W“We remain committed to doing our part to help our neighbors recover and rebuild, now and in the long term.”
— Neal Hanks Jr., President
Welcome. It is our privilege to introduce you to this beautiful region we call home. Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS® has deep roots in Western North Carolina, and we know the best way to discover the splendor of our communities is to experience them first hand. We are confident that when you do, you will understand why most who do so never want to leave.
Our dedication is why we are actively engaged in the communities in which we live and serve. As the region continues to recover from Hurricane Helene’s destruction in September 2024, we remain committed to doing our part to help our neighbors recover and rebuild, now and in the long term.
As you begin exploring area communities, it is important to choose the right real estate company to assist you. ou will certainly benefit by choosing the best, and in Western North Carolina, that choice is Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks. Thousands of buyers and sellers choose our real estate brokers for their attention to detail across the real estate spectrum. Whether your interest is a residential home, land, or commercial real estate, as an experienced investor or a first-time buyer, our team is here to help you. With relocation, mortgage, title, and insurance professionals all working on the same team, we are ready to deliver a convenient home buying process catered to you.
Many clients have used our services before and others are referred by previous customers. The enthusiastic endorsement of our services is how we measure success. Whether you were introduced to us by a family member, friend, or a relocation company who values our professional expertise, we are excited to welcome you to Western North Carolina.
We relish the opportunity to connect you with the many attributes, organizations, and individuals that make Western North Carolina such a wonderful place to call home. It is our hope you will find the information contained here to be useful for your exploration.
Warm regards,
President, Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS®
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ASHEVILLE
300 Executive Park, Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 254-7221
74 North Main St., Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 452-5809
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Beverly-Hanks
Commercial Resilience in Western North Carolina
Local businesses are the backbone of our community, and it has been a privilege to assist small independent businesses and national chains alike in establishing their presence over the years. Now, while our community recovers and rebuilds after Hurricane Helene, it is an even greater honor to help locate spaces for providers and nonprofits, as well as show properties for displaced companies and businesses.
Since 1976, owners, tenants, and investors have chosen NAI Beverly-Hanks to represent hundreds
of commercial real estate properties each year.
Our affiliation with NAI lobal enables us to extend our services to companies and investors with 5,800 professionals and 325 offices worldwide. The power of direct contact with other markets allows our clients to more efficiently acquire and dispose of real estate.
You want to choose the best for commercial real estate services, and in Western North Carolina, that choice is NAI Beverly-Hanks. Call us to learn how we can make our market share work for you.
Cosmopolitan Country
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Within this renowned city are six distinct areas — Downtown, Biltmore Village, Biltmore Park, North Asheville, River Arts District, and West Asheville — each as unique as the people and places that inhabit them.
Billed as a place where altitude affects attitude, Asheville is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and is just a short car ride to the nearby reat Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s been renowned as a place to retreat and take in natural wonders since the 1800s. These days, Asheville is firming up its reputation as a culinary center with a rapidly evolving food scene. The city has over 250 independent restaurants and numerous farmers markets.
Outdoors enthusiasts find no shortage of activities in Asheville, whether it’s hiking, biking and climbing, paddling and fishing on the French Broad River and local lakes, careening through the trees on a ip line, or golfing at one of the area’s renowned courses. Asheville is such an outdoors destination that a few years ago Outside maga ine named it Best Southern Town for outdoor adventures.
Asheville.
Downtown
WNC’S CULTURAL HUB IS A UNIQUE DESTINATION
The heart of the city, downtown Asheville is a cultural mecca. For several years, Asheville was voted the “top small-city arts destination” in the country, just one of many labels this vibrant, evolving district has been tagged with. Downtown is full of galleries and shops displaying all manners of art, from traditional mountain crafts to more modern creations.
The Asheville Art Museum, which has helped anchor the arts scene for decades, recently underwent a major expansion. The Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center hosts exhibits, talks and workshops that celebrate the legacy of the college, a noted avant-garde institution in operation from 1933-1957.
Some of the area’s biggest art events take place in Asheville. In July and October, the Harrah’s Cherokee Center is home to the four-day Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, which has taken place for more than 75 years. At the event, hundreds of local and regional craftspeople fill the center, offering their creations of clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry.
The Big Crafty has exploded in popularity in recent years. Held in July and December at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center, it’s a kind
Wall Street in downtown Asheville. VISITNC.COM PHOTO
Welcome | ASHEVILLE
of community bazaar, with quirky handmade crafts, local food and beer and live music.
The performing arts also ourish in Asheville, with numerous venues hosting live music, readings, theatre and comedy on a nightly basis.
The Harrah’s Cherokee Center is the largest venue, with both a ,600-seat arena and the 2,400-seat Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The center hosts everything from performances by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra to touring groups like Tame Impala and Billy Strings to the Southern Conference (SoCon) basketball tournament.
Each December, the longtime Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam rolls into the Harrah’s Cherokee Center for a special fundraising concert for the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and BeLoved Asheville. Recent performers at the mas Jam have included Alison Krauss, Tyler Childers, Grace Potter, Brothers Osborne, Dave Grohl and Margo Price, amongst other marquee acts.
More intimate performances take place at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a 500-seat venue that is part of a downtown cultural and educational center, Pack Place, and the recently opened S&W Market, an intricate food hall in the historic Asheville former S&W Cafeteria building constructed in 1929. n
Downtown Asheville is a hive of activity and home to unique architecture. Bicycle rickshaws carry the curious through town while the historic Grove Arcade (bottom left) houses many unique businesses. Pack Square (bottom right) is a popular green space in downtown that hosts many music and cultural events.
AGENT’S CHOICE:
“Asheville lives like the smallest big city in the world, and at the same time, the biggest small town. Asheville has big city restaurants, arts, and entertainment, alongside the charm and close community of a small town, all against the backdrop of layered mountains views and outdoor adventures.”
— le Hade , o to sheville office
BeLoved Asheville
BUILDING A VILLAGE
When it comes to “the glue” that truly brings a community together, one could look no further than BeLoved Asheville, a longtime, cherished nonprofit helping those around estern North Carolina.
“We have to show people the way to inspire and care for each other,” said Amy Cantrell, co-director for BeLoved Asheville. “And the best of humanity is possible when we do that.”
Alongside co-directors Gustavo “Ponkho” Bermejo and Adrienne Sigmon, Cantrell stands at the helm of an organization that not only aids those in need around our region, but one that aims to spark positive, tangible change in the people, places, and things in WNC.
“‘Community is the solution to everything,’ is what we say,” Cantrell noted. “We’ve done things that we could never have imagined that we could do because of the power of this community who cares so much.”
Founded in 2009, BeLoved Asheville has a keen focus on four specific areas within the community home, health, equity, and opportunity.
A nonprofit is a tool, this tool for the people, Bermejo said. “We focus on people. We focus on community. We’re based more in the relationship we have with the community.”
“We want to be what the community needs at any given time. And so, we have to be holistic in our approach, our solution,” Cantrell added. “And we’re ready because we’ve been doing this community work for so long. We’re able to move to where the need is and where we can be the most impactful.”
From affordable housing initiatives to racial equality, health
care access to shining a spotlight on the vibrant culture here, the organization is a beacon of hope and transformation in WNC.
We know that humans have different, complex problems. And not everybody is the same, Bermejo said. Each person requires a different solution. So, we listen and we create solutions. Each person has to receive a different attention.
“We have each other, and the realization that love was really created, and how precious that is,” Cantrell added. “And I think we’re so deeply aware of that right now.”
That “right now” refers to Hurricane Helene and the devastation the historic storm caused to WNC in 2024. Although weather patterns like Helene are rare in these mountains, the storm still wreaked havoc on the lives of WNC families and local businesses. And yet, it was the coming together and rebuilding process in the aftermath that showcased the determination and compassion of WNC.
“We’ve always been full of community leaders who want to lift the community,” Cantrell said. “And be part of these innovative solutions that we co-create together.”
BeLoved Asheville was among the boots on the ground after the storm, bringing much-needed supplies and help to Asheville and surrounding mountain towns. No matter the trek, they arrived.
“Our role is building a community that cares, a collective of people who care,” Cantrell said. “We’ve been able to literally move mountains.”
Re ecting on Helene and the incredible efforts by BeLoved Asheville in recovery and restoration, Cantrell also pointed to the resiliency of folks around our back yard who sincerely want to help their fellow neighbors in times of need — something at the forefront of the continued work being done to polish up the gem that is WNC.
“The journey with us is for the long haul,” Cantrell said. “Support this healing, this rebuilding, this restoration of this beautiful place because we cannot do it alone. If we walk together, we can heal.” n
Sounds of a City | HEYDAY MUSIC
Ten years ago, when Charles Gately wrote out the business plan for Heyday Music, one specific sentence stood at the foundation of the popular downtown Asheville establishment: “We want to be the spot for the community.”
Located on Lexington Avenue in the heart of the city, Heyday is a onestop-shop for instrument sales and repairs. It’s a cherished brick-andmortar independent business housing seemingly everything one might need to play, practice, or perform in one of the most vibrant music communities in the entire country.
“Whether it’s a kid or someone in their 20s or 60s coming in, it’s about that enjoyment,” Gately said. “It’s getting excited about the thing you’re looking for: a guitar, an amp, or a pedal—whatever.”
Heyday itself emerged from Sherwood’s Music, a longtime shop on Patton Avenue. Gately and Brian Landrum were employees there. And when the owner was looking to sell the business, the duo jumped on the opportunity, soon transitioning to Heyday.
“We wanted to be more in downtown, where we were more walkable,” Gately said of relocating to Lexington Avenue. “You get so much foot traffic from just people visiting town, let alone all of the musicians either living here or passing through on tour.”
Gately is a musician himself, most notably playing bass/synthesizer in Asheville-based indie-rock outfit Doc
Aquatic. The group is another melodic element of the massive live music scene that’s been at the core of the city for decades, one which features the
Cambria to Zach Bryan.
And with many well-known established or up-and-coming artists living in Asheville and greater Western North Carolina, Gately enjoys the relationships Heyday has built with these musicians, especially homegrown talent like that of rising singer-songwriter MJ Lenderman.
finest local, regional, and national acts on a nightly-basis.
For Gately, his favorite moments at the shop occur when a young kid or curious adult wanders in looking for something. Perhaps they’re unsure of what they want, but they’re eager to find out what that specific thing is the start of their musical journey.
“I remember what it was like being 14 and getting my first bass at Christmas, Gately smiled in recollection.
Beyond the locals and visitors alike who find themselves browsing the wide-selection of items available, a slew of high-profile artists have entered the shop in need of gear — from Modest Mouse to The War On Drugs, Coheed &
“He came in as a little kid with his dad and said, ‘I need an amp,’” Gately recalled. “I pointed to one and said, ‘This one will last you as long as you need it.’ And it still works because we worked on it not too long ago. That’s a customer for a decade [and counting].”
With 10 years now in the rearview mirror, Gately looks forward to the next decade of Heyday Music, one wherein that deeply-held ethos of quality service and genuine connectivity between music lovers continues to grow and ourish with each person who walks in.
“There’s a degree of Southern hospitality that we exhibit with anyone that comes through here,” Gately said. “It’s being welcoming while very knowledgeable and educated about what we’re talking about, but still friendly. We want to be here for the community.” n
Charles Gately (left) and Brian Landrum are founders of Heyday Music.
Biltmore Village
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE, UNIQUE SHOPPING
One of the most unique shopping experiences in the South, Biltmore Village is home to high-end boutiques, openair restaurants, locally owned retailers and other points of commercial and residential interest. Built as a community entrance for the renowned iltmore state, the village is filled with tree-lined streets, historic homes and majestic architecture.
Nearby is the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the country. The legacy of its owner, the late George W. Vanderbilt, the elaborate estate was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and completed in 1895. Today the 250-room, French renaissance-style house and the 8,000acre grounds are open to guests for tours, with dining options and outdoor activities available on the grounds. The gardens, stables, restaurants, winery and hotels all help make this North Carolina’s top tourism destination, with more than a million people now visiting each year. Featuring a tasting room and tours, the estate’s Biltmore Winery is also one of the largest in the Southeast. n
The Biltmore House. THE BILTMORE COMPANY PHOTO
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Welcome | LOCALES
Mountain Tales | ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF HISTORY
With its motto of “Telling the Stories of the Mountains,” the Asheville Museum of History is not only the preservation of legend, lore, and legacy for the city and greater Western North Carolina, it’s also this perpetuating platform of cultural evolution in real time.
“History is just constantly changing and impacting all of our different communities in different ways, said Polly Rolman-Smith. So, we try our best to showcase that here at the museum and give people a broad picture of what happened in this area they might not know about.
Executive director for AMH, Rolman-Smith heads a beloved organization, one that’s remained steadfast in its intent to spotlight Asheville’s past, but with eyes always aimed at the present and future of a constantly changing city of people, places, and things.
Situated in the Historic Smith-McDowell House on the campus of AshevilleBuncombe Technical College, the structure was built in 1840. The AMH itself covers all 23 counties in Western North Carolina.
21st century.
“Our approach to history is that history is still happening,” RolmanSmith said. So, we’re even covering contemporary events at the museum. And we’re constantly thinking of new things to include in the exhibit.”
With such a large swath of geographical, historical, and cultural territory for the AMH to document and showcase about WNC, Rolman-Smith is continually in awe of how unique this area is.
is the photography of Andrea Clark. Titled “Andrea Clark: Remembering Asheville’s East End Community,” the elaborate showcase dives deep into the proud (and sometimes overlooked) history of Black residents in the city.
It’s black and white photography, Rolman-Smith noted. “So, it’s very artful and also historical.”
The Clark exhibition also coincided with special programming about the famed YMI Cultural Center located in the heart of downtown Asheville. Since 1892, the building has remained this beacon of pride, hope, commerce, and culture for the WNC Black community.
Inside the AMH resides one of its key components, which is the vast wall timeline of WNC. With a starting line occurring during the prehistoric times of this region (including the history of the Blue Ridge Mountains and French Broad River), the trajectory continues through the history of the Cherokee people and development of the region all the way through to the here and now of the
In this current timeframe, we have this bustling tourist town of Asheville , the beautiful mountain scenery and all these outdoor recreation things to do,” Rolman-Smith said. But, this was also a hardworking community for several centuries for a lot of different groups of people.”
One recent exhibit at the AMH that’s been gaining a lot of attention
“This exhibit has been really enlightening to a lot of people who live in Asheville, who had no idea about this vibrant Black community that still exists [here],” Rolman-Smith said.
When posed the question as to why — generation after generation, century after century unique, vibrant, and ambitious folks tend to find themselves in Western North Carolina, RolmanSmith points to the natural beauty and community focus of the area.
“It’s the mountains and this incredibly beautiful landscape that have drawn people who want to be in this region,” Rolman-Smith said. “It’s a very dedicated group of residents here. People are kind of diehard lovers of this area. They want to be in Asheville, and I think that sets it apart from a lot of other places.” n
Eagle Street circa 1968. NC HUMANITIES COUNCIL
South Asheville
FAST-GROWING AREA KEEPS HUMMING ALONG
Cradling the lower section of Asheville is a vast area of people, places and things, this vibrant intersection of residential beauty and commercial amenities. Known as the South Asheville district, the landscape is a blend of mountain scenery and modern businesses.
South Asheville also features the very popular Biltmore Park property. Consisting of a unique commercial/urban core design, Biltmore Park is home to an array of residential options, with the town square filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, spas, health clubs, boutiques and gathering spots.
Consumers and residents alike enjoy catching a ick at the Regal Biltmore Grande & RPX movie theater or perusing worldclass retailers like REI, LOFT and Barnes & Noble. Alongside these stores are also plenty of local, independent restaurants like Luella’s Bar-B-Que, Fork Lore, and Nine Mile. n
Biltmore Park.
Love the Di erence | ANNIE B’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
It was about four years ago when Pete Brewer decided to go to ice cream school and learn how to make the delicious treat. And though he is an ice cream fan, his reason behind doing so was much more than that — it was his daughter.
“Our youngest, Annie, has autism,” Brewer said. “And, as her high school graduation approached, we thought to ourselves, When she finishes up her public school experience, what’s going to be her engagement in adult life?’”
At the time, Brewer was winding down a 30-year career as a college professor, with his wife, Betsy, also pondering her next move beyond retirement. Thus, the couple decided to start their own small business, all in an effort to not only provide gainful employment for Annie, but also others with disabilities. Cue the creation of Annie B’s Homemade Ice Cream in Arden (South Asheville).
“Let’s launch an ice cream shop with a mission of employing disabled adults. And the first person we’re going to hire is our own daughter,” Pete proudly explained.
So, Pete enrolled in ice cream school and started planning out the business model for Annie B’s. By July 2022, the store opened along the bustling Long Shoals Road. To note, Annie’s older sister, Maddie, has also joined the family business since its inception.
“And, if we’re going to do this, we do
not expect people to come in, buy our ice cream and offer their patronage simply because of a mission.” Pete said. “We [also] want to have some of the best ice cream in the Carolinas.”
Stepping into the shop, the Brewers want customers to have an “overall experience that is much bigger than ice cream.”
“It really brightens your day and puts a smile on your face,” Pete said. “Because you’re going to encounter not only our management team, but also all of our employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities are going to warm your heart.”
With around 15 employees at Annie B’s, around two-thirds have disabilities. Beyond the homemade avors, there’s also an array of milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, sundaes and ice cream pies available. Annie B’s also has a catering component, with its namesake at the helm of events held around the community.
“[Annie] caters all the time with Betsy and myself. And then, she works two to three shifts a week in the shop,” Pete said. “We keep her calendar pretty full, and that just means the world to us.”
Around the shop, disabled employees are involved in a wide array of tasks, from scooping ice cream to making milkshakes, refilling toppings to restocking inventory.
“It’s a true multitasking work environment that we have custom
designed for folks with disabilities,” Pete said.
And at the heart of Annie B’s is its signature slogan, a steadfast mission and deeply-held ethos — “Love the Difference.
We hope people love the difference’ in three respects,” Pete said. “First, and most importantly, is to embrace inclusion and disability. We’re all different. We’re all equally valuable. And we need to understand difference, respect difference, and love the difference.
So, what about the other two respects towards difference
“That [our customers] love the difference of our homemade products, Pete said. “And then, third, is we are a true family-run business. Thinking small and going local is a refreshing difference.
And when the ice cream shop is buzzing with this beautiful twoway street of interaction between customers and employees, the Brewers can’t help but be in awe of what’s transpired from their initial idea to simply provide a stable, loving life for their daughter, Annie B.
“There are times you’re in that shop and it’s electric with people,” Pete said. “You’re having these wonderful conversations with customers, and you’re watching your employees thrive and grow — we take great pride in what we’re doing.” n
West Asheville
A QUIRKY COMMUNITY WITH A UNIQUE VIBE
Quite possibly the fastest growing area in the city, West Asheville has become a haven for an assortment of small businesses.
