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The Central Mountains region of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is anchored by Ahseville, a small city with considerable historic charm. Within an hour's drive of Asheville are scenic roadways, rustic countryside, small towns, and natural wonders that are perfect for outdoor adventures and getaways.
Visitors can enjoy magnificent views from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain in the eastern United States), and Chimney Rock. Two National Forests spread out to the northeast and southwest of Asheville and offer great hiking, picnicking, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing.
Attractions and recreational areas directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway in this section of your travels are:
If you would like to advertise in Asheville and Central NC Mountains area our attractions guide, then please feel to browse our advertising information page.
Attractions and Parks in the Asheville and Central NC Mountains Area
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(Milepost 334) SEASONAL. Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and about 1 hour from Asheville, NC, is Emerald Village, North Carolina’s best gem mining attraction! Tour the underground Bon Ami Mine at the NC Mining Museum, where you’ll see fabulous displays of historic mining equipment. Enjoy the splashing waterfall and see the Company Store, re-creating an old mining town.
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(Milepost 383) The Colburn Earth Science Museum, a downtown fixture since 1960, began as the Colburn Gem and Mineral Museum. Still home to the amazing collection of gems and minerals that have made it world renowned, the Colburn expanded its mission in 2002 to include all the earth sciences. With all ages, interactive, hands on exhibits, the Colburn Earth Science Museum is truly a place where the earth comes alive.
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(Milepost 383) Adventure awaits visitors of all ages at Asheville’s family health and science attraction, offering interactive exhibits and programs. Explore the amazing world within and around us, let your imagination soar, exercise your mind and learn about your body! Whether you’re 2 or 102, kids of all ages enjoy The Health Adventure’s sense of exploration. Changing exhibits ensure that your family will experience something new each time you visit. |
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(Milepost 383) Thomas Wolfe, considered to be one of the essential minds of 20th Century American Literature, lived in Asheville, NC at his mother’s boarding house, the Old Kentucky Home, for over ten years. This simple Victorian home—now known as the Thomas Wolfe Memorial—was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s famous novel "Look Homeward, Angel", a book known for its realistic, often caustic writings about the city of Asheville.
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(Milepost 383) Hop aboard the big, purple, bio-diesel-fueled fun bus and learn the history of Asheville liked you’ve never heard it before! Through an enthralling musical soundscape, outlandish comedy skits, and captivating stories, the costumed characters will tell you the story of Asheville’s past, present, and future. How come history class was never this much fun?
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(Milepost 383) Hop aboard one of Gray Line’s nostalgic RED trolleys for a fully narrated journey, highlighting the homes, hot-spots, and history of this “city of surprises.” The Gray Line Trolley Tour includes all major points of interest including the legendary Grove Park, artsy and edgy River Arts District, diverse Montford Historic District, and the quaint and historic Biltmore Village.
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(Milepost 383) Families, students, preservationists, and history lovers will enjoy the Smith McDowell House Museum. Tour the rooms, which are decorated and carefully furnished to match the six decades from 1840-1900, to appreciate this fascinating era. People like James Smith, a remarkable entrepreneur, and Major William McDowell, a Civil War leader, will come alive. Visitors at Christmas and Easter will enjoy seasonal celebrations.
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(Milepost 383) The French Broad holds the distinction as the third oldest river in the world, trailing only the New in West Virginia and North Carolina and the Nile in Africa. The French Broad winds through the mountains of Pisgah National Forest just a short 30 minute drive from Asheville, North Carolina. This free-flowing river is ideal for young teens and families, with moderate Class II and III rapids.
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(Milepost 385) SEASONAL. Discover the beauty and charm of Lake Lure. Relax on one of the covered tour boats while your skipper guides you past local attractions and landmarks such as the locations used in filming the popular Dirty Dancing and the recently restored historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa. Listen to the legends, and learn about the natural and cultural history of Hickory Nut Gorge, home to Lake Lure, North Carolina. |
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(Milepost 385) Chimney Rock Park is as beautiful and natural as the Blue Ridge Parkway itself. This stunning mountain attraction features a variety of family-friendly hiking trails suited for all fitness levels. Some take you along the cliffs past unusual rock formations, overlooks and bridges to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. Others lead through the woods where you’ll discover large, whimsical hand-crafted animal sculptures and a variety of birds and wildflowers.
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(Milepost 385) SEASONAL. Enjoy a selection of meticulously crafted wines in relaxed, friendly surroundings. Rockhouse Vineyards is a small family winery nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Tryon, North Carolina. The winery features a cozy tasting room, an inviting porch, and idyllic views of over 10 acres of vines. Visitors are encouraged to wander through the rolling vineyards or linger on the porch. Picnics are welcome.
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(Milepost 389) Escape to the larger than life splendor of Biltmore – George Vanderbilt's vast 8,000 acre estate featuring 250-room Biltmore House and acres of gardens. Savor farm fresh food and award winning wines from Biltmore Winery, then take to the outdoors by bike, raft, or on horseback. America's largest home and its breathtaking surroundings are yours to explore and enjoy.
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