family-friendly things to do shopping d dining d lodging d events d daytrips
family
FUNguide 2011 - 2012
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family FUNguide
Contents Get in motion:
Outdoor & Recreational Activities
Play and learn:
Attractions, Arts & Culture
Refresh and Unwind: Family-Friendly Lodging
Browse or Buy: Kid-style Shopping
Grab a bite:
Dining with Kid Appeal
hit the road:
Don’t-miss Day Trips
save the date:
Fun Festivals & Special Events
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The WNC Parent Family Fun Guide is published by the Asheville Citizen-Times, PO Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher.
Contacts: President and Publisher Randy Hammer, 828-232-5934 rhammer@gannett.com
Editor Katie Wadington, 828-232-5829 kwadington@citizen-times.com
Marketing and Publications Manager Patricia Speziale Edwards, 828-236-8991 pspezial@gannett.com
Sales Manager Jason Wicks, 828-232-5981 jwicks@gannett.com
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TAKE in the MOUNTAINS ... Breathe in the crisp air. Marvel at the view. Revel in all that Western North Carolina offers for families. From the valleys to the mountaintops you’ll find everything from relaxing nooks and crannies to actionpacked destinations. Let the WNC Parent Family Fun Guide be your family’s gateway to fun and adventure. Whether you’re a visitor or resident, a parent of teens or toddlers, you’ll find plenty of places of interest in Asheville and beyond. These listings are a sampling of area businesses and are not to be considered all-inclusive.
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Find more things to do online and special offers from local businesses featured in the WNC Parent Family Fun Guide at CITIZEN-TIMES.com/FamilyFunGuide
Listing locator legend: c = Central n = North
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w = West d = Downtown
family FUNguide
E = East S = South
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Get in motion
Outdoor & Recreational Activities If “active” best describes your family, you’ll feel right at home in Asheville. Whether indoors or outdoors, family-friendly activities abound. Take a nature hike on the trails of the North Carolina Arboretum. Learn to flyfish, then test your skills on one of WNC’s many streams. Witness the region’s beauty by driving or hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Or see it from the air in a hot air balloon. See how high you can get on a climbing wall. Let the kids loose on a spectacular playground. Take a dip in a pool, or relax by the water at Lake Powhatan. Play hard.
By Water Asheville Outdoor Center C 521 Amboy Road, Asheville 828-232-1970 d paddlewithus.com Altamont Anglers Fly Fishing C 30 Caledonia Road, Asheville 828-252-9266 d altamontanglers.com Asheville Drifters Fly Fishing N 48 Westall Ave., Asheville 828-215-7379 d ashevilledrifters.com Brookside Fly Fishing Guides Asheville d 828-215-4234 d brooksideguides.com Buncombe County swimming pools 828-250-4260 d buncombecounty.org City of Asheville swimming pools 828-259-5800 d ashevillenc.gov Curtis Wright Outfitters C 5 All Souls Crescent, Asheville 828-274-3471 d curtiswrightoutfitters.com Hunter Banks Fly Fishing N 29 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-252-3005 d hunterbanks.com Lake Julian Park boat rentals/fishing S 75 Long Shoals Road, Arden d 828-684-0376 6d
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Lake Powhatan Beach SW 375 Wesley Branch Road, Asheville d 828-670-5627 The Whitewater Sportsman Asheville d 828-216-1336 d whitewatersportsman.com
BY AIR Asheville Hot Air Balloons W 828-667-9943 d ashevillehotairballoons.com RO Franks Aviation Co. D 1 Page Ave., Asheville d 828-242-5275 ashevillehotairballoonrides.com
BY LAND Bio Wheels D 76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-0300 d biowheels.com
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Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center E 195 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville 828-298-5330, ext. 304 d nps.gov/blri/index.htm Botanical Gardens at Asheville N 151 W. T. Weaver Blvd., Asheville 828-252-5190 d ashevillebotanicalgardens.org Brown Dog Adventure Tours W 82 Owens Bell Lane, Asheville 828-277-1528 d browndogadventuretours.com Buncombe County Parks 828-250-4260 d buncombecounty.org (see our ad on page 11) Charles D. Owen Park E 875 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa d 828-250-4260 Buncombe County Sports Park W 58 Apac Circle, Asheville d 828-250-4260 Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site S 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock 828-693-4178 d nps.gov/carl Carolina Fatz Cycling Center SW 1240 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-665-7744 d carolinafatz.blogspot.com City of Asheville Parks Department 828-259-5800 d ashevillenc.gov Carrier Park C 220 Amboy Road, Asheville d 828-259-5800 Recreation Park E 69 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville d 828-259-5800 French Broad River Park C 508 Riverview Drive, Asheville d 828-259-5800 Weaver Park N 200 Murdock Ave., Asheville d 828-259-5800 Elijah Mountain Gem Mine S 2120 Brevard Road, Hendersonville 828-693-3123 d elijahmountain.com (see our ad on page 47) Henderson County Parks and Recreation 828-697-4884 d hendersoncountync.org
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Jackson Park H 801 Glover St., Hendersonville Hilltop Riding Stables NW 189 Brickyard Road, Asheville 828-333-0858 d hilltopridingstables.com Historic Johnson Farm 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville 828-891-6585 d historicjohnsonfarm.org Holmes Educational State Forest 1299 Crab Creek Road, Hendersonville 828-692-0100 d ncesf.org Jump Off Rock Park Laurel Park Highway, Laurel Park d laurelpark.org Liberty Bicycles S 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-2453 d libertybikes.com Motion Makers Bikes SW 878 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-633-2227 d motionmakersbikes.com
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Moving Sidewalk Segway Tours N (ages 14+) 36 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-776-8687 d movingsidewalktours.com N.C. Arboretum SW 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 d ncarboretum.org Outdoor Family Fun Center H 485 Brookside Camp Road, Hendersonville 828-698-1234 d outdoorfamilyfuncenter.com Pro Bikes W 610 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-253-2800 d pro-bikes.com Randall Glen Stables & Gem Mining NW 96 Randall Cove Road, Leicester 828-683-5758 d randallglen.com Shadowbrook Miniature Golf & Games E 701 N.C. 9, Black Mountain d 828-669-5499 Ski Country Sports N 1000 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-2771 d skicountrysports.com Tropical Gardens Mini Golf W 956 Patton Ave., Asheville d 828-252-2207 (see our ad on page 7) WNC Nature Center E 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 828-298-5600 d wildwnc.org (see our ad on page 9) A variety of working family farms in Asheville open their gates to visitors and host special activities. To find one, visit buyappalachian.org or pickyourown.org/NCwestern.htm.
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Play and learn
Attractions, Arts & Culture Outdoor & Recreational Activities
EXPLORE Asheville and beyond. Satisfy the history buffs in the family with a trip to Biltmore Estate, the nation’s largest private home. Or learn about WNC’s history at Vance Birthplace or Smith-McDowell House Museum. Is hands-on learning more your family’s style? Make time for The Health Adventure, in downtown Asheville, and Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, in downtown Hendersonville. Those museums, along with the Colburn Earth Science Museum and more, provide hours of educational fun. Satisfy your artistic side with a visit to the River Arts District, just southwest of downtown. Stroll through galleries and watch artists at work. Or visit Asheville Art Museum in Pack Place in downtown.
