Western North Carolina Links

The Ultimate Guide To Asheville &
The Western North Carolina Mountains
Links To Western North Carolina Websites

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                                 Liza's Reef
            The art & environmental defense website of author Lee Pantas

ACCOMMODATIONS
Recommended Accommodations
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Cultural Attractions in Asheville & Western North Carolina
Selected Dining
Natural Attractions in Asheville & Western North Carolina
Festivals
Entertainment & Nightlife
Selected Shopping
Selected Recreation & Sports
Arts & Crafts
COMMUNITY
Churches and Religion
Retreat Centers
Colleges, Schools and Education
Hospitals & Medical
Government & Community Service Organizations
Western North Carolina Environmental Organizations
RESOURCE SITES
Visitor Centers, Counties, Chambers of Commerce and Official Sites
Western North Carolina Cities & Towns
Independent Informational Sites
Travel Agencies and Touring Services
Media
Transportation & Travel
REAL ESTATE
Real Estate in Western North Carolina

Cultural Attractions in Asheville & Western North Carolina

Allison-Deaver House -Restored early 19th century house open to the public. In Brevard.
Appalachian Cultural Museum -Located on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone.
Appalachian Heritage Museum -located in Blowing Rock in the Mystery Hill attraction, housed in historic Dougherty House.
Asheville Art Museum -Asheville's premier arts museum.
Asheville Civic Center  -Asheville's main performance venue.
Asheville Community Theatre -Asheville's primary Community Theatre.
Asheville's Fun Depot -Designed with kids in mind.
Asheville Historic Trolley Tours - Daily trolley tours of downtown Asheville in beautiful state-of-the-art Touring Trolleys.
Asheville Lyric Opera -Opera at its best in Asheville!
Asheville Symphony Orchestra -Asheville's major symphony orchestra.
Asheville Tourists -Asheville's Class A professional baseball team. Home ballpark is the historic McCormick Field.
Appalachian Cultural Museum -Great museum located on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone.
Biltmore Estate -Asheville's main cultural attraction!   The crown jewel! Not to be missed!
Biltmore Village -Charming turn-of-the-century village at entrance to Biltmore Estate.
Biltmore Village Historic Museum -Museum about the historic Biltmore Village.
Botanical Gardens at Asheville   Ten acre site next to UNCA
Black Mountain College Museum Arts Center -Located in Black Mountain, art museum started in 1933.
Bravo Concerts  -World-class opera, symphony and dance performances at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Asheville.
Brevard Music Center Premier music center located in Brevard.
Caldwell Arts Council - Three art galleries, located in Lenoir.
Caldwell County Historical Society Heritage Museum -Located in Lenoir -museum dedicated to Caldwell County history.
Canton Area Historical Museum Local heritage museum in Canton.
Carl Sandburg Home Carl Sandburg's Flat Rock farm "Connemara".
Catherine Smith Gallery - Art gallery at Appalachian State University in Boone.
Chelsea Gallery -Art gallery at A.K. Hinds University Center, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
Cherokee County Historical Museum -More than 2000 artifacts of the Cherokee Indians. In Murphy.
Cherokee Indian Reservation -Major attraction in the mountains -home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokees.
Colburn Earth Science Museum -Superb museum in Asheville's Pack Place Arts, Education & Science Center.
Cradle of Forestry -Educational center at the historic Pisgah Forest site where modern forestry began.
Diana Wortham Theatre -500 seat theatre & performance venue located in Pack Place, Asheville.
Emerald Village -A complex of gem, mineral and mining attractions located near Little Switzerland.
Estes-Winn Memorial Automobile Museum Located in Homespun Shops next to Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.
FENCE -The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center located in Tryon.
Flat Rock Playhouse -The State Theatre of North Carolina located in historic Flat Rock.
Folk Art Center of the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild World class exhibition center. Located in Asheville on Blue Ridge Parkway.
Fort Defiance -Home of Revolutionary War General William Lenoir, located in Lenoir.
Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum Housed in old jail of Macon County (circa 1850), exhibits of gems and minerals. In Franklin.
From This Day Forward Seasonal outdoor drama held in Valdese. Story of the Waldensian struggle for religious freedom.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad -The premier railroad attraction in the mountains. Departures from various locations.
Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Historic world class hotel and attraction! Incredible spa..! One of the crown jewels of Asheville.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino World class casino on the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
Henderson County Curb Market Located in downtown Hendersonville, in continuous operation since 1924.
Hickory Ridge Homestead -An 18th century living history museum located at Horn In The West in Boone.
Hiddenite Center -Located in the historic Lucas Mansion in Hiddenite, the Hiddenite Center is a folk and cultural arts center.
Highlands Nature Center -Live animal exhibits, garden tours and children's programs and more in Highlands.
Historic Carson House -Built in 1793 by Colonel John Carson, the house today is a privately owned history museum open to the public.
Historic Johnson Farm   Restored 19th century farm in Hendersonville open to the public.
Holmes Educational State Forest One of six educational state forests in NC that have been developed as environmental education centers.
Horn In The West   An outdoor dramatic recreation of North Carolina's early pioneers that takes place in Boone from June to mid-August.
