I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the smaller towns just outside of the Asheville metro area that you may not know about. These are hidden gems with all of the mountain charm that you are looking for and only a short distance to city fun...all while having a little fun of their own.

I would like to start with my hometown, Weaverville, NC, located 15 minutes to the north of Asheville on Hwy. 26. This town has grown tremendously since I was small and is now one of the premier bedroom communities in the area.

Just minutes from happening Asheville, small-town America is alive and well on Main Street, Weaverville. The pace of life remains slow and sweet here, surrounded by country roads, spacious farmlands, verdant forests and mountain coves. Arrival by interstate is quick, or you can meander the slow roads.

Incorporated in 1909, Weaverville existed as a community of farmers since the early 1800s long before it got its name. Records from 1803 indicate roads were being constructed in the area and ultimately the town would be named for one of the first settlers, John Weaver. Today the population hovers around 3,500.

Art

Today Weaverville is somewhat of an artists' community with streets lined with galleries showcasing everything from pottery to painting to textile crafts. Every year they feature Art in Autumn on Main Street and an Art Safari tour in the surrounding countryside. It is a great place to get a walkable tour of Appalachian art and crafts. 


History

Weaverville is also steeped in history and for all of you history buffs there are some great areas to explore. Inside the Weaverville Library is the Dry Ridge Historical Museum, which documents the life of the area’s first settlers dating back to 1787, in small collections of artifacts.

Likewise the Vance Birthplace gives visitors a taste of near-pioneering life, where a five-room log house — reconstructed around original chimneys —and its outbuildings are furnished to evoke the historical period from 1795-1840. Zebulon Vance was a Civil War officer, North Carolina governor, and U.S. senator. 

This mountain plantation, tucked in the Reems Creek Valley area near Weaverville (about 12 miles north of downtown Asheville), explores daily life in the early 1800s in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can peek inside our historic structures. including our loom house, tool shed, spring house, smoke house, and corn crib. It's free to visit and located five miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway (exit at Milepost 376.6).

Restaurants

You won’t need to leave town for a fine meal — from the authentic and rustic Blue Mountain Pizza and Brew Pub (and music) to Twisted Laurel for pizza, gyros, lasagna and Greek salads, to the global Italian cuisine of Glass Onion, lunch or dinner can come in many forms. Relax on the large deck at Soba Sushi and Noodles, or for a quick burger or BLT, try the homey Main Street Grill (the walls are plastered with photos of customers’ dogs.)


Round out an early evening (or buy your bottles of wine for tomorrow’s picnic) at Maggie B’s Wine and Specialty Store. Join the locals for a glass on the patio or in the wine bar, and Friday evenings mean a free themed wine-tasting. A full cheese counter, marinated olives, and deli-meats make this inspired culinary a must stop along the way.

Places to Stay

Weaverville has one major chain hotel, The Fairfield Inn, located just off of Weaver Blvd. But there are also several eclectic mountain hideaways and B&Bs that you might want to take a look at too.

Laurel Mountain Retreat just off of Hwy. 70 going towards Marshall has cute log cabin rentals tucked away in a mountain cove.

https://www.laurelmtnrt.com/


Or for a Victorian bed and breakfast experience stay at the Inn on Main Street, a true victorian home within walking distance to everything. Relax in front of the stone fireplace and enjoy the continental breakfast.

https://innonmainstreetbb.besthotelsnorthcarolina.com/en/


Activities

For golf enthusiasts, hit the green at Reems Creek Golf Club. Most of the holes on this par-72 mountain course have elevation changes that test your ability to pick the right club to fit the terrain. You’ll also find that most of the par-4s are target holes that require accuracy and strategy. Reems Creek offers the unique opportunity to play on all Bentgrass turf.

https://www.reemscreekgolf.com/golf-course/course-information


This is also a great community to consider if you are looking for a home in the mountains. The neighbors are friendly and the view is phenomenal.

The Never Ending Flower Farm is a very popular place for brides who are looking to create their own wedding bouquets and centerpieces. From May-October, the farm is open to the public for You-Pick flowers! This is a fun time for all ages and perfect for brides who want to DIY their wedding flowers. Bring a picnic and enjoy mountain views, miniature donkeys and 1/2 acre of flowers.



For those looking for outdoor adventure, step into Curtis Wright Outfitters. Curtis Wright Outfitters is a full service fly fishing shop and guide service. Come by and let us tell you about the wonderful fishing possibilities in Western North Carolina. Our friendly and professional staff will answer your questions and help get you on the water. We also offer a once in a life time Falconry Experience and Sporting Clays.


Daily Living

Weaverville is very well-equipped for everything that you could need so that going to Asheville is a treat, not a necessity. 

They have two major grocery stores; Publix and Ingles. There is also Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Hobby Lobby, IHOP, several fast food restaurants, numerous banking options, and many other services such as yoga studios, dentists, doctors, churches, post office, and speciality services.

Weaverville also has a nature park and Lake Louise Park which are local hotspots for picnics, fishing, playground, and fitness trail.

Lake Louise Park


The Nature Park, set in the middle of downtown, also has an amphitheater that hosts free concerts in the summertime for local musicians.