Go Blue Ridge Card Discount card on area attractions smartdestinations.com Asheville Visitor Center D 36 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-258-6129 d exploreasheville.com Asheville Art Museum D 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-253-3227 d ashevilleart.org Asheville Historic Trolley Tours D 37 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-681-8585 d ashevilletrolleytours.com Biltmore Estate C 1 Approach Road, Asheville 828-225-1333 d biltmore.com Claying Around S 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-0042 d clayingaround.com (see our ad on page 15) 12 d
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Climbmax Sport Climbing Center D 43 Wall Street, Asheville 828-252-9996 d climbmaxnc.com (see our ad on page 11) Colburn Earth Science Museum D 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-254-7162 d colburnmuseum.org (see our ad on page 21) Diana Wortham Theatre D 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-257-4544 d dwtheatre.com Estes-Winn Memorial Automobile Museum & NC Homespun Museum N 111 Grovewood Road, Asheville 828-253-7651 d grovewood.com Fired Up! Creative Lounge D 26 Wall St., Asheville 828-253-8181 321 Main St., Hendersonville, 828-698-9960 fireduplounge.com (see our ad on page 17) Folk Art Center E Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville 828-298-7928 d southernhighlandguild.org Fun Depot E 7 Roberts Road, Asheville d 828-277-2386 ashevillefamilyentertainment.com (see our ad on page 11)
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Gray Line Historic Trolley Tour N 36 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-251-8687 d graylineasheville.com Hands On! A Child’s Gallery 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-697-8333 d handsonwnc.org (see our ad on page 13) The Health Adventure D 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-254-6373 d thehealthadventure.org Henderson County Mineral & Lapidary Museum S 401 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-698-1977 d mineralmuseum.org Hendersonville Antique Toy Museum S 154 White St., Hendersonville 828-702-1922 d hendersonvilleantiquetoymuseum.com Historic Henderson County Heritage Museum S 1 Historic Courthouse Square, Hendersonville 828-694-1619 d hendersoncountymuseum.org LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour D 90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 d lazoomtours.com Model Railroad at the Historic Train Depot S 650 Maple St., Hendersonville 828-890-8246 d avmrc.com Pack Memorial Library D 67 Haywood St., Asheville 828-250-4700 d buncombecounty.org Red Caboose Museum at Old Depot Gallery E 207 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-6583 d olddepot.org Smith-McDowell House Museum C 283 Victoria Road, Asheville 828-253-9231 d wnchistory.org Swannanoa Valley Museum E 223 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-9566 d swannanoavalleymuseum.org
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Thomas Wolfe Mem orial D 52 N. Market St., Asheville 828-253-8304 d wolfememorial.com Western North Carolina Air Museum S 1340 E. Gilbert St., Hendersonville 828-698-2482 d wncairmuseum.com Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace N 911 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville 828-645-6706 d nchistoricsites.org/vance/vance.htm
Movie Theaters Regal Beaucatcher Cinemas 7 e 321 Haw Creek Lane, Asheville 828-298-1234 d regmovies.com Carmike 10 Asheville e 121 River Hills Road, Asheville 828-298-4452 d carmike.com Cinebarre Biltmore Square 5 s w 800 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-665-7776 d cinebarre.com Carolina Cinemas-The Carolina Asheville s 1640 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-9500 d carolinacinemas.com Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15 s 292 Thetford St., Asheville 828-684-4726 d regmovies.com Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. n 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1281 d ashevillebrewing.com Fine Arts Theatre d 36 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-1536 d fineartstheatre.com
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Refresh and Unwind Family-Friendly Lodging
After a day of EXPLORING, retreat to your home away from home. From cozy cabins to luxurious hotels and everything in between, Asheville has the accommodations to fit a family’s needs. Most familyfriendly hotels offer complimentary breakfast buffets, saving you money and time in the mornings. And many are in locations convenient to the most popular area attractions. Some, like the Inn on Biltmore and Grove Park Inn, are attractions in themselves.
Hotels Baymont Inn/Biltmore C 204 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-274-2022 Best Western/Biltmore East E 501 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-5562 Blue Ridge Motor Lodge E 60 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-254-0805 Brookstone Lodge S 4 Roberts Road, Asheville d 828-398-5888 Clarion Inn-Airport S 550 Airport Road, Fletcher d 866-611-1490 Comfort Inn-Black Mountain E 585 N.C. 9, Black Mountain d 828-669-9950 Comfort Inn-West W 15 Crowell Road, Asheville d 828-665-6500 Comfort Inn-Asheville Airport S 15 Rockwood Road, Fletcher d 828-687-9199 Comfort Suites-Biltmore Square Mall SW 890 Brevard Road, Asheville d 828-665-4000 Country Inn & Suites-Asheville Mall E 199 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-254-4311 18 d
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Country Inn & Suites SW Biltmore Square Mall 845 Brevard Road, Asheville d 828-670-9000 Country Inn & Suites-Asheville West W 1914 Old Haywood Road, Asheville d 828-665-9556 Courtyard by Marriot E 1 Buckstone Place, Asheville d 828-281-0041 Crowne Plaza Tennis and Golf Resort W 1 Resort Drive, Asheville d 828-254-3211 Days Inn-Asheville Mall E 201 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-252-4000 Days Inn-Asheville North N 3 Reynolds Mountain Blvd., Asheville d 828-645-9191 Days Inn-Asheville West W 2551 Smoky Park Highway, Candler d 828-667-9321 Days Inn-Biltmore East E 1435 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-4000 Double Tree-Biltmore C 115 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-274-1800 Downtown Inn & Suites D 120 Patton Ave., Asheville d 828-254-9661 Econo Lodge Biltmore E 190 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-254-9521 Fairfield Inn & Suites SW 11 Rocky Ridge Road, Asheville d 828-665-4242, Fairfield Inn S 31 Airport Park Road, Fletcher d 828-684-1144 Four Points by Sheraton/Asheville Downtown D 22 Woodfin St., Asheville d 828-253-1851 19
Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa N 290 Macon Ave., Asheville d 828-252-2711 Guesthouse International Inn-Biltmore C 234 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-274-0101 Hampton Inn-Biltmore Square SW 1 Rocky Ridge Road, Asheville d 828-667-2022 Hampton Inn-Tunnel Road E 204 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-255-9220 Hampton Inn & Suites-Asheville Airport S 18 Rockwood Road, Fletcher d 828-687-0806 Hilton Asheville-Biltmore Park S 43 Town Square Blvd., Asheville d 828-209-2700 Holiday Inn-Biltmore East E at the Blue Ridge Parkway East 1450 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-5611 Holiday Inn-Biltmore West W 435 Smoky Park Highway, Asheville d 828-665-2161 Holiday Inn Express Hotels & Suites SW 1 Wedgefield Drive, Asheville d 828-665-6519 Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Asheville D 42 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-225-5550 Homewood Suites by Hilton Asheville E 88 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-252-5400 Howard Johnson Inn C 190 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-274-2300 Inn on Biltmore Estate C 1 Antler Hill Road, Asheville d 828-225-1600 Mountaineer Inn E 155 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-254-5331 Quality Inn & Suites-Biltmore East E 1430 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-5519 Quality Inn & Suites-Biltmore South S 1 Skyland Inn Drive, Arden d 828-684-6688