Jackson County Museum -Regional museum with focus on Jackson County. In Sylva.
John C. Campbell Folk School -Established in 1925, the Campbell Folk School is one of America's best. In Brasstown.
Macon County Historical Society & Museum -Regional historical museum with focus on Macon County. In Franklin.
Mast General Store -Valle Crucis -The century old Mast Store is one of the best remaining examples of old country stores in America.
McCormick Field Home of the Asheville Tourists minor league baseball team.
Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County - An array of exhibits relating to gems and minerals. In Hendersonville.
Mountain Farm & Home Museum - Located in Hendersonville, dedicated to the rural life of the 19th century.
Mountain Heritage Center -Superb mountain culture museum located at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
Mountain Gateway Museum - Regional historic museum located in Old Fort.
Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts Unique works by some of North Carolina's most renowned artisans. In Waynesville.
Museum of North Carolina Minerals -Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 331, the museums has displays of over 300 minerals found in NC.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian -Cherokee Indian culture and history. In Cherokee.
Mystery Hill -Hands on entertainment center for kids and grown-ups that has been around for over 50 years. Between Boone and Blowing Rock.
North Carolina Arboretum  -Asheville's world-class arboretum and botanical gardens. A University of North Carolina facility.
North Carolina Homespun Museum - Located in the Homespun Shops next to the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.
North Carolina School for the Deaf Historical Museum - In Morganton, a museum run by the Historic Rusmisell Museum Society.
Oconoluftee Indian Village -Authentic Indian village restoration at Cherokee Indian Reservation.
Orchard at Altapass -Located next to Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 328.3, Appalachian culture and apples.
Old Burke County Courthouse & Heritage Museum -Restored 19th century courthouse with displays and historical exhibits in Morganton.
Old Depot Association & Gallery -100 year old train depot in Black Mountain, houses arts and crafts exhibits and store.
Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center -Asheville's premier center for science, arts, culture and entertainment.
Perry's Water Garden -Commercial enterprise that is also a major attraction. Largest selection of aquatic plants in America. In Franklin.
Pisgah Center For Wildlife Education Located in the Pisgah Forest at the site of the State Fish Hatchery. Nearest town is Brevard.
Poetry Alive -Performance poetry like nothing else! In Asheville.
Polk County Historical Museum Located in the old Tryon Depot, in Tryon.
Quaker Meadows Plantation -Restored 1812 Catawba Valley Plantation house, important in the Revolutionary War.
Riverside Cemetery -Historic cemetery located in the Montford District of Asheville.
Ruby City Gems - A retail jewelry outlet in Franklin that also has a great, free gem museum
Rural Life Museum -Located on the Mars Hill College campus, in Mars Hill.
Rutherford County Farm Museum - Exhibits of antique farm equipment and items dating back to earliest days of the 19th century. In Forest City.
Scottish Tartans Museum & Heritage Center -Museum of the history of the Scottish Tartans. In Franklin.
Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. Library -Located in the library of Western Piedmont Community College. Famous Chairman of Watergate hearings in the 1970's.
Smith-McDowell House -Historic house and museum, another of Asheville's crown jewels.
Smoky Mountain Trains -A collection of 7,000 Lionel trains dating back to 1918. In Bryson City.
Spiers Gallery -Located in Brevard College's Sims Art Center. In Brevard.
Transylvania County Heritage Center -Home also to the Jim Bob Tinsley Museum. In Brevard.
Swannanoa Valley Museum -Exhibits of Swannanoa Valley history and culture. Located in Black Mountain.
The Burke Arts Council - Art exhibits and galleries in Morganton.
The Grove Arcade Public Market Eclectic mix of shops in historic Grove Arcade Building, downtown Asheville
The Health Adventure -Health education center at Asheville's Pack Place Arts, Education & Science Center.
The History Museum of Burke County - Located in Morganton, dedicated to preserving and presenting Burke County's heritage.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial -The childhood home of Thomas Wolfe, Asheville's most famous son.
Trail of Faith -An outdoor walk through of Waldensian history, and summer evening outdoor dramas. July and August in Valdese.
Turchin Center for Visual Arts -Art museum located in Boone.
Tweetsie Railroad -Old fashioned family fun in Blowing Rock.
Unto These Hills  -Outdoor drama in Cherokee that tells the history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Waldensian Museum -This museum covers the history of the Waldensians from Italy to WNC. In Downtown Valdese.
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center -Top agricultural exhibition center-home of North Carolina Mountain State Fair.
Western North Carolina Air Museum Private museum dedicated to preserving the flying heritage of WNC. Located in Hendersonville.
Western North Carolina Farmers Market -36 acres of farm produce -one of America's finest farmers markets. Located in Asheville.
Western North Carolina Nature Center -Asheville's wonderful regional nature center.
Wheels Through Time Museum -Museum housing over 250 rare and antique motorcycles. In Maggie Valley.
Wilkes Art Gallery -Located in North Wilkesboro, a small non-profit gallery.
World Methodist Museum -Located at Lake Junaluska. Artifacts and memorabilia of John Wesley and the Wesley family.
YMI Cultural Center -Exhibits dealing with the history of African-Americans in Western North Carolina. In Asheville.
Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace -Restored pioneer birthplace in Weaverville of Zebulon B. Vance, famous North Carolina Governor.

