If the natural beauty of the mountains of Blue Ridge Mountains is not enough to keep you busy with sightseeing, then check out all there is to do at The Cradle of Forestry. There are guided tours, restored historic buildings, exhibits, a gift shop and more. Kids will certainly enjoy seeing the restored locomotive and wandering the forest.
What does the EPIC branch in Hendersonville, 22 miles from Asheville, have to offer its flick fans? Digital sound, full access for those with special needs, listening devices and stadium seating arrangements! Not enough? How about a game room on the premises, party rooms for hire, family washrooms and a rocking chair facility? The cherry on the top would naturally be a slew of Hollywood productions. What is more, certain features also have a voice-over narration option. Whew!
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most traveled routes in the US National Park system. The scenic thoroughfare is 470 miles (756 kilometers) long and passes through the mountains of Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina. Some of the more popular stops in the area are Linville Gorge, Craggy Gardens and Graveyard Fields. Pass by undulating meadows and gaze in awe at the majesty of the surrounding mountains, or explore the many attractions dotting the stunning landscape of this region as you glide along the roadway's scenic expanse.
Founded in 1916, Pisgah National Forest is one of the oldest nature preserves in North Carolina. Nestled high up in the Appalachian Mountains that dominate the entire landscape of the state's western boundaries, the forest's overall topography is an extremely diverse one. Blessed with the boundless bounties of nature, this lush green progression of primeval woodlands and breathtaking geological marvels is most notably home to the West Prong Hickey Fork Creek Waterfall, which is known for its majestic cascading flow. Superabundant with interconnecting trails for mountain biking, hiking and climbing, the park's grounds are a paradise for outdoor sports and adventure enthusiasts.
Painted from nature's palette, the North Carolina Arboretum welcomes visitors into its abode of rare and colorful species of flora. The expansive gardens cover 434 acres (175.6 hectares) and include designated biking and hiking trails that let you explore at leisure. Arboretum's Bonsai Collection is also noteworthy, which includes nearly 100 different species. These gardens are a must-visit destination.
One of the crown jewels of Asheville, Biltmore Estate seamlessly chronicles the legendary lineage of the Vanderbilts. Nestled in the sprawling Blue Ridge Mountains, the house was built between 1889 and 1895 by architect Richard Morris Hunt as the summer estate of George Washington Vanderbilt II. At its heart is the Biltmore House, a four-story mansion inspired by the Châteauesque architectural style in France and England. With 250 rooms encompassing 8000 acres (3237 hectares), it is one of the biggest private homes in the country. Replete with furniture, artwork, and antiques that exude grandeur, the house shelters an array of opulent spaces like the enormous Banquet Hall and George Vanderbilt's master bedroom. Complete with carved paneling, gilded ornamentation, and intricate ceiling work, this grandiose house is the epitome of elegance. Fronting the house are the marvelous gardens which have been modeled on Victorian landscaping principles, complete with delightful foliage and blooming colorful flowers. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the house also harbors restaurants, shops, an inn, and a gorgeous winery and a rooftop that affords breathtaking views of its surrounding environs.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most traveled routes in the US National Park system. The scenic thoroughfare is 470 miles (756 kilometers) long and passes through the mountains of Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina. Some of the more popular stops in the area are Linville Gorge, Craggy Gardens and Graveyard Fields. Pass by undulating meadows and gaze in awe at the majesty of the surrounding mountains, or explore the many attractions dotting the stunning landscape of this region as you glide along the roadway's scenic expanse.
Set on North Lake Shore Drive, Stuart Auditorium overlooks the stunning Lake Junaluska in North Carolina. This state-of-the-art auditorium can accommodate thousands of guests. It features comfortable seating arrangements that show unobstructed views of the large stage. This facility is perfect for hosting events like weddings, conferences, gatherings, worship programs and more.
Located on the banks of Pigeon River, Colonial Theatre was founded in 1924. Set in Keene, this theater showcases a number of plays and musicals. It is also a great place to host weddings, conferences and film festivals. This theater features a stage, modern sound and lights systems, comfortable seating and a well-equipped kitchen.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is a quaint little chapel belonging to the 19th century. Built in 1895, the church shows the Carpenter Gothic style of architecture. The church is still in function and conducts regular services to keep the neighboring communities bonded. It was put up on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, owing to its historic and architectural importance.
Church of the Transfiguration is a lovely structure built with the Carpenter Gothic style of architecture. It was erected in 1889 and is spread across an area of 1.7 acres (0.69 hectare). The classy white exteriors with the serene interiors look magnificent and are sure to take you back into time. The structure has been preserved exceptionally well. Services and other religious ceremonies are held in the church till date.