With roaring streams, wild-flowering meadows and blazing sunsets topping tree-covered mountains, the Blue Ridge is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Adding to these gifts of nature are wonders of our own making: the majestic Biltmore Estate, the soaring Blue Ridge Parkway, and a delightful cascade of visitor-friendly farms, museums and adventurous playgrounds for adults and kids alike.
Come to Hot Springs Spa and experience a relaxing and restorative soak in true, natural hot mineral springs. Open year round, Hot Springs is an historic site just north of Asheville, where both locals and the rich and famous have come to take a Hot Mineral Soak since the 1800’s. Our facility features modern outdoor Jacuzzis surrounded by a peaceful, secluded forest canopy next to Spring Creek and the French Broad River. The hot springs water remains at a comfortable natural temperature of 100-103 degrees. After an hour of soaking enjoy a health-promoting massage by one of our nationally certified Massage Therapists. Stay overnight in our campground across the street from the Spa or in nearby B&Bs in Marshall, Weaverville and Asheville. (Dec-Jan, please call to see what times we are open).
For great family fun, step inside a mountain at the only show cavern in the NC Blue Ridge. Guided tours take visitors through Humpback Mountain along a level pathway beside an underground stream. Linville Caverns is home to many fascinating features, including unusual stalactites & stalagmites, Eastern Pipistrelle bats, grand-daddy long-legs, salamanders, and blind trout. The temperature remains at a constant 52 degrees inside the cavern, making it an enjoyable visit in any season. Nearby attractions include Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls, so why not plan on a fascinating and educational family day trip!
The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden offering 65 acres of cultivated gardens focusing on Southern Appalachian landscapes. The garden also offers 10 miles of trails, a state-of-the-art greenhouse, and the finest Bonsai collection in the Southeastern U.S. Guests activities include garden walks, trail hikes, birding, craft demonstrations and family activities. Picnicking is welcomed as well as pets on leashes. A small gift shop and food service is available.
Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education...........mountain streams where water and life begin, the theme of this state-of-the-art educational facility dedicated to exploring the wonders of North Carolina's wildlife. The wildlife center is a program of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and admission is free. The wildlife center's attractions include aquariums, a 20-minute video, hand-on exhibits along a paved walkway, garden displays, educational programs, viewing and feeding of trout, and a gift shop. The center is open year around and the hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days.
Discover Asheville's first mansion, now restored with period rooms and history exhibits. Built in 1840, this National Register property was home to mayors, a Confederate major, and friends of the Vanderbilts. Smith-McDowell is the oldest survivng house in Asheville and features grounds designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers. Be sure to see our acclaimed Victorian Christmas Celebration mid-November through early January. The Musuem is on the campus of A-B Tech Community College, near Biltmore Estate.