Natural Attractions in Asheville & Western North Carolina

Appalachian Trail -The world famous trail runs through North Carolina on its way from Maine to Georgia.
Bent Creek Experimental Forest  -One of America's oldest USDA Forest Service research forests. Located near Asheville.
Blue Ridge Parkway -Virtual Visitor Center of one of America's most beautiful highways.
Blue Ridge Parkway Association   -Official site of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association.
Blue Ridge Parkway Guide -An excellent site devoted to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Brown Mountain Lights -An unexplained natural phenomena that occurs near Morganton.
Chimney Rock Park  -Extraordinary hiking trails with magnificent vistas. A major natural attraction just south of Asheville.
Dupont State Forest -10,000 acres near Hendersonville.
Gorges State Park -Located near Sapphire, Gorges State Park contains spectacular waterfalls, gorges and many rare and unusual plant
Grandfather Mountain -One of the major natural attractions in the mountains.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park -America's most visited national park.
Lake James State Park -State park located on beautiful Lake James east of Asheville.
Lake Lure -Rated by National Geographic as one of America's most beautiful man-made lakes. 45 minutes south of Asheville.
Linville Caverns -Western North Carolina's most famous caverns.
Linville Gorge -A rugged wildeness area in the Pisgah National Forest. One of the most spectacular sites in North Carolina.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area -Has two short hiking trails with spectacular views of the New River.
Mount Mitchell State Park -Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi.
Nantahala National Forest -526,798-acre National Forest, near Robbinsville. Home to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
New River State Park - One of the oldest rivers in the world, near Jefferson.
Pisgah National Forest -Located on both sides of Asheville, more than 490,000 acres in 12 counties.
Stone Mountain State Park -132,747 acre park with over 16 miles of hiking trails. Near Roaring Gap.
The Blowing Rock - Located near Boone, an immense cliff rising 1,000 feet above John River Gorge.
Waterfalls - Many of North Carolina's waterfalls are located in Transylvania County "Land of Waterfalls".

Independent Informational Sites
A Glimpse of Asheville
Asheville
Asheville NC
Asheville Now
Asheville USA
Asheville Mountains
Blue Ridge Online
Greater Asheville Chamber of Commerce
Hendersonville
Historic Downtown Hendersonville
MAIN: Mountain Area Information Network .
NC Natural
North Carolina Travel Sites
SEEK ON Hendersonville
Western North Carolina
WNC Guide
West Carolina

Selected Shopping

Blue Ridge Web Market
Complements To The Chef Asheville kitchen store.
French Broad Co-op Superb food co-op serving Western North Carolina.
Grovewood Gallery Outstanding craft gallery located near the Grove Park Inn Resort.
Liberty Bicycles Premier bicycle store and biking center located in South Asheville.
Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe One of a kind bookstore in downtown Asheville.
Mast General Store-Asheville
Mast General Store -Hendersonville
Mast General Store -Valle Crucis
Pro Bikes Another great bicycle store located in downtown Asheville.
Silver Armadillo Unique one of a kind gift shop featuring jewelry, minerals, fossils, beads and more.
The Compleat Naturalist Tools, supplies, & classes for amateur and professional naturalists and field biologists, since 1992.
The Wine Guy Excellent Asheville wine merchant.
Three Oaks Trading Post An online store which offers a great variety of merchandise and a true commitment to superior service for valued customers.
Weinhaus Wine merchant in Asheville for over 22 years offering great wines at great prices.

