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The first settlers to settle in Asheville were Scotch-Irish immigrants from Northern Ireland after the revolutionary war. Then Asheville was called “Eden Land”. The town of Asheville has had plenty of name changes of the years including, Morristown and Buncombe Courthouse. In 1797 the town was officially named Asheville. This was done in honour of Governor Samuel Ashe of New Hanover County.
Asheville became the focal point for commerce and obtained a growing reputation as a health resort once roads and the railroad were developed through the mountains. In the 1930’s the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway were developed. These two great natural attractions have since made Asheville one of the most visited recreational areas in the nation. World-renowned writers, Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry are native sons of Asheville.
Asheville is nestled in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains and this makes the town a major tourist destination. There state of the art medical care, the arts education and business adds another dimension to Asheville. Asheville is consistently ranked high among the best places to live, work and retire.
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Wheels Through Time Museum – Located at Maggie Valley, North Caroline. Wheels Through Time Museum offers the world’s largest collection of rare American motorcycles and cars from every decade in the automobile history of America. The collection contains more than 250 motorcycles and automobiles from 1903 to present day. There are several memorabilia and historical exhibits on show.
Historic Johnson Farm – The Historic Johnson Farm was a late 19th century tobacco farm, which became a popular summer tourist retreat in the 20th century. The farm is owned by Henderson County Public Schools who operate it as a heritage education centre and farm museum. There are 10 historic buildings, a barn loft museum, two nature trails and 15 acres of fields, forests and streams.
Folk Art Center – Located on Blue Ridge Parkway. The Folk Art Centre is home to the craft artists from Southern Appalachia. The Craft Shop carries work of over 300 guild members. The upstairs Folk Art Centre offers a gallery that displays exhibits on a regional as well as on national scope. Daily craft demonstrations are held from April to December. The Folk Art Centre is open daily from 9am to 6pm and from January to March from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free of charge.
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Café Max & Rosies – Located at 52 North Lexington Avenue, Asheville, NC. Café Max & Rosies is situated in the heart of downtown Asheville and they have award winning vegetarian dishes. The décor is comfortable and colourful set in a cultured atmosphere. An incredible juice and smoothie bar is available, as well as organic coffee. The café is open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm and on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.
Café Soleil – Located at 62 North Lexington Avenue, Downtown Asheville, NC. Café Soleil offers delicious crepes, savory soups and salads in an elegant atmosphere. There is a full bar, music and an outdoor patio for the warmer evenings. The restaurant is open seven days a week for dinner.
Boathouse Restaurant – Located at 65 Long Shoals Road, Asheville, NC. The Boathouse Restaurant is situated on Lake Julian and is the perfect retreat from the ordinary life. There is a private dinning room, which is perfect for private parties, which overlooks the lake as well as the mountains. An outdoor patio is perfect for the warmer evenings as allow you to feel really close to nature but still is a totally luxurious setting. The restaurant is open every night for dinner as well as Sunday brunch. http://www.boathouserestaurants.com
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Hannah Flanagan’s Irish Pub – Located at 27 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, North Caroline. This is a genuine Irish Pub with friendly staff. There are over 40 varieties of beer on offer including the world famous Guinness, as well as different wines and spirits. The full menu features Irish grub, such as Fish ‘n Chips, Shepard’s Pie and the one thing that you definitely have to try is Hannah’s Irish stew. There is a wonderful garden area where you can relax and enjoy good conversation, good food and good drink. http://www.hannahflanaganspub.com
Westville Pub – Located at 777 Haywood Road, West Asheville, NC. The Westville Pub is the place to be if you need some time to relax and spend with your friends. The atmosphere is friendly and there is live music five nights a week. They have a full restaurant, which features such delicacies such as shrimp & Grits, Cajun Catfish, Lasagne, sandwiches as well as incredibly delicious cheesecake du jour. There are microbrews, imports and domestics on tap and bottled and a select wine list. The Westville Pub is open from 4pm to 1am weeknights, Saturday from noon to 2am and Sunday from noon to 1am.
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Asheville Botanical Gardens – Located at 151 W.T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, North Caroline. The Asheville Botanical Gardens is located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, which is one of the most temperate ecosystems on earth. The collections at the Gardens are primarily native species, which are displayed in their natural settings. The Garden is absolutely spectacular and is well worth a stroll to discover what this wonderful world has on offer.
McDowell County Tourism Development Authority – Located at 1170 West Tate Street, Marion, North Caroline. McDowell County is full of pristine natural resources, rich in history and mountain culture. It is an absolute gem to explore. There are magnificent hiking trails, golf courses, spectacular Lake James and gorgeous trout streams. The waterfalls in the area are an absolute must see. The area offers Panning for gold, apple picking and biking on the Blue Ridge Parkway. McDowell County is a place to pencil into your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.
North Carolina Arboretum – Located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted way, Asheville, North Caroline. North Carolina Arboretum is situated on 427 acres of land. There is a Visitor Education Centre, State of the art greenhouses, several absolutely stunning gardens and walking trails, which entice you into the wonderful scenery that surrounds the North Carolina Arboretum.
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The L.O.F.T. – This is a very special gift shop where you can find rear and beautiful treasures that have been given new life through creativity. You will definitely find something of importance in this little shop. The L.O.F.T feels like an old attic and has a fantastic quality about it.
Woolworth Walk – Located at 25 Haywood, downtown Asheville, NC. Woolworth Walk has nearly 20 000 square feet of air-conditioned display and studio space for it more than 150 artist and artisans who sell and make their work on site. There is Jewellery, fine art, decorative art and crafts that is sure to catch your attention
WNC Farmers Market – Located in downtown Asheville, NC. The WNC Farmers Market is located on a 36-acre site with gorgeous panoramic views over the mountains and the Biltmore Estate. The market has everything you can imagine and is a great way to spend some time enjoying the scenery of the surrounding mountains. The market is open seven days a week and admission is free of charge.
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WNC Nature Center – The Nature Center houses all sorts of fascinating animals that you have read about, such as deer, bears, cougars, wolfs, raccoons, birds and there are even farm animals. There are exhibits of poisonous snakes, an aviary, a self-guide nature trail and a petting zoo. This is a great place for kids to learn about the world around them. There is a small admission fee.
Catawba Science Centre – Located at The Salt Block in the Arts & Science Centre of Catawba Valley, 243 Third Avenue, NE in Hickory. There are 12 000 square feet of hands on experimental exhibits, including natural history exhibits, toddler areas, live animals and earth and physical science exhibits.
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