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Ramada-Biltmore West W 275 Smoky Park Highway, Asheville d 828-667-4501 Ramada-River Ridge E 800 Fairview Road, Asheville d 828-298-9141 Renaissance Asheville Hotel D 31 Woodfin St., Asheville d 828-252-8211 Residence Inn by Marriott Biltmore C 701 Biltmore Ave., Asheville d 828-281-3361 Residences at Biltmore C 700 Biltmore Ave., Asheville d 828-350-8000 Rodeway Inn & Suites SW 9 Wedgefield Drive, Asheville d 828-670-8800 Rodeway Inn W 8 Crowell Road, Asheville d 828-667-8706 Sleep Inn Biltmore C 117 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-277-1800
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Sleep Inn Biltmore West W 1918 Old Haywood Road, Asheville d 828-670-7600 Springhill Suites by Marriot Asheville E 2 Buckstone Place, Asheville d 828-253-4666
CABINS/INN 1847 Blake House Inn Bed & Breakfast S 150 Royal Pines Drive, Asheville d 828-681-5227 Asheville Cabins of Willowinds S 39 Stockwood Road Ext., Asheville d 828-277-3948 Asheville Swiss Chalets E 5 Delano Road, Asheville d 828-776-0509 Asheville Vacation Villas W 1 Resort Drive, Asheville d 828-254-3211 Cabin Creek Lodge E 1130 Montreat Road, Black Mountain d 828-669-9177 Cheshire Resort E 5 Chaucer Road, Black Mountain d 828-669-6657 Log Cabin Motor Court N 330 Weaverville Highway, Asheville d 828-645-6546 Oakland Cottage B&B C 74 Oakland Road, Asheville d 828-994-2627 Parkway Lane S 55 Parkway Lane, Arden d 828-684-9147 The Pines Cottages N 346 Weaverville Highway, Asheville d 828-645-9661 Pisgah View Ranch SW 70 Pisgah View Ranch Road, Candler d 828-667-9100 Sweet Biscuit Inn C 77 Kenilworth Road, Asheville d 828-250-0170
CABIN/HOME RENTAL COMPANIES Asheville Cabins of GreyBeard Realty 828-669-1072
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Asheville Connections Luxury Vacation Rentals 828-274-6978 Asheville Cottages 828-712-1789 Carolina Mornings 828-398-0712
CAMPGROUNDS Asheville East KOA E 2708 U.S. 70 East, Swannanoa d 828-686-3121 Asheville West KOA W 309 Wiggins Road, Candler d 828-665-7015 Asheville Bear Creek W 81 S. Bear Creek Road, Asheville d 828-253-0798 Campfire Lodgings Campground N 116 Appalachian Village Road, Asheville d 828-658-8012 Lake Powhatan Campground SW 375 Wesley Branch Road, Asheville d 828-670-5627
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Browse or Buy: Kid-style Shopping
Tucked in among the beautiful scenery, Asheville is a paradise for shoppers. Whether you’re shopping with your kids or for your kids, you’re likely to find something special. Pick up stylish togs in one of the many children’s boutiques. Find something for the child in your life at a locally-owned toy store. Stop by Mast General Store, a larger version of an old-time general store, for everything from outdoor gear and home accessories to children’s toys and old-fashioned candy. Stroll the shops in Biltmore Park Town Square, especially if it is the latest in women’s fashion that you seek. Wander through historic Biltmore Village and browse its shops.
Toys & Books Accent on Books N 854 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-6255 d accentonbooks.com Barnes & Noble 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall d 828-296-7335 E 33 Town Square Blvd., Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville d 828-687-0681 S d barnesandnoble.com Biltmore Village Dolls C 3 All Souls Crescent, Biltmore Village, Asheville 828-274-9234 Black Mountain Books E 103 Cherry St., Black Mountain d 828-669-8149 Books-A-Million E 136 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-4165 d booksamillion.com Build-a-Bear Workshop E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall, Asheville 828-298-1852 d buildabear.com Cherry Street Kids E 101 Cherry St., Black Mountain d 828-669-1171 The Compleat Naturalist C 2 Brook St., Biltmore Village, Asheville 828-274-5430 d compleatnaturalist.com 24 d
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Dancing Bear Toys E 144 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-255-8697 d dancingbeartoys.com Discount Family Books SW 800 Brevard Road, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville 828-665-0028 F.Y.E. E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall, Asheville 828-298-5966 d fye.com Gamestop 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall d 828-299-3880 E 800 Brevard Road, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville 828-665-6992 SW d gamestop.com The Littlest Birds 647 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-253-4747 d thelittlestbirds.com
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Malaprop’s D 55 Haywood St., Asheville 828-254-6734 d malaprops.com Mast General Store D 15 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-1883 d mastgeneralstore.com Mr. K’s Used Books E 800 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-299-1145 d mrksonline.com (see our ad on page 25) Once Upon a Time C 7 All Souls Crescent, Biltmore Village, Asheville 828-274-8788 (see our ad on page 27) O.P. Taylor’s S 2 Town Square Blvd., Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville d 828-681-1865 d optaylors.com Party Boulevard S 21 Long Shoals Road, Arden 828-676-0314 d partyblvd.com (see our ad on page 52) Spellbound Children’s Bookshop D 19 Wall St., Asheville 828-232-2228 d spellboundchildrensbookshop.com Town Hardware & General Store E 103 W. State St., Black Mountain d 828-669-7723 Toy Box N 793 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-254-8697 Toys”R”Us SW 877 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-665-8697 d toysrus.com
Art & Gifts A.C. Moore E 800 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-299-0777 d acmoore.com Appalachian Craft Center D 10 N. Spruce St., Asheville d appalachiancraftcenter.com Beads and Beyond D 37 Wall St., Asheville 828-254-7927 d beadsandbeyond.com
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Carolina Art, Craft & Hobby E 128 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville d 828-258-2227 Chevron Beads & Trading Post D 40 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-236-2323 d chevronbeads.com Downtown Market D 45 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville d 828-255-8858 Earth Guild D 33 Haywood St., Asheville 828-255-7818 d earthguild.com Great American Hobbies E 811-A Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-9906 d gahobbies.com Michaels Arts & Crafts 299 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville d 828-299-0183 E 5 McKenna Road, Arden, 828-684-1961 S d michaels.com True Blue Art Supply D 30 Haywood St., Asheville 828-251-0028 d trueblueartsupply.com
Clothing & Accessories Posh Petite S 8 Town Square Blvd., Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville d 828-687-7200 The Children’s Place E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall, Asheville 828-296-8351 d children’splace.com Children’s Trading Post 633 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-754-5432 N 140 Airport Road, Asheville d 828-684-5438 S childrenstradingpost.com
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Claire’s 800 Brevard Road, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville 828-665-9477 SW 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall E d claires.com Etc. Consignment Shoppe W 1500 Patton Ave., Asheville d 828-251-1160 Gap Kids/Baby Gap/Gap E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall, Asheville 828-298-8200 d gap.com Goodwill 51 Mills Gap Road, Asheville d 828-687-0057 S 1011 Patton Ave., Asheville d 828-252-7680 W 86 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-299-3595 E 1616 Patton Ave., Asheville d 828-771-2192 W 3018 U.S. 70, Black Mountain d 828-669-4813 E goodwillnwnc.org Gymboree E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall, Asheville 828-299-4447 d gymboree.com Icing by Claire’s E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall, Asheville 828-298-6055 d claires.com Just Ducky Originals C 10 All Souls Crescent, Biltmore Village, Asheville 828-277-7084 d justduckyoriginals.com Justice E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall, Asheville 828-299-1225 d shopjustice.com Lollipops S 1950 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-654-7771 d lollipopsltd.com The Littlest Birds W 647 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-253-4747 d thelittlestbirds.com Miss B’s Consignment Shop N 81 Weaverville Road, Asheville 828-658-8249 d missbsconsignmentshop.com Moda S 8 Town Square Blvd., Suite 120, Asheville 828-277-3601 d modaluxe.net Nest Organics 51 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-258-1901 d nestorganics.com 28 d
