Weaverville, North Carolina

Just north of Asheville lies a town known for it's mountain charm and delightful people, Weaverville. Weaverville is full of life, relaxation, and charm. It is the ideal mountain town. It is quiet, but offers lots of good eateries and several shops, and lots of events year around.

History of Weaverville, North Carolina

Weaverville was not Chartered until 1875, and was named after it's founder, Michael Montraville Weaver. Even so, settlers were making the area home in the 1700s, when it was still Cherokee territory. Soldiers from the area fought in the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War, but the town nestled away in the Blue Ridge Mountains was still considered a frontier to most settlers.

Weaverville used to be a bustling resort town, where low-country folks would venture to escape from the heat. Weaverville College (1873-1934), attracted many students who wanted to have a "life" instead of a "living." In nearby Reems Creek, stands the reconstructed home of Zebulan B. Vance, Governor of North Carolina, 1862-1865 and 1877-1879, and Senator, 1879-1883.

Not far from Vance Birthplace, is "Ox Creek Road." This is milepost 376, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and for anyone wanting to make a stop in one of the best towns in America, take this exit to enjoy a day or more in and around Weaverville, North Carolina.

Where To Stay In Weaverville, NC

Weaverville is home to bed and breakfasts, and the busiest time of year is summer and autumn. The vast majority of tourists come in the autumn to see the miles of colors surrounding the area. Autumn is definitely one of the best times to enjoy the area, not only for the colors but for all the continuous events.

Two popular places to stay are:

• The Dry Ridge Inn-$99.00 and up

• Inn on Main Street-$125 before September 30th, $139 and up after September 30th

Guests truly enjoy relaxation and peace while staying in either place. Both are conveniently located along sidewalks and along Main Street. They each offer a delicious breakfast each morning, and information on the entire area.

For a more "private" stay, try going to Ox Creek road located off of Reems Creek. Stay at Breakaway Inn or Ox-Ford Farm Inn. Both are minutes from area attractions, affordable, and far enough away from life to offer a quiet getaway for any traveler.

What To Do In Weaverville, NC

Weaverville is in the center of popular hiking trails, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and only 12 miles from Asheville. For outdoor enthusiasts, this area has everything from golf to rock climbing. Weaverville is close to "Rattlesnake Lodge" hiking trail, and "Graveyard Fields."

Rattlesnake Lodge Trail has an entrance on Ox Creek, and is part of the "Mountain to Sea Trail." The hike is centered around landmarks and ruins of an early 1900s lodge, built as a family vacation home. Graveyard Fields is a great hike for families, and is a perfect autumn hike. This trail leads to waterfalls and offers some of the best fall color and views in the area. For those who visit in the summer, wear a bathing suit to enjoy the "swimming hole" at the Second falls.

If hiking is not in the plans, take a day to enjoy golf at Reems Creek Golf course. The course is well maintained, and nothing compares to golfing in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For an even more laid back experience, go fishing.

There are several lakes to fish in, including Lake Louise. Lake Louise is located in Weaverville, and features a play area, picnic, exercise areas, sitting areas, and a walking path. Many locals bring their children to the park and fish on hot summer days (permit needed). Also, take advantage of fishing in the French Broad by driving up to Marshall to the French Broad River Campground.

Art In Weaverville, NC

Of course, one of the best things to do in Weaverville is walk and admire the town. Many artists, musicians, and craftsmen have made Weaverville home. Take home some pottery from Magnum Pottery and Studio Gallery, or even pieces of local art from Miya Gallery or Art Accents.

For those who love art, the town holds an Art Safari every spring and autumn. The safari is a self-guided tour of "artists home studios" around Weaverville. The night before, the tour features a "gala-event" where visitors and locals can meet the artists, see local art, participate in "a silent auction," and enjoy good food, prizes, and music.

Weaverville also hosts "Art in Autumn," annually in September. This event is one day, from 10AM to 5PM. It is sponsored by local volunteer groups and local businesses. With so much to see and do, it can be exhausted. After enjoying the outdoors and events, try out one of Weaverville's salon and spas.

