g Fletcher

Henderson County

FLETCHER

Fletcher sits in the middle of just about everything in Western North Carolina, close enough to be a jumping-off spot for any adventure, while also nestled in right near the Asheville Regional Airport for quick access to everywhere else.

Fletcher is uniquely positioned for national and international travelers, and it has an ever-expanding footprint of things to do that might make you stick around.

The biggest draw of all is the weeklong Western North Carolina Mountain State Fair, held each September at the WNC Agricultural Center, just across the street from the airport.

The Agricultural Center’s 87-acre multi-use facility hosts events year round, including horse and livestock shows, professional conferences, classic-car events, and trade shows. The center also welcomes the Land of the Sky Gun and Knife Show in the Davis Event Center, a 45,000-square-foot arena that’s outfitted with huge exhibit spaces and an onsite restaurant.

Fletcher has expanded its health and recreation initiatives, implementing a greenways master plan to make the community friendlier for walkers and bicyclists. The town is planning a network with 13 miles of trails.

Two local parks offer opportunities for exercise and enjoyment: The 60-acre Fletcher Community Park features playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and baseball and soccer fields, and Kate’s Park, adjacent to the Fletcher Library, has playgrounds, trails, and an outdoor grilling area.

Bluegrass lovers flock to the Feed and Seed, a church and music venue located in the old feed and supply building that has been a landmark for 100 years. The church focuses on serving the community, and it hosts top-notch Appalachian music every weekend. The Feed and Seed is family oriented, offering RC Cola and Moon Pies, popcorn, and coffee. There’s no cover charge for the music, either.

People are also talking about Blue Ghost Brewing, which regularly rolls out new tastes and flavors at its Underwood Road location. “Blue Ghost Brewing aims to make world-class beer while being a community center in Fletcher, promoting family, worthy causes, and our local natural wonders,” is the company’s mission statement.

The town is also home to Diamond Brand Gear, maker of legendary wall tents, as well as hiking and camping gear.

Community celebrations, from free concerts to parades, take place throughout the year. Many annual highlights are staged in the fall. Pickin’ in the Park, a bluegrass-infused get-together in September, turns Fletcher Community Park into a center of mountain music, local food, and kids’ activities.

The town, which celebrated its 30th birthday in 2019, is developing a downtown area called the heart of Fletcher district to support small retail businesses, professional offices, restaurants, and a new Town Hall complex. n