From cafés and breakfast nooks (Biscuithead, Sunny Point Café, The West End, Early Girl Eatery) to restaurants (Leo’s House of
Thirst, The Admiral, West Asheville Lounge & Kitchen, Haywood Common, Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack), music venues (Fleetwood’s, The Odd, AyurPrana Listening Room) to breweries (Oyster House, Diatribe, All Sevens, One World West), and everything in between, the area offers a warm welcome to the possibilities of niche commerce. The section is known for its “neighborhood friendly” image, where you’ll see just as many baby strollers and joggers moseying down the sidewalks as patrons heading toward a concert or lunch date. n
The Space Between | AYURPRANA LISTENING ROOM
Situated on the corner of Haywood Road and Swannanoa Avenue in West Asheville, the AyurPrana Listening Room has become a haven for music lovers and artists well versed in the sacred art of performance.
“[AyurPrana] somehow creates a ‘live studio’ atmosphere, almost like a set or soundstage or theater,” said Bryce Franich, music manager for AyurPrana. “The room feels like you’re there to experience something rare or once in a lifetime, which seems to engage attendees in a theater-like manner.”
With a deeply-held ethos of “bolstering artistic innovation, spiritual exploration, and transcendent curiosities,” AyurPrana is the counterpoint to loud venues and neighborhood bars, where musical acts are treated more like background noise than melodic magic.
“They want to experience a connection with the artist,” Franich said. “In that respect, it also naturally halts the urge to pull out your phone. It’s just so incredibly intimate that people almost instinctually lock in with the atmosphere.”
The seed for the inception of AyurPrana was initially planted by the late David Newman, who was the founding music director. In 2022, when the space opened, it was Newman who saw the potential for the intimate room and what it could host and showcase.
“David recognized the craftsmanship with meticulous sound treatment [of
the space],” Franich said. “[His] mission for the room was to uplift and heal through music. David’s programming was designed to act as sonic medicine for the community surrounding the Ayurvedic Institute and Asheville Yoga Center.”
When Franich came onboard at AyurPrana, his work ethic and sense of purpose mirrored that of Newman, which ultimately has led to the perpetuation of “transcendence through music.”
“Transcendence is what much of David’s programming provided to the culture he created. We agreed the programming would have to usher attendees outside of their current field and allow them to dissolve everyday stresses for a few hours — a sonic meditation of sorts,” Franich said. “It’s interesting to see how much uplifting high-vibe and challenging avant-garde music have in common — both scenes seek the same results — to feel moved and inspired.
Franich, who was a touring musician for several years, would find himself passing through Asheville, only to circle back down the road and decide for himself to put down roots in a scene that’s become one of the most cherished and vibrant in America.
“After living in Brooklyn for 20 years, my wife and I were searching for a town with access to nature and tranquility without sacrificing culture and the arts,” Franich said. “Asheville is that rare bird, over owing with ambitious artists who have created a nurturing scene that bolsters the creative spirit. The amount of radical artistically challenging music from this gorgeous mountain town is confounding.”
In the midst of a live performance, when the musician(s) and the audience are genuinely connected in this two-way street of energy, respect, and artistry, Franich can’t help but harbor immense gratitude for that moment unfolding in real time each and every single night.
“Sharing music I love with the community is why I do this. It’s one of the greatest joys in my life,” Franich said. “I don’t know that I have the lexicon to describe the feeling of having a room full of friends and family locked into a transcendental state, or how wonderful it feels to hear that the artist had a similar experience in the room.” n
River Arts District
Awalkable showcase of the Southern Appalachian arts scene is the River Arts District (RAD), an ever-expanding complex of studios and galleries near the French Broad River that’s also becoming one of Asheville’s culinary and entertainment hubs.
The Grey Eagle, a nationally-renowned music venue in the RAD, brings in top talents from around the region and across the country, and has bubbled up to become one of the most popular
spots in the Southeast for live entertainment.
Brewing some of the finest craft beer in the region, The Wedge is tucked behind the do ens of artists showcased in the Wedge Studios. All of this is near numerous restaurants (The Bull & Beggar, Master BBQ AVL, All Souls Pizza) and recreational areas (French Broad River Park and Carrier Park).
New Belgium Brewing Company, one of the largest craft beer companies in the country (based out of Fort Collins, Colorado), has their $140-million east coast production facility along the French Broad River in the heart of the RAD. With live music regularly offered on the patio and side lawn, the property also borders the French Broad River Greenway. n
Odyssey Clayworks.
Creating Community | PINK DOG CREATIVE
In the heart of the River Arts District of Asheville resides Pink Dog Creative. Filled with dozens of local artisans, the rind Coffee Bar, and Fresh West Wood Fired Pizza, the location has become this beacon of creativity, commerce, and community.
“I envisioned it as artist studios,” said PDC co-owner Hedy Fischer. But, I never in a million years would’ve thought that it would have become what it has become over the years. I feel very proud.”
Alongside her partner, Randy Shull, the couple has curated and cultivated one of the most beloved spaces of interaction within the city. Launched in 2010, the property is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary—a testament to the spirit of passion and purpose.
“I think one of the reasons artists like being in Asheville is that we’re not cutthroat,” Fischer noted. “You help one another, you support one another.”
Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, Fischer landed in Asheville in the 1970s, a time when the city itself was in the midst of an identity crisis. With the big question of Where to from here meandering through Asheville, it was a time when a lot of young artists and independent business owners saw “obstacles as opportunities.”
People are built in different ways, and I’ve always been a ‘take charge’ person, even as a child,” Fischer recalled. “It’s just who I am. And, in Asheville, I found my tribe.”
By the 1980s, there was serious talk within the city to knock down many of downtown Asheville’s most prized and aesthetically-pleasing buildings in hopes of, perhaps, constructing a mall. At the time, this seemed like a viable option for many small cities left behind when longtime factories went overseas.
“They were going to tear down a huge amount of downtown,” Fischer said. “None of it would be here [today].”
But, Fischer and her tightly-knit group of friends, activists, artisans, and visionaries all banded together for the “Save Asheville” movement. The result of their efforts led to downtown being protected for future generations by investors, philanthropists, and the like coming together for the greater good.
“There were a lot of people who stood up to the city and said, ‘You can’t let this happen,’” Fischer reminisced. “And they ultimately didn’t let it happen.”
In the decades since, Asheville and greater Western North Carolina have steadily become this world-renowned bastion of seemingly every art medium,
this uniquely intrinsic place where creative souls congregate and vibrate on a daily basis.
“Some things take a little time, but you have to keep at it,” Fischer said of PDC’s growth. “And that’s what we’ve done, where we have a wide variety of artists in the gallery.”
Between a slew of regular exhibitions, showcases, and special events held at PDC, Fischer and Shull also offer the outh Artists Empowered Program,” which has a keen focus on the next generation of artistic minds bubbling up in Asheville. Not to mention a bright spotlight of artists in the Black community.
“People are realizing how big the Black creative community is in the city, Fischer said. We’ve really consciously tried to be an opportunity for some of the Black artists in the community not just Black, but all people of color.
With 15 years in the rearview mirror, the future of PDC remains as bright and bountiful as ever — this perpetuation of art, and of self.
“Randy and I have our hard-earned money, our sweat equity in this building, Fischer said. We can’t just let it fail. We have to work to make it successful. It has to thrive, so we have to do what we need to do to be sure that it does thrive — a can-do spirit.” n
North Asheville
ICONIC NEIGHBORHOODS AND HISTORIC HOMES
With a large focus being placed on the rest of the city, North Asheville has been working behind the scenes, creating a steady stream of new, small business and eccentric development. Once overlooked, it is rapidly becoming a hot spot for retail and commercial businesses looking to stake out their own piece of land to pursue and cultivate their dreams.
With downtown in the rearview mirror, North Asheville soon opens up to larger residential properties, many of which along the shimmering Beaver Lake. Home to the beloved Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, the lake offers walking trails and recreational opportunities. This area is also home to the University of North Carolina at Asheville and its over 2,900 students. Offering a slew of workshops and classes for seniors and retirees, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville has become a beacon of education in the region. n
North Asheville | OMNI GROVE PARK INN
Perched atop a hill overlooking downtown Asheville, with the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains looming in the background, the Omni Grove Park Inn is much more than just a legendary lodging establishment; it’s a cultural and historic beacon for the city and greater Western North Carolina.
I often find myself re ecting on the incredible legacy of this place, having been a hub of connection, celebration, and rejuvenation for over 100 years,” said Isabel Miller, director of marketing and communications for the OGPI. “Whether it’s a couple enjoying a delectable dinner, a family gathering for a special occasion, or a group of friends enjoying a weekend getaway, there’s a sense of community that permeates the property.”
Opened in 1913, the OGPI is a massive, sprawling property of luxury and relaxation—this space where the natural beauty of the mountains seamlessly blends into the countless amenities found onsite fine dining, award-winning spa, renowned Donald Ross-designed golf course, hiking, and so forth.
“We pride ourselves on being more than just a luxury resort,” Miller said. “We focus on making our guests feel at home while indulging in the finest amenities. No detail is too small to ensure our guests’ comfort and relaxation.”
With Asheville being a haven for farm-to-table cuisine, the Blue Ridge is a restaurant at the OGPI with a keen focus on local ingredients and artisanal goods grown and handmade in our area. Add to that numerous cultural events, exhibits, and showcases throughout the year, all of which aim at a true sense of connectivity between
residents and visitors alike.
“Asheville is renowned for its creativity and spirit,” Miller said. “We celebrate local artists and incorporate art into the guest experience, making sure that every aspect of the property re ects the local culture and fosters a deeper connection to the community.”
For Miller, beyond her position at the OGPI, there’s also this sincere appreciation for everything that surrounds the property and the city itself, this playground of nature and nurture that resides here in Western North Carolina.
“When it comes to exploring Asheville and the surrounding mountains, there’s so much to discover,” Miller said. “I always encourage guests to take in the breathtaking beauty of the area by hiking along some of the numerous trails in Pisgah National Forest or
exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is just minutes away. The view from the Craggy Gardens Overlook, especially at sunrise or sunset, is absolutely stunning.”
And on any given day, the OGPI radiates this genuine buzz of people, interactions, and experience, where the property itself conjures not only this tangible beauty of place, but also this deeply intrinsic sense of self in the greater world.
“There is something magical about knowing that this space, which has seen so much history unfold, continues to evolve and adapt while maintaining that timeless sense of elegance,” Miller said. “I’m always in awe of how guests, no matter where they come from, can connect with the spirit of the resort and the beauty of Western North Carolina in such a profound way.” n
Buncombe County
WEAVERVILLE | BARNARDSVILLE
Weaverville and Barnardsville, two of the oldest communities in Buncombe County, pride themselves in being communities that attract artists and adventurers.
The Weaverville tourism website doesn’t mince words in describing its allure: “Weaverville and the Reems Creek Valley have been a beacon to yearning souls since pioneers began settling in
what was still Cherokee territory in the 1700s. The natural beauty of the area, the healthful climate, and its proximity to Asheville’s urban attractions have made Weaverville the perfect small town.”
Weaverville has earned a reputation for keeping its neighborhoods clean and green. The town has received Tree City USA certification every year since 1990, and in 2009, the Arbor Day Foundation named it the top Tree City in the state.
The town maintains Lake Louise Park, a perfect spot for family and community events, exercise, and romantic strolls, with picnic tables and shelters, grills, a playground, and a walking trail.
A walk downtown reveals a variety of local craft breweries, offering avors from classic traditional to historical English styles
and farmhouse Belgian beers.
The number of eateries and shops is impressive, with favorites on Main Street like Blue Mountain Pizza, Well-Bred Bakery & Café, The Glass Onion, Main Street Grill, Twisted Laurel, Mangum Pottery Studio & Gallery, and Eluvium Brewery.
In the nearby community of Alexander is the Alexander Bike Park, with six miles of intermediate single-track trails in two loops. The short loop is 1.1 miles with variable terrain. The long loop consists of 5 miles of tight-twisting single track with moderate climbs. The park also has a dual slalom downhill track that will challenge even the most experienced riders.
From Weaverville, it’s just a 15-minute drive to the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the town is home to Reems Creek Golf Course, a semi-private course designed in part by Hawtree & Sons, British architects who specialize in crafting classic Scottish-style links.
Local galleries and studios showcase the work of jewelers, painters, potters, glass artists, sculptors, and fiber artists. In September, there’s Art in Autumn, which fills Main Street with arts and crafts. In May and October, there’s the Weaverville Art Safari, a free, self-guided studio tour featuring face-to-face encounters with dozens of area artists and craftspeople.
Ten miles northeast of Weaverville is Barnardsville, a bucolic community set amidst rolling hills, pastures, and mountain farms. Like Weaverville, it is home to folks who enjoy a relaxed environment and to a substantial number of professional artists.
It’s also home to Navitat Canopy Adventures, which takes customers on one-of-a-kind treetop adventures. The company opened in 2010 and has constantly expanded its offering of ipline adventure experiences.
Locals are proud of the Big Ivy Community Center, which was initially organized by residents and has evolved into a vibrant hub of activity. Every October, the center hosts Mountain Heritage Day, featuring local cuisine, crafts, music, and exhibitions on traditional mountain living.
The center’s grounds are also home to the Big Ivy Historical Park, which is dedicated to preserving local heritage. The centerpiece of the park is a pre-Civil War cabin and a replica of a one-room schoolhouse that was built in the 1890s.
Barnardsville is full of farms, so fresh, local food is literally a part of the landscape. There are numerous community-supported agriculture organizations and weekly farmers markets at the Old Barnardsville Fire Station. Residents often end up buying all of their seasonal produce from their neighbors. n
Stay, Play & Get Away
Buncombe County
BLACK MOUNTAIN
The town of Black Mountain claims a history of art, education, and fellowship, while looking to the future as a vibrant and energetic community in the eastern part of Buncombe County.
Located under the gaze of some of the oldest peaks in the country, Black Mountain enjoys proximity to rivers, trails, mountain vistas and some of the region’s most notable worship communities.
Part of Black Mountain’s appeal is its proximity to Interstate 40, allowing residents to easily take jaunts to Asheville or Charlotte.
Black Mountain features a hearty selection of 40-plus independent restaurants, breweries, shops, art galleries, and numerous antique dealers. Beloved establishments include White Horse, The Pure & Proper, Black Mountain Pizza & Alehouse,
AGENT’S CHOICE:
“My favorite things about living in WNC are the scenery and people. As a North Carolina native, I love the life lived from the roots up and out! Everyone is down to earth, and every business makes a di erence in the lives of those surrounding and supporting.”
— Shahe a ar, a e ure office
Pisgah Brewing, Foothills Butcher Bar, Black Mountain Natural Foods, and Lookout Brewing.
With a population of more than 8,400, Black Mountain has a vibrant, but quaint commercial center. It breathes with a particular kind of mountain energy, embracing both its natural surroundings and a tastefully configured, small-town urban core, centered around the old rail depot that gave the town its name.
Part of Black Mountain’s vitality can be attributed to its draw as a place to gather, consult, and worship. Popular retreats and conference centers include the Blue Ridge Assembly, Christmount, and Ridgecrest. Nearby is Montreat, a small community that was home to renowned evangelist Billy Graham. The community also includes the Montreat Conference Center and Montreat College, the site of a major speech given by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965.
The valley’s historic feel is enhanced as home of the avant-garde Black Mountain College, located next to Lake Eden from 1933-5 , where titans of 20th Century art — Merce Cunningham, John Cage, Buckminster Fuller, Willem and Elaine de Kooning, and Josef and Anni Albers, among others — taught a generation of artists and thinkers.
Outdoor recreation is one of Black Mountain’s hallmarks. Hiking trails abound, including the comfortable bank-side trail at the 10-acre Lake Tomahawk.
The Black Mountain Golf Course, run by the town, features a whopping 4yard par 6, one of the longest holes in America.
Black Mountain hosts the 40-mile Mt. Mitchell Challenge in February, one of the toughest foot races in the country.
Montreat College and nearby Warren Wilson College offer concerts, theater productions, and dances. The valley is also home to Givens Highland Farms Retirement Communities, the N.C. State Veterans Nursing Home, and the Black Mountain Veterans Park.
Every August, The Sourwood Festival fills downtown Black Mountain with entertainment for both adults and children. More than 30,000 people turn out for the festival.
The town is also home to the LEAF Festival, an inter-generational celebration of world culture, live music and art that takes place on the site of the old Black Mountain College, with a stunning array of rolling hills, lakes, streams, and mountain beauty on hundreds of acres of comfortable camping grounds. n
Cup of Community | DRIPOLATOR
Since it first opened in 1999 in downtown Black Mountain, Dripolator has become much more than just a coffee shop. It’s become a cherished social hub for the small mountain town, one that’s genuinely held a tightly-knit sense of community and compassion for one another.
Black Mountain is such a charming little Southern town, said Josh aldes, co-owner of Dripolator. ery local business focused, and just a nice community that’s very open to whoever wants to come in and try to be present.
Coming to fruition through the vision of founder Amy ermillion, Dripolator named after an old-school type of non-electric coffee pot was aimed at creating and cultivating this space of people, places, and things within Black Mountain.
Basically, anybody in town kind of pops by to have coffee and sit with their neighbors, aldes said. Amy wanted to try and grab the whole community. Not just younger folks, but everybody.
With the agship shop in Black Mountain, Dripolator has also recently launched satellite locations in the suburban areas of Candler, South Asheville, and Tunnel Road in Asheville. A fifth spot will open this year in Biltmore illage. To note, the Dripolator roastery and bakery are also onsite in Candler.
The current ethos is that we really are trying to meet people where they are in their communities, aldes said. We recogni e that craft coffee places typically were centered around downtown areas. So, we wanted to go out into the suburbs and find neighborhoods that we felt were underserved for craft coffee.
Within the ancient culture of coffee that sacred rhyme and reason for a beloved beverage we hold so dear aldes sees first-hand just what the dark liquid symboli es for any and all who cross the threshold of Dripolator.
That’s the one thing about coffee it’s super powerful, aldes said. Everybody has memories around coffee. I mean, it’s the whole
experience. Somebody comes into a shop and it could be the best day they’ve ever had or it could be the worst day. But, this thing is going to lift their spirits while they’re there. Initially, aldes found himself in Black Mountain as a student at nearby Montreat College. From there, he got work as a barista at Dripolator following graduation. And it was at that juncture where his passion for all things coffee soon bubbled up to the surface, eventually parlaying itself into a business partnership with ermillion.
It’s very humbling, aldes said of the bu that swirls within each Dripolator shop. Being able to see how coffee affects someone’s mood or just maybe that interaction between the barista and a customer That kind of makes the whole thing. That’s special air.
For aldes, it’s not lost on him the myriad of reasons he had for coming to Western North Carolina, but also what has ultimately emerged and unfolded in his life, whether personally or professionally, in purposely calling this place home past, present, and future.
