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Travel Guide

North Carolina

I had the opportunity to live in beautiful Western North Carolina for several years. As a nature lover & fitness buff, this is one of my favorite places I've lived. Living in Asheville gave us easy access to the wonderful Blue Ridge Parkway. There are so many incredible waterfalls, hikes, and scenic overlooks along this 400+ drive. Asheville is a great base for exploring the region.

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Asheville
Asheville
Smalls towns in WNC
Smalls towns in WNC

NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hotspots

Driving the stunning 469 mile Parkway (or at least a portion of it) is a must-do if you appreciate nature. I recommend staying in Asheville and beginning your journey at the North Carolina Arboretum. The Pisgah section which runs from MIlepost 339-469 offers endless beautiful overlooks and access to wonderful attractions like the Folk Art Center, Crabtree Falls, and the breathtaking Craggy Gardens overlook.

10 Must-See Blue Ridge Parkway Attractions near Asheville, NC 5 Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls to See Attraction of the Week: Devil’s Courthouse on the Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Hotspot: Crabtree Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway Linville Falls: The Most Magnificent Stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Hotspot: Flat Rock Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway Attraction of the Week: Rough Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway Attraction of the Week: Graveyard Fields 39 Must-dos in beautiful Western North Carolina The Most Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks near Asheville Hiking Hotspot: Mt. Pisgah in Western North Carolina The Top Blue Ridge Parkway Summit Hikes 9 Charming Small Towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains of WNC Autumn at the North Carolina Arboretum Mount Mitchell: The Highest Point East of the Mississippi The North Carolina Arboretum

NC Iconic Attractions

Here are a few of my favorite attractions not located on the Blue Ridge Parkway but still worth traveling for. Chimney Rock is a challenging 499 step climb up to a mesmerizing overlook of the mountains. Other highlights include: over 200 dazzling waterfalls, the only museum dedicated to aluminum trees, and an annual world-class gingerbread competition hosted at an incredible resort.

Chimney Rock: “The Ultimate Stairclimber” Attraction of the Week: The National Gingerbread Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn 10 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Asheville, NC 10 Moderate Waterfall Hikes near Asheville Have the time of your life at Lake Lure 10 Must-Dos in Charlotte, North Carolina Grandfather Mountain: Home to the Mile High Swinging Bridge Hiking Hotspot: Triple Falls at Dupont State Forest Attraction of the Week: The World’s Only Aluminum Tree Museum Hiking Hotspot: Three Waterfalls Loop in the Great Smokies Hiking Hotspot: Black Balsam Knob Attraction of the Week: Tom’s Creek Falls in the Pisgah National Forest Roadside Waterfalls near Asheville 12 Must-Do’s while visiting Asheville, North Carolina 12 great leaf peeping destinations in the Carolinas Western North Carolina daytrips: 10 for the bucket list

Asheville

Despite being most famous for being home to the luxurious Biltmore estate, this city offers so much more. I love the local downtown which is lined with so many great independent restaurants and coffeehouses. There is also a world-class arboretum, an awesome year-round lineup of events, and an incredible art scene.

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Smalls towns in WNC

The WNC region is home to many charming small towns. Many of these like Brevard, Boone, and Hendersonville feature old-school Main Streets. I love shopping and dining local and enjoying the old-fashioned events and antique shopping in these areas.

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