Salons and Spas

When it comes to beauty and relaxation, Weaverville is not short on either. Downtown Weaverville is home to Clay Spa, Aabani Salon, Calm Sensations, and Mountain Massage. It is also home to one of the most sought massage schools in the country, Center for Massage & Natural Health.

All, with the exception of Aabani Salon, offer massage services. Clay Spa is also a salon, and uses a variety of natural scents, skin, and hair products. Calm Sensations has great prices, and offers some of the best massages in Weaverville. Mountain Massage offers massages based on the clients need, as well as stone and foot reflexology massages.

Aabani does not offer massages. Even so, they are the perfect place to go for a day of hair and nails. They offer hair services for men and women, as well as waxing, facials, manicures, and pedicures.

Of course, before walking or hiking and taking some time to relax, one needs to prepare by eating a fulfilling meal. Weaverville has some great restaurants, located along main street.
Where To Eat In Weaverville, NC

Well-Bred Bakery and Cafe (also located in Biltmore Village) is a great place for breakfast or lunch. Weaverville is truly blessed to have such a delicious and generous coffee house downtown. There is a large desert menu to choose from, and their signature "mountain éclairs" are a must eat item (although any desert from here is great). They offer fresh baked bread daily, and always have sales on items from the previous day, but these items go fast. Eat or enjoy coffee and a book, inside or outside. For any visitor, this is a must stop eatery in this charming town.

Blue Mountain Pizza is in downtown Weaverville beside the library. They offer a variety of pizzas, spaghetti dinners, absolutely awesome garlic knots and cheese sticks, and a variety of food for meat lovers and vegetarians. Thursday night is spaghetti special night, and there is live music every night. Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 11am to 9pm and until 10pm Fridays and Saturdays (inside and outside dining and take-out available).

Mike's Main Street Grill is on Main Street beside Clay Spa. The menu consists of everything from beer-battered mushrooms to loaded fries. Mike's is mainly known for the hot wings and as a place to hang out, talk, and watch some sports or news. Open Monday thru Saturday 11am to 9pm, pick up or "dine in," it is a great place to enjoy some good food.

Jack of Hearts is the newest addition to Weaverville, and is a good place to enjoy live music, some drinks, and good food. Located in the Old Firehouse on South Main street, this business has been a great addition to the town. Open 11:30 to midnight.

For those who just want to relax or take a time out, stop by the Wine and Cheese shop (Maggie B's). It is a great place to sit back, have a glass of wine or beer and some meat and cheese. Before leaving, buy some wine or other items to take home.

Events In Weaverville, NC

Weaverville, NC features parades, block parties, 5K's, and a number of community oriented activities annually. If visiting in the fall, be sure to enjoy Art In Autumn or Weaverville Art Safari, or check out the Cops for Kids Bike Run. The bike run is a kick off to the local toy drive organized by the Weaverville Police Department, for needy children in the area.

At Christmas, there is a parade, the first Saturday of December. Folks sit out on their lawns or line the streets of Weaverville to listen to Christmas carols and cheer as the floats and Santa roll by. The town also offers a candlelight stroll of the town, the first Friday in December. The stroll is from 6-9pm, businesses stay open late, carolers perform, carriage rides are available, and children can visit Santa.

Weaverville, North Carolina, is such a warm, inviting town. Come enjoy the beauty of the mountains, and take some time to enjoy a more easy way of life for a little while.

Ghosts of Asheville

For anyone visiting Asheville, there are everal to choose from: Haunted Asheville, Ghost Huneters of Asheville, Better Tours of Asheville (which offers a pub crawl tour that is pretty cool), and Asheville Ghost and Haunt. All of which are awesome, and a definite highlight of any trip to Asheville, North Carolina.

Photo of son in 2008, checking out the gingerbread houses at The Grove Park with an orb.

Asheville is said to be full of spirits (both ghosts and drinks). The above picture may have captured the orb of one of the spirits vacating the Grove Park Inn. It is said that a "pink lady" is still looking for her long lost lover, after falling to her death from the 5th floor (no one knows if it was intentional or accidental).