There’s just something about being up in these mountains that’s hard to describe, and it just feels like home for a lot of folks who come and experience it, said. There’s something very old, very ancient, and very sweet about Western North Carolina. n
Buncombe & Henderson Counties
ARDEN | MILLS RIVER | SKYLAND
Aheavyweight in American craft brewing put Mills River on the map in 2014, when Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. opened its $200 million, 217-acre facility in the rural community, right next door to the Asheville Regional Airport.
As one of the pioneers of the craft beer industry, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is a leader in their field and maker of some of the finest microbrews for over 40 years. Based out of Chico, California, the company’s East Coast headquarters in Mills River hosts brewery tours, a restaurant, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for a heavy rotation of live music events.
Despite the arrival of the national brewery, the communities of Arden and Mills River still offer a lot of room to roam.
AGENT’S CHOICE:
“Mills River is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors and o ers a small-town feel while being conveniently close to Asheville and Hendersonville.”
— are Bosse, He derso ville office
The North Carolina Arboretum. VISITNC.COM PHOTO
The South Buncombe area is also home to the North Carolina Arboretum, an extraordinary public garden that adjoins the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 434acre Arboretum has 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, hosts one of the most unique bonsai collections in the country, and stages a steady stream of exhibits on subjects ranging from mountain quilts to rare plants.
Nearby is the Bent Creek Research and Demonstration Forest, a federal facility that’s part of the Pisgah National Forest, and the Lake Powhatan Recreational Area, which together offer do ens of mountain trails and lakeside camping sites.
A favorite Arden locale for kids is Jake Rusher Park, a huge public park with playgrounds and a walking area. One of the play areas includes several castle-like structures, so some locals call the facility “Castle Park.”
One of Arden’s most historic structures is the Blake House Inn Bed & Breakfast, which was built as a summer retreat in 1847. The house is a rare example of Italianate architecture with Gothic Revival in uences. It has been restored and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
Mills River Park opens at dawn and closes at dusk and offers a 1.2-mile multi-use trail, a dog park, playground with sunshade, swings, restroom facilities, picnic shelter, tennis/pickleball courts, handicapped accessible fishing pier, and canoe/kayak launch.
The town of Mills River is also in the design phase for the Mills River Valley Trail, a new path along N.C. 280 creating a safe route for walking and biking, and linking the heart of Mills River to the French Broad River.
Another nearby community, Skyland, is home to scores of additional eateries and shops and more recreation facilities. The county-run Zeugner Center has a heated indoor pool, measuring 35-by-75 feet, that hosts water exercise classes and open swim times for the public.
A major attraction in the Skyland area is Biltmore Park Town Square, a modern town-center-style development boasting smart growth, green living, and reduced driving. The development links condominium living with shopping, restaurants, cafés and gathering spots, spas and health clubs, and businesses and employers. Storefronts include national retailers like LOFT and REI, as well as Barnes & Noble.
The 300-acre Lake Julian and surrounding park in Skyland offer picnicking spots, boating, fishing, and a playground. The lake has an abundance of fish, including bass, brim, catfish, crappie, and tilapia. Anglers can fish from the shore and, for a small fee, from privately owned or rented boats. The park also rents paddle boats and canoes, and provides free use of a pontoon boat for people with disabilities, senior citi ens, and student groups. On the shore, there’s a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits.
The park is open year round, though the hours vary with the seasons. In addition to the regular offerings, Lake Julian is center stage for special annual events, including fireworks displays on July 4, fishing tournaments, and the Winter Festival of Lights. n
Blake House Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Henderson County
HENDERSONVILLE | FLAT ROCK | ETOWAH | LAUREL PARK
Henderson County is a gem of a place nestled in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Widely known for its abundance of apples and as the final home of American poet and writer Carl Sandburg, this popular destination spot offers not only history and agriculture, but also an array of culinary, musical, and leisure experiences.
Henderson County was established as the southern gateway into the Blue Ridge. Completion of the Buncombe Turnpike in 1827 began a period of cultural and economic expansion for Western North Carolina.
Hendersonville is nothing short of a playground for cool exploration and warm, Southern hospitality — all grounded by an authentic, small-town experience. It’s the careful balance of
both creative innovation and classic tradition that makes the area so intriguing.
Few downtowns in the area can boast such a concentration of attractions, especially museums. The Henderson County Heritage Museum is housed in the historic old courthouse, built in 1905. The Mineral and Lapidary Museum on Main Street offers geologic highlights from near and far. Also downtown are Hands On!, a free educational museum for children, and the Historic Hendersonville Train Depot, home of the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club. Another unique addition is The Appalachian Pinball Museum, housed in a historic building that was once a music theater. It’s fun and nostalgic to get in the classic stance and hammer away at the silver ball. Not only does the venue offer over 50 pinball machines, but it also houses other classic games such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.
Downtown bustles with special events throughout the year. In
the summer, the free Monday Night Street Dances take place, bringing traditional mountain music and dancing. Attendees are welcome to tap their toes as spectators or cut a rug on Main Street. Music on Main Street, a weekly summer concert series on Friday nights, showcases diverse styles of local live music.
The biggest event of the year is the North Carolina Apple Festival, held every Labor Day weekend for more than 75 years. A celebration of the county’s major crop, the festival pays tribute to everything the fruit has to offer, along with other local foods, crafts, and entertainment.
Local foods get a boost at the Henderson County Curb Market, a farmers market held downtown three days a week during warmer months and once a week during winter. The market has a true local focus. Vendors must be county natives and all items for sale are required to either be handmade or locally grown.
Nearby Flat Rock, once known as “The Little Charleston of the Mountains,” has long been a resort escape for Southerners eeing summer heat. It is home to the Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theater of North Carolina, where varied performances draw some 100,000 visitors each year.
Flat Rock is also home to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, where the renowned poet and writer lived out his last 22 years. The estate, named “Connemara,” welcomes the public to view everything from Sandburg’s 10,000-volume library to his wife’s goat farm. Lilian Sandburg was the one who pushed for the Sandburgs to move to Western North Carolina, for she needed more room for her award-winning goat breeding business than they had at their Michigan home. She found the Flat Rock house for sale in 1945 and arranged for its purchase. She also arranged to deed the property to the National Park Service after her husband’s death.
Etowah, a community to the west of Hendersonville, has become a residential and retirement haven that features some of the finest golf in the area.
The Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021, stages frequent performances and conducts both music education programs and a youth orchestra.
The Center for Craft, Creativity, and Design also makes a major contribution to the local arts scene. Based at a 50-acre facility in Hendersonville, its programs include craft and design research and publishing, exhibitions, public art projects, and conferences that draw artists from across the country.
A popular destination is the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine. Elijah Cloer was eight years old
when his parents wanted him to learn the ins and outs of creating a business. He said his favorite thing to do while on vacation was to visit a gem mine, so that is what he wanted to pursue.
What started as one ume is now a popular thriving business rated the top gem mine in North Carolina by Tripadvisor. Along with mining, visitors can peruse the gift shop, picnic beside a backyard creek, pet and feed goats, and say hi to chickens and roosters walking freely in the store.
The town of Hendersonville manages a wide array of local parks integrated into a comprehensive greenways plan. Berkeley Mills Park has a baseball field and a large pavilion, and plans have been developed for a nature trail. Boyd Park has two tennis courts and a miniature golf course. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park features picnic tables, a walking path, and a granite memorial to ing. The park also has a baseball field, a mile-long nature trail, and a half-mile walking trail. Lenox Park is another popular picnicking spot, as are Toms Park, which has more than 20 shu eboard courts, and Sullivan Park, which has basketball courts and a playground. The two-mile-long Oklawaha reenway Trail passes through several of the parks.
Patton Park is one of the larger facilities with two baseball fields, a football and soccer field, basketball, racquetball and tennis courts, pavilions, picnic tables, two gazebos, a playground, walking trails, an Olympic-si e swimming pool, and skate park.
Hendersonville is uniquely situated when it comes to outdoor activities. Nearby are the Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest, two of the most popular hiking and mountain biking destinations in the region. The Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous mountain lakes and rivers are nearby. Just five miles from downtown is Jump Off Rock, a storied scenic overlook. According to local legend, hundreds of years ago, a Cherokee chief and his sweetheart would meet on the rock, until he was called off to battle. She waited at the rock for him to return, but he was killed in combat, so she leapt to her death. Her ghost, the legend goes, appears on moonlit nights. Whatever the truth to the story, today the views remain fantastic, and the trails around Jump Off Rock are popular with hikers.
The Holmes Educational State Forest, eight miles from downtown, offers more opportunities to explore nature in a managed forest setting. There’s a series of trails and several picnic areas, all surrounded by trees, a aleas, rhododendron, and wild owers.
Henderson’s ties to traditional mountain agriculture and culture are on display at Historic Johnson Farm, a former farm and tourist retreat that was established in the late 19th century. The centerpiece of the property is a house built from handmade
AGENT’S CHOICE:
“The sense of community, combined with the charm of its vibrant downtown, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
The local businesses, friendly faces, and abundance of outdoor activities create a perfect balance between small-town warmth and endless adventure.”
— aure i y, He derso ville office
bricks, the home of a wealthy farmer. Several outbuildings, including a blacksmith shop, barn, and cottage, have also been preserved. In 1987, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and today the 15-acre site is owned and run by the county school system and provides a unique range of heritage education programs, including field trips, tours, classes on farm animals, and guided nature walks. A renovated boarding house is home to the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists, a group dedicated to preserving the history of local textile arts.
Another Hendersonville treasure is the Mountain Farm & Home Museum, which is dedicated to preserving agricultural and domestic equipment, methods, and literature related to rural life in 19th century Western North Carolina. The museum offers a trip back in time, and is packed with such relics as a 16-foot water wheel, a local doctor’s buggy, grain reapers, and threshing machines, and antique engines, tractors, butter churns, and tools.
The cornerstone of higher education in Henderson County is Blue Ridge Community College. The two-year, comprehensive post-secondary school serves more than 15,000 students a year. The college offers 100 programs of study and one of the largest continuing education programs in the state. It has placed special emphasis on technical programs in automotive technology, emergency response, law enforcement, nursing, engineering, and machining technology. n
Appalachian Pinball Museum.
Southern Hospitaliy | WAVERLY INN
Constructed in 1898, the Waverly Inn is the “oldest surviving inn in Hendersonville.” From a bird’s-eye view, the inn, with its incredibly pleasing aesthetic, houses 15 guest rooms. To note, around 4,000 guests a year cross the threshold of the historic structure.
“You want people to feel comfortable when they’re traveling,” said Mike Burnette, owner/innkeeper at the Waverly. “We want them to feel like they’re at home.”
Growing up in Western North Carolina, Burnette graduated high school and eventually left Southern Appalachia to seek his fortune. But,
bed and breakfasts. Skip ahead a few decades, and soon that idea began to manifest itself into reality.
“It was just a fantasy of something we never really expanded on after our son was born,” Burnette recalled. “But, then, when we moved back to Western North Carolina, we came across a listing for a bed and breakfast for sale. Next thing you know, we made an offer on a bed and breakfast in Hendersonville.”
So, just what is it about a bed and breakfast that appeals to Burnette? What makes that type of lodging so special and sought-after?
some 30 years later, he returned to his homeland, only to put down deep roots of family and of business. By 2016, Burnette and his wife, Tracey, purchased the inn.
“Neither of us had careers in hospitality,” Burnette chuckled. “But, we’ve always enjoyed hosting friends and family. That’s always been a big part of us — being hospitable on a personal level versus a business level.”
Burnette said the initial idea to maybe someday own an inn of their own came from the couple’s years living in Charleston, South Carolina.
While residing in the coastal city, he came to truly appreciate and admire the local
spa components offered at the inn, Burnette also takes great pride in the “Waverly Live” music series that takes place throughout the year on the property. From the annual “BBQ & Brewery” and “Vineyard” culinary weekends to a slew of acclaimed Americana musical acts, the Waverly conjures a true sense of Southern hospitality in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“Music is a big part of our lives, so we incorporate it into our business as much as we can,” Burnette said. “We’ll get a local/regional act to play the front porch, then everybody comes and hangs on the lawn and we smoke
Well, it’s definitely more personalized,” Burnette said. “As an innkeeper, you get to know guests much better. You develop a lot of friends in this line of work. And we’ve got so many core friends now that have been guests with us over the last nine years.”
Beyond the lodging and professional
barbecue. It’s a great time.”
Re ecting on the long road to the here and now — this continued trajectory from being raised in Western North Carolina to circling back here later on in life — Burnette remains in awe of the things that make this area a bastion for good people and beautiful places.
“You don’t realize sometimes how good a place is until you leave and come back,” Burnette said. “Here, you appreciate the culture, and the people are amazing. People are more friendly, kind, and willing to go out of their way for a stranger. You get that a little more here than in most places.” n
Henderson County FLETCHER
Fletcher sits in the middle of just about everything in Western North Carolina, close enough to be a umping-off spot for any adventure, while also nestled in right near the Asheville Regional Airport for quick access to everywhere else.
Fletcher is uniquely positioned for national and international travelers, and it has an ever-expanding footprint of things to do that might make you stick around.
The biggest draw of all is the weeklong Western North Carolina Mountain State Fair, held each September at the WNC Agricultural Center, just across the street from the airport.
The Agricultural Center’s 87-acre multi-use facility hosts events year-round, including horse and livestock shows, professional conferences, classic-car events, and trade shows. Several large events are held regularly in the Davis Event Center, a 45,000-square-foot arena that’s outfitted with huge exhibit spaces and an onsite restaurant.
Fletcher has expanded its health and recreation initiatives, implementing a greenways master plan to make the community friendlier for walkers and bicyclists. The town is planning a network with 13 miles of trails.
Two local parks offer opportunities for exercise and enjoyment
The 60-acre Fletcher Community Park features playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and baseball and soccer fields, and ate’s Park, adjacent to the Fletcher Library, has playgrounds, trails, and an outdoor grilling area.
Bluegrass lovers ock to the Feed and Seed, a church and music venue located in the old feed and supply building that has been a landmark for 100 years. The church focuses on serving the community, and it hosts top-notch Appalachian music every weekend. The Feed and Seed is family oriented, offering RC Cola and Moon Pies, popcorn, and coffee. There’s no cover charge, either.
One of the newest additions to Fletcher is the opening of Two Trees Distilling. Using the finest quality grains, pristine mountain water and advanced techniques, the distillery has won several awards for its unique products, including its popular salted caramel and peanut butter whiskies. As well, whiskey aficionados and the curious alike can visit the tasting room seven days a week at its facility on Continuum Drive.
The town is also home to Diamond Brand Gear, maker of legendary wall tents, as well as hiking and camping gear.
Community celebrations, from free concerts to parades, take place throughout the year. Many annual highlights are staged in the fall. Pickin’ in the Park, a bluegrass-infused get-together in September, turns Fletcher Community Park into a center of mountain music, local food, and kids’ activities.
The town is also currently developing a downtown area called the heart of Fletcher district to support small retail businesses, professional offices, restaurants, and a new Town Hall complex. n
Haywood County
WAYNESVILLE | CANTON | MAGGIE VALLEY | LAKE JUNALUSKA | CLYDE
Haywood County is a popular destination for visitors and those seeking a thriving-yet-quaint home in the mountains.
The community offers miles of scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking trails in the reat Smoky Mountains National Park, and vacation cabin rentals in Maggie alley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde.
Haywood is home to the Cataloochee alley, one the most remote parts of the reat Smoky Mountains National Park. This is where elk were successfully reintroduced in 2001. The majestic creatures can be sighted in the valley throughout the warm months, and can also be frequently seen wandering through Maggie alley.
Downtown Waynesville’s bustling Main Street is a pedestrian’s dream, with working art studios, fine restaurants, breweries, a coffee roastery, gift shops, a bakery, and more. The first Friday of
AGENT’S CHOICE:
“What sets Waynesville apart is its unique combination of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a strong sense of community. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, it o ers a welcoming atmosphere that feels both timeless and progressive.”
— Broo e arrott, ay esville office
Community Companion | SMOKY MOUNTAIN DOG BAKERY
It was 10 years ago when Julie Moriarty purchased Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery in downtown Waynesville. At the time, Moriarty was working in the corporate world, bouncing between Haywood County and Atlanta. But there was just something about the shop that kept calling to her.
“After about six months, I quit the corporate job and sort of moved into the bakery business full time,” Moriarty smiled. “I also realized that we were never going to make much of a business if I didn’t have more inventory, so I began filling up the space.”
Formed in 2008, the bakery was initially located in Dillsboro. Offering a wide array of homemade artisan dog treats, the business quickly gained popularity with locals and visitors alike. Eventually, the bakery moved to Waynesville.
area of the structure, the upstairs (which was formally a restaurant) has now been transformed into the Smoky Mountain Dog Bar, which officially opened last year.
“One of the main things that I wanted to do was to try to connect with the community more, do more things for the community,” Moriarty said.
Beyond the shop itself, there’s also an adoption component offered onsite, where a keen focus on animal rescue remains a core value of the
When Moriarty took over operations in 2015, it held court on Main Street.
“The original reason that my husband and I moved here was that I just think this is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen,” Moriarty noted. “But, what we’ve come to really appreciate are the people here — they’re incredibly nice.”
Recently, the business acquired a large space on the corner of Church and Montgomery streets. With the bakery now housed in the downstairs
any given day, Moriarty gets to witness firsthand the genuine icebreaker that occurs between customers who wander in and interact with each other and their pets.
“People come in, they have a drink, and almost immediately they’re talking to everybody else in the bar,” Moriarty said. “They’re asking about [your] dog. They’re telling stories. And we see that in the bakery, too, where people will just start talking and connecting with each other.”
business. Just in 2024, Moriarty and her employees were able to find homes for 95 cats.
Moriarty and her husband personally own seven dogs, including six Pyrenees and one St. Bernard. The pack of free-spirited canines frolic freely on Moriarty’s 45-acre property, dubbed Stevens Creek Mountain Farm.
“Dogs have been my companion for most of my life,” Moriarty said. “I’ve always had them with me.”
And between the bakery and bar on
With the 20th anniversary of the Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery not far on the horizon, Moriarty can’t help but hold a full cup of gratitude for the path she found herself on, this ongoing journey that ultimately led her to Western North Carolina.
“We try not to take it for granted,” Moriarty said. “We have a good life. I mean, to live where you want to live and to be able to work in an area and in a job that you love? It’s a lucky thing, and I’m blessed with that.” n
each month, residents and visitors enjoy Art After Dark, a gallery stroll with meet-the-artist events and a street party atmosphere.
A couple blocks away is the Waynesville Recreation Park, with walking trails, tennis courts, a dog park, volleyball courts, a skate park, an 18-hole disc golf course, catch-and-release trout stream, recreation center with an indoor pool, water park for kids, fullsized basketball court, and a variety of classes.
Hazelwood Village has maintained its own identity and evolved into a revitalized retail district to the west of Waynesville, including pottery studios, a welcoming coffee shop, a breakfast diner, a bustling bookstore, gourmet food offerings, and Ha elwood Soap Company, a family-owned business producing small-batch offerings of homemade soaps and lotions.