Selected Dining
East Village Grill   Casual dining -Greek and American foods.
Gabrielle's at Richmond Hill Inn An extraordinarily elegant and renowned restaurant- country setting.
Jack of The Wood Another great Asheville establishment -Cozy Celtic style pub, good food and brewery-home of Green Man Ales.
La Paz Restaurante Y Cantina   Excellent Mexican dining in historic Biltmore Village.
The Mast Farm Inn Valle Crucis
Mosaic Cafe and Coffee House Located in Enka, just west of Asheville.
Sinbad Restaurant Mediterranean specialties in Hendersonville. Unique dining in an elegant historic former residence.
The Market Place Celebrating food, wine and life since 1979 in Asheville!

Selected Recreation
Adventurous Fast River Rafting Nantahala River rafting specialists since 1979.
Asheville Ambers Walking Club Walking and other non-competitive sporting events for people of all ages and athletic abilities,
Asheville Lightning Junior Olympics Team  Premier summer Track & Field and Cross Country Team for Youth 6-18.
Asheville Track Club Website of the one of the best track clubs in North Carolina.
Asheville Ultimate Club Asheville based sports disc club.
Beech Mountain Ski Resort Great skiing about 2 hours from Asheville.
Blue Ridge Bicycle Club of Asheville One of Western North Carolina's most established bicycle clubs.
Blue Ridge Rafting Closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, on the French Broad River.
Diamond Brand Outdoors Great outdoor gear outfitters with two locations in Arden and Asheville.
French Broad Rafting Company Near Asheville on the French Broad River.
Frugal Backpacker Quality outdoor outlet located in Arden.
Headwaters Outfitters French Broad River canoeing & kayaking.
Jus' Running Western North Carolina's premier running store.
Liberty Bicycles A great bicycling store in Asheville.
Mountain Biking In Western North Carolina Excellent mountain biking resource site.
Mountain Man Mining Family fun gem mining located in Asheville.
Mountain Sports Festival  Western North Carolina's premier Outdoor and Mountain Sports Festival. Held annually in June.
Nantahala Outdoor Center Western North Carolina's premier outdoor and whitewater rafting center.
North Carolina Mountain Biking Trails Authority Resource for area mountain biking trails.
North Carolina Outward Bound
Pro Bikes Another great bicycle store located in downtown Asheville.
Sandy Bottom Trail Rides Family owned and operated horseback riding service located in Marshall.
Southern Waterways Gentle French Broad River float trips-canoeing, kayaking and rafting- in Asheville.
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard Great pick your own orchard in Hendersonville.
Triathlon Club of Asheville Visiting tri-athlete? Check out their race calendar.
University of North Carolina at Asheville Athletics
Warren Wilson College Athletics
Western Carolina University Athletics
Wildwater Rafting One of Western North Carolina's premier whitewater rafting companies, in operation since 1971.

Accommodation Reservation Services
Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association 16 member Bed & Breakfasts.
Asheville Cabins Comprehensive reservation services for Western North Carolina.
Bed & Breakfasts Inns ONLINE Links to Western North Carolina members.

Travel Agencies and Touring Services
Academic Travel Services Great travel service for students. Learning Through Travel!
Young Transportation & Tours Customized tours in the United States and Canada.

Churches & Religion
Asheville Jewish Community Center
Asheville North Seventh Day Adventist Church
Basilica of St. Lawrence (Asheville)
Blue Ridge Christian Church (Asheville)
Central United Methodist Church (Asheville)
Church of the Resurrection CEC (Asheville)
First Baptist Church (Asheville)
St. Eugene's Parish (Asheville)
Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville
Zen Center of Asheville

Retreat Centers
Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove A ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Located in Asheville.
Christmount Christian Assembly Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) conference and retreat center. Located in Black Mountain.
Kanuga Affiliated with the Episcopal Church, Kanuga sponsors programs and hosts customized meetings for up to 440 guests. In Hendersonville.
Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center United Methodist Church conference and retreat center in nearby Lake Junaluska.
Lutheridge Conference Center & Camp Operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Located in Asheville.
Montreat Conference Center A conference center of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Montreat, near Black Mountain.
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly Located in Black Mountain, a full-service conference center on 1600 beautiful acres.

Colleges, Schools and Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville Catholic School
Asheville Center Of The Performing Arts
Asheville Christian Academy
Asheville City School System
Asheville Montessori School
Blue Ridge College
Brevard College
Buncombe County Public Schools
Carolina Day
Christ School
Cumbie Institute of Real Estate
Henderson County Public Schools
Mars Hill College
Montreat College
Penland School of Crafts
Shaw University (Asheville)
The Asheville School
University of North Carolina In Asheville
Warren Wilson College