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Old Navy 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-3150 E 2 McKenna Road, Arden d 828-687-1042 S d oldnavy.com Porter & Prince C 6 Brook St., Biltmore Village, Asheville 828-277-2337 d porterandprince.com Serendipity S 21 Long Shoals Road, Arden 828-650-9409 d visitserendipidy.com (see our ad on page 29) Shonda’s Unique Boutique S 900 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-505-3604 d shondasboutique.com What the Wild Things Wear D 45 S. French Broad Ave., The Downtown Market, Asheville 828-230-7157 d WhatTheWildThingsWear.com William & Grace C 4 Swan St., Biltmore Village, Asheville 828-277-8991 d williamandgrace.com
shoes Discount Shoes SW 1266 Brevard Road, Asheville d 828-667-0085 Payless Shoe Source E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall, Asheville 828-299-4661 d payless.com Rack Room Shoes S 6 McKenna Road, Arden 828- 684-8591 d rackroomshoes.com Stride Rite E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall, Asheville 828-296-8524 d striderite.com
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Shoe Carnival E 80 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-8816 d shoecarnival.com Shoe Show E 129 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 828-299-0983 d shoedept.com Talloni A Shoe Salon S 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 150, Asheville 828-681-5800 Tops for Shoes D 27 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-6721 d topsforshoes.com
discount stores Kmart 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-2400 E 1001 Patton Ave., Asheville d 828-252-8295 W 1830 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-274-3411 S kmart.com Target 115 River Hills Road, Asheville d 828-298-1262 E 17 McKenna Road, Arden d 828-681-0341 S target.com Walmart 125 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville d 828-298-8332 E 25 Northbridge Commons, Weaverville d 828-645-5028 N 60 Airport Road, Arden D 828-684-6864 S walmart.com
Department Stores Belk 5 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall D 828-298-4970 E 800 Brevard Road, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville 828-665-4480 SW d belks.com Dillard’s 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall D 828-298-2611 E 800 Brevard Road, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, 828-665-4434 SW d dillards.com JC Penney E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall 828-299-0040 d jcpenney.com Kohl’s E 149 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 828-298-5398 d kohls.com 30 d
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Marshalls S 13 McKenna Road, Arden 828-651-0327 d marshallsonline.com Ross Dress for Less 80 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-0973 E 7 McKenna Road, Arden d 828-654-6220 S rossstores.com Sears E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall 828-299-2200 d sears.com Steinmart N 848 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-9962 d steinmart.com TJ Maxx E 80 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-296-7313 d tjmaxx.com
Outdoor Gear Black Dome E 140 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-251-2001 d blackdome.com Diamond Brand S 2623 Hendersonville Road, Arden d 828-684-6262 Dick’s Sporting Goods E 107 River Hills Road, Asheville 828-299-0077 d dickssportinggoods.com Frugal Backpacker S 2621 Hendersonville Road, Arden d 828-209-1530 Mast General Store D 15 Biltmore Ave., Downtown Asheville 828-232-1883 d mastgeneralstore.com REI S 31 Schenck Parkway, Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville d 828-687-0918 d rei.com Second Gear W 444 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-0757 d secondgearwnc.com Take a Hike Mountain Outfitters E 100 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain d 828-669-0811 takeahikenc.com
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Grab a bite
Dining with Kid Appeal When it’s time to eat, the biggest obstacle may be narrowing down the choices available to you in and around Asheville. From homey, Southern goodness and finger-lickin’ barbecue, to vegetarian options and more standard fare, there is no shortage of choices.
American Angelo’s Family Restaurant E 1226 U.S. 74A, Fairview d 828-628-4031 Applebee’s 115 Tunnel Road d 828-251-9194 E 275 Smoky Park Highway, Asheville d 828-670-9101 W 1655 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-274-5300 S Atlanta Bread Co. 633 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-259-3675 N 484 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-274-2323 S Barbecue Inn W 1341 Patton Ave., Asheville d 828-253-9615 Beef O’Brady’s S 2625 Hendersonville Road, Arden d 828-684-2295 Bier Garden D 46 Haywood St., Asheville d 828-285-0002 Blue Sky Café S 3987 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher d 828-684-1247 (see our ad on page 41) Burgermeister’s W 697 Haywood Road, Asheville d 828-225-2920 (see our ad on page 35) Celebrity’s Hot Dogs SW 1409 Brevard Road, Asheville d 828-670-5954
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Cheddar’s Casual Café E 106 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville d 828-299-1168 Chili’s 253 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-252-4999 E 420 Airport Road, Arden d 828-684-5067 S Cornerstone E 102 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-236-0201 Cracker Barrel 34 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-350-7531 E 5 Crowell Road, Asheville d 828-665-2221 W 344 Rockwood Road, Arden d 828-684-2740 S Denny’s W 1 Regent Park Blvd., Asheville d 828-254-3600
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Five Points Restaurant N 258 Broadway, Asheville d 828-252-8030 Food Court at Asheville Mall E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-5080 Food Court at Biltmore Square Mall SW 800 Brevard Road, Asheville d 828-667-2308 Frazier’s Steak & Seafood N 1435 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-252-4603 French Fryz S 2109 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-684-0416 Fuddruckers N 130 Charlotte St., Asheville d 828-254-2161 Hot Dog King 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-8686 E 2299 Smoky Park Highway, Asheville d 828-670-1199 W IHOP 275-B Smoky Park Highway, Asheville d 828-665-9390 W 245 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-255-8601 E 229 Airport Road, Arden d 828-684-2828 S J & S Cafeteria 800 Fairview Road, Asheville d 828-298-0507 E 30 Airport Road, Fletcher d 828-684-3418 S 900 Smoky Park Highway, Enka d 828-665-1911 W Jason’s Deli W 5 Westgate Plaza, Asheville d 828-252-7006 Kosta’s Kitchen S 4055 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher d 828-684-0279 Lone Star Steak House & Saloon S 341 Rockwood Road, Arden d 828-684-5506 Luella’s BBQ N 501 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-505-7427 McAlister’s Deli E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville Mall, Asheville 828-298-4699 Moose Café SW 570 Brevard Road, Asheville d 828-255-0920 36 d