2024 SALES
Haywood County
Ha elwood is where you can also find the Folkmoot Friendship Center, headquarters for an international dance and music festival held every July and home to artisans and concerts throughout the year.
MEDIAN PRICE $395,00
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET 124
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center first opened its doors at Stuart Auditorium in 1913. The conference center is historically connected to The United Methodist Church and open to the public year-round for conferences, group retreats, recreation, weddings, reunions, family events and vacations. It offers the public 2.5-mile and 4-mile paved loops around the lake and a seasonal public pool. Canoe and stand-up paddle boards are available for rent and accommodations are available at the historic Lambuth Inn and the renovated Terrace Hotel.
Waynesville is also home to Haywood Regional Arts Theatre, a
playhouse with two indoor stages that offers productions all year. Sharing grounds with the theater is the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts in the historic Shelton House, featuring 19th century pottery, quilts, baskets, and woodworking.
Just 10 miles away is Maggie Valley, a mountain delight that rolls out the welcome mat to visitors year after year. From spring to autumn, the valley welcomes motorcyclists from around the country who come to traverse the Blue Ridge Parkway, motor through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and enjoy the camaraderie of other riders who make an annual trek to visit the Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum, which houses some of the world’s finest historic motorcycles.
Cataloochee Ski Area offers delightful snowboarding and skiing, and typically is one of the first resorts in the eastern United States to open each year. Nearby is the Cataloochee Ranch, with cabins, horse stables, and restaurant atop a 5,000-foot mountain.
The town of Canton is a snapshot of a classic Southern mill town, with unique and beautiful bungalows and buildings still intact in the core of downtown. The downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its crown jewel is the Imperial Hotel. Originally crafted as a stately home, it includes the Southern Porch, a family-owned restaurant offering excellent food, a diverse menu, and friendly service. Just down the street on the banks of the Pigeon River is BearWaters Brewing, an awardwinning brewery and restaurant that features a cozy interior and welcoming outdoor seating.
Clyde, a hamlet that lies between Canton and Waynesville, can boast as its own the oldest structure in Haywood County. The Shook-Smathers House, home to the Shook Museum, was built around 1820, with additions and renovations made for decades, producing the finished product we see today. The home’s attic chapel played host to many storied circuit preachers over the years, many of whom have left their mark in the collection of signatures that decorate the chapel’s walls. n
Madison County
MARS HILL | MARSHALL | HOT SPRINGS
Madison County offers visitors and residents a taste of small-town heritage, outdoor e ploration, and a timeless tradition of musical history recogni ed around the world.
The county seat, Marshall, population 800, is some 20 miles north of Asheville. The town, shoehorned between peaks on the banks of the French Broad River, suffered extensive damage in 2024 from Hurricane Helene and is working hard to rebuild. The community remains an enclave of artists, galleries, and studios. Stroll down Marshall’s Main Street and you’ll find books, cafes, galleries, antique shops, eateries, and a coffee shop that hosts weekly jam sessions for true bluegrass and mountain music fun.
Marshall High Studios is located in the historic schoolhouse built in 1925 for the high school. Perched on a 10-acre island in the French Broad River, the building suffered enough damage from Helene that it had to close but is hoping to re-open in the summer of 2025. It houses numerous studios, an auditorium, and an enormous deck in a parklike setting. The facility has attracted artists in all media: painting, textiles, jewelry, sound recording, yoga/movement, ceramics, photography, design, writing, massage, print making, music, and fiber.
Mars Hill University. STEPHAN PRUITT PHOTO
Behind the Curtain | SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN
Recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre (SART) in Mars Hill is already looking ahead to the next half-century, all of the productions, actors, and audience members who will soon step across the threshold of this legendary artistic entity in Western North Carolina.
“Fifty years say that this is a community that desires culture and holds art as important,” said Jack Womack. “A diverse mix of actors from all over the country have come here, and want to bring stories to this region — to share in the Appalachian tradition of storytelling that’s so important to the people of these mountains.”
Director of administration and public relations at SART, Womack is part of a renowned, independent nonprofit organization that’s been at the forefront of culture and performance in WNC and greater Southern Appalachia since it first opened its doors in 1975.
“The energy here is certainly electric,” Womack said. “I feel extremely fortunate and blessed that I get to work in a community that values the arts like it does here.”
Depending on what production is being held at SART, upwards of a
hundred people — from actors to crew, designers to staff will come together to seamlessly pull off another sold-out affair.
It’s a pretty special and fulfilling thing to see a whole group of people share in the commitment to quality and artistry and getting an amazing product before an audience,” said SART Managing Artistic Director William Tyler Ezzell.
For the current season now unfolding in real time, SART is aiming to genuinely reiterate just what the entity is and what makes it special for so many, whether local residents or curious visitors alike.
“Our main goal this season is establishing ‘what makes art,’” Ezzell noted. “The season is centered around artistry, as well as literary relevance. And being able to have more and more resources to re ect our legacy.
When asked just what makes the sacred, ancient act of theatre so beautiful and empowering — whether physically, emotionally, or intrinsically — Ezzell felt that “theatre is a full spectrum art form.”
“[Theatre] is dance choreography, visual art, three-dimensional art, painting, sculpture, writing, and music,” Ezzell said. “Theatre utilizes
REPERTORY THEATRE
them all and elevates each in the interest of serving the audience and telling a story.”
And it’s that element of storytelling that means the most to Ezzell.
Theatre is the most effective way of moving people and changing the world,” Ezzell said. “It’s meeting people where they’re at and showing them something they can relate to. That’s how you change minds; that’s how you build a better world.”
On the administration side of things, Womack concurs that connectivity and community are at the heart of the theatre.
“I love being able to interact with just such a wide variety of people — all the way from our patrons to the actors,” Womack said.
Although the recent 50th anniversary was a moment of proud re ection and stoic purpose, what remains is this deep sense of passion and commitment for what lies ahead — onstage and within the small mountain community that has happily embraced SART.
“A big part of what I do is translate our vision to our supporters: here’s what we see, here’s why we’re passionate about storytelling,” Womack said. n
The Depot, a converted railroad station, is a popular Marshall community performance venue each Friday night as locals strike up a soundtrack of traditional bluegrass and country music. There’s also plenty of music at the town’s regular French Broad Fridays, a series of free outdoor concerts. Nightlife comes alive at favorite local spots like the Old Marshall Jail Hotel and Mal’s, both live music bastions in the community.
The Madison County Arts Council, also on Main Street, presents traditional and contemporary art exhibitions.
The entire county offers outdoor sports for all enthusiasts, whether you want a rafting trip, a cycling adventure along country roads, or an invigorating horseback ride.
2024 SALES
Madison County
MEDIAN PRICE ........ $422,445
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET 143
PERCENT OF LISTING PRICE ........ 95%
NUMBER OF UNITS 230
East of Marshall is the town of Mars Hill, a small community big on mountain traditions.
Mars Hill University, a private liberal arts school with an enrollment of more than 1,275 students, contributes significantly to the character of the town. Founded in 1856, the school is one of the oldest educational facilities in Western North Carolina.
The university’s Rural Life Museum preserves and presents artifacts of traditional Appalachian communities, while the Weizenblatt Art Gallery shares visiting exhibitions and student and staff works.
Mars Hill hosts two long-running festivals celebrating craft, music, and dance: the Heritage Festival and the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Music Festival. Both occur the same weekend in October. The university is also home to the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, founded in 1975 to become one of the region’s top theater draws.
There are around 2,000 residents within Mars Hill town limits, and it sits close to Interstate 26, offering quick access to Asheville to the south or Tennessee to the north.
Hatley Pointe Mountain Resort opens each winter in northern Madison County, with 54 acres of terrain for skiers and snowboarders.
Throughout the year, the Ebbs Chapel Performing Arts Center’s 250-seat theater hosts musical performances ranging from classical to the traditional.
About 15 miles northeast of Marshall is the resort town of Hot Springs, which is also nestled next to the French Broad River and features the Appalachian Trail winding its way through town on Bridge Street.
Each April, the town hosts a weekend-long Trailfest, a celebration of all things Appalachian Trail, complete with live music, local foods, and athletic events.
Hot Springs got its name from the extraordinary natural mineral springs constantly heated above 100 degrees, and it is home to the 100-acre Hot Springs Resort and Spa, which dates to before the Civil War.
Downtown Hot Springs is lined with caf s, coffee shops, and gift stores, though many say the real action is in the surrounding waters and ridges, renowned for biking, fishing, kayaking, and tubing. n
Bailey Mountain Bike Park in Mars Hill.
Rutherford County
LAKE LURE | BAT CAVE | CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE | GERTON
Rutherford County offers the peace and uiet of scenic country roads, punctuated with spectacular views, an abundance of outdoor activities, a temperate climate, and a uni ue ecosystem.
The expansive Hickory Nut Gorge and the towns of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock illage sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, but the resilience and recovery has been remarkable.
The town of Lake Lure is open for business, but as of this writing
AGENT’S CHOICE:
“Rutherford County o ers a perfect mix of small-town charm and access to outdoor adventures, including hiking, fishing, and exploring.”
— ai o s, a e ure office
Hickory Nut Falls at Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock, North Carolina. CHIMNEY ROCK
the lake is still closed and won’t open for the 2025 summer season. Chimney Rock State Park is working to re-open and there is ongoing bridge and road construction throughout this part of Rutherford County.
2024 SALES
Four small townships are in the gorge: Gerton, Bat Cave, Chimney Rock Village, and Lake Lure. Each has its own particular charms, but a common thread that benefits them all is the famed biodiversity of the area.
Rutherford County
MEDIAN PRICE $268,000
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET 112
PERCENT OF LISTING PRICE 93%
NUMBER OF UNITS 710
Hickory Nut Gorge, home to 14 rare animal species and 36 rare plant species, is a haven for biologists, geologists, and birders. It’s studded with streams and stunning rock formations, as well as Hickory Nut Falls, a waterfall with a 404-foot drop that’s one of the biggest in the region. The falls made a big splash on the big screen, serving as the setting for a fight scene in the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans.”
The crown jewel is the 6,892-acre Chimney Rock State Park Which is working toward re-opening. A climb up the stairs to the top of 315-foot-tall Chimney Rock (or elevator ride) is rewarded with panoramic views as far as 75 miles on some days. The park has a network of trails and ample opportunities for bouldering and rock climbing, along with a rich history that gives it deep ties to the region.
The narrow gorge’s sheer walls and beautiful river made Helene’s impact among the most severe in the region. It was hit hard, but residents, business owners and elected leaders have been diligently working to restore what’s possible and start anew where necessary. It will be a long road back, but every day more and more work is getting done. n
Yancey County
BURNSVILLE | MOUNT MITCHELL
Yancey County boasts more than 600 working artists, including renowned glassblowers, metalsmiths, basket makers, painters, paper makers, potters, quilters, sculptors, and weavers.
It is also home of the largest telescope in the Southeast dedicated to dark sky research and recreational activities.
Combine the highest mountain peaks in the eastern United States with a growing and vibrant town center in Burnsville and you get premier alpine settings, rolling farmland, and experiences that go above and beyond.
The county is bordered by Tennessee to the north, while the southern border follows the Blue Ridge Parkway. Burnsville is
the county seat, with 1,638 town residents. The county, with 11 townships, has a population close to 19,000. Asheville is just 35 miles to the southeast, and Johnson City, Tennessee, is 50 miles to the north.
An ongoing $25 million fiber optic upgrade is making fast and reliable internet access available throughout much of the community.
Mayland Community College offers state-of-the-art programs, including nursing, applied engineering, mechanical design, welding, and machine processes. The college is also home to the first International Dark Sky Association-certified Star Park in the southeastern United States, as well as a dark sky observatory.
The Carolina Mountains Literary Festival is held in Burnsville each September. It began in 2005 and has grown to be a renowned literary happening with readings, workshops, plays, and seminars.
The Parkway Playhouse, founded in 1947, is the longest running community theater in North Carolina. It produces a wide range
Downtown Burnsville. SAM DEAN PHOTO
Finding the Root | MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY HEALING ARTS
Located on Main Street in Burnsville, Mountain Community Healing Arts
MCHA aims to find an ideal, intrinsic balance for its clients. It’s this space where the physical and emotional health within the body, mind, and soul finally become aligned and harmonious in living your best life.
“For me, personally, practicing this medicine is always intellectually stimulating,” said Jade Pierce. “There’s always more to learn, and I guess I see this as my way of trying to help make the world a little better place.”
The principle acupuncturist and owner of MCHA, Pierce and her staff are well-versed in a wide-array of acupuncture techniques, therapeutic and relaxation massages, herbal medicine, holistic living counseling, and community clinics covering a range of topics — practices whose origins stretch back thousands of years.
“This is ancient Chinese medicine, where they were addressing the stressors of life [back then], of working really hard out in the fields as farmers or brick layers,” Pierce said. “Our stressors are different in the modern world]. It’s not only mental stress, but also physical stress of not being active enough.”
An acupuncturist since 1996, Pierce has invested almost three decades of her life in studying traditional Asian medicine. She views her work as in line
with the ancient medicinal practices, which is addressing the whole person, rather than just the symptoms.
“With Chinese medicine, even though it has ancient roots, it’s very informed by modern medicine as well,” Pierce noted. “Joint studies with people in the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and John Hopkins [University] are better understanding how acupuncture works — what treatments work better than others, and what herbal medicine works better than others.”
With these ancient Eastern medical practices and techniques becoming more and more of a viable option in the Western world in the 21st century, Pierce is seeing a large shift in the amount of curious folks coming through the door in search of new ways of
“They want to learn to address [pain] in a healthier way,” Pierce said. “People that are maybe trying to avoid surgery? They’ll come see us.”
Pierce views traditional Chinese medicine as a way to not just treat a problem, but more so get to the root of said problem. The idea being of not just eliminating the symptoms, but actually addressing the underlying issue creating the symptoms.
“We call it ‘roots and branches,’” Pierce said. “So, like a tree, you have the part above ground that is easily identifiable the symptoms. Then, you have the roots under the ground — identifying the root and learning how to address that as well.”
When asked just what makes Burnsville so alluring and enjoyable of a place to not only call home, but also set up shop as an independent small business, Pierce points to the simple notion that Southern hospitality is not a myth in Western North Carolina, especially when it comes to helping one another in times of need.
“I love the small town feel here, with people of all different ages and different backgrounds, Pierce said. I love being surrounded by nature and the neighborliness of everyone.” n
of shows and has a dramatic arts education program for children. The Burnsville Little Theatre also performs several shows a year.
Just a few miles from town looms 6,684-foot-tall Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Rockies, joined by four of the top 10 summits in the east. These peaks have a unique climate that is cooler and wetter than areas just 10 miles away.
Accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the highest peak is surrounded by the 2,000-acre Mount Mitchell State Park — the oldest state park in North Carolina — which is full of invigorating spots for hiking, camping, picnicking, and outdoor education. Multiple trails run throughout the area, and the peak is capped with a modern observation deck and seasonal restaurant, offering a perfect perch for high-altitude sightseeing.
The North Carolina High Peaks Trails Association maintains numerous hiking trails throughout the Black Mountain range, in which Mt. Mitchell is the anchor.
Mt. Mitchell Golf Club is nestled 3,000 feet below the high peaks, offering rolling fairways with bentgrass from tee to green. The course received a four-and-a-half star rating from Golf Digest.
Numerous county communities offer access to either the North Toe River or the South Toe River, with stretches known for premium trout fishing and rafting.
2024 SALES
Yancey & Mitchell Counties
MEDIAN PRICE $326,000
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET 148
The local arts council sponsors Toe River Studio Tours twice a year, when area artists open their studios to the public. Each August, downtown Burnsville also comes alive with the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair, celebrated for more than 65 years.
Burnsville’s square is anchored by the Nu-Wray Inn, built in 1833.
The oldest remaining lodging house in the region, it has hosted such notables as Mark Twain, Thomas Wolfe, and Elvis Presley.
The Yancey County Library overlooks Burnsville in a remodeled 1901 building that once housed the Yancey Collegiate Institute – a college prep high school. Another YCI building is now home to the Lesley Riddle Recording Studio. Riddle, born in Burnsville, was an African-American musician whose in uence on the Carter Family helped shape modern country music.
A nearby native rock structure built in the 1930s as part of a Works Progress Administration initiative is now the Yancey County Schools administration office.
Yancey County Parks and Recreation maintains a system of parks, recreation facilities, and open areas for public enjoyment.
One of the region’s most picturesque roads, Highway 80, meanders 12 miles through the shadow of the tall mountains. It runs by the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, which offers some of the best easily accessible camping sites in the region. A noted motorcycle road, N.C. 80 also provides access to horseback riding, arts and crafts, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the golf course, and the European-styled Celo Inn, part of the Celo Community, a collective settlement founded in 1937. Families there adhere to a loosely defined humanist ethic and help run a farm and the Arthur Morgan School, a progressive middle school with roots in Quaker values and the Montessori educational approach. n
Polk County
TRYON | SALUDA | COLUMBUS
Touted as the “First Peak of the Blue Ridge,” Polk County ranges in elevation from 300 feet to 3,200 feet above sea level. ach foot seems to offer visitors something different.
Most of Polk’s 20,000 residents live in or near the county’s three main towns — Columbus, Saluda, and Tryon. Each community has long welcomed visitors to enjoy a community rich with history, culture, crafts, vast natural areas, and exciting culinary traditions.
AGENT’S CHOICE:
“Saluda isn’t just where I live—it’s where I’ve learned what community truly means.”
—
isty avis, Saluda office
The Tryon area has long been known as a hotspot for equestrian activities. Each April there’s the Block House Steeplechase, a day of races that’s the longest running steeplechase in North Carolina. The event is sponsored by the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, which also stages horse shows throughout the year. The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center also offers regular equestrian events at its 400-acre facility in Tryon.
The Tryon International Equestrian Center — which opened in 2014 — hosted the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, which drew nearly 500,000 people from more than 70 countries.
Tryon is proud of the legacy of its most famous native, the late jazz and soul great Nina Simone, who was born there in 1933. The heart of downtown features Nina Simone Plaza, home to a striking bronze sculpture of Simone playing piano keys suspended in midair. Simone was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, and her childhood Tryon home has been designated a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Saluda is nestled in the mountains in the southeastern corner of the county. The town sits atop the Saluda Grade, once the steepest railroad grade in the United States. Saluda is known for its town center, featuring a main street lined with restaurants, shops, art galleries, and historic buildings like the M.A. Pace General Store, a hub of local commerce and community.
2024 SALES
Polk County
MEDIAN PRICE ........ $455,000
Saluda is also home to The Gorge, a linked series of 11 zip lines — four of them 1,000 feet long — that drop 1,100 feet from beginning to end.
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET 155
PERCENT OF LISTING PRICE 93%
NUMBER OF UNITS 276
Polk County is home to dozens of parks and recreation areas.