Even so, the pink lady may be one of the most popular ghost stories, there are many others that the tours reveal. There is the story of multiple spirits that have not left the Battery Park Hotel, and even some who apparently haunt St. Lawrence Basilica. For pub lovers, the Asheville Ghost Tour Pub Crawl is a must. Journey to 4 bars and learn of the largest Nazi group in the U.S., and much more. So many people highly recommend this tour, and it is definitely a must for anyone looking for fun, history, and a scare.

For an extremely scary experience, try Ghost Hunters graveyard tour. One highly recommended cemetery to visit is, Riverside Cemetery. This is the final resting place of Civil War soldiers (some of whom may have been moved from one spot to their current place), and prominant Buncombe County figures, such as Zebulan Vance and Thomas Wolfe. Stories of rifles being fired, orbs floating, and smokey figures appearing throughout the graveyard. It is located in the historic Montford area, which is featured on several haunted tours and a must visit (also, check out the Shakespeare in the park during the summer).

Another group offering pub crawls (they say "R rated") is Haunted Asheville. It is the oldest ghost tour in the city, and Joshua P. Warren in available as a requested tour guide  during May 2012 (pretty neat). They also offer trolley tours and a Biltmore Village ghost tour. As a note, I am not as familiar with this group, but I have had friends go on their tours and I have read Joshua Warrens "Haunted Asheville," and he has been featured on many paranormal shows and television networks. So, after reading reviews and listening to friends (especially those who went on the pub crawl), this is highly recommended.

No matter which tour one picks, none will disappoint. Prepare to learn lots of history, enjoy a stroll through Asheville and the surrounding areas, and see the city in a different way.

Dupont State Forest Waterfalls:
Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls

Summer 2011, proved to be a year that would further popularize this enchanted forest. It was during that time that filming of the now, world famous movie, The Hunger Games, was filmed in the area.

The forest is located between Hendersonville and Brevard, and certainly has one of the best waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls were in the Last of the Mohicans. Other falls include, Grassy Creek, High, and Winter Green.

Bridal Veil Fall is extremely beautiful, but also dangerous to get to. The hike to it is not too bad, moderate to difficult. However, if wishing to walk under it or out to it, please be careful. It is located along bedrock, and it is not recommended to walk to it (especially for families with young children). 

Triple Falls is truly unique. It is literally three waterfalls in a row, off centered from each other. It is not recommended to climb the levels, but it is nice to just step out from the trail and take a quick picture or sit down on the dry rock (climbing and getting on wet rock is not a good idea).

The photo on the right was taken at the bottom of the stairs, leading to an area that is okay to walk on at Triple Falls (watch kids at all times). In the hot months, people can be seen laying out on the rocks.

The top photograph is of High Falls, made even more famous by The Hunger Games. The hike is mainly up hill, but it is very kid friendly. At the top is a covered bridge. Looking down from the bridge, one can see fish trying to swim up stream.

Another waterfall that is worth checking out is Hooker Falls. It is easily accessible from the Hooker Falls parking area. Last summer, we witnessed kayakers taking turns going down the falls (not recommended). It is quiet, and another place people can be found enjoying some sun in the summer.

This is a must visit for any tourist. These waterfalls are absolutely amazing, and a great show of nature.

BEER WEEK IN ASHEVILLE, NC

It is Beer Week, starting tomorrow, May 24th thru June 3rd. Okay, so it's more like beer week and a half, but who really wants to put a time frame on such a fun week. Seeing as how Asheville is once again, Beer City U.S.A (even if it was a tie), this is a great time to come enjoy the array of different brews and some delicious food.

This is really a celebration of one of the things Asheville has become known for, beer. Over 40 breweries are participating, and there will be tastings, "beer celebrities," and events. This is a great way to support local businesses, and seems like a fun event for all.

