Sights and Activities in Western NC

Daytripping: Natural Wonders and Cultural Excursions

In close proximity to many of the treasures of Western North Carolina, ASH GROVE is the perfect base for exciting day trips.
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Asheville, NC city viewAsheville, NC (less than 45 minutes away)

"Discovery, inside and out". This phrase captures the essence of fun and sophisticated Asheville, which is less than an hour's drive from Ash Grove. 

Here you will find excellent shopping, fine dining, theatre, concerts, museums, and nightclubs.  For great family entertainment in summer check out The Asheville Tourists minor league baseball club.  You can now catch Oskar Blue's trolley to home games on Thursdays (from the Brevard location of Oskar Blues).

The North Carolina Arboretum is home to hundreds of native plant species, special exhibits, and more.


Billmore Estate distant viewBiltmore Estate (less than an hour away)

A not-to-be-missed site is the magnificent Biltmore Mansion, grounds, winery and farm. Check for special events including wine tastings, jazz festivals, and events to celebrate the seasons.



MasksCherokee, NC (less than 2 hours away)

Immerse yourself in the ancient, land-honoring Cherokee culture or make your way to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for an exciting day trip. Tour the recreated mid-18th century village, shop for arts and crafts, and go see the educational and heart-rending drama, "Unto These Hills". 

Cultural Activities

In additional to the natural beauty of Western North Carolina,  the beauty of art can be found in our music, theatre and museums.

Live performances are brought to the stage by the Flat Rock Playhouse ,the state theatre of North Carolina. This world class professional theatre company brings dramas, musicals, comedies and concerts to the area year round. 

Literary history can be found at the nearby Carl Sandburg Home also located in Flat Rock, just across the street from the Playhouse.  Also, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. in downtown Asheville.

The statue that inspired Thomas Wolfe's "Look Homeward Angel" can be found in the cemetery on US Hwy 64, just west of Hendersonville, NC.

Greenville, South Carolina, offers national theatre touring companies and concerts from pop to rock to classical at the Peace Center, as well as museums, dining, shopping and more, all just about an hour from Ash Grove.



Road and parallel wall through dense vegetation

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Outdoor Activities & Attractions

Caesar's Head State Park, SC, is less than 20 minutes from Ash Grove.  Spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and some strenuous hiking trails may be found here.

Chimney Rock Park, offers hiking trails, spectacular views, the Devil's Head balancing rock and a 404-foot  waterfall, Hickory Nut Falls. Its most notable feature is a 315-foot  granite monolith, Chimney Rock, which is accessible by elevator. Areas within the parkfeatured prominently in the 1992 film adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans.  Located about an hour east of Ash Grove.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located on the NC-TN border, this park is famous for nature, history and spectacular views.  Cataloochee Valley area is less than an hour and a half from Ash Grove.

The WNC Nature Center, located in Asheville, is a 42 acre zoological park that specializes in animals native to the mountains of NC, including the endangered red wolf.

For wintertime fun, there are several ski areas within 1-3 hours from Ash Grove, including  Cataloochee Ski AreaSapphire Valley,  and Ski Beech

 

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