The Green River Cove Recreation Area offers access points for fishing, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking. Tryon’s 50-acre public park, Harmon Field, features wading areas, a playground, tennis courts, a walking track, sports fields, and horse rings. There are scores of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, in Polk County, which is noted for its numerous summer camps.
May brings the Saluda Arts and Music Festival. The Art Trek Tryon Studio Tours, held each July, showcase the town’s many artists, as does the Tryon Arts and Crafts Fall Festival in October.
Polk County is also home to Adawehi Wellness illage, a community that offers a healing center, a health food store, and holistic health practitioners. n
With locations in communities throughout the area, our associates are immersed in our local markets. Let us put our local knowledge and expertise to work for you, whether buying or selling real estate in Western North Carolina.
Asheville 300 Executive Park Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 254-7221
Burnsville 369 West US 19-East Burnsville, NC 28714 (828) 678-9944
38 North Main Street Saluda NC 28773 (828) 749-3504
O ce Locations
Transylvania County
BREVARD | ROSMAN | LAKE TOXAWAY
Transylvania County is a mashup of authentic, quaint mountain communities and wilderness destinations that are the heart of adventure for any visitor or resident.
“There’s an incredible amount of things to do,” says Clark Lovelace, executive director of the local tourism development authority.
Transylvania County has long been known as “The Land of Waterfalls,” with some 250 waterfalls ranging from small and gentle to big, breathtaking plunges into mountain pools. Looking Glass Falls drops 60 feet amid a stunning crop of boulders and is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the country, while Sliding Rock is a natural waterslide where a quarter-million visitors each year careen down its long, slick surface into a six-foot-deep pool at the bottom.
The charm and appeal of the county’s seat, Brevard, distinguishes it as an epicenter for outdoor adventures, education, art, and music.
More than half of the land in Transylvania is publicly owned, including 88,000 acres of Pisgah National Forest, the 10,000-acre DuPont State Park, and the 7,600-acre Gorges State Park. The headwaters of the French Broad
AGENT’S CHOICE:
“Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brevard is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With nearby Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park, residents have access to miles of hiking trails, spectacular waterfalls, and opportunities for biking, fishing, and more.”
— Billy Harris, South Brevard office
Rise and Shine | BRACKEN MOUNTAIN BAKERY
It’s early morning at Bracken Mountain Bakery in downtown Brevard. And even though the doors open at 7 a.m. there’s already a handful of folks waiting for April Lamb to unlock the entrance.
“It’s always a rush to get everything out and ready to open,” Lamb said. “It’s usually a large group of regulars — kids on their way to school and teachers picking up things — so I try really hard to have everything done so they can get what they need.”
Alongside her husband, Nick, who serves as the main baker, Lamb (the pastry chef and general manager) operates a beloved bakery on South Broad Street in the depths of a bucolic mountain town. The community itself is a tightly-knit ensemble of people who truly value locally-made products and small business owners.
“A lot of people don’t realize the amount of hours involved [in preparation and baking],” Lamb said. “We work 24/7. Nick actually lives in the bakery. He’ll work from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m., take a nap, then get up at noon and work until 4 p.m. Takes another nap and gets up at 8 p.m. And that goes all week.”
That labor of love (and of epic proportions) is why the bakery itself has been a staple of Brevard since it launched in 1995. Back then, a young
Nick started working at the bakery and has remained there ever since. By 2015, he and April took over the business when the original owners decided to retire.
“It was a good job for him,” Lamb re ected on her husband. He got to kind of work on his own and he liked that aspect. And we wanted to keep it going, so we just dove in head first. Just figure it out as we go along.”
The bakery itself specializes in classic European breads and pastries atop a slew of Southern Appalachian favorites. To note, only organic ours and many other organic ingredients” are used in the process.
Making fillings, making dough, prepping everything,” Lamb said. “Because we make every single thing at the bakery.”
being “lump of clay, lump of dough.”
“I just enjoy the work itself,” Lamb said. “I’m also an artist and a potter, so there’s a lot of aspects of pastry that relate to pottery.”
So, just what is it about Brevard itself that captivates the Lambs?
“The small-town feel,” Lamb said. “The small-town streets. All the little locally owned family stores, the national forests [nearby] with all the hiking, biking, and outdoor aspects people come to Brevard for.”
And through it all, what remains is the bakery and its diehard clientele, these kind faces in search of handmade treats day in and day out. Year by year. Decade by decade.
For Lamb, making pastries scratches a deep creative itch within that fuels other artistic avenues of her life, career, and aspirations, including a longtime passion for pottery — the similarities
“We’re extremely thankful that the public has allowed us to stay open this long,” Lamb said. “We try to put out the absolute best product and to keep the quality the same as it was when we started.” n
Welcome | LOCALES
2024 SALES
Transylvania County
MEDIAN PRICE $510,000
River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, are located near the town of Rosman, and the Davidson River, a renowned troutfishing destination, ows through the national forest and along the outskirts of Brevard itself. Check a list of the best biking, camping, climbing, hiking, y fishing, horseback riding, paddling, and sightseeing opportunities, and Transylvania County is almost always counted among the best.
A ERA E DA S ON MAR ET 121
PERCENT OF LISTIN PRICE ........ 94% NUMBER OF UNITS
An editor for Bike Magazine called Transylvania County definitely one of the top three places in the universe I’ve ever ridden. Maybe the best.
Another natural treasure tucked within the Pisgah National Forest is the Cradle of Forestry, the first forestry school in the United States. The national forest is also home to the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, which hosts students of all ages.
Perched in a sun-dappled plateau on the edge of Brevard, The Brevard Music Center stands as one of the country’s premier summer programs for orchestral ensembles, chamber music, and opera. Faculty and students present numerous concerts each
season, and the center has hosted world-class soloists, including It hak Perlman, o- o Ma, Joshua Bell, and Frederica on Stade. Its summer festival concert series has welcomed a variety of nonclassical artists, from Lyle Lovett to Peter, Paul, & Mary. Then, there is plenty to enjoy in the heart of Brevard, a vibrant and walkable hub of shops, boutiques, galleries, pubs, and eateries.
Music aficionados also enjoy shows at Brevard College’s Paul Porter Center for the Performing Arts. The college, a small liberal arts school of over 700 students, is located near downtown.
The college hosts the world-touring Banff Mountain Film Festival, a big-screen celebration of films and documentaries about life and sports in the wild.
Between April and December, the Fourth Friday allery Walks offer a pleasant way to explore local businesses. More local arts are highlighted on the Scenic 2 6 South Fine Art & Craft Corridor a 13-mile stretch of highway that showcases numerous galleries and studios.
The Brevard area is home to a rare concentration of white squirrels, and each May the community celebrates with the White Squirrel Festival, which features a parade, free concerts, a Squirrel Box Derby, and other nutty amusements.
In nearby Rosman is the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, a former NASA tracking station reimagined as a science learning center designed to engage learners of all ages. n
Cradle of Forestry in America.
Jackson County
SYLVA | CASHIERS | DILLSBORO | CULLOWHEE
Jackson County celebrates miles of hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities. After a busy day in the wild, take off on the popular Ale Trail, featuring more than 100 unique brews from the five breweries that make Jackson County a go-to spot for beer lovers everywhere.
Visitors can visit more than two dozen waterfalls for one-of-akind photo opportunities, or take part in y fishing adventures at one of 15 prime fishing stops dubbed the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail , which encompasses more than 4,600 miles of streams, and 1,100 miles of hatchery supported waters.
Panthertown alley known as the osemite of the East features 30 miles of trails perfect for traversing by foot or bicycle. Along the trails are a variety of wildlife, rare plants, and a diverse range of geologic formations. Panthertown is designated as a Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Natural Heritage Site and by The Wilderness Society as one of North Carolina’s Mountain Treasures.
Cutting Through | GERTRUDE & LLOYD
Main Street. Downtown Sylva. The late afternoon sunshine is descending behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, with the last of the warm rays spilling into the large windows of Gertrude & Lloyd.
I think what fills both of us up now is building community,” said Patrick Cochran. “And having those moments with clients where you might be the first hairdresser who has sat down and actually listened to them during a consultation. That’s a pretty big deal for us to be that person for them.”
Alongside his wife, Blair Smoker, the couple has built a reputation for managing not only one of the finest hair salons in Jackson County and greater Western North Carolina, but also this platform for community, connectivity and compassion.
“We’re educating the community in a different way, Smoker said. And it says to me that we’re in the right place because people are hearing us. They feel good. They look good. It’s a great feeling to make people feel great about themselves and you know exactly what to do to get them there.”
Originally located in Atlanta, Georgia, the duo were longtime and beloved hairdressers in the city. And although they cherished their years living and working in ATL, it was the mountains surrounding Sylva that kept calling to them—this unrelenting urge to disappear into the forest and circle
back to the joys of small town life.
“I just fell in love with the people and how beautiful this place is,” Cochran said. “[Blair] came up here with me one weekend and she fell in love with being here. At the end of the weekends, as we were packing up and heading home, she said, ‘So, when are going to move here?’”
“And I found my journal entry when we were moving and it was five years to the day when I said that,” Smoker added. “It actually happened.”
For Smoker, getting into the hair industry was something that she fell into early in adulthood. A lifelong lover of art, who’s also a self-proclaimed “math and science nerd,” Smoker said that “nobody knew what to do with me” until her hairdresser suggested that maybe she go to hair school.
“And it was like all the light bulbs went off, Smoker said of the epiphany. “The art behind hair styling, and the math and science part of it. The chemistry of doing hair. I mean, nothing replaces the satisfaction when I get to use that part of my brain.”
From there, Smoker traveled the world as the personal hair stylist for a slew of renowned rock bands, and did so for several years, before landing back in Atlanta, only to cross paths with Cochran and soon start their journey together, personally and professionally.
The couple eventually opened their own salon in Atlanta. They owned and operated it for a period before taking the leap to Sylva in 2022. To note, the name Gertrude & Lloyd comes from two things: 1.) Gertrude Dills McKee, the first woman elected to the North Carolina State Senate and a Jackson County native and 2.) The former Lloyd Hotel, where the salon currently resides.
Beyond the daily interactions of sincerity that comes from a great haircut surrounded by positive attitudes harbored by Smoker and Cochran, the salon is also meant to be a community beehive of progressive ideals and sustainable practices.
Aside from local organizations hosting meetings in the space, Smoker is a huge advocate for sustainability when it comes to hair products. Smoker estimates around 97 percent of the waste that comes through the business gets recycled.
“People come here from all over the country and the world to fish, Smoker said. “We’re helping to keep the water clean by trying to do our part to help take care of the earth.”
And for Cochran, he’s constantly inspired by the community.
“It’s really a special town,” Cochran said of Sylva. “Almost every day, there’s something that shows us why we’re here.” n
2024 SALES
Highlands/Cashiers Region
The Village of Dillsboro is also located in Jackson County and is home to Dogwood Crafters, a mountain co-op that showcases one-of-a-kind crafts from more than 100 local artisans. Its ever-changing merchandise often includes unique jewelry, home décor, paintings, gifts, and ornaments. Volunteers operate the shop and offer a variety of classes.
MEDIAN PRICE $692,500
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET 166
PERCENT OF LISTING PRICE 91%
NUMBER OF UNITS 924
Notable destinations in Jackson County include Cherokee, Cashiers, Dillsboro, Sylva, Cullowhee, Balsam, and Tuckasegee.
More than 70 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway run through Jackson County, including the highest point, Richland Balsam, at 6,053 feet.
The county also hosts Harrah’s Casino Resort in nearby Cherokee, which provides endless opportunities for entertainment, including live music and comedy from marquee stars like Blackberry Smoke, Alicia Keys, Chicago, The Black Crowes, and Ron White.
Whitewater Falls is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies, standing at 411 feet and boasting a newly-paved path to an overlook and shelters for picnicking. Lake Glenville, with 26 miles of shoreline, has earned a reputation as a bass fisherman’s delight. Perfect for boating and water skiing, Lake Glenville also offers a swimming area with sand beach and trail to High Falls.
Whiteside Mountain is considered by some geologists to be the oldest mountain in the world, estimated at 390 to 460 million years old. Known as the “Jewel of the Appalachians,” the mountain’s name is inspired by the bald, rocky, white-streaked quartz and feldspar on the south-facing rock. All levels of hikers can hike the 2-mile Whiteside Mountain Trail, encountering sheer vertical cliffs and scenic views to the east, south, and west.
The Tuckasegee River ows through scenic valleys and several quaint communities, and is the most prominent whitewater river in Jackson County. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch.
The county is home to Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College, and boasts two hospitals: Harris Regional Hospital and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. n
Lake Glenville. NICK BREEDLOVE PHOTO
JCTDA PHOTO
Small Town Charm | SYLVA
As the cultural touchstone, social hub, and county seat for Jackson, the small mountain town of Sylva has become one of the most intriguing and sought-after communities west of Asheville.
Less than an hour from downtown Asheville, Sylva (population: 2,578) is filled with boutique shops, breweries, restaurants, bookstores, recreational outfitters, and a slew of other retail businesses that make the town vibrant with life and opportunity.
“I came to town to check it out and knew immediately that I was home,” said Georganna Seamon, owner of Black Balsam Outdoors, which arrived on Main Street in 2018. “This town is full of outstanding, unique people that make up the charm that is Sylva.”
Re ecting on downtown Sylva, Seamon likes to enjoy a handcrafted ale at nearby Innovation Brewing, an artisan beverage at The Cut Cocktail Lounge, or finding a unique gift at Snake Song or End of Main. Seamon not only is a proud small business owner, she also makes sure to support her neighbors and their companies whenever possible.
“We have so many wonderful hangout spots,” Seamon said. “And I love the number of women-owned/operated businesses in town, where everyone seems to work together as a team. It's not just tourists that are shopping in my store, the locals back each up and support each other.”
A Jackson County native, Brad Waldrop returned to Western North Carolina in recent years to take over the much-beloved Ward Plumbing Heating & Air on Mill Street, which has been headquartered in downtown Sylva since its inception in 1977.
We’ve seen the town change quite a bit over the years, and it always seems to somehow get even better,” Waldrop said. “Sylva still has a ’small town’ feel in many ways, but it’s also now home to some of the finest restaurants, breweries, stores, and other businesses in the area.”
Like Seamon, Waldrop points to the loyal support of locals as a testament to the success of his business, and also a big reason why he purposely chose to circle back to his hometown.
“As someone who grew up in Sylva, it’s amazing to see how much the town has changed, while remaining full of people who are genuinely committed to supporting each other,” Waldrop said. “It is a blessing to own and manage a business in Sylva with that type of support, and to be a resident of this marvelously unique and diverse community.”
Another Sylva native who decided to put roots back down in Jackson County is Crystal Pace. She and her husband, Santiago Guzzetti, launched Ilda in 2021. Located on the corner of Main and Mill streets, the establishment has become a culinary sensation, featuring fine
Italian fare and the freshest seasonal ingredients from local farms.
“There’s a lot of space to grow in a town like Sylva, and this area is so rich in food and culture,” Pace said. “And, for me, I’ve just wanted to be part of all of that again — I always wanted to come home.”
Born and raised in Jackson County, Pace is the daughter of famed local stained-glass artist, Bob Pace, and stepdaughter of Karen Martar, who owned and operated Meatballs. For Crystal, it’s a full circle kind of thing to inhabit the exact property she grew up in, helping her stepmom serve food and bus tables.
Originally from Argentina, Guzzetti learned how to cook and create recipes from his Sicilian grandmother. After bouncing between world-class establishments in his native country and Spain, he eventually landed in New York City, ultimately crossing paths with Pace. After the birth of their son, the young couple was looking to raise him in the mountains of Western North Carolina — cue the initial seed for the creation of Ilda.
“We want to see Sylva grow and grow. We want people to appreciate food for the artisan craft that it is, and share our passion for food with others,” Pace said. “There are so many great things happening in this community, and we hope to be part of that.” n
Nurturing nature
HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION
Located atop “The Plateau” on the outskirts of downtown Highlands, the Highlands Biological Station is a worldrenowned facility for academics, locals, and visitors alike.
“Trying to reconnect people [to nature] — that’s kind of what this place is about,” said Jason Love, associate director of the HBS. “And then, to teach people about the threats some of these organisms face.”
Chartered in 1927 “by local citizens who were interested in creating a natural history museum to celebrate the biodiversity of the Highlands Plateau,” the HBS is a multifaceted institution — part museum, part hands-on outdoor space, part research laboratory.
Aside from the facility and museum, the 22-acre property also offers a slew of outdoor trails. Within the outdoor realm, there are trees more than 400 years old and a lake in the center of campus for any and all to simply wander, immerse in, and enjoy.
We have workshops for adults and for kids, a lecture series, summer camps,” Love said. “And we cover anything from salamanders of the Southern Appalachians to forest ecology and geology to learning about birds, owers, and diverse habitats here.
Since 19 6, the HBS has been a storied nonprofit, one which, in 2018, officially became part of Western Carolina University just down the mountain in nearby Cullowhee.
We host researchers from around the world who come here and use this place as a base station,” Love said.
And when it comes to “The Plateau” and the mountains and
valleys of greater Western North Carolina, Love noted that we’re standing in one of the most diverse ecosystems on the entire planet. Waterfalls and watersheds. Intricate plant and animal species.
We receive a lot of rain, so that kind of puts us in the temperate rainforest category,” Love said. “So, because of that, salamanders are super abundant here. We have a lot of plant life. And that’s one of the reasons The Plateau’ is so special all of these different habitats.”
And within that research side of things, Love and his colleagues view that component and the work cultivated as absolutely vital to the future of our world and its inhabitants.
It’s just becoming ecological accountants, Love said. Looking at the impacts that humans have and trying to inform the public and policy makers about those impacts [on nature].”
And with almost 100 years of data collected by the HBS on “The Plateau,” the researchers are able to compare and contrast the past, present, and possible future for the ecosystems in our back yard.
In a sense, this is a stationary place that records life over time and how things change,” Love said.
For Love, one of the biggest takeaways and joys of his job is to educate others about the natural beauty surrounding each of us every single day, whether you’re a kid or kid at heart.
“Sometimes we see that little spark — in students and even in adults,” Love said of the HBS workshops. “Everyone’s kind of stuck on their phones or stuck in traffic, other stresses and other things to think about, and, by coming here, they can unwind a little bit and maybe reconnect with that sense of place, finding wonder in a mushroom or a salamander they find under a rock. n
Plateau Paradise | OLD EDWARDS INN
To truly understand the scope and splendor of Old Edwards Inn & Spa, one must venture up into the mountains of Western North Carolina, onto the Plateau high above our Southern Appalachian valleys, and immerse oneself in the history and legacy of one of the finest lodging establishments in the region.
“What sets Old Edwards apart is the combination of its deeply rooted sense of place and the personalized luxury it offers, said Richard Delany, president of managing director for Old Edwards Hospitality Group. “The property itself is a re ection of Highlands rich in history, steeped in natural beauty, and surrounded by a truly welcoming local community.