Also, this Saturday from 2PM-5PM, is "Just Brew It." For $16, one can sample over 100 beers from over 55 brewers. There will be games, entertainment, and an awards ceremony. One of the best parts, it's in the historic River Arts District. It is a Homebrew event. So, come out and check out what so many have created and have fun. An added bonus is, the strive not to drive event going along with it. For anyone who wants to attend, either event, go to strive not to drive website, and enter the address of where you want to go and your home address. A bus will pick up and drop off, and it is going from May 21st to May 28th.

Congratulations, Asheville! Beer City, U.S.A. 4 years going

Asheville, N.C., has once again been voted Beer City U.S.A. 2012. However, this year is a tie with Grand Rapids, Michigan. That's okay though, because Asheville held on to the title. After all, if there's one thing people enjoy doing in this city, it's eating and drinking some deliciously brewed beer. One of the most popular places to eat, Asheville Pizza and Brewery, offers a tour of the brewery. Highland Brewery also has a restaurant on site, and a tour.

A huge reason that Asheville receives this title, and seems to be a competitive place for brewing (since 3 more companies have decided to come to the area), is because of the mountain water. According to brewers, it is great to use in their product and fresh. Another reason is, most likely, location.

No matter what the reason, raise a glass of cold highland gaelic ale from Highland Brewing or Shiva from Asheville Brewing, and celebrate.

Upcoming Race Events in Asheville, North Carolina 2012

Running has become a favorite pass time. Since starting, 11 years ago, I have enjoyed running and walking in events, with or without the kids, and for fun. Running in any event can be enjoyable, but if it's for a cause, it makes it much more meaningful. Either way, here are some upcoming events around the area.

Chick-Fil-A Race Series, Saturday, June 23
Riverbound Race Series, Saturday June 9
Chick-Fil-A Race Series, Saturday, June 23
Live United 5K and 10K, Saturday, June 23
Kiwanis Firecracker 5K, Weaverville, July 4
Bele Cher 5K, July 28

 Beautiful Asheville, North Carolina

Home to the Biltmore House, Grove Park Inn, Thomas Wolfe Memorial, and the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains.
Asheville, North Carolina



Asheville is a fun, free spirited city nestled in the Western Carolina mountains. It has become a center of cultural diversity, and a place where nature lovers and explorers  come to play.



This blog is dedicated to Asheville and the surrounding areas. This first blog will list places to stay, eat, see, and things to do. Future posts will include more kid activities, updates on events (especially the always anticipated Bele Chere Festival), and seasonal activities.

Hope all who read and follow the blog will visit this beautiful city, and enjoy some peace in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Places To Stay

Resorts/Upscale

Grove Park Inn
Inn on Biltmore
The Grand Bohemian Hotel-Asheville
Pisgah View Ranch
Crowne Plaza-Asheville

Hotels in or close to Asheville

Aloft Asheville Hotel
Brookstone Lodge
Renaissance
Haywood Park Hotel
Country Inn and Suites by Carlson-Asheville and Biltmore Square Mall
Courtyard by Marriott
Double Tree by Hilton-Biltmore
Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park
Holiday Inn-Biltmore

(these are a list of hotels that I have been to and know to be nice and convinent for anyone looking to be able to get to Asheville and surrounding areas easily, or to step outside and walk around the city, whether it be Asheville or Biltmore)

There is also a lot of camping and bed and breakfast options throughout the area. For the true outdoor family, couple, or singles, the camping and hiking in this area is a must. A must camp in forest around Asheville is definitely Pisgah or Dupont State Forest.

Where to Eat!

Asheville is home to many chain restaurants, one of which is a definite go to, which is called Cheddars. Two other must eat at fast food chains for those who do not live in the south, is Bojangles and Chick-Fil-a.

Alright, enough with the chain restaurants, here is a list of personal favorites. However, there is no shortage of restaurants for those looking for vegetarian or international fare.

