Move Closer to Heaven
Western North Carolina living offers visitors and residents alike an amazing array of natural beauty. While the larger cities have their own special attractions, it’s the smaller cities and towns that promise the newcomer an unforgettable trip — or perhaps even a new home — in the Blue Ridge Mountains. These are a few of those jewels.
Black Mountain
Since the Cherokee Indians settled there several thousand years ago, folks have come to the Black Mountain area just 15 miles east of Asheville seeking rejuvenation, contemplation and introspection. There are many world-class conference and retreat centers in the area offering exceptional facilities and services to meet your needs. Places like YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center, The Cove - Billy Graham Training Center, or Christmount Assembly offer full-service, year-round centers nestled on thousands of acres of woodland beautified by mountain streams, wildflowers, ridges, valleys and spectacular views.
Take a walk through the historic downtown and you’ll discover numerous upscale gift shops, galleries and Appalachian-style craft stores, with local craftsmen demonstrating iron works, dulcimer making and hand thrown pottery. More than 40 restaurants in the area serve up a mixture of menus from the most upscale cuisine to barbecue.
Brevard
Brevard, county seat of Transylvania County, has fought the trend of small-town America to be bypassed and suburbanized and into losing the endearing qualities of yesterday. Everyone seems to have the same goal: preserving the town’s architectural, economic and environmental integrity.
At the core of Brevard’s being is its dedication to the arts. The Brevard Music Center, Brevard College, and its Porter Center for Performing Arts produce world-class jazz and classical concerts, musicals and operas, attracting renowned performers. In addition to the regular season of concerts, Brevard Music Center orchestrates a summer program that is legendary for its performances and for its teaching and mentoring of talented young artists.
Brevard College is a celebrated four-year liberal arts institution. The 700-seat Porter Center for Performing Arts at Brevard College has earned recognition as one of the finest performance halls in the South. Outstanding acoustics and unobstructed sightlines compliment a stage large enough to house a full symphony, or a soloist. There’s something for everyone in Brevard.
Columbus
Come enjoy the scenic beauty of this small town, nestled in the mountains of Polk County, North Carolina. Columbus is the county seat of Polk County and is another mountain gem. Proud of its historical heritage, the town features a beautifully restored county courthouse as well as the Polk County Historical Museum. The folks in Columbus honor veterans not only with the museum, but also with their Veteran’s Park. Come be a part of the heritage that Columbus has to offer.
And while there don’t miss on all the wonderful shopping opportunities at the restaurants and shops. This is definitely one small town you don’t want to miss.
Fletcher
The town of Fletcher is conveniently situated among neighboring business communities of Arden, Skyland and Asheville to the north, Hendersonville to the south, Mills River to the west and Fairview to the east. The town is home to Asheville Regional Airport, providing convenient non-stop service to Charlotte, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, Newark, Orlando and Chicago. Fletcher is also home to the Apple County Transit, an area bus line, connecting Fletcher residents with the city of Hendersonville.
Fletcher was incorporated in 1989. Since its incorporation, the town has nearly doubled in population. Between 1990 and 2000, the population grew from 2,787 to 4,185. This growth has continued to an estimated 7,187 in 2010. Due to its low tax base and family friendly environment, Fletcher is a magnet for industry that chose the area for its beauty and wealth of educated workers. The town’s motto says it all: “Pride in our past, and faith in our future.”
Hendersonville
Hendersonville lies just 22 miles from Asheville. This appealing southern town was listed in “The 100 Best Small Towns in America” and Money magazine rated it among the 20 best places in the country to retire. America’s Best Places to Retire magazine consistently sings its praises as does many other retirement magazines, newsletters and websites. But is Hendersonville is not “just” a place to retire. Not by a long shot! Hendersonville is a modern city steeped in traditional southern charm. It boasts a downtown filled with unique specialty shops, antique stores, restaurants and other attractions.