The journey of OEI began in 1878 with the construction of the Central House, which became Highlands’ first boarding house. From there, it’s been this ever-evolving property, one where a wide array of historic homes were eventually added into the fold, as well as modern lodging spaces built over the recent decades.
“What drew me to Old Edwards is the authenticity of its Southern hospitality and the way it seamlessly blends worldclass luxury with a sense of home, said Brian Crook, general manager of OEI. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see guests transformed by their time here.
“The connection to the history, community, and natural beauty of Highlands makes it a joy to share this destination with others, adds Delany. “Every day, I strive to ensure that our team feels as inspired as I am to make guests’ memories here truly special.
With OEI as the hub of people and movement in the heart of downtown Highlands, it’s also this platform by which visitors can use to meander down the cultural, social, culinary and outdoor avenues of adventure.
“I encourage guests to explore the culinary delights on property. Our restaurants, Madison’s in particular, showcase the best of the region’s
Plateau offers endless opportunities to connect with nature, and I suggest a hike to Glen Falls or a visit to Sunset Rock for great views.
Beyond the numerous lodging structures making up the enormous property filled with beautiful architecture, high-quality amenities, and endless outdoor recreation options within a short drive, Old Edwards Inn, at its core, is about hospitality and service.
ingredients and have exceptional wine lists, Crook said. Off property, it’s y fishing, taking a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Highlands Playhouse, and local farmers market in town.
“On property, I recommend our spa — it’s a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. The gardens and outdoor spaces also provide such a sense of peace, sitting with a morning coffee as the sun rises over the mountains, Delany adds. Offsite , the Highlands
“It’s the seamless blend of understated luxury, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction that places Old Edwards in a league of its own, Crook said. “Every detail is crafted with care, from the European-style spa treatments to the farm-to-table dining experiences.
“Guests often tell us they feel like they’ve stepped into a different world, one where every detail is carefully curated yet feels effortless, adds Delany. Our goal is for every guest to leave feeling connected — to themselves, to their loved ones, and to the beauty of the region. That’s what creates memories that last a lifetime. n
Higher Education
COLLEGE OPTIONS PLENTIFUL IN WNC
Western North Carolina is home to a large number of public and private colleges and universities, attracting students from around the world.
Selected by the Fiske Guide to Colleges as a Top 20 “Best Buy” school in the nation eight times since 2005, Warren Wilson College near Black Mountain is an environmentally friendly school whose students enhance their academic experience by working 15 hours a week on campus. They also must complete 100 hours of community service over four years. The college’s 680 students earn bachelor’s degrees in 20 majors and can choose from 24 minors and 24 concentration areas. Taking at least one class within each of the school’s eight liberal arts areas, they attend classes that average 14 people in size.
Western Carolina University in the Jackson County community of Cullowhee serves more than 12,000 students, including 10,000 undergraduates and 1,600 enrolled in graduate programs. Offering more than 115 undergraduate majors and concentrations, WCU features a nationally recognized teacher education program, a criminal justice program used as a model across the state, and the nation’s first accredited four-year emergency medical care program. Graduate students and undergrads can choose from 60 areas of study offered at the main Cullowhee campus or at Biltmore Park in Asheville.
With an enrollment of nearly 1,300 students, Mars Hill University was founded in 1856 and is affiliated with the North Carolina
Baptist Convention. It offers 35 majors and 33 minors on its large, leafy campus in the Madison County town of Mars Hill. It has five schools: Business, Social, and Behavioral Sciences; Education; Fine Arts Humanities and Mathematics and Natural Sciences. A member of the South Atlantic Conference, it fields teams in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
Brevard College in Transylvania County offers more than 40 major and minor degree programs, including those in art, biology, English, environmental studies, exercise science, history, mathematics, music, and psychology. Its pre-professional studies include pre-dentistry, pre-law, pre-medicine, and pre-nursing. With a student body of nearly 700 students, the institution boats an average class size of 15 students.
With around 3, 00 students, UNC Asheville is the only dedicated public liberal arts and sciences university in the UNC System, nationally ranked among the top 10 in this category by U.S. News and World Report, and is one of the top schools for “Making an Impact” by The Princeton Review.
UNCA offers more than 30 majors with 16 Division I athletic teams and dozens of campus clubs and organizations for students to participate in. The average lecture/seminar size is 20 students, with lab/studio classes holding upwards of 18 students.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College has the highest enrollment of any Western North Carolina higher education institution, serving more than 27,000 students annually. Established in 1959 as a trade school, A-B Tech offers 39 career programs, as well as courses that are transferable to any university in the UNC system.
Western Carolina University.
Appalachian Essence | WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
When Dr. Jeffrey A. eith thinks about Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia, he can’t help but admire the people, places, and things that make up the natural and cultural beauty of our region.
I’ve seen the world, eith said. And the world is filled with beautiful places, but this place is exceptional. To be frank, I don’t understand why anyone would want to live anywhere else.
A professor of history and the archivist for Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, eith is part of a unique, intricate academic institution, one with a keen focus on the essence of what makes these mountains and their inhabitants so captivating the vast arts community with an emphasis on music , endless outdoor recreation opportunities, and genuine connectivity between fellow human beings.
We’re focused on ecology, environmentalism, social justice, and doing work in our community that
ecosystem spanning around 1,100 acres total , students are fully immersed and invested in the campus through workstudy programs across the property on the farm, in the library, around the community.
It’s a school where people contribute to the functioning of the community through their daily activities, eith said. It’s about how we live and learn together. So, we’re a living/learning community that becomes sort of an experiment in democracy.
things, Warren Wilson is also home to the storied Swannanoa athering. Launched in 1991, the annual program is a variety of folk arts workshops held throughout the summer months, with the core of the activities being music bluegrass, folk, old-time and dance with some of the most talented and acclaimed artists in the world.
Our musical heritage in this area It’s vast and beautiful, eith said. And we’ve often had students learn and participate in that tradition.
One of the most noticeable things about the school comes from the mere fact that many of the students who attend Warren Wilson College usually end up deciding to stay in WNC. They take their education, ambitions, and drive to Asheville and surrounding mountain towns to ideally complement what’s already there.
One thing the college does well is it cultivates a sense of place amongst its students, and we encourage that, eith
re ects those values, eith said. The deepest story of the college has to do with people’s relationship to the earth and one another.
Founded in 1894, the private liberal arts college sits on a 300-acre working farm and market garden. Another 600 acres surrounding the campus is a managed forest with hiking trails.
Students, alumni, and community members enjoy this patch of land and develop strong feelings for it, eith said. But, we also cultivate those feelings through the classroom, too.
And within that academic/outdoor
Within eith’s own teachings, he has delved into an array of topics and subjects within WNC, from studies in pop culture about the reversal of Southern Appalachian stereotypes to taking his students to the oldest local African American cemetery to help preserve the site.
The community element of this school is really strong, eith said. And the students have developed one because of their work lives,’ because of their shared commitments and how they want to in uence the world around them.
Aside from the academic side of
said. They go out into that campus and they come to consider it home.
eith noted that a big part of the ethos of the college resides in the simple notion that, even if students decide to leave the region after graduation, they take that love of nature and learning garnered at Warren Wilson to wherever they put down roots.
I often tell my students that this place will always be there for them, but that they can bring that same kind of energy we present toward this place to the places where they’re from or go to , if they so choose, eith said. n
One of the oldest and largest schools in the North Carolina Community College System, A-B Tech has five schools Allied Health and Public Service Education, Arts and Sciences, Business and Hospitality Education, Continuing Education, and Engineering and Applied Technology. It also has a popular continuing education program.
The college has added several new programs, including an associate’s degree in healthcare business informatics, a mobile development diploma, a bio-gas option in industrial systems technology, and a geospatial technology option as part of surveying. A-B Tech has additional campuses in Enka and Marshall.
Christ-centered, student-focused, service-driven equipping agents of transformation, renewal, and reconciliation is the motto of Montreat College, a small four-year school in Montreat. Its liberal arts curriculum includes traditional and selected undergraduate and graduate professional degree programs, including degree programs for adults in the areas of business, education, management, and nursing. Founded in 189 , Montreat College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of the United States. In recent years, it had an enrollment of 55 students, with a student/faculty ratio of 9 1.
Offering 30 areas of study, Blue Ridge Community College near Flat Rock in Henderson County has more than 100 degree, diploma, and certificate programs, many of them qualifying students to work immediately after completing their course work. About 2,000 students are enrolled at its main campus and a
Colleges & Universities
Asheville-Buncombe
Technical Community College
340 ictoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
828 254-1921 abtech.edu
Blue Ridge Community College
180 W. Campus Drive
Flat Rock, NC 28 31
828 694-1 00 blueridge.edu
Brevard College
1 Brevard College Drive
Brevard, NC 28 12
828 883-8292 brevard.edu
Haywood Community College
185 Freedlander Drive
Clyde, NC 28721
828 62 -466 haywood.edu
satellite facility in Brevard.
Haywood Community College offers more than 30 programs. About 2,220 students took courses during the 201 -18 academic year. Departments include arts, sciences and natural resources, business and industry, and health and human services. HCC also offers online learning and continuing education opportunities. Like all of North Carolina’s community colleges, it offers general education courses that transfer to the state university system, allowing students to get their first two years of classes completed at a bargain price.
Southwestern Community College serving Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties, along with the Qualla Boundary provides coursework in arts, sciences, college transfer, career technologies, and health services. Over 3,300 students enter more than 60 academic programs, while approximately 6,000 annually participate in the school’s ongoing continuation programs.
Lenoir-Rhyne College’s main campus is in Hickory, but its Center for raduate Studies of Asheville was launched in 2012 to expand the university’s mission and serve the specific needs of Western North Carolina and beyond. Lenoir-Rhyne purchased part of 36 Montford Avenue to house a state-of-the-art learning space in downtown Asheville, and has full-time, terminally-degreed faculty to direct the graduate programs, mentor students, and develop community partnerships. The Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville currently enrolls over 200 students in 12 programs and is becoming known for its leadership in key community initiatives. n
Western North Carolina has long been one of this country’s favorite outdoor playgrounds, and that’s truer today than ever as people are seeking a respite from their busy online lives.
One of the favorite refuges for locals and visitors alike is the Blue Ridge Parkway, the 469-mile two-lane road that meanders along mountain ridges and valleys from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Western North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Every year it’s the most visited unit in the country’s national park system, attracting 16.6 million visitors in 2023.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the largest wilderness area in the eastern United States, a 500,000-acre wilderness area that spans the North Carolina-Tennessee border and is the second-most visited national park in the country.
The 2,200-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail — known
as the AT — traverses this region, bringing hikers from around the world to test their stamina. Other inclusive hikes in this area include the 116-mile Bartram Trail (named after the 18th century botanist) and the 1,175-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail (which begins in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and runs near the Blue Ridge Parkway for much of its path through the region).
Lake Powhatan is in the Bent Creek area of the Pisgah National Forest, just south of Asheville, and is home to miles of mountain biking trails. Also in Asheville, the olo Bike Park offers four miles of trails and a whole bunch of jumps and terrain tests for adventurous riders who enjoy a challenge.
DuPont State Forest near Brevard has tons of trails, as does the Jackrabbit Mountain biking and hiking trail system just outside of Hayesville in Clay County. Don’t forget Tsali Recreational Area, home to some of the finest riding trails in the entire country, only an hour and a half from downtown Asheville, and the Fire Mountain Trail System, a mountain biking area that opened in 2017 in Cherokee.
Road riders will love the popular at cycle along the French Broad River between Asheville and Marshall. The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, Asheville Bicycle Racing Club, and the Asheville
Pearson’s Falls. VISITNC.COM PHOTO
Jumping Right In | THE HUB
Unlike most people in this world, Jon Angermeier likes to spend his days off at his job. Luckily, his gig is being the brand manager for The Hub, an outdoor recreation store and taproom that’s become a cherished beehive of activity in Brevard.
Every employee here is very much like family, Angermeier said. It’s a very tight-knit community. And this is a pretty special place to be able to go to.
Located right at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest at the intersection of U.S. 2 6/64, The Hub provides riders, whether locals or visitors alike, with a deep knowledge not only of mountain bikes and gear, but, most importantly, a wealth of trail wisdom unmatched in our region.
We’re kind of like a de facto visitor’s center for Pisgah, Angermeier laughed. We’re the first place you see when you’re driving into the forest. And we definitely try to foster that community with open arms, always sending them in the right direction, you know By the numbers, Pisgah National
Initially formed in 1994 as Backcountry Outfitters, the company then opened the Pisgah Tavern to provide a gathering space for adventure seekers. Eventually, the store changed its name to The Hub to better symboli e its ethos of mountain biking and social interaction.
Forest consists of more than 500,000 acres covering a large swath of remote backcountry in Western North Carolina. This includes an endless supply of hiking/biking trails, surreal whitewater rivers, and captivating waterfalls.
We are so spoiled with the amount of terrain we can access and how quickly you can get to those places, Angermeier said. This is such a hot spot for mountain biking, and it’s still growing and growing.
And throughout the decades, as The Hub has evolved and shifted, the business has always recalibrated its vision and follow-through this purposeful effort to genuinely offer the finest products and a keen open-door policy for any and all who enter.
Biking is definitely our focus, but we’re all multi-sport people, Angermeier said. So, we’re an outdoor adventure store, a place where you could get any item you might want
before heading into the woods. Supporting adventures is one of our biggest things.
The Hub also prides itself as a fullystocked independent business by offering a wide-array of bikes, rentals, parts, and repair options on site.
With having that much inventory, we try to be vacation savers,’ Angermeier noted. If someone comes in and they’re just here for a few days, we don’t want them to miss out on any riding time. So, we try to turn things around really quick.
When it comes to the vast, ancient Pisgah National Forest, Angermeier, who’s been traversing the extensive terrain for many years, still only feels like he’s just scratching the surface of outdoor possibility and adventure one can immerse themselves in here. Not to mention what lies within the nearby DuPont State Forest.
For Angermeier and the rest of The Hub & Pisgah Tavern crew, it’s not lost on them how unique and appreciated their business is. It’s this space of energy and interaction, one where everybody’s talking about how good their ride was, what they saw, and how they felt.
I love the rawness of the trails, and just being able to feel the history of the area when you’re riding on an old logging road, Angermeier said. And how you can drive 15 minutes from Pisgah to DuPont and it’s like a whole different ecosystem and a whole different feel. It’s pretty ama ing. n
Women’s Cycling Club host events, club rides, and races. There are also great road rides in Haywood County and in the Mills River and Cane Creek areas of south Buncombe and north Henderson counties. Several groups also offer winter rides for those who don’t want to put their bike away during the cold-weather months.
Less than an hour and a half from Asheville, the Nantahala Outdoor Center can provide just about any kind of adventure you’d want, from biking to climbing to hiking to river oats to lake kayaking to tickets to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
The rafting companies along the Nantahala, Chattooga, and Pigeon rivers offer exhilarating guided whitewater raft rides that roll over rapids in trips that last about three hours. Whitewater Paddling magazine has named Asheville a “Top 10 Whitewater Town,” but the glory is shared by many towns on the French Broad, Pigeon, Nantahala, Tuckasegee, and Nolichucky rivers.
Other adventurous explorers might opt for harnessed canopy tours conducted in the beautiful Nantahala orge over six aerial bridges and numerous zip lines. The rides, meant to be more informative than jaw dropping, go through several ecosystems, and guides share cultural and ecological tidbits along the way.
For those who like two feet on the ground, the region offers unparalleled hiking in Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and state parks at Chimney Rock, DuPont, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain, Lake James, and South Mountains. There are several hiking clubs in the area, including the Carolina Mountain Club, established in 1923 and now the region’s most active hiking club.
Julian Price Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway’s largest campground, offers ranger-guided hikes during the day. The National Park Service also provides camping at sites you can pull your car up to at maintained sites at Linville Falls, Crabtree Meadows, Mount Mitchell, and Mount Pisgah. For backpackers, there’s excellent primitive camping in Linville Gorge. Closer to Asheville, public campgrounds exist at Lake Powhatan, North Mills River, and Davidson River.
With thousands of acres to explore and traverse, The Biltmore Estate in Asheville also has many outdoor experiences, including river oats, y fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and biking.
The fun doesn’t stop with the warm weather. Strap on your skis and head to Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, Hatley Pointe Mountain Resort near Mars Hill, or Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain in Banner Elk. All have runs for various levels of expertise, as well as super-fun inner tube rides and ski lodges to nurse any sore muscles. Want to go cross-country skiing? Then head up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, closed to automobiles in the winter, but not to those strapped with poles ready to tackle the beloved road. n
Tee Time With a View
WNC GOLF COURSES
There’s nothing like a round of golf at high elevation to quicken the blood and make you feel alive. Golf courses in Asheville and Western North Carolina have attitude as well as altitude, challenging golfers in the most gorgeous of settings.
Condé Nast Traveler magazine included the golf course at Omni Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in its list of “Top 20 Southern U.S. Golf Resorts.” Designed by Donald Ross in 1926, the 18-hole, par 70 course has an undulating front nine and a back nine that can be steep. Over a decade ago, the resort invested $2.5 million to restore the course in a manner that Ross would approve. Players who have enjoyed its challenge include golf immortals Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, and Byron Nelson, as well as other PGA stars like Doug Sanders, Gene Littler, Fuzzy Zoeller, and Chip Beck.
The Country Club of Asheville has an 18-hole, par 72 Donald Ross-designed course with a distinctive clubhouse that overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains. It also boasts a state-of-the-art indoor tennis facility that has eight outdoor clay courts and a modern fitness facility. Also available are a 25-tee driving range and putting and chipping greens.
Asheville Municipal Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 course that opened in 1927. The front nine of this Donald Ross-designed course measures 3,246 yards from the back tees, calling for a driver on every hole. The course is open daily to the public, weather permitting.
The 18-hole golf course at Biltmore Forest Country Club went through a $2.5-million restoration, accompanied by an $8.5-million renovation of the clubhouse, just a few years ago. The upgrades brought both back to their 1922 splendor. Over the years, the
course has attracted the likes of Bobby Jones, Bill Tilden, John D. Rockefeller, William Jennings Bryan, William Howard Taft, and Calvin Coolidge.
Sporting the only golf course in Western North Carolina designed by Jack Nicklaus, The Cliffs At Walnut Cove is a par 1, 18-hole course that opened in tournament-ready conditions, according to the PGA Tour. Its greens, bent grass fairways, clever bunkering, and elevation changes make it a challenge that calls for a sharp eye.
In Weaverville, just north of Asheville, is Reems Creek Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 course. Located in the beautiful Reems Creek Valley, it’s surrounded by tall mountains through which the Blue Ridge Parkway passes. The 6,492-yard course was designed by Hawtree & Sons, a British firm that worked on Royal Birkdale, a course that’s in the British Open rotation.
South of Asheville in Mills River is High Vista Country Club, whose golf course is open to the public. Established in 1976 and designed by Tom Jackson, the 18-hole course has dramatic elevation changes and winding fairways. Nearby, Etowah Valley Golf Club has three 9-hole courses, all knitted together in one spectacular championship golf experience. Create the combination you want from six tee positions on a scenic plateau 2,200 feet high.
