An Appalachian Escape in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina is a unique Appalachian town, a downright tree-huggin’, artist inspirin’, beer brewin’, yoga goin’ centre, located on the Western edge of North Carolina and surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine forests. There’s a little something for everyone in this small city.

For Tree Huggers and Nature Lovers

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, 88 miles of the Appalachian Trail runs through the North Carolina Mountains and are sure to tantalise your senses while invigorating your mind with its freshness. The Blue Ridge mountains offer outrageous solitude amid the giant forest canopy.

Jump on your bike and enjoy over 1,181 miles of trails, 95 featured trails, you can take a ride for as many or as few miles as you wish through the tree-filled forest of American Beech, Eastern Hemlock, Carolina Silverbell, Tulip Poplar, White Oak, and Yellow Birch.

Savour the forest tranquillity with an early morning freshly brewed coffee from local High Five coffee, or while star gazing and roasting marshmallows fireside evenings. Retreats such as Campfire Lodges perched high above the Frech Broad river, offer amenities to fit every interest and need. Schedule in a unique Yurt experience, load up your airstream or prepare to pitch your tent, be in nature and get back to a luring and nostalgic adventure sure to captivate the young and the old.

For the Beer Enthusiast

Asheville and the surrounding mountain area offers a place to escape year-round where you will find grand breweries sure to tickle your tastes. The beer scene in Asheville hoppin’. If you like craft beer, be sure to visit the New Belgium Brewery, Mills River Brewery, and the stunning of all – the Sierra Nevada Brewery.

For the Art Officianado

Be sure to set aside at least a couple of days to explore the hundreds of local artists, the charming folk art, the funky, artsy neighbourhoods, and the many creative galleries. One of the most interesting of all is the Asheville Pinball Museum where the kids are sure to enjoy hours of entertainment. Set in the 1070’s, you can play over 30 pinball machines ranging from the 1960’s to 2003. One admission ticket will get you and the kids into the museum to play as many games as you desire.

For the Gearhead

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you can visit a rare collection of over 300 unique classic motorcycles at Wheels Through Time. The headquarters for the Velocity Channel Show What’s in the Barn, showcase restoration projects of decades-old bikes.

For the Yogi

The Asheville Yoga Center is the perfect place to escape for a one-hour session of yoga to ease into your day. Asheville Yoga offers over 100 weekly classes in all styles of Hatha yoga, and drop-in classes are available. Asheville Yoga is one of very few sustainable and green yoga centres in the country. Solar panels, a landscape to die for and Bamboo floors, you’ll find your zen without even having to get into Shavasana.

For the Coffee Connoisseur

If you need to kick-start your day, stop by High Five Coffee for your morning java. This is a coffee shop that prides themselves on culture and education in its community. High Five Coffee strives to dazzle each person who walks in the door with their brilliance and mastery of excellent coffee, and it works! The locals and guests dropping by from out of town, are dazzled indeed, I was. High Five’s claim to fame; responsible coffee, keep the locals coming back. Their made in-house syrups and self-proclaimed “creative concoctions,” that are to-die-for. A must, if you are passing by. With interest in social and community issues, High Five has managed to be the talk of the town with being so great at what they do! They do coffee and company RIGHT! The smell, the brick walls, the visual appeal, the education; it’s all so Asheville.

From spectacular hiking, endless biking and beautiful artisan work from locals. Asheville offers simple year-round charm for outdoor art enthusiasts, – so pack your bags, rent that airstream you’ve always wanted to, and venture out to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains.

By Tonya Remillard
Tonya Remillard grew up in Calgary Alberta, currently teaches science in Utah with an emphasis in STEM education. As an educator and copywriter, Tonya loves to explore new places. Starting and running her first business early on, her adventurous spirit and business travels brought her around the world exploring and taking a liking to some of her unique travel experiences.