Finally nothing written about Hendersonville would be complete without mentioning the biggest event every year, the N.C. Apple Festival. For 60 years the festival has featured a street fair with arts and crafts vendors, continuous live musical entertainment, apple growers and their apples, children’s and youth activities, special exhibits and open houses, and plenty of local food. It’s always the big event Labor Day Weekend.
Marshall
The town of Marshall is nestled between the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina and the banks of the French Broad River. It is the county seat of Madison County and is home to one of the oldest historical county courthouses in the area. But there’s nothing “stodgy” about this mountain town. Just be downtown every Thursday night at Zumas when things get “jamming.” Get your dancing shoes on every Friday night at The Depot... or grab your purse for some serious fun shopping at the authentic old-time general store and hardware stores, art galleries, shops with unique home décor, and gifts. Hungry? There are three new restaurants cooking with produce from local farms, a Sunday afternoon farmers market on the island, and more. Marshall is also rich in history, scenery, outdoor activities and mountain culture. Marshall is the liveliest county seat in state!
Mars Hill
Though not the county seat of Madison County (town of Marshall), Mars Hill is certainly the town that welcomes visitors and new residents alike to the area. Located approximately one mile west of Interstate 26, and 15 miles due north of Asheville, Mars Hill is the home of Mars Hill College, a private, coed, liberal arts college. Founded in 1856, it is the oldest college or university in Western North Carolina. The college is affiliated with the North Carolina Baptist Convention.
As of the last census population in city limits was slightly less than 2,000. The town has an elevation of 2,330 feet, so the climate of the area is considerably cooler than might be expected of a town in a southern state. The elevation also makes the area excellent for skiing.
Saluda
It’s known as an “historic Victorian Mountain Village in the Blue Ridge Mountains.” But the folks of Saluda will tell you if you just want to experience a slower pace of life, a warm community spirit, and good food, then come to their town. In Saluda, one can enjoy leisurely strolls among tree-lined streets of lovely Victorian homes and browse the many distinctive shops along historic Main Street.
Since the turn of the century, Saluda has been a favorite vacation destination for those needing an escape from the heat or a respite from the hectic pace of life. It’s a hidden jewel nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Tryon
Best known as the home to the longest running steeplechase in the state of North Carolina — which has occurred continuously since 1947 — Tryon was incorporated in 1885 at the height of American railroad expansion. A thriving artisan village emerged in Tryon with a strong equestrian tradition and a nationally known tourism. The equestrian emphasis yet remains strong in the community long since the days when Tryon served as the training ground for the U.S. Olympic equestrian teams.
Standing at the heart and geographical center of Tryon’s downtown is Morris, the Tryon Horse. Rising an impressive twenty-two hands high, which Morris has presided over downtown festivities as the town mascot since 1928.
Waynesville
Waynesville is the largest city in Haywood County and serves as the county seat. It is Haywood County’s oldest town, framed by mountain vistas, vast national forest lands and clear, rushing streams. Visitors have traveled to Waynesville to enjoy the cool clean air, clean water, outstanding scenery and an opportunity to escape the crowded cities. With a great climate, diverse employment opportunities, attractive housing climate, unique cultural environment, modern healthcare services, extensive recreation areas and unsurpassed educational opportunities for all ages, Waynesville has something for everyone.
Weaverville
As with many Western North Carolina towns, Weaverville is a great “jumping off” point for many forms of outdoor recreation including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, golfing, and skiing. Located just six miles from downtown Asheville, residents and visitors get the relaxed atmosphere of the colloquial, small town without surrendering any access to the activities of a larger city.
The festivals fill Main Street year-round with art, food, and music. No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to the historical Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace, the restored pioneer childhood homestead of North Carolina’s Civil War governor and senator.
Vance Birthplace makes an excellent family outing to explore the old grounds, house, outbuildings, and visitor center. So if you’re looking for wonderful dining, live music and galleries,Weaverville may be just what the doctor ordered.