Height matters at Mount Mitchell Golf Club, located near Burnsville. Lying at about 3,000 feet in elevation and bordered by peaks that exceed 6,000 feet, the course is relatively at. The South Toe River runs through it, a factor that must be taken into account for many shots.
In the region west of the Asheville area, there are a handful of top-notch public courses, including the Sequoyah National in Cherokee (designed by Robert Trent Jones II) and the just reopened and completely renovated Waynesville Inn and Golf Club. In the Cashiers area of Jackson County, the scenic High Hampton Inn has one of the most picturesque courses in the country. n
Maggie Valley Club.
A er the Sun Goes Down
WNC IS A MECCA OF LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
After a great day frolicking around the picturesque mountains of Western North Carolina, the fun continues when the sun goes down.
Asheville comes alive with standup comedy at The Odd; screenings of documentaries, foreign, and independent films at the Fine Arts Theatre or Grail Moviehouse; stage productions at the Magnetic Theatre; jazz or swing music at 5 Walnut Wine Bar; international dance troupes at the Diana Wortham Theatre; symphony orchestras at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium; rock
ensembles at The Orange Peel; Americana and folk showcases at The Grey Eagle; or funk nights at the Asheville Music Hall — it’s all here, and more.
Heading down the road, the options are just as tempting. Catch a blockbuster ick at the Smoky Mountain Cinema in Waynesville, bluegrass legends at White Horse Black Mountain, nationally acclaimed troubadours at 185 ing Street in Brevard or The Purple Onion in Saluda, maybe a beloved Broadway production at the Flat Rock Playhouse in Hendersonville, the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville, or the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre in Mars Hill.
And that leaves you with only one question — what to do tonight? n
One World Brewing West. JACK SNYDER PHOTO
Welcome | LOCALES
A Class Act | HAYWOOD ARTS REGIONAL THEATRE
It’s Sunday afternoon, and an array of cars put on their blinkers and pull into 250 Pigeon Street in Waynesville — home to the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre.
“Part of being human is chasing that
HART was officially formed.
Just four years later, Steven Lloyd, an ambitious and talented actor/director, landed in Waynesville, his finely-tuned acting skills soon entering the HART realm. In 1990, Lloyd was hired as
feeling of being completely immersed in the moment,” said HART Executive Director Candice Dickinson. “Where time doesn’t exist and all that matters is the moment you are in with the people you are with.”
On any given weekend, the HART property lights up with live stage productions, most of which become sold-out affairs a truly impressive feat for any longtime theatre company.
“It takes a lot for any theatre to survive anywhere,” Dickinson emphasized. “And the fact that HART has been so loved and supported for 40 years now tells me just how important it is to our community of Waynesville, Haywood County, and really Western North Carolina.
After 40 years and countless HART performances, their endless list of participating actors cannot be accurately gathered or even fathomed.
“What makes HART so special?” Dickinson posed. “It’s the people. The people who make up our community and pour all of their love and dreams into our shows.”
And it all began in Waynesville. In the early 1980s, the community theatre was initially an extension of the Haywood County Arts Council. By 1984,
executive director.
Throughout Lloyd’s tenure, HART grew exponentially into a nationallyrenowned and award-winning theatre company. First came the partnership with The Shelton House in Waynesville, which allowed HART to build its 10,000-square-foot Performing Arts Center in 1997. In 2016, the property expanded with the creation of the 9,000-square-foot Daniel & Belle Fangmeyer Theatre.
“We brought the world to Waynesville,” Lloyd re ected. As we’ve progressed over those 30 years, people have experienced all of those different pieces and it’s changed their thinking. This community is so much more cosmopolitan now, and it’s still a small town.”
In 2023, Lloyd stepped down as executive director, and Dickinson — who worked for HART years earlier amid her own acting endeavors across America — took over the position.
“[I wanted to be] somewhere where you are part of a community,” Dickinson said. “And can make a difference in that community through art.”
At a recent production, the sincerity and passion radiated from Dickinson was evident, whether it was greeting all attendees when they entered the building or helping out behind the concessions counter.
“I’ve learned more about the human experience and what it means to be a leader, wife, mentor, lover, [and] rebel from theatre than I have from any other part of my life,” Dickinson said.
Dickinson’s determination and purpose in upholding HART is a testament to the enduring life and ongoing legacy of the organization itself.
“The joy that artists feel from working at HART ripples out,” Dickinson said. “And we see our audience numbers grow, our donor support grow, and our season audition numbers grow.”
And what remains is a theatre company filled with immense gratitude for its community, something only mirrored by its internal drive to always strive for greatness, onstage and off.
Since its inception, there have been hundreds of productions (estimates of over 400) at HART, whether it be with professional and community actors/ directors or within the popular Kids at HART program, which offers stage opportunities to local/regional youth.
“If people can feel seen and heard in the space they create art, everyone feels it — the audience, volunteers, donors, staff, Dickinson said.
“HART would be nothing without its community and it is our constant goal to make sure that it is an enjoyable and supportive place to be for everyone.” n
Farm Fresh
WNC RESTAURANTS EMBRACE NATURAL FOOD MOVEMENT
With the recent boom in demand for organic produce, meat, and farm-to-table restaurants, Western North Carolina has become a hotbed for independent, natural food products.
Between handcrafted beer using local ingredients, fresh meat from grass-fed cattle, fine wines, fruits, and vegetables, the possibilities are as endless as they are available.
For Richard ing, life is a matter of inspiration and creation. A native of Black Mountain, he’s launched several businesses and helped them grow, all with eyes aimed for the next adventure, next opportunity to construct something from nothing.
And when it came to an abandoned gas station on East State Street in his hometown, ing saw potential for something truly unique and special The Pure & Proper.
Formerly the Pure Oil Station, the European-style structure was built in 1941.With its steep-pitched roof and minimalist mid20th century aesthetic, the property is incredibly charming and welcoming, albeit sitting dormant for a number of years.
It was 2020 when ing and his wife, Heidi, took over the property. The ings then reached out to a renowned local chef, Jake
Whitman, who was coincidentally looking to open a restaurant of his own at some point. Alongside Whitman’s wife, Ali, the quartet came together and opened The Pure & Proper in December 2022. We want to make sure people feel at home here no pretention whatsoever, Richard said.
An all-day eatery, the concept is akin to a European caf , one where you can get a great cup of coffee and breakfast in the morning, a delicious farm-to-table lunch and a fine-dining experience for dinner over wine this one-stop community spot for culinary delights and hearty conversation.
Scanning the extensive menu, The Pure & Proper is an adventure for the senses. Plates vary from crawfish etouffee to fried chicken and wa es for brunch, pickled pear grilled cheese to a pork belly hoagie for lunch, duck leg confit to yellowfin tuna tartare for dinner. All of which complemented by a slew of wine, craft beer, cocktail, coffee and dessert offerings.
One of my favorite things is walking around the restaurant and see people light up with excitement about what they’re eating, how they’re feeling the space seeing and feeling that energy and bu is a great thing to be part of, Richard said.
At the far end of the bustling Haywood Road in West Asheville sits an unassuming bungalow-style structure. To the untrained eye, it seems like some humble abode. But, to those who’ve wandered through, behind the front door is Leo’s House of Thirst, an establishment of culinary delights.
Cataloochee Ranch. OLIVIER BLANCHARD PHOTO
Stirring up Passion | THE BLACKBIRD
For Executive Chef Michael Reppert, how he navigates his daily life, either in the kitchen or right outside his front door, comes down to one simple thing: gratitude.
“It’s a wonderful feeling watching people enjoy themselves, where they’ll come into the kitchen and say they had a really great meal,” Reppert said. “It really does make all of the bad things — the burns and the scrapes — all worth it, you know?”
Owner/chef of The Blackbird, a fine dining establishment in the heart of Asheville, Reppert not only stands at the helm of a beloved culinary destination in the city, but also is part of a world-renowned food scene that permeates out from the metro area into the vast mountains of Western North Carolina.
“I love the landscape [of Western North Carolina],” Reppert said. “Just driving to work and being able to look at the mountains is beautiful for me. Being able, in the summer, to go swimming in a creek or just to get away into the mountains without really leaving [the city].”
Duck Breast.” Each plate also features many farm-to-table ingredients from around the region and from local
Originally from New York, Reppert graduated from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary institution and worked his way through an array of restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts. By 2012, Reppert landed in Asheville to be near family. Initially, he started as a line cook at The Blackbird, before working his way up to sous chef, then executive chef/general manager. By 2019, he became the owner.
“Owning the restaurant was a very big deal to me,” Reppert said. It really solidified everything I’ve worked for. I’ve always wanted to be part of that world of owning restaurants. And I worked really hard for it.”
Located on the corner of Biltmore Avenue and Aston Street, The Blackbird cuisine is considered “Modern Southern with a ‘nod’ to tradition.”
“It’s about using what you have and what you need to get rid of, where you’re creating a new dish or expanding on an old idea,” Reppert said. “That’s always the fun part of it. You can do whatever you want — it’s never-ending.”
The prized dinner menu itself consists of dishes such as “WNC Mountain Trout & Scallop Risotto,” “Cold Smoked Thick Cut Heritage Pork Chop,” “Seafood Pirlau,” and “Seared
farmers markets.
“Farmers message me weekly about what they have, what they can get, and what they can provide,” Reppert said. “The fun part is the preparation of what I can find and coming up with new ways to present things.”
So, just what is it about The Blackbird that captivated Reppert?
“It was the cuisine. I enjoy the Southern with the New American ares, Reppert said. “And this was a place that you just kind of grew into. Everything kind of owed nicely. According to Reppert, his take on The Blackbird menu is this New American approach, one where you’re “using Old World techniques in modern ways.”
“Basically, it’s using French techniques and Italian cuisine in Southern ways,” Reppert said. Different layers of different cuisines.”
When you place The Blackbird within the vibrant culinary scene of Asheville and greater Western North Carolina, one can truly see, more so taste, the beauty and splendor of culinary delights in this area.
“You have great farms and great mountains, where we’re well-versed in agriculture and in community,” Reppert said. “And you have wonderful companies here supplying some of the best produce I’ve ever seen, and supporting each other — local people support locals.” n
There’s definitely a co y nature to this place, said Austin Inselmann, head chef at Leo’s. When you’re in here, you see all of these people having a great time, whether they’re sitting inside at a table or outside under the tree. They’re all coming together as a community, and this energy and bu fills the air.
Opened in the fall of 2020, Leo’s is the creation of famed Asheville restaurant owner Drew Wallace, who is also the founder of The Admiral and The Bull & Beggar. With Leo’s, he created an intimate space with a menu focused on small plates filled with local, seasonal ingredients.
With such a focus on local ingredients, you’re kind of forced to bring these things together in the fall and winter months that maybe aren’t normal together. How do I make cabbage taste good How do I make a carrot taste good Though that isn’t hard because carrots are delicious, Inselmann laughed. But, in that, it also sparks creativity to try something different, where we can present new and interesting menu items with each passing season.
While the culinary scene of the region expands, and palates become more sophisticated, the passion and love put into a meal comes from the mere fact that the restaurant chefs, owners, and servers all reside in Western North Carolina a place they are proud to call home.
Over the past two decades, there has been a food revolution in the area. Along every downtown, you’ll find anything from Cajun to French, Asian to Italian, Mexican to Mediterranean. Whether it’s local establishments incorporating different dishes into the menus or the troves of culinary artisans relocating here, the desire to try something new and different is all around in this land of cosmopolitan country cuisines.
It was 21 years ago when Hugo Ramire opened the doors of Limones one of the finest, most sought-after and innovative culinary destinations in Asheville and greater Western North Carolina.
When we moved here from California , we were thinking to have a Mexico City style coffee shop, with sweet breads and pastries, Ramire said. At that time, there was nothing here like I can truly cook and know about, which is Mexican-California cuisine. And we opened as a restaurant for just one night I gained confidence in
myself since that day, that night, that I can do it.
A native of Mexico City, Ramire was raised in household where cooking was not only a big part of his family, but also his rich, vibrant heritage and culture. To this day, he still seeks advice and suggestions from his mother and sister, both of whom have a huge in uence on his culinary craft.
Everything I do on the menu, I don’t plan ahead, I just think about it, Ramire said. I can be driving or going to the store, the market, and I’ll be thinking about the menu . When I get to the restaurant, I just start doing it and coming up with something whatever pops in my head that’ll work.
That imaginative inspiration is coupled with what’s the freshest ingredients available at any given time throughout the year, Ramire said. He has forged relationships with many local farmers and market vendors to ensure that what he brings from the field to the table is a distinct representation of his culinary expertise and artisan air.
I’ll have a concept for a recipe in mind, and it’ll be based on what the vendors tell me they have a day or two beforehand, Ramire said. It’s about applying what I know, and where my roots are, so I can find this niche where I collect all of the ingredients and, little-by-little, bring my ideas to life.
There’s always been a lot of variety and creativity in the Asheville food scene, but I feel that every place is hitting those standards found in other great food cities, said Jeff Miller, owner/pitmaster of Luella’s Bar-B-Que in North Asheville. More and more people are moving here and visiting here, and the expectations have been raised and we’re meeting and exceeding those expectations.
Fired up over 18 years ago, the wildly popular Luella’s speciali es in North Carolina-style barbecue vinegar based sauce, with a dash of honey, garlic, and tomatoes , Texas style brisket, a St. Louis dry rub for the smoked turkey breast, and their signature New Orleans/Creole andouille sauce.
Looking around at the growing culinary reputation of Asheville, it doesn’t surprise Miller that the city has become a foodie mecca for the Southeast and beyond.
The food scene has changed dramatically here, Miller said. And I think the quality of food and the dining experience in this city has shifted greatly. n
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Heady Territory
ASHEVILLE'S CRAFT BEVERAGE SCENE
With around 75 independent establishments in Asheville and Western North Carolina, the craft beer industry is booming in these parts. Now known a “Beer City,” Asheville has become the epicenter for a beverage movement unseen in not only the industry, but also the nation as a whole.
It all started for Asheville in 1994 when Oscar Wong started Highland Brewing the city’s first legal brewery since Prohibition and tapped into the region’s craft beer potential.
Fast forward 20 years to 2014, and craft beer pioneer and industry leader Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Chico, California opened its $200 million, 217-acre East Coast production facility in Mills River, right outside Asheville.
“The community around Asheville attracts such an artistic and eclectic mix of people, a very similar mix of people like Chico,” said en rossman, founder/owner of Sierra Nevada. The outdoors is something I try to do on a regular basis get outside and hike. We’re near mountains, streams, and places to recreate in Chico, and Asheville is just like that.
An embracing, all-are-welcome attitude is perhaps one of the
reasons Asheville’s brew scene has exploded. Competing brewers exhibit camaraderie toward each other, with seasoned big-hitters lending help to upstart companies.
Alongside Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, industry giants New Belgium Brewing Fort Collins, Colorado and Oskar Blues Brewery both opened East Coast headquarters in Western North Carolina.
In 2012, Oskar Blues opened an enormous nine-acre $10 million east coast facility in Brevard and New Belgium fired up its $140 million facility in the River Arts District of Asheville, a property that has become a beacon of economic and cultural significance for the city.
New Belgium and Oskar Blues have since been bought out by larger beverage companies, as was local start-up brewer Wicked Weed a couple of years ago. Those buyouts are evidence of the ever-growing, somewhat topsy-turvy nature of the craft beer scene as these newer, unique brews continue to grab a larger share of the national and international beverage market.
In the depths of Asheville, tucked away down Shady Oak Drive in Biltmore illage is Forestry Camp by Burial Beer Co. a multifaceted property combining craft ales, culinary delights, live music, and fellowship.
“Of our four core values, two speak the most to me — community and inclusivity, said Phil Cassella, head of marketing for Burial Beer Co. With every decision we make, we try to keep that front of mind. And I think that resonates with folks anyone who visits our taprooms can find something for them that is of a high quality.
Tapping into Community | HIGHLAND BREWING
Recently celebrating its 30th anniversary, Highland Brewing remains a bastion for not only craft beer in Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia, but also this beacon of Asheville’s compassion and connectivity.
“We have seen the rise of craft beer, a slowdown, a resurgence, and now maturing,” said Leah Wong Ashburn, owner of Highland Brewing. “Today, we look for new ways to connect with consumers while honoring our foundational values. We have, and will always, value consistency and high quality, tradition and innovation, and our connection to Asheville and the region.”
According to Wong Ashburn, the American craft beer industry “grew from about 600 brewers to around 9,600 in our 30 years.” The same growth can be said for Western North Carolina, where more than 75 breweries now reside across seemingly every mountain town.
And though the rest of the country is now well-versed in the hardscrabble ethos and positive attitudes swirling around the craft ale community, for Asheville, it all started with Highland Brewing and its founder Oscar Wong.
“Asheville had the bones of a great beer destination before Highland opened,” Wong Ashburn said. “My father saw the natural beauty, the independent spirit, and an appreciation for food and beverage here before the culinary or beer scene emerged. In addition, our water is fantastic for brewing.”
In 1994, Highland Brewing was started in the basement of Barley’s Taproom on Biltmore Avenue in the heart of Asheville. Wong’s aim was to share his love of craft beer with the surrounding city—this special product for locals and visitors alike.
“He was collaborative, honest, and inviting, even though from 1994–2006 we were down an alley, in a basement, with no taproom and zero aesthetic appeal,”
Wong Ashburn said. “He wanted Highland to be part of the fabric of Asheville—a company the city would be proud to claim.”
And for the better part of the last 20 years, Highland Brewing’s largescale operations have been housed at its headquarters in east Asheville. In 2015, Wong Ashburn took over the family business. The massive property now includes its brew house, taproom, live music venue, beach volleyball courts, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
“As a brewing community, I see pride in being makers of a beverage Asheville is known for. We love it because brewing is art and science, nature and nurture, while it’s financially
accessible and social,” Wong Ashburn said. “We have the opportunity to gain strength, but it’s not guaranteed. The entrepreneurial spirit that drives small independent brewers also has to drive smart business and new experiences in liquid and taprooms.”
With three decades now in the rearview mirror, Highland Brewing remains with one foot in tradition and dedication to the community, the other in the progression of their products through creativity and innovation.
“We’ll continue to brew here and invest in our brewery with the intent to be a constant highlight in Asheville and the region,” Wong Ashburn said. “We are a small city with a big spirit. The concentration of art, food, beverage, music, and nature makes Asheville a treasure. It’s also an easy place to feel connected and comfortable. It’s not an overstatement to say I’m a better person because I live here.” n
Since it first arrived on the scene with its agship location in the South Slope neighborhood of Asheville in 2013, Burial Beer Co. has become a pillar of the craft beer movement in the city and greater Southern Appalachia. With a seemingly never-ending selection of intricately curated ales, the brewery has risen into the upper echelon of the national craft beer landscape.
