Don’t just visit Western North Carolina, experience it. Here’s how.

I grew up in Southern Appalachia, right in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. A place where blue-hued peaks ripple across the horizon, small towns have the kind of character and quirk you see on TV shows, and an unmistakable mountain culture lingers all around. 

Now, this may sound like a romanticization, but there’s truth to this description. The Appalachian Mountains run nearly the length of America’s east coast, yet, there’s something distinct about Southern Appalachia. Southern charm and a slowed-down pace blend with mountain tradition and an affinity for soaking up nature. 

In my opinion, Western North Carolina showcases the best that Southern Appalachia offers with its idyllic mountain ranges, cozy towns, casual atmosphere, and rich sense of culture and tradition. 

I recently spent a week back home in North Carolina and was inspired by my visit. I always tell people, “The mountains are a nice place to come home to.” It truly is a special place and the older I get, the deeper my appreciation for my home state becomes. 

Whether you’re thinking about planning a trip or don’t know much about the area, I want to pass some local love, knowledge, and a little travel inspiration onto you.

Without further ado, here are six quintessential ways to enjoy Western North Carolina and all that it has to offer.

Wander through small towns to discover the heart and soul of the region.

I come from a small-town-loving family. Every vacation, no matter where in America we were, always led to a small town or included spontaneous stops for them. As an adult, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the charm, quaintness, and sense of community that’s brought to life by small towns. 

Throughout my travels, I’ve realized that there really is something distinct about the towns in Western North Carolina. Mountain magic and scenery settle into the background of historic American main streets. This creates towns that feel cozy, rustic, and lived in, yet vibrant all the same. Locals have a real love for their communities, and that atmosphere is palpable.

There are too many mountain towns to name in one article, but I’m going to share just a couple of my favorites. 

Brevard is a must-mention. I’m biased because this is the specific town where I grew up, but I’m not biased in saying that visitors love it just as much as locals. This place oozes with the kind of quirk and laid-back charm you see on TV shows. 

Firstly, it’s home to white squirrels (not albinos, white squirrels). And the town takes the pomp and circumstance to another level. I’m talking a white squirrel-themed gift shop, a White Squirrel Festival, White Squirrel Radio, you name it. Growing up, I didn’t think twice about this, but now, I recognize just how quirky and honestly funny this all is. 

Secondly, the nature is unrivaled. Pisgah National Forest is Brevard’s backyard. You’ll find over 250 waterfalls across the county. Visiting is like stepping into a Southern Appalachian fairyland with creeks, woodland walking trails, and fading blue mountain ridges that disappear into the distance. 

Saluda is another favorite town that’s more off the beaten path. It’s a place that to this day, I don’t think many people know about. Saluda is small, with its single Main Street making up the majority of the town itself. 

Visiting is like stepping back to an era when people traveled by train and everything you ever needed was bought at an old-school general store. It’s a rustic, traditional mountain town and a gateway to untouched nature and adventures on the Green River. 

I could keep going… There are endless towns like these that are worth mentioning. But I hope this gave you a taste of what to expect. Many visitors choose to stay in Asheville, NC, as it’s the largest city and main hub of the region. From here, countless small towns are just a stone’s throw away (or a day trip). 

Get a taste for local food and drinks like barbecue, orchard-grown apples, and endless beer.

Every region has its local food and drink specialties and, in Western North Carolina, the top dogs are barbecue and beer. I also want to throw apples into the mix, because the region is home to one of the biggest apple-producing counties (Henderson County) in the country!

It would be a mistake to visit North Carolina and not indulge in the barbecue. Luckily, there are tons of places to get a taste. But, there are a couple of things to know first. So, there are Eastern and Western-style sauces. Eastern-style is vinegar-based and Western-style is usually tomato-based with a sweet and smoky flavor. 

I personally prefer Eastern-style, but they’re honestly both good. Some of my favorite spots are Hawg Wild BBQ in Brevard and 12 Bones Smokehouse in Asheville. 

Now onto beer. You can’t mention WNC, especially Asheville, without talking about the insane brewery scene. Between the beautiful surroundings and friendly mountain vibes, ending the day with a locally crafted cold beer just makes sense.

Burial Beer Company and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company are some of the top places in the area, but I recommend reading my article on Asheville’s best breweries for the full breakdown. 

Now, if you’re looking for something a little more family-friendly, hop on over to Hendersonville for apple picking that all ages can enjoy. Venture out into hillside orchards at Jeter Mountain Farm or pick apples with mountain views at Sky Top Orchard. These are just two of the county’s countless apple orchards.

Disconnect and slow things down with a peaceful stay at a country inn.