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Mr. Hot Dog & Mrs. Ice Cream S 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden d 828-681-5944 Nick’s Grill E 1461 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-252-9335 O’Charley’s E 2 Kenilworth Knolls, Asheville d 828-281-0540 Outback Steakhouse E 30 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-252-4510 Pack’s Tavern D 20 S. Spruce St., Asheville d 828-225-6944 Panera Bread Co. S 1843 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-277-4042 Province 620 S 620 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-277-0355 Ruby’s Italian Smokehouse E 8 Beverly Road, Asheville d 828-299-8183 Ryan’s 1053 Patton Ave., Asheville d 828-258-3761 W 1000 Brevard Road, Asheville d 828-665-9963 SW Shoney’s 425 Smoky Park Highway, Asheville d 828-667-0108 W Soda Fountain at Woolworth Walk D 25 Haywood St., Asheville d 828-254-9210 Stone Ridge Tavern SW 1003 Brevard Road, Asheville d 828-665-3333 Texas Road House C 230 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-274-4311 T.G.I. Friday’s C 115 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-277-4080
Indian Chai Pani D 22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville d 828-254-4003 Mela Indian Restaurant D 70 N. Lexington Ave. Asheville d 828-225-8880 37
Italian/Pizza Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. N 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-254-5339 Barley’s Taproom D 42 Biltmore Ave., Asheville d 828-255-0504 Brixx Pizza S 30 Town Square Blvd., Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville d 828-654-0046 Carrabba’s Italian Grill 10 Buckstone Place, Asheville d 828-281-2300 E 332 Rockwood Road, Arden d 828-654-8411 S CiCi’s Pizza 148 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-0010 E 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-274-1979 S Circle In the Square N 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-254-5442 Frank’s Roman Pizza E 90 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-298-5855 Eddie Spaghetti S 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-277-9300 Iannucci’s S 1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-684-5050 Marco’s Pizzaria 946 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-285-0709 N 1854 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-277-0004 S Mellow Mushroom D 50 Broadway St., Asheville d 828-236-9800 Nona Mia Italian Kitchen W 807 Patton Ave., Asheville d 828-505-2028 Standard Pizza Co. W 631 Haywood Road, Asheville d 828-255-8122 Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian N 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-253-1077
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Vito’s Chicago Style Pizza S 300 Airport Road, Arden d 828-687-9500
Organic/Local Food Early Girl Eatery D 8 Wall St., Asheville d 828-259-9292 Earth Fare Market & Cafe 1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-210-0100 S 66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville d 828-232-9951 W Moose Café at the WNC Farmers Market SW 570 Brevard Road, Asheville d 828-255-0920 Rise ‘n Shine Café N 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-254-4122 risenshinecafe.com Sunny Point Café W 626 Haywood Road, Asheville d 828-252-0055 Tupelo Honey Café 12 College St., Asheville d 828-255-4863 D 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-505-7676 S
Mexican La Carreta 1916 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 651-4462 SE 100 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 225-4006 N Lucky Otter W 630 Haywood Road, Asheville d 828-253-9595 Mamacitas D 77 Biltmore Ave., Asheville d 828-255-8080
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Moe’s Southwest Grill 1 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-225-6637 C 300 Airport Road, Arden d 828-684-4452 S Nachos and Beer 230 Charlotte Highway, Asheville d 828-298-2280 SE Papas & Beer 17 Tunnel Road d 828-255-2204 E 1996 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-684-4882 S 1000 Brevard Road, Asheville d 828-665-9070 SW 1821 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 828-692-9915 S Urban Burrito 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828 251-1921 N 129 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville d 828-298-9802 E
Asian Asian Grill 2635 Hendersonville Road, Arden d 828-651-8803 S Asiana Grand Buffet 1968 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-654-8879 S 153 Smoky Park Highway, Asheville d 828-667-0410 W Doc Chey’s Noodle House D 37 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-252-8220 d doccheys.com Ichiban Japanese Restaurant C 2 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-252-7885 Kanpai Sushi Bar & Thai Cuisine D 3 Biltmore Ave., Asheville d 828-333-5258 Mikado Japanese Steakhouse E 45 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-258-9696 Tamarind Thai Cuisine S 330 Rockwood Road, Arden d 828-654-0988 Thai Basil Restaurant 1 Page Ave., Asheville d 828-258-0036 D 227 W. State St., Black Mountain E 828-664-4322 d thaibasilnc.com Wanpen Thai Restaurant S 2292 Hendersonville Road, Arden d 828-684-2777 40 d
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Sweet Treats Applewood Fudge Etc. SW 570 Brevard Road, WNC Farmers Market, Asheville 828-258-2661 Black Mountain Chocolate E 131 South Ave., Swannanoa d 828-686-5511 Carolina Mountain Bakery S 1950 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-681-5066 Chocolate Fetish D 36 Haywood St., Asheville d 828-258-2353 Chocolate Gems E 106 W. State St., Black Mountain d 828-669-9105 Cintom’s Frozen Custard S 3080 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville d 828-274-5853 City Bakery 88 Charlotte St., Asheville d 828-254-4289 N 60 Biltmore Ave., Asheville d 828-252-4426 D
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Cold Stone Creamery 129 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville d 828-296-0004 E 30 Town Square Blvd, Asheville d 828-650-3013 S Dairy Queen 26 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-253-6835 E 2304 Hendersonville Road, Arden d 828-687-1883 S The Hop Ice Cream and Coffee Cafe 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-254-2224 N 721 Haywood Road, Asheville d 828-252-5155 W (see our ad on page 35) French Broad Chocolate Lounge D 10 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville d 828-252-4181 Kilwin’s 26 Battery Park Ave., Asheville d 828-252-2639 D 116 W. State St., Black Mountain d 828-669-6119 E Legacies Gifts & Ice Cream Garden C 2 Boston Way, Biltmore Village, Asheville d 828-274-8212 Marble Slab Creamery D 14 Biltmore Ave., Asheville d 828-225-5579 Mast General Store D 15 Biltmore Ave., Asheville d 828-232-1883 McFarlan Bake Shop S 309 N. Main St., Hendersonville d 828-693-4256 NC Deli & Bakery SW 570 Brevard Road, WNC Farmers Market, Asheville 828-252-5745 Nutz About Fudge D 1 Page Ave., Grove Arcade, Asheville d 828-230-1165 Rita’s Ice D 1840 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-505-7990 The Sisters McMullen 840 Merrimon Ave., Asheville d 828-252-9330 N Cupcake Corner, 1 Pack Square, Asheville 828-252-9454 D Tastee Freeze W 1091 Patton Ave., Asheville d 828-252-4234
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TCBY 116 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville d 828-645-0234 N 1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville d 828-274-1100 S 5 Westgate Parkway, Asheville d 828-225-5111 W Ultimate Ice Cream E 1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville d 828-296-1234 297 Charlotte St., Asheville d 828-258-1515 West End Bakery W 757 Haywood Road, Asheville d 828-252-9378
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hit the road:
Don’t-miss Day Trips Ready to leave the city behind and explore the nooks and crannies of Western North Carolina? Whether you head north, south, east and west you’ll find scenic drives with breath-taking views, natural wonders and family fun. Within an hour or two of Asheville, your family can drive through the nation’s most visited national park, learn regional history or experience the thrills of an amusement park.
