For Recreation links click here.

Things to do in Western North Carolina

Known for its strong tourism industry, Western North Carolina is the perfect place for those who like to stay busy in their down time. Here’s a little more about what newcomers can see and do in the region.

Recreational activities
One thing you’ll quickly learn about western North Carolina is that the region is a recreational haven for those who like to stay active while enjoying the spectacular beauty of the local geography.

If you like to play it a little safe, there’s golfing, fishing, and canoeing, but if you prefer to live on the edge, there’s whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and snow skiing.

And don’t be surprised if, while participating in an activity, you see plenty of wildlife and come across a waterfall or two. The region is home to literally hundreds of waterfalls, especially in Transylvania County, which contains the most waterfalls of any county in the state with more than 250.

Those who like to hike, bike, bird watch, and horseback ride will probably find the following parks and forests much to their liking: Chimney Rock Park in Chimney Rock and Grandfather Mountain in Linville, as well as at Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and Gorges State Park. Plus, Marion is home to the exciting and interesting Linville Caverns.

If winter sports appeal more to you, then be sure to check out the local ski resorts in the region, which offer quality skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing.

Attractions
Western North Carolina is well-known for its endless number of outdoor recreation activities, but the region’s also known for its jaw-dropping number of attractions that are perfect for all ages.

Located in Asheville, the Biltmore Estate is considered to be America’s largest home, with 250 rooms, a sprawling garden, an equestrian center, winery and vineyards, many restaurants, and gift shops.
Those who love to see the fall leaves burst with color along miles and miles of scenic roadway should definitely check out the Blue Ridge Parkway. Consisting of approximately 470 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway spans from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.

Residents won’t have to drive far to visit an amusement park because Maggie Valley’s Ghost Town in the Sky is quite convenient for residents in the area. This western-themed amusement park features many adult and kiddie rides, Cherokee Indian dancers, can-can dancers, staged gunfights, live music, and food. Plus, visitors can pan for gold and precious gems at the park’s mining area. Ride enthusiasts are excitedly anticipating the June 2008 opening of the park’s newest ride, the Cliff Hanger.

If you’re looking for a little pampering, you don’t have to drive far because the region offers many luxurious spas and resorts, including Asheville’s Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, which offers an extensive menu of massage, hydrotherapy, and facial, hand, and foot treatments, as well as recreational activities and dining facilities.

If a little bit of culture appeals to you, then be sure to check out many events throughout the region.
Downtown Hendersonville is home to street dances, which will be held every Monday from July 7 through August 25, and free concerts, which will be held every Friday evening from June 6 through August 22.
Those who like musicals and plays can take advantage of many local theatre groups in the region that offer top-notch productions. For instance, the Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2008 season includes a variety of productions, including All Shook Up, And Then There Were None, Tuesdays With Morrie, and Hank & Honky Tonk Heroes.

To learn about the Cherokee way of life, stop by the three-day celebration that starts July 4 at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds in Cherokee.

The annual Highland Games, which will be held July 1–13 at MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain near Linville, celebrates the Scottish heritage with dance, music, and athletics.
The region is home to a variety of museums that educate visitors about science, local history, Cherokee history, and railroad history.

Dining out
Western North Carolina’s diversity is also evident in the wide array of culinary choices.
If you crave it, chances are very good that you can find a fantastic restaurant that serves your favorite dish. Just to get your taste buds excited about the culinary offerings, the region offers many restaurants that specialize in German, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Greek, and Cuban and Latin foods, as well as barbecue, seafood, steak, sandwiches, and burgers.

Restaurant patrons who prefer organic and vegetarian food choices can take advantage of many local restaurants that are using locally grown and organic food as staples for delicious dishes. And it’s not just the locals who are noticing the fantastic culinary choices, GoVeg.com recently ranked Asheville as America’s “Best Vegetarian-Friendly City,” and Organic Style magazine recently ranked Asheville among the “10 Greatest Escapes in America,” said Dodie Stephens, public relations manager at the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For more ideas about what there is to do in the region, check out the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Web site at www.exploreasheville.com.

For Recreation links click here.