Twelve years is a testament to our team’s creativity and mindset of continual innovation, Cassella said. And we’ve changed our portfolio quite a bit over the years, not only with the beers we make, but through the variety of experiences we offer at our taprooms.
Amid a constant evolution of self, Burial launched its Forestry Camp location in 2019. Formerly operated by the Civilian Conservation Corps CCC to house workers constructing the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, the historic property was transformed into a place of respite all with an extensive taproom, farm-totable restaurant, and an expansive space to frolic and roam.
It’s sort of a campus situation that also houses our main production brewery, Cassella said. The food at Forestry Camp is definitely elevated and locally sourced, but it’s priced approachably. It’s a great place for families to hang out with the outdoor beer gardens and plenty of places for the kids to run around.
Home to three breweries, Haywood County has become a scene in its own right. Boojum Brewing and Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville and BearWaters Brewing in Canton/Maggie alley are all serving up a wide array of selections that perfectly compliment the innumerable varieties brewed in Asheville.
Co-owner/manager of Boojum Brewing, elsie Baker and her family have quickly established themselves as one of the must try craft beer destinations in Western North Carolina.
Amid a highly competitive industry locally, regionally, and nationally where your reputation resides in every beverage poured, Boojum has risen to the upper echelon of avor, style, and selection. Between their off-site brewery and downtown
taproom/restaurant, the business is a social and economic anchor within the community.
From day one, we’ve always said that we want to keep it fresh and exciting, to never cut corners, Baker said. We’re really passionate about what we do always experimenting, reading, learning new techniques and ideas. We use high quality, difficult to get hops, yeasts and avorings, and these things are expensive and generally more difficult to work with, but the result is a much better product.
As a proud enrolled member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Morgan Crisp looks to share the history of her ancestors the stories, symbols, language, and culture through the art of craft beer.
It’s empowering for me to share this history . And it was really healing because I was sort of disjointed with heritage, Crisp said. There was a time growing up where the last thing you wanted to do was be Native. I was brought up in that culture, of lost language and lost traditions .
Co-owner/founder of Clans Brewing in the Biltmore illage section of Asheville, alongside her husband, Travis, and another couple, Frank and Julia Bonomo all partners in CCB Beverage, LLC , Crisp represents another proud chapter of the Cherokee reemergence in the 21st century storytelling.
For me, I just think of our products as a way to share the stories, to share our Cherokee culture through a different medium these legends that are important and significant, Crisp said.
In the fall of 2022, CCB put roots down in Buncombe County, with its Clans taproom on Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville. The space finally provided a brick and mortar structure for Clans as it continues to expand its product line.
It’s incredible. I didn’t think we’d ever get here, Crisp said in a humbled tone. And it’s all happening on two levels, where people are loving the beer and are interested in the story of our brand ultimately embracing what it is we’re trying to do. n
The Big List | WNC CRAFT BEVERAGES
ASHEVILLE
Clans
12 Bones
All Sevens Brewing
Archetype Brewing
Asheville Brewing
Burial Beer Co.
Catawba Brewing
Cellarest Beer Project
Diatribe Brewing
DSSOL R
Fahrenheit Pi a & Brewhouse
French Broad Brewing
inger’s Revenge
reen Man Brewery
Hi-Wire Brewing
Highland Brewing
Hillman Beer
New Belgium Brewing
New Origin Brewing
One World Brewing
Outsider Brewing
Oyster House Brewing
River Arts District Brewing
Rye not Brewery
Salt Face Mule Brewing
Sweeten Creek Brewing
Terra Nova Brewing
Thirsty Monk Brewery
TR E Brewing
Twin Leaf Brewery
Wedge Brewing
White Labs itchen & Tap
Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed Funkatorium
ELSEWHERE
Clans Waynesville
Angry Elk Brewing Whittier
Appalachian rail Brewing
Hayesville
Balsam Falls Brewing Sylva
BearWaters Brewing
Canton/Maggie alley
Big Pillow Brewing Hot Springs
Black Mountain Brewing Black
Mountain
Boodas Brewing Hendersonville
Boojum Brewing Waynesville
Brevard Brewing Brevard
Buck Bald Brewing Murphy
Burning Blush Mills River
Currahee Brewing Franklin
Dry Falls Brewing Hendersonville
Ecusta Brewing Pisgah Forest
Eluvium Brewing Weaverville
Fonta Flora Brewery Morganton
Frog Level Brewing Waynesville
uidon Brewing Hendersonville
Hillman Beer Old Fort
Homeplace Beer Co. Burnsville
Hoppy Trout Brewing Andrews
Innovation Brewing Sylva/ Dillsboro/Cullowhee
Iron ey Brewing Columbus
Laughing Dogs Brewing
Hayesville
La y Hiker Brewing Franklin/ Sylva
Leveller Brewing Weaverville
Lookout Brewing Black
Mountain
Mad Co. Brew House Marshall
Mars Theatre Brewing Mars Hill
Mica Town Brewing Marion
Mills River Brewery Mills River
Mountain Layers Brewing
Bryson City
Native Brews Cherokee
Noblebrau Brewing Brevard
Nocturnal Brewing Hayesville
Oskar Blues Brewing Brevard
Pisgah Brewing Black Mountain
Riverside Rhapsody Beer Co.
Woodfin
Oklawaha Brewing Hendersonville
Salt Face Mule Brewing Woodfin
Satulah Mountain Brewing
Highlands
Sidetracked Brewery Morganton
Sideways Farm & Brewery Etowah
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Mills
River
Snowbird Mountains Brewery
Andrews
Southern Appalachian Brewery
Hendersonville
Testament Brewery Murphy
Trailside Brewing Hendersonville
Turgua Brewing Fairview
UpCountry Brewing Brevard
alley River Brewing Murphy
Whaley Farm Brewery Old Fort
Whistle Hop Brewing Fairview
Whiteside Brewing Cashiers
ebulon Artisan Ales Weaverville
illicoah Beer Co. Woodfin
CIDERIES
Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery
Hendersonville
Balsam Falls Brewing Sylva
Barn Door Ciderworks Fletcher
Black Mountain Ciderworks
Meadery Black Mountain
Bold Rock Cider Mills River
Fae Nectar Lake Lure
Flat Rock Ciderworks Hendersonville
Noble Cider Asheville
Side Trip Cider Asheville
TreeRock Social Cider & Mead Bar
Asheville
Urban Orchard Cider Asheville
Wehrloom Meadery Asheville
WINERIES
Addison Farms ineyard Leicester
B&C Winery Maggie alley
Burntshirt ineyards Hendersonville
Eagle Fork ineyards Hayesville
FernCrest Winery Andrews
Marked Tree ineyard Flat Rock
Deep Creek Winery Bryson City
Mountain Brook ineyards Tryon
Overmountain ineyards Tryon
Parker-Binns ineyard Mill Spring
Pleb Urban Winery Asheville
Point Lookout ineyards
Hendersonville
Saint Pail Mountain ineyards
Hendersonville
Sawyer Springs ineyard & Winery
Hendersonville
Silver Fork Winery Morganton
South Creek Winery Nebo
Souther Williams ineyard Fletcher
Stone Ashe ineyards
Hendersonville
Hi-Wire Brewing. VISITNC.COM PHOTO
Getting started Welcome | INFORMATION
Distances
(in miles)
Climate
Asheville Airport 1512293620
Greenville/80596410056
Spartanburg, SC
Charlotte, NC 12411193153132
Knoxville, TN 129144141112152
Columbia, SC 158137133178157
Atlanta, GA 208187206169183
Raleigh, NC 251275237279283
Charleston, SC 268247242288267
Myrtle Beach, SC 302281281322301
Savannah, GA 314293285335314
Wilmington, NC 360339298380359
Washington, DC 471495470500503
Orlando, FL 584563558604583
New York, NY 691714696719722
Miami, FL 794773760815793
Voter Registration
Buncombe County
35 Woodfin St., Asheville 828 250-4200
Haywood County
1233 N. Main St., Waynesville 828 452-6633
Henderson County
5 E. Central Ave., Hendersonville 828 694970
Jackson County
401 rindstaff Cove Road, Sylva 828 586- 538
Madison County
5 0 Hwy. 25- 0, Marshall 828 649-3 31
Polk County
40 Courthouse St., Columbus 828 894-8181
Rutherford County
298 Fairground Rd., Spindale 828 28 -6030
Transylvania County
221 S. aston St., Brevard 828 884-3114
Yancey County
225 W. Main St., Burnsville 828 682-3950
Drivers License
Buncombe County
85 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828 252-8526
1624 Patton Ave., Asheville 828 251-6065
Haywood County
290 Lee Road, Clyde 828 62 -6969
Henderson County
125 Baystone Drive, Hendersonville 828 692-6915
January462 3.0
February50293.19
March58363.83
April6 443.16
May 4523.53
June81603.24
July84642.9
August83623.34
September 563.01
October68452.40
November583 2.93
December50302.59
Jackson County
8 6 Skyland Drive, Sylva 828 586-5413
Madison County
164 N. Main St., Marshall 828 649-2248
Polk County
130 Ward St., Columbus 828 692-6915
Rutherford County
596 Withrow Rd., Forest City 828 266-29 3
Transylvania County
50 Commerce St., Brevard 828 883-20 0
Yancey County
116 N. Main St., Burnsville 828 682-9619
Vehicle Registration
Buncombe County
85 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828 252-8526
80 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828 66 -2104
Haywood County
4 8 Champion Drive, Canton 828 646-3406
80 Waynesville Pla a, Waynesville 828 452-15
Henderson County
145 Four Seasons Mall, Hendersonville 828 692-0648
Jackson County
454 E. Main St., Sylva 828 586-3886
Madison County
133 S. Main St., Marshall 828 649-3528
Polk County
51 Walker St., Columbus 828 894-6430
Median Household Income
$46,574$50,343 $69,904
States $52,029$59,039$80,610
SOURCE:
Rutherford County
1639 U.S. 4, Spindale 828 28 -3600
Transylvania County
69 New Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest 828 883-3251
Yancey County
14 Town Square, Burnsville 828 682-2312
Tax O ces
Buncombe County 828 250-4910
buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/tax
Haywood County 828 452-6 34 haywoodnc.net
Henderson County 828 69 -48 0 hendersoncountync.org/ca
Jackson County 828 586- 541 jacksonnc.org/tax-collector
Madison County 828 649-3402 madisoncountync.org/-tax
Polk County 828 894-8954 polknc.org/departments/taxassessor
Rutherford County 828 28 -6355 rutherfordcountync.gov
Transylvania County 828 884-3200
transylvaniacounty.org/tax-administration
Yancey County 828 682-2198 yanceycountync.gov
Helpful links
Electricity
Duke Energy duke-energy.com
Haywood EMC haywoodemc.com
Progress Energy progress-energy.com
Natural Gas
Progress Energy progress-energy.com
PSNC Energy psncenergy.com/en
Public Utilities
City of Asheville Water Resources ashevillenc.gov/ departments/water
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County msdbc.org
City of Asheville Sanitation ashevillenc.gov/departments/ sanitation
Henderson County Utilities hendersoncountync.org
Internet/
Phone/Cable
AT&T • att.com
DirecTV • directv.com
Mountain Area Information Network main.nc.us
Skyrunner Internet skyrunner.net
Spectrum • spectrum.com
StarBand • starband.com
TDS Telecom • tdstelecom.com
Verizon • verizon.com
Transportation
AIRPORTS
Asheville Regional Airport yavl.com
Hendersonville Airport hendersonvilleairport.com
TRAINS
Amtrak • amtrak.com
Great Smoky Mountains
Railroad • gsmr.com
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Buncombe County Transportation buncombecounty.org/governing/ depts/transportation
Government
BUNCOMBE COUNTY buncombecounty.org
Asheville • ashevillenc.gov
Barnardsville • barnardsville.com
Biltmore Forest biltmoreforest.org
Black Mountain townofblackmountain.com
Fletcher • etchernc.org
Montreat • townofmontreat.org
Weaverville • weavervillenc.org
HAYWOOD COUNTY haywoodnc.net
Canton • cantonnc.com
Clyde • townofclyde.com
Maggie Valley townofmaggievalley.com
Waynesville townofwaynesville.org
HENDERSON COUNTY
hendersoncountync.org
Flat Rock Village villageo atrock.org
Hendersonville cityofhendersonville.org
Laurel Park • laurelpark.org
JACKSON COUNTY jacksonnc.org
Sylva townofsylva.org
MADISON COUNTY madisoncountync.org
Hot Springs • townofhotsprings.org
Marshall • townofmarshall.org
Mars Hill • townofmarshill.org
POLK COUNTY polknc.org
Columbus • columbusnc.com
Tryon • tryon-nc.com
RUTHERFORD COUNTY rutherfordcountync.gov
Lake Lure • towno akelure.com
Rutherfordton • rutherfordton.net
TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY transylvaniacounty.org
Brevard • cityofbrevard.com
YANCEY COUNTY yanceycountync.gov
Burnsville • townofburnsville.org
Chambers of Commerce
Asheville Area ashevillechamber.org
Black Mountain-Swannanoa blackmountain.org
Brevard/Transylvania brevardncchamber.org
Carolina Foothills polkchamber.org
Cashiers Area • cashiers-nc.com
Downtown Waynesville Association downtownwaynesville.com
Haywood County haywoodchamber.com
Henderson County hendersoncountychamber.org
Jackson County mountainlovers.com
Madison County madisoncounty-nc.com
Maggie Valley • maggievalley.org
Polk County • polkchambernc.com
Rutherford County rutherfordcoc.org
Saluda Business Association saluda.com
Yancey County yanceychamber.com
Tourism
Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority exploreasheville.com
Cashiers • cashiersnc.com
Dillsboro Merchants Association visitdillsboro.org
Haywood County Tourism Development Authority visitncsmokies.com
Henderson County Travel and Tourism historichendersonville.org
Jackson County Travel and Tourism mountainlovers.com
Lake Lure Tourism rutherfordtourism.com
Madison County visitmadisoncounty.com
Polk County • nc-mountains.org
Rutherdford County Tourism Development Authority rutherfordcountync.gov
Buncombe County Public Libraries buncombecounty.org/ governing/ depts/Library
Haywood County Public Library haywoodlibrary.org
Henderson County Public Library henderson.lib.nc.us
Jackson County Public Library fontanalib.org/sylva
Madison County Public Library madisoncountylibrary.org
Transylvania County Public Library library.transylvaniacounty.org
Public Schools
Asheville City Schools
ashevillecityschools.net
Buncombe County Schools buncombe.k12.nc.us
Haywood County Schools haywood.k12.nc.us
Henderson County Schools hendersoncountypublicschoolsnc. org
Jackson County Schools jcps.k12.nc.us
Madison County Schools madisonk12.schoolfusion.us
Polk County Schools polkschools.org
Transylvania County Schools transylvania.k12.nc.us
Yancey County Schools yanceync.net
Private Schools
Asheville Catholic School ashevillecatholic.org
Asheville Christian Academy acacademy.org
Asheville Montessori School ashevillemontessorischool.com
Asheville School ashevilleschool.org
Asheville-Pisgah ashevillepisgah.org
Azalea Mountain School azaleamountain.org
Carolina Christian School carolinachristianschool.com
Carolina Day School carolinaday.org
Christ School christschool.org
Emmanuel Lutheran School emmanuellutheran.info
Fletcher Academy etcheracademy.com
French Broad River Academy fbra-avl.org
Hanger Hall School for Girls hangerhall.org
Immaculate Catholic School immac.org
Learning Community School thelearningcommunity.org
Montessori Learning Center mlcasheville.org
Mount Pisgah Academy pisgah.us
Nazarene Christian School ashevillefirstna arene.org
New City Christian School newcitychristian.org
New Classical Academy thenewclassicalacademy.org
North Asheville Christian School rmcacademy.org
Odyssey Community School odysseycommunity.org
Rainbow Mountain Children’s School rmcs.org
Temple Baptist School templebaptistschool.org
Veritas Christian Academy veritasnc.org
Charter Schools
ArtSpace Charter School artspacecharter.org
Brevard Academy brevard.teamcfa.org
Evergreen Community Charter School evergreenccs.com
FernLeaf Community Charter School fernleafccs.org
Francine Delaney
New School for Children fdnsc.net
The Franklin School of Innovation franklinschoolofinnovation.org
Imagine Collegiate icimagine.org
The Mountain Community School tmcschool.org
Shining Rock
Classical Academy shiningrockclassical academy.com
Summit Charter School summitschool.org
Colleges & Universities
Asheville-Buncombe
Technical Community College abtech.edu
Blue Ridge Community College blueridge.edu
Brevard College brevard.edu
Haywood Community College haywood.edu
Lenoir-Rhyne Asheville lr.edu/asheville
Mars Hill College mhc.edu
Montreat College montreat.edu
Southwestern Community College southwesterncc.edu
University of North Carolina at Asheville unca.edu
Warren Wilson College warren-wilson.edu
Western Carolina University wcu.edu
B UY & BORR OW B UNDLE
We’re excited to announce the Buy & Borrow Bundle, a program designed to offer significant savings and convenience for home buyers. Why juggle multiple vendors? Our in-house essential services mean your home-buying process is managed under one roof, simplifying your path to homeownership. With the Buy & Borrow Bundle, home buyers who sign an Exclusive Buyer Agency agreement with Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks, Realtors® and finance their new home through Howard Hanna Mortgage Services will qualify for a closing credit of 0.5% of their home loan amount, up to $10,000.*
Receive up to $10,000 in savings while enjoying streamlined, top-notch services tailored to your real estate needs. Learn more at allentate.com/bundle.
*NMLS #101561. Limited time offer. Terms and conditions apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer of credit is subject to credit approval. Applies to purchase money mortgages only. Does not apply to all loan programs, including brokered transactions. Contact Howard Hanna Mortgage Services for mortgage products and eligibility. Offer not available with any other discounts or offers. Approved borrowers will receive a closing cost grant equal to .5% of the loan amount on their Closing Disclosure. For example, a client would receive a credit of 0.5% of the $380,000 loan amount for a credit of $1,900 toward closing costs. By electing the Howard Hanna Buy & Borrow Bundle, you are consenting to Howard Hanna and its affiliate companies contacting you to begin your pre approval process. Offer is only available to Exclusive Buyer Agency clients who are purchasing a home through Allen Tate Real Estate Services and financing through Howard Hanna Mortgage Services. Offer cannot be retroactively applied to loans where the rate has been locked. The program commences on July 15, 2024, and is subject to termination at any time, except in Indiana, where the program will commence on July 1, 2024. For full licensing information, visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
Qualified Buyers/Borrowers may receive up to .50 point rebate on their loan amount at closing not to exceed a total of $10,000. Underwriting and program restrictions may apply. Not available on all products or programs. Please consult your Mortgage Loan Officer for restrictions. Available for a limited period of time. Availability of rebate is determined in part by the borrower’s down payment, negotiated concessions and/or other underwriting and program parameters. Concessions and other program restrictions may affect eligibility. Please consult with your Mortgage Loan Officer. Offer void where prohibited by law.