North Carolina CHEROKEE/BRYSON CITY Museum of the Cherokee Indian 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee 828-497-3481 d cherokeemuseum.org Unto These Hills, Mountainside Theatre Drama Road, Cherokee 866-554-4557 d cherokee-nc.com Oconaluftee Indian Village Drama Road, Cherokee 828-554-4557 d cherokee-nc.com (see our ad on page 64) Santa’s Land Theme Park & Zoo 571 Wolfetown Road, Cherokee 828-497-9191 d santaslandnc.com Great Smoky Mountain Railroad 226 Everett St., Bryson City 800-872-4681 d gsmr.com (see our ad on page 43) Smoky Mountain Train Museum 100 Greenlee St., Bryson City 828-488-5200 d smokymountaintrains.com Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine U.S. 441, Cherokee 828-497-6574 d smgrm.com
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Oconaluftee Visitor Center U.S. 441 N., Cherokee d nps.gov/grsm
MARION/LINVILLE/BLOWING ROCK Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville 828-297-7261 d grandfather.com Linville Caverns 19929 U.S. 221, Marion 828-756-4171 d linvillecaverns.com
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Mystery Hill 129 Mystery Hill Lane, Blowing Rock 828-264-2792 d mysteryhill-nc.com Tweetsie Railroad 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock 800-526-5740 d tweetsie.com
ROBBINSVILLE Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Cheoah Ranger District, Robbinsville 828-479-6434 d main.nc.us/graham/hiking/joycekil.html
CANTON/MAGGIE VALLEY Maggie Valley Rock Shop & Gem Mine 3894 Soco Road, Maggie Valley d 828-944-0295 Old Pressley Sapphire Mine 240 Old Pressley Mine Road, Canton 828-648-6320 d oldpressleymine.com Cataloochee Ski Area 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley 800-768-0285 d cataloochee.com
CHARLOTTE Carowinds Amusement Park 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte 704-588-2600 d carowinds.com Discovery Place 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-372-6261 d discoveryplace.org
CHIMNEY ROCK/LAKE LURE/RUTHERFORDTON Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park U.S. 64/74A, Chimney Rock 828-625-9611 d chimneyrockpark.com Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine 397 Main St., Chimney Rock 828-625-5524 d chimneyrockgemmine.com The Beach & Marina at Lake Lure 2930 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure 828-625-1373 d lakelure.com
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KidSenses Children’s InterACTIVE Museum 172 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, 828-286-2120 d kidsenses.com
LITTLE SWITZERLAND/SPRUCE PINE The Historic Orchard at Altapass 1025 Orchard Road/Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 328.3, Little Switzerland 828-765-9531 d altapassorchard.com Emerald Village 331 McKinney Mine Road, Spruce Pine 828-765-6463 d emeraldvillage.com
DUPONT STATE FOREST/ PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST DuPont State Forest North Carolina Division of Forest Resources 828-877-6527 d dupontforest.com (featuring scenic, family-friendly hiking trails to waterfalls, such as Hooker Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Lake Dense, and Triple Falls)
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Sliding Rock U.S. 276, Pisgah National Forest 828-877-3265 d cs.unca.edu/nfsnc Cradle of Forestry National Forest Historic Site U.S. 276, Pisgah National Forest 828-877-3130 d cradleofforestry.com Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education/ State Fish Hatchery 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest 828-877-4423 d ncwildlife.org Mount Mitchell State Park Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 355 828-675-4611 d ncparks.gov
GREENVILLE, SC The Children’s Museum of the Upstate 300 College St., Greenville 864-553-7900 d tcmgreenvillesc.org (see our ad on page 48)
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South Carolina Children’s Theatre 153 Augusta St., Greenville 864-235-2885 d scchildrenstheatre.org Greenville Zoo 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville 864-467-4300 d greenvillezoo.com
TENNESSEE Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies 631 Parkway, Gatlinburg 865-430-8808 d gatlinburg.ripleyaquariums.com Dollywood 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge 800-365-5996 d dollywood.com The Wetlands Waterpark 1523 Persimmon Ridge Road, Jonesborough 888-662-1885 d wetlandsjonesborough.com
VIRGINIA Virginia Creeper Trail Damascus d vacreepertrail.com
RAFTING/BOATING IN THE AREA NORTH CAROLINA Blue Heron Whitewater 35 Little Pine Road, Marshall 888-426-7238 d blueheronwhitewater.com Davidson River Rafting (tubing only) 27 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest d 828-243-0522 French Broad Rafting Expeditions 9800 U.S. 25-70, Marshall 800-570-7238 d frenchbroadrafting.com Headwaters Outfitters 25 Parkway Road, Rosman 828-877-3106 d headwatersoutfitters.com Huck Finn Rafting Adventures 158 Bridge St., Hot Springs 800-303-7238 d huckfinnrafting.com Mountain Adventure Guides 13490 U.S. 25/70, Marshall 828-649-0560 d mountainadventureguides.com 49
Nantahala Outdoor Center 13077 U.S. 19 W., Bryson City 828-488-2176 d noc.com Paddle Inn Rafting Company 14611 U.S. 19 W., Bryson City 800-711-RAFT d paddleinnrafting.com (see our ad on page 45) Smoky Mountain Jet Boat Rides 22 Needmore Road, Bryson City 888-900-9091 d needmore.com Tuckeseegee Outfitters 1201 U.S. 74, Dillsboro 828-586-5050 d tuckfloat.com Wildwater Ltd. Rafting Bryson City 866-319-8870 d wildwaterrafting.com
SOUTH CAROLINA Lake Keowee Marina 150 Keowee Marina Drive, Seneca 864-882-2047 d lakekeoweemarina.com
TENNESSEE Mountain Adventure Guides 2 Jones Branch Road, Erwin 866-813-5210 d mtnadventureguides.com Wildwater Ltd. Rafting Hartford 866-319-8870 d wildwaterrafting.com
ZIPLINE TOURS American Adventure Zipline Canopy Tours Several locations in NC, SC & TN 866-319-8870 d wildwaterrafting.com Navitat Canopy Adventures 242 Poverty Branch Road, Barnardsville 828-626-3700 d navitat.com Wildwater Ltd. Rafting In North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee 866-319-8870 d wildwaterrafting.com
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HORSEBACK RIDING Big Pine Ranch 2279 South Fork Road, Marshall 828-649-3176 d bigpineranch.net Cedar Creek Stables 542 Cedar Creek Road, Lake Lure 828-625-2811 d cedarcreekstables.com English Mountain Llama Treks 767 Little Creek Road, Hot Springs 828-622-9686 d hikinginthesmokies.com Riverside Riding Stables 721 Freemantown Road, Rutherfordton 828-288-1302 d riversideridingstables.com Sandy Bottom Trail Rides 1459 Caney Fork Road, Marshall 828-649-3464 d sandybottomtrailrides.net Wolf Laurel Stables in the Preserve at Wolf Laurel 5860 Bald Mountain Road, Burnsville 828-678-9370 d horsebackridingnc.com
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save the date:
Fun Festivals & Special Events The people of Asheville and the surrounding mountains love to celebrate. In this fun-loving part of the world, there’s almost always a party going on and the whole family’s invited. A varied assortment of festivals and events make many days, and nights special and highlight local arts and culture. Some of the larger family-friendly festivals include the North Carolina Mountain State Fair, North Carolina Apple Festival, Bele Chere, Shindig on the Green, Goombay Festival and the Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival (LAAFF). Area farms, libraries, parks and museums also have special events for families. Or, catch an Asheville Tourists baseball game during the spring/summer season. To find out what’s going on around town, pick up the local newspaper, Asheville Citizen Times on Fridays or visit CITIZEN-TIMES.com.
