There are several things to do in Buncombe County. Here are just a few: Check out Asheville, Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin. Each town has a unique personality that you can experience on your trip. In addition, the mountain scenery is beautiful and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep your family entertained.
Asheville
The Blue Ridge Mountains are the setting for the beautiful and charming towns of Buncombe and Asheville, North Carolina. Both towns are known for their vibrant arts scene, rich history, and historic architecture. Asheville is home to the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence, as well as the 19th-century Biltmore estate, which displays works of art by masters such as Renoir. You can also visit the River Arts District, which is filled with galleries and artist studios.
While visiting Asheville, you can also visit the Asheville Museum of Science, a hands-on museum with many interactive exhibits. The museum also hosts talks by science experts. If you’re looking for fun, impromptu entertainment, you might want to try the weekly Drum Circle at Pritchard Park. You can bring your drum or borrow one from fellow drummers.
If you’re a fan of hiking, Asheville offers a variety of timeworn trails, from easy to difficult. The Asheville Hike Finder lets you filter trails by difficulty level, distance from downtown, and more. Biking enthusiasts will also find plenty of trails and road biking options. Bird watchers will love the region’s abundant wildlife. The region is home to hundreds of migratory and native birds. Practicing your observation skills while you’re in town will help you catch more of these magnificent creatures.
Montreat
Montreat, North Carolina is a small town located just outside Asheville, in Buncombe County. It is home to the Montreat Conference Center and Montreat College, and is known as the hometown of Billy Graham. Located on the Eastern Continental Divide, the town boasts gorgeous mountain views and native flora.
Founded in 1897, the town of Montreat grew under the leadership of Rev. John C. Collins. By the end of 1899, there were about sixty people living in the small town. It also had a post office, a school, a circulating library, a general merchandise store, and a union church. The community also had mid-week services and Sunday School. In addition, the town was home to many summer conferences, which drew a large number of people.
Until 1967, Montreat was operated by the Mountain Regional Authority (MRA), which built roads and provided water, sewer, and police protection. The General Assembly of North Carolina incorporated the town as a separate government in 1967. Since then, the Town of Montreat provides water, sewer, and roads, and is responsible for emergency management and building permits. The Town of Montreat also deals with zoning and other day-to-day governmental issues.
Weaverville
For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are several hiking trails, scenic drives and local galleries in Weaverville. It’s also close to Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which are good options if you’re visiting from out of town. If you’re a family, there are many family-friendly attractions that you and your kids can enjoy.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to take a tour of the Dry Ridge Historical Museum. This museum, which will open in May 2020, will provide a unique opportunity to learn about the town’s early history and genealogy. The museum will also give visitors the chance to connect with the community.
While you’re in Weaverville, be sure to stop by the Mangum Pottery Studio and Gallery. You can take classes, purchase pottery, and view local artwork at this gallery. You’ll also want to stop by Well-Bred Bakery and Café, which has consistently won awards for best bakery in Western North Carolina. Judy and Ruben Mangum, who own the shop, created the café in 2002.
In addition to art galleries, Weaverville offers a vibrant arts scene. Visitors can enjoy art exhibits at various galleries, including the Weaverville Art Tour. This free event features local artists and their work.
Woodfin
The town of Woodfin in Buncombe County will be home to a new 5-MW solar energy facility. Duke Energy, which is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a Fortune 150 company that employs about 30,000 people. It has electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts from regulated utilities and 3,000 megawatts from its Duke Energy Renewables unit. It will be located near a large dam on Beaverdam Creek.
In July 2015, police in Woodfin responded to a complaint about fireworks, as well as a report of burning items on property. A few days later, a 22-year-old man was arrested for driving under the influence and causing a disturbance. As a result of these incidents, the town sent a letter to the property owners saying it was illegal to rent out the property.
The Town Board is made up of six members. These members are elected by qualified voters from the Town. Each member is elected to serve four years, or until their successors are elected.
Montreat Festival
Montreat, North Carolina, is a charming town nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains, just 18 miles east of Asheville. It offers pristine natural beauty untouched by commercial development. It was incorporated as a township in 1967, and its history dates back to the 1897 founding of the Mountain Retreat Association, which now owns much of the town. There are many activities to enjoy in the area, such as canoeing and paddle-boating. It also offers quaint cabins and modern mountain retreats.
The Montreat Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the heritage of the region and to enjoy the region’s many attractions. The festival also showcases the Montreat Scottish Pipes and Drums. This band has been around for 28 years and features musicians from counties throughout North Carolina.
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority awarded a total of $110,000 in grants to local events in 2022. This funding will support a variety of cultural and community events. This includes the Sourwood Festival in Black Mountain, Downtown After Five, Southern Highlands Craft Fair, and GRINDFest 2022. Additionally, the authority approved Flacktoberfest, a festival honoring Grammy Award-winning singer Roberta Flack.
Arts and crafts vendors
You can find many different arts and crafts vendors in Buncombe County, NC. There are numerous art and craft festivals in this area. Some of them are free, while others require a small admission fee. If you’re looking for unique gifts for someone special, an arts and crafts festival may be right for you.
Shopping
Shopping in Buncombe County offers a variety of unique shops and boutiques. You can find everything from leather goods to handcrafted jewelry. There are even local bakeries and cafes where you can enjoy a freshly made pastry and a cup of coffee. The county is also home to a number of ice cream shops and restaurants that offer food from local farms. You can also sample local craft beer at many local establishments.
Local farmers sell produce and other items at the area’s many farmers’ tailgate markets. Some are open year-round, while others are open seasonally. The ASAP Farmers Market at 340 Victoria Road is open through Dec. 18, while the Enka-Candler Tailgate Holiday Market is open Nov. 13-14 and is open through Dec. 18.