Downtown Restaurants

Tupelo Honey Cafe (A must eat at establishment!)
The Market Place
Bouchon
Early Girl Eatery (featured on Racheal Ray)
Laughing Seed Cafe
Magnolia's (great place to enjoy live music after hours)
Barleys Taproom & Pizzarie
The Bier Garden (great place to sample beers worldwide, and awesome mushroom burgers)
Pack Place Tavern-very popular hang out

There is much more downtown to eat at, including the bakery who almost won a recent cupcake war on the Food Network, Take the Cake. A newer eatery (to me at least) is an inspired New Orleans style place called, Sazerac. It has great reviews and would be worth checking out.

Area Restaurants (pick up or eat in)

Grove Park Inn dining (there are several place to eat in the Inn, but the terrace is the best)
Pisgah Inn (April-October)
Corner Kitchen in Biltmore Village-nice, delicious, perfect to stop for a bite and then continue shopping in the village
Deer Park on the Biltmore Estate-a one of a kind dining experience
Asheville Brewery and Pizza Company
12 Bones (Arden and River Arts District)
Moe's BBQ-on Sweeten Creek Road
Black Bear Pizza-great pizza and sandwiches on Sweeten Creek Road
Black Forest Restaurant on Hendersonville Road

Just north of Asheville is Weaverville, N.C. It is a great place to spend a day, and worth the drive to eat at one of these great restaurants.

Blue Mountain Pizza
Athens (awesome Greek, Cheese, Pepperoni and Meat Pizzas and great gyros and subs)
Stoney Knob Cafe (a bit pricey, but a great Greek restaurant)
Well Bred Bakery (a must eat or pick up something to go place. It is a must when visiting Weaverville, and try the mountain eclairs)

Seeing as how it is my hometown, I will definitely post more on this great place.

What To See

There is a lot to see in the area. Especially for those who want to hike or experience the outdoors. The main attractions are:

The Biltmore House and Winery
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Vance Birthplace (Weaverville)
Asheville Art Museum
Grove Arcade
Urban Trail
Carl Sandburg Home (Flat Rock)
Cradle of Forestry (Pisgah forest-a very fun and unique experience for guests)
Dupont State Forest
Chimney Rock (Lake Lure)
And of course, the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway and drive through the Smokey Mountains

For Those wanting to tour a brewery and experience why Asheville has been voted Beer City USA, take a tour of Asheville Brewing or Highland Brewing companies, or go to Hendersonville to Southern Appalachain Brewery. Other companies coming to the area include: Sierra Nevada and New Belgium. Colorado Beer will be coming to Hendersonville as well.

This is not even the tip of the iceberg (so to write) of what to do in the city. While here, guests should definitely take advantage of a historic or ghost trolley or walking tour. Take time to see what events are happening at the Civic Center, the Orange Peel, and in the summer, the Biltmore House Concert Series. Be sure to check out the antique cars at Estes-Winn, located at the Grovewood Gallery, and buy fresh produce and homemade products as souveniers at the local Farmer's Market. Again, this is only some features, and be sure to visit the grand Grove Park Resort (especially if visiting during the holidays).

Kid Activities

Some fun options for the kids in Asheville is:

Going to McCormick Field to enjoy an evening of baseball and (on occasion) fireworks
Take a few hours to just have fun, go-cart, bat, play games, laser tag, and more at Fun Depot
Check out the Health Adventure and the Colburn Science Museum
WNC Nature Center
Climb Max Climbing Center on Wall Street
Great Smokey Mountain Railroad in Dillsboro, N.C. (features "The Great Pumpkin Charlies Brown" during Halloween, "The Polar Express" at Christmas, Thomas the Train, Dinosaur Train, and other fun adventures)
Santa's Land in Cherokee
Holmes Educational State Forest (a very Unique Experience for kids)

One of the best times to visit is Autumn and Christmas. Even so, for those who love to see the trees, bushes, and flowers in full bloom, late spring and summer are perfect. Another popular place to visit would be Linville Falls, Sliding Rock, Little Switzerland, Grandfather Mountain (check out the play "Horn in the West" if able), and N.C. Arboretum.

Hopefully, future blogs will provide some more insight on many places in the area. There is no shortage of things to do.