June 2011 21-26: Piedmont Paso Fino Horse Show Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, Fletcher 828-687-1414 d agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilities/ agcenters/western/wnccal.htm 26: Beauty of Butterflies Exhibit WNC Nature Center, East Asheville d Runs through Aug. 24. d wncnaturecenter.com 24-26: Powwow, Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds Cherokee d cherokee-nc.com 26: Singing on the Mountain All-day gospel sing and fellowship at Grandfather Mountain. d grandfathermountain.com
July 2011 1-3: Festival of Native Peoples and Cherokee Art Market Cherokee d Gathering of tribes from the Americas to celebrate Native culture. Traditional food, dancing and crafts. d cherokee-nc.com 53
2-3: Cashiers Mountain Music Festival Cashiers d Bluegrass music, arts and crafts and a fun zone for kids. d cashiersnorthcarolina.com 2: July Picnic and Tuck River Race Dillsboro d Picnic by the water, watch homemade rafts race down the Tuckasegee River. visitdillsboro.org 2, 9, 16 and 23: Shindig on the Green Pack Square Park d 7 p.m. folkheritage.org/shindigonthegreen.htm 4: Freedom Fest Bryson City d Old-fashioned mountain street festival with arts and crafts, entertainment, kids area. greatsmokies.com 4: Fabulous Fourth Celebration Jackson Park in Hendersonville d Crafters, food, kids’ area, antique car show, music, more. Starts at 2 p.m. with fireworks at dusk. d historichendersonville.org 4: Independence Day Parade Downtown Hendersonville d 4 p.m. historichendersonville.org 4: Fourth of July Celebration Downtown Brevard d brevardnc.org 4: Fourth of July Parade Historic Downtown Franklin d Starts at 10:30 a.m. renewingfranklin.org 4: Ingles Fourth of July Celebration Downtown Asheville d Festivities start at 1 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. d ashevillenc.gov 4: Red, White & Boom! Maggie Valley d Afternoon of family fun, music, food and more before fireworks. Starts at 4 p.m. maggievalleyfestivalgrounds.org 5: Street Dances Visitors Information Center in Historic Downtown Hendersonville Monday evenings through Aug. 9. Square dancing and clogging to traditional bluegrass music. d historichendersonville.org 7-10: 56th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games grandfathermountain.com
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8-10: Carolina Mountain Ribfest WNC Agricultural Center, Fletcher d wcpshows.com 10: Do Tell! Storyfest in Historic Downtown Hendersonville dotellfestival.org 11: Family Art pARTy Pack Square d 1-4 p.m. d ashevilleart.org 15-18: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands Asheville Civic Center d southernhighlandguild.org 17: Folk Festival Franklin d renewingfranklin.org/folk.html 17: Toe River Story Telling Festival in Riverside Park Spruce Pine d 10 a.m.-4 p.m. sprucepinefestivals.com/storytelling.html 22-31: Day Out With Thomas Great Smoky Mountains Railroad d Visit Thomas the Tank Engine and friends. d gsmr.com 24: Lego Blast Historic Johnson Farm, Hendersonville Building competition for kids. d 828-891-6585 21-31: Folkmoot USA International festival at venues throughout Western North Carolina. d folkmootusa.org 29-31: Bele Chere Music and arts festival. Downtown Asheville d belecherefestival.com Blue Ridge Corn Maze Brevard d 828-884-4415 d blueridgecornmaze.com
August 2011 1-31: Blue Ridge Corn Maze Brevard d 828-884-4415 d blueridgecornmaze.com 4-6: Mountain Dance and Folk Festival Diana Wortham Theatre, downtown Asheville d 7 p.m. folkheritage.org 6-8: Mountain Materfest Canton d Parade, antique car drive-in, Mrs. Materfest pageant, music, more. d focusoncanton.com 7: Smoky Bear’s Birthday Party Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard 11 a.m.-1 p.m. d cradleofforestry.com 55
7-8: Village Art and Craft Fair in Biltmore Village biltmorevillage.com/craft_fair.htm 13-14: Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival Franklin d mountainhighbbqfestival.com 13-14: Waldensian Festival Valdese d visitvaldese.com 14-15: Sourwood Festival Downtown Black Mountain d Alcohol-free street festival with vendors, food and entertainment. exploreblackmountain.com 14: Wood Day at the Folk Art Center Southern Highland Guild woodworkers demonstrate their craft. Starts at 10 a.m. d southernhighlandguild.org 14: Movie in the Park Fletcher Community Park, Fletcher d fletcherparks.org 13, 20 and 27: Shindig on the Green Pack Square Park d 7 p.m. folkheritage.org/shindigonthegreen.htm 20: Biltmore Estate Flower Carpet A 14,400-square-foot design with thousands of plants. Open through Sept. 10. d biltmore.com 26-29: Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad Lake Lure d Annual family sports festival for amateurs of all ages. d hickorynutolympiad.com 27-29: Goombay Festival YMI Cultural Center in downtown Asheville d An AfricanCaribbean festival of food, music and entertainment. ymicc.org/goombay
september 2011 1-30: Blue Ridge Corn Maze Brevard d 828-884-4415 d blueridgecornmaze.com 1-30: Cold Mountain Corn Maze Canton d 828-648-8575. (see our ad on page 39) 2-5: 64th NC Apple Festival Main Street in downtown Hendersonville d Street fair with arts and crafts, food, entertainment, apple growers and their apples, children’s activities and more. ncapplefestival.org
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3-4: Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival Lexington Avenue, Asheville. Art, food, performers and more. d lexfestasheville.com 4: Shindig on the Green Pack Square Park d 7 p.m. folkheritage.org/shindigonthegreen.htm 9-18: NC Mountain State Fair WNC Agricultural Center, Fletcher d Family oriented agricultural fair with competitions, displays, midway games, food and more. d mountainfair.org. (see our ad on page 5) 9-10: Carolina Mountains Literary Festival Novelists, poets, historians, playwrights and storytellers read from and discuss works. Children’s activities on Sept. 11. d cmlitfest.org 10: Kidfest at Grandfather Mountain Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. grandfathermountain.com 15-17: Asheville Citizen-Times Half Marathon, 5K Run & Walk and Sports Expo Downtown Asheville. Expo Sept. 15-16 at UNC-A Sherrill Center. Family-friendly race Saturday, Sept 17. CITIZEN-TIMES.com/race 17-Oct. 31: Eliada Fields of Fun Corn Maze 828-254-5356 ext. 157 d eliada.org 17: 41st Annual Girl Scout Day Grandfather Mountain d Girl Scouts and troop members are free with proof of membership. Special nature programs. d grandfathermountain.com 18: Art at the Park Dillsboro d Art activities for young and old. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. jcgep.org 18: Mountain Life Festival Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Oconaluftee Visitor Center. d Demonstrations including soap making, hearth cooking, cane mill, apple butter, cider and more. nps.gov/grsm 18-19: 30th Annual Heritage Weekend Folk Art Center on Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville. Celebration of traditional craft, music and storytelling. southernhighlandguild.org
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25: 4th Annual Mill Around The Village Bluegrass Festival Beacon Mill Village in Swannanoa d Festival with games, food and kids activities. d millaroundthevillage.com 25: Old Timey Day Yancey County d Demonstrations of crafts, traditional mountain music, clogging, games, food, more. mtmitchellcraftsfair.com
october 2011 1-31: Blue Ridge Corn Maze Brevard d 828-884-4415 d blueridgecornmaze.com 1-31: Cold Mountain Corn Maze Canton d 828-648-8575 (see our ad on page 39) 1-31: Eliada Fields of Fun Corn Maze 828-254-5356, ext. 157 d eliada.org 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30: Peanuts – The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and friends. d 800-872-4681 d gsmr.com 1-30: Ghost Train Halloween Festival Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. Safe, scary fun for all ages on Friday and Saturday nights in October. 800-526-5740 d tweetsie.com 2: Farm City Day Jackson Park in Hendersonville d Daylong event with antique and modern farm equipment, music, square dancing, clogging, food, petting zoo and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. d historichendersonville.org 2-3: Land of Oz Beech Mountain d Tour the old Land of Oz theme park. beechmtn.com 4-8: 98th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds d Entertainment, midway games, food and traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. d cherokee-nc.com 9: Mineral City Heritage Festival Spruce Pine d Food, crafts, children’s activities and more. d sprucepinefestivals.com 9: Mountain Glory Festival Marion d Street festival with arts and crafts, food, quilt show, children’s area, more. d mtngloryfestival.com