Don’t just visit Western North Carolina, experience it. One of the best ways to do this is by staying at a local inn. The region is dotted with adorable, country inns run by hospitable locals. 

I have to mention The Pines Country Inn outside of Brevard. It’s actually owned by the family of one of my childhood best friends. The inn itself is a late 1800s farmhouse with cozy and beautifully decorated rooms. I’ve spent a few nights here for special occasions over the years, and I just love it. 

Walk outside in the early morning and you’ll be met with idyllic, misty mountain views. This country inn is everything you could want in a Southern Appalachian stay. It’s even complete with a farm on the property. 

Simply put, pick a Western North Carolina town and book a stay at a small inn or bed and breakfast. There’s something about the quaintness of simpler stays like these that allow you to truly disconnect from your worries and reconnect with yourself amidst slow moments and mountain scenery. 

After all, isn’t that what a mountain trip is all about? 

Get in the car and roll down the windows for long country drives that pass mountain vistas, farmlands, and untouched landscapes.

There’s truly nothing like going for a winding, country drive through the valleys and across the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rolling down the windows to catch the cool breeze and sticky humidity of mountain air on your fingertips. This is one of my absolute favorite things to do when I’m in North Carolina. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway is an obvious choice for a scenic mountain drive. Entrances can be accessed all across the region and having a good time is as simple as hopping in the car and driving until you feel like turning around. 

Alternate Route 74 is a road that goes from Bat Cave to Lake Lure and passes Chimney Rock and other scenic areas. Highway 281 goes near Lake Toxaway and includes mountain views and rural farmlands. 

A personal favorite spot to drive is along Crab Creek Road in Little River between the towns of Brevard and Hendersonville. Anywhere around Maggie Valley is beautiful, too. 

Nature isn’t the only thing that’s pretty around here. Don’t miss the folk art, ceramics, and sounds of the mountains.

It’s no surprise that the region’s beauty extends to what’s manmade. Western North Carolina is rich in Appalachian tradition, especially when it comes to things like art, pottery, and music. 

It’s pretty easy to find shops and markets selling local and handcrafted items. Everything ranging from folk art paintings and handcrafted wood items to pottery. Stop in any town and there’s sure to be a gift shop. 

That being said, some of my favorite places include Woolworth Walk in Asheville, Mud Dabbers Pottery in Brevard, and the Folk Art Center along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville. 

Music is another thing you should experience in Western North Carolina if you can. There’s a distinct style from this region and you can expect a lot of bluegrass, ballad singing, and country music alongside old-timey tunes for things like swing dancing. 

The style comes from a blend of Irish, African, and Indigenous roots, creating a blended and often acoustic folksy sound with lots of banjo, fiddle, and percussion instruments. 

There’s no shortage of places to discover Southern Appalachian music. Walk into any local brewery, bar, or town square on a Friday night (especially during summer) and you’ll find local musicians bringing to life the sounds and music tradition of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

I used to work at the visitor center in the town of Hendersonville. Every Friday night in the summer, we’d put on a weekly event of live music and square dancing. It’s honestly as old-school honky tonk as it sounds. 

But genuinely, there are some seriously talented musicians who hail from the region. Some well-known names include The Avett Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The Mountain Song Festival in Brevard and the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in Asheville are just a couple of amazing opportunities to hear local tunes. 

Last, but certainly not least, get outside and soak up the Blue Ridge beauty.

Cool, mountain streams tumbling over rocks and down waterfalls. Hiking trails that lead everywhere from round, mountain peaks to quiet forest clearings. Vistas that show off endless rolling hills in every shade of blue. Have I painted a clear enough picture?

The Appalachian Mountains are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the entire world. People have been reveling in its beauty for centuries. To miss out on the stunning scenery and outdoor activities would practically be a crime. 

Between the mild year-round temperatures and endless nature areas, the call for outdoor adventure is too loud to ignore. Luckily, the great outdoors can be accessed all across the region.

Head to Smoky Mountains National Park for quintessential Southern Appalachian beauty. This is the world’s most visited national park for good reason. Plus, there are no entrance fees. It’s the perfect family-friendly park. 

WNC is home to countless smaller (but no less beautiful) parks as well. Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest, Gorges State Park, Chimney Rock State Park, and Grandfather Mountain State Park are all stunning places to get your hiking and views in. 

So, get outside, breathe deep, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just as people have been doing for generations. 

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Thanks for reading! Being a tourist in your own backyard is truly one of the best ways to discover hidden gems and gain a deeper appreciation for your surroundings. Next up, check out Chelsea’s article on why she loves traveling locally.