My Top 3 Favorite Things About Western North Carolina

Do you live somewhere you absolutely LOVE? I know I do! Western North Carolina (WNC) is probably one of the best places to live in the entire United States, let alone the whole world. Of course, I may be slightly biased, but have you ever visited? While it is true there are so many beautiful places in the world to live in and see, the Western North Carolina has its own special beauty and character. Keep reading to discover my top five favorite things about WNC. 

1. Views, Views and more Views 

Western North Carolina is the region of North Carolina which includes the Appalachian Mountains and is therefore known as the state's Mountain Region.  The area contains the highest mountains in the Eastern United States with elevations exceeding 5,000 feet. "Land of the Sky" is a nickname that has been adopted to refer to this region and has since been more recently used to refer to the Asheville area specifically. Living here, I quite literally feel like I am living in the sky sometimes since there are so many places from which I can see the most amazing mountain views. I am just 20 minutes away from the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile road weaving through North Carolina and Virginia offering beautiful year-round mountain views and glimpses of the region's phenomenal biodiversity along the way. Everyone should have the opportunity to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and experience the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Source: Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

2. So Many Great Towns 

While Asheville may be the area's main commercial hub, there are so many other surrounding towns in the mountains of WNC that each have their own special charm and character. Waynesville, Black Mountain and Hendersonville are my three top favorites so far. 

Waynesville

Over the past year, I have just recently discovered the special appeal of Waynesville, the small mountain town about 30 miles southwest of Asheville located between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains. There are so many things to do in this sweet little town. Waynesville offers its own unique farm-to-table restaurant and craft beer scene and is great for visitors interested in a true Appalachian experience. Some of the most popular breweries in town include Boojum Brewing, a local brewery founded in 2015 famous for its award-winning ales as well as Frog Level Brewing, a brewery offering a wide variety of flavorful beers. In addition to Waynesville's small town charm, the town is surrounded by plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. 

Waynesville, NC. Photo courtesy of: ashevilleguidebook.com

Black Mountain

I have become pleasantly well-acquainted with Black Mountain, North Carolina, a town just 15 minutes east from Asheville. Voted the prettiest small town in the United States by TripAdvisor, it is easy to see why. Black Mountain entices visitors with its beautiful downtown scene, slow, mountain pace, live music, quaint gift shops, and rich history. Taking a stroll in downtown Black Mountain, you will run into the The White Horse Black Mountain, a top favorite venue for visitors looking for local, live entertainment. The region has also drawn artists to the area for over a century. The Black Mountain Center of the Arts has multiple exhibitions and locally featured artists. Additionally, Lake Tomahawk Park is a wonderful place for people to walk, play and swim on 16.3 acres located in Black Mountain. The park features pavilions, a playground, tennis courts, a walking trail, fishing, and more. 

Downtown Black Mountain, NC. Photo Courtesty of: Trip Advisor

Hendersonville 

Known affectionately by locals as "Hendo," you will find a sweet escape into true southern hospitality and enjoyable experiences in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Located just south of Asheville, Hendersonville is the second largest downtown area in western North Carolina. Hendersonville has become an escape for many Asheville residents and visitors alike. Walking down Main Street is a refreshing experience in itself, as there are many spots to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee or pop in to a great bookstore, restaurant or brewery. In the Courthouse on Main Street is the Henderson County Heritage Museum offering free admission Wednesday--Sunday. Another great Main Street attraction is the Mineral & Lapidary Museum where you can see exhibits of English minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and more. Admission to this museum is also free. Additionally, some of my favorite stops are Black Bear Coffee, McFarlan's Bakery, and the annual Apple Festival which happens every August. 

Downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina. Photo Courtesy of: romanticasheville.com

3. Access to Nature

Arguably one of the best features of living in Western North Carolina is the almost immediate access and proximity to nature and wildlife. The region is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country with over 175 species of terrestrial birds, 2,250 species of vascular plans, 65 species of mammals, and about 25,00 species of invertebrates. So many species of trees, millipedes, spiders, moths and more are only found here in this region and nowhere else on the planet. If you enjoy being outside, Western North Carolina is one of the best places to explore with a wide variety of hiking trails and mountainous terrain. 

One of my favorite spots to experience the region's biodiversity is at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. The NC Arboretum is one of the most beautiful natural gardens in America. Located on a 434-acre campus in Pisgah National Forest, it is the perfect place for an enjoyable hike while learning and experiencing the natural beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 

This is only a taste of a few of my favorite things about Western North Carolina. I have so many more places and experiences to share with you. What else would you like to know about Western North Carolina? Leave a comment below.