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9-10: Oktoberfest Sugar Mountain Resort d Food, music, children’s activities, crafts, lift rides, more. d skisugar.com 14-17: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands Asheville Civic Center d southernhighlandguild.org 14-17: Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain Weekend of art, music and outdoor fun. d theleaf.com (see our ad on page 52) 16: Apple Harvest Festival Downtown Waynesville d haywood-nc.com 16: Shepherds Care Autumn Festival Lake Lure d Arts and crafts festival with children’s area. lakelurartsandcraftsfestivals.com 16-17: Woolly Worm Festival Banner Elk d Arts and crafts, music, food, the woolly worm races and more. averycounty.com 17: HardLox Jewish Food and Heritage Festival Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville d Traditional Jewish music and dance, crafts, food and children’s activities. d hardloxjewishfestival.org 22-23: Franklin Pumpkin Fest Franklin d Hayrides, a Pumpkin Roll, more. renewingfranklin.org/pumpkinfest.html 30: Halloween Carnival Fletcher d fletcherparks.org 30: Halloween Costume Parade Dillsboro d Family-oriented costume parade with contest. 5-8 p.m., parade at 6 p.m. d visitdillsboro.org
november 2011 1-14: Asheville International Children’s Film Festival Family film festival with workshops and other events. aicff.org 4: 37th Annual Christmas at Biltmore Runs through Jan. 1. d biltmore.com 4-Dec. 24: The Polar Express at Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Ride the Polar Express with cocoa and a special treat. Leaves Bryson City depot. d 800-872-4681 d gsmr.com (see our ad on page 43)
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6: Foothills Highland Games Jackson Park, Hendersonville d Scottish Clans of the South gather to compete. d 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. scotsfoothillshg.org 15: National Gingerbread House Competition Display at The Grove Park Inn and Spa. Competition is Nov. 15. Houses on display Nov. 17-Jan. 2. groveparkinn.com 26-Jan.: Chetola Resort’s Festival of Lights Blowing Rock d Drive around lake for dazzling display of lights, over 50,000 holiday season illuminations. 828-295-5500 d www.chetolaevents.com
December 2011 1-23: “A Christmas Carol” Performed by YouTheatre at Flat Rock Playhouse. A classic re-imagined by renowned Disney composer Alan Menken. d flatrockplayhouse.org 2-6: “Carolina Christmas Spectacular” Biltmore Baptist Church, Arden d Western North Carolina’s largest Christmas musical. d 828-687-1111 ncchristmas.com 3-4: “A Winter’s Tale” Western North Carolina Nature Center, Asheville Crafts, presentations, food and entertainment. d 6-9 p.m. 828-298-5600 d wildwnc.org 2-3 and 9-10: Dillsboro Lights and Luminaries Dillsboro d Music, food, carolers, visits with Santa. visitdillsboro.org 3-5: Dickens Festival Biltmore Village d biltmorevillage.com/ dickens_festival.htm 3: Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas Historic Downtown d 5-9 p.m. d Downtown merchants host an open house with refreshments, entertainment, carriage rides, visit from Father Christmas and carolers. downtownhendersonville.org 4: Bryson City Christmas Parade Downtown Bryson City d 2 p.m. d greatsmokies.com 4: Christmas at the Farm Historic Johnson Farm in Hendersonville. historichendersonville.org/johnson_farm.htm
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4: Hendersonville Christmas Parade Main Street in Hendersonville d 10 a.m. historichendersonville.org 4: Twilight Tour Downtown Brevard d Christmas parade, visits with Santa, music, 5K, merchants open house, more. brevardnc.org 4: Winterfest Burnsville d Christmas parade d 10:30 a.m. Crafts, farmers market, more. d mtmitchellcraftsfair.com 4 and 11: Santa on the Chimney Chimney Rock d Santa practices on the 315-foot Chimney Rock. d chimneyrockpark.com 8: Tryon Christmas Parade Downtown Tryon d 5:30 p.m. d tryonfire.net 11: Cashiers Christmas Parade cashiershistoricalsociety.org 11: Christmas at Connemara Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock. Celebrate Christmas with the holiday traditions of the Sandburgs. d 10 a.m.-3 p.m. d nps.gov/carl 11: Fletcher Christmas Parade fletcherparks.org 18: A Holiday Homecoming Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Oconaluftee Visitor Center d An old-time Christmas celebration with demonstrations of crafts from the past, music, refreshments. d nps.gov/grsm 21: Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, downtown Asheville 7:30 p.m. d 828-259-5544. d ashevilleciviccenter.com 31-Jan. 1: C4 Rodeo Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, Fletcher 828-687-1414 d agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilities/agcenters/western/wnccal.htm
January 2012 1: C4 Rodeo Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, Fletcher d 828-687-1414 d agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilities/agcenters/western/wnccal.htm
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7-8: NC Indoor Motocross Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, Fletcher 828-687-1414 d agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilities/ agcenters/western/wnccal.htm 27- 30: Blowing Rock Winterfest Celebration Blowing Rock d Offering something for everyone, this annual winter festival includes a wine auction and tastings, live Bluegrass, a Chili Cook-Off, lots of kids activities and, for the very hearty, a polar plunge in Chetola Lake. d 828-295-7851 blowingrockwinterfest.com
February 2012 2: Ground Hog Day Celebration WNC Nature Center d wncnaturecenter.com Peanuts Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Train Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and celebrate Valentine’s Day with Lucy, Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Kids can create their own Valentine’s craft and listen to the narrated story. d 800-872-4681 d gsmr.com Monster Truck Show Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, Fletcher 828-687-1414 agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilities/ agcenters/western/wnccal.htm Bull Mania Rodeo Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, Fletcher. 828-687-1414 d agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilities/ agcenters/western/wnccal.htm
march 2012
Please visit CITZEN-TIMES.com for confirmed dates for these events. 3: WNC Parent Summer Camp Expo Sherrill Center, Asheville. Plan your summer with overnight and daycamp activities. CITIZEN-TIMES.com/CampExpo 6: Sugar Bear’s Birthday Celebration Sugar Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain d Watch Sugar Bear and his friends take part in the Great Bear Race at the bottom of the slopes, eat cake and ice cream, and watch a magic show for kids in the Children’s Learning Center d skisugar.com
APRIL 2012 Biltmore Estate Festival of Flowers d biltmore.com 62 d
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Historic Johnson Farm Festival Hendersonville d co.henderson.k12.nc.us/teachers/ johnsonfarm-web/ MerleFest Wilkesboro d Music festival celebrating traditional Appalachian music and more. d merlefest.org Peanuts Easter Beagle Train Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad with Snoopy and friends. d 800-872-4681 d gsmr.com Easter Egg Hunts Asheville d ashevillenc.gov Biltmore Estate d biltmore.com Hendersonville d hendersoncountyrecreation.org Fletcher d fletcherparks.org 24: Easter Sunrise Service Chimney Rock Park d Annual tradition atop Chimney Rock with sunrise over Lake Lure. chimneyrockpark.com 30: Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival sprucepinefestivals.com
MAY 2012 French Broad River Festival Hot Springs d With music, whitewater raft and bike races, food and more. d frenchbroadriverfestival.com Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) theleaf.com Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival. lakelureartsandcraftsfestivals.com Lure of the Dragon Boats Lake Lure d lureofthedragons.org Mountain Sports Festival Festival Village at Carrier Park d Events of varying intensity for all ages. d mountainsportsfestival.com Montford Music and Arts Festival Day of music and crafts in a historic neighborhood setting. d montford.org White Squirrel Festival Brevard d Entertainment, Squirrel Box Derby, arts, food and more. d whitesquirrelfestival.com Whole Bloomin’ Thing Spring Festival Frog Level in downtown Waynesville townofwaynesville.org
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