and see as far as 85 miles! Also at the summit, you'll find a museum, shop and restrooms. The State Park also features a restaurant (open spring to fall).

For the adventurers, Mount Mitchell offers access to favorite hiking trails that wind through fragrant balsam forests. Along the way, you may see wildlife (91 species of birds have been spotted in the Park) and many rare plants.

Elegance and grandeur abound at Biltmore, America’s largest home. This French Renaissance castle in the heart of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains is an architectural jewel. The home features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces.

In addition to the house, the 8,000-acre estate is home to forested trails and beautiful gardens, which include one of the country’s most complete collections of azaleas. Biltmore is also where you’ll find the nation's most visited winery. As you explore the estate, enjoy shopping, dining and luxury accommodations.