In our busy lives, finding time to relax and recharge doesn’t always mean hopping on a plane to exotic locations. More and more people are realizing just how fantastic staycations can be—those delightful little getaways right in your backyard that let you unwind without the fuss of long-distance travel. When it comes to the perfect staycation spot, a Smoky Mountains getaway is hard to beat, boasting stunning views and a charming atmosphere that sets the stage for relaxation.
Why Choose the Smoky Mountains for Your Staycation?
Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Smoky Mountains provide the perfect canvas for a tranquil and refreshing escape. Imagine majestic mountain scenery, vibrant wildlife, and a plethora of activities available all year round—these mountains are your ticket to disconnecting from the hustle and bustle and connecting with nature (and yourself!). Forget the pricey flights and overcrowded tourist traps that usually come with typical vacations, a staycation in the Smoky Mountains is all about affordability, flexibility, and convenience. Whether you’re just a few hours away or a local looking for a quick escape, the Smokies offer a fantastic range of options for every taste and budget.

The Comforts of Smoky Mountains Vacation Rentals
One of the best things about staycations in this area is the abundance of our charming and cozy vacation rentals. From charming log cabins tucked away in the woods to plush mountain homes with breathtaking views and relaxing hot tubs, there’s truly something to suit everyone’s vibe. These rentals beautifully blend the comforts of home with that irresistible mountain retreat feel, making them ideal for couples, families, or even solo adventurers. Most of our vacation rentals in the Smoky Mountains come fully furnished, making your stay a breeze. Picture this: waking up to the sweet sounds of chirping birds, sipping your morning coffee on a deck with views of rolling hills, or whipping up your favorite meals in a kitchen that has all the right tools. With cozy fireplaces, game rooms, private theaters, and outdoor hot tubs at your disposal, your staycation can be as chill or as indulgent as you desire!
Activities for Every Mood
Who says a staycation can’t be bursting with excitement and adventure? The Smoky Mountains are your backyard playground, loaded with fun activities for everyone. If you’re all about relaxation, imagine spending your days curled up with a good book on the porch, unwinding in a hot tub while gazing at the stars, or taking a tranquil hike through the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 800 miles of trails to explore, there’s something for everyone—whether you want an easy stroll or a challenging hike.
If you’re itching for more action, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have got your back! These lively towns are packed with attractions that cater to thrill-seekers and families alike. Think scenic chairlift rides at Ober Mountain, the enchanting Dollywood theme park, or captivating shows at various live theaters that light up the evening. Nature enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on the wildlife tours or the stunning Cades Cove Loop Road, where you might catch a glimpse of deer, black bears, and wild turkeys in their natural habitat. The area’s waterfalls, picnic spots, and scenic overlooks are perfect for snapping photos, meditating, or just soaking in the awe-inspiring surroundings.

Benefits of a Staycation in the Smokies
Opting for a staycation in one of our Smoky Mountains vacation rentals comes with some fantastic perks. You will find there is less travel stress when you spend your time here at the property. You can forget about long lines and lost luggage at the airport or missing your Uber ride! A staycation will also provide the benefits to your wallet too. Save on accommodations with these vacation rentals instead of hotel rooms with minimal features. You can support local businesses in the area by spending money at the local grocery stores and restaurants. Attractions are simply a quick drive away. Best of all, you will find yourself more flexible than ever with your travel plans. You can pick and choose even easier when it comes to finding something to do; you set the pace!
Tips for a Great Smoky Mountains Staycation
You can plan effectively for your staycation by booking early. This allows you to have free reign to the entire portfolio of our homes. Come explore the Smoky Mountains like a tourist at your leisure.
Your Staycation is Waiting
Staycations in Smoky Mountains vacation rentals are the perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and the great outdoors. Whether you’re in the mood to relax, explore, or reconnect, the Smokies promise an unforgettable experience without the usual travel hassles. So the next time you feel the need for a break, remember that your own backyard has all the magic you need. Make your staycation in the Smoky Mountains one to remember! Reach out to us and book your Smoky Mountains vacation rental today!
Thanksgiving is a time to pause, reflect, and gather with loved ones over a delicious meal. While this sounds peaceful the holiday often comes with a side of stress too. Crowded kitchens, endless to-do lists, and the pressure of hosting can easily make you regret hosting Thanksgiving. This year, you can trade the chaos for a getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spending Thanksgiving in Asheville, North Carolina allows you to enjoy all the comforts of the holiday in a setting that’s as inspiring as it is relaxing. Its vibrant culture, cozy accommodations, and breathtaking scenery make Asheville the perfect place to make new holiday traditions.
A Mountain Setting That Keeps on Inspiring
Asheville is known for its stunning mountain backdrop, and November is one of the most beautiful times to visit. The autumn leaves still paint the Blue Ridge Mountains in rich shades of gold, red, and orange while the crisp, cool air adds just the right amount of holiday atmosphere. You can wake up on Thanksgiving morning to sweeping views of the mountains, then gather around the table in one of our vacation rentals surrounded by natural beauty. It’s a setting that encourages reflection, gratitude, and connection for the whole family.
Book a Cozy Vacation Rental for the Holiday
One of the best ways to experience Thanksgiving in Asheville is by staying in one of our vacation rentals. We offer a variety of properties such as rustic log cabins, modern mountain chalets, and even charming downtown lofts. You will find accommodations that fit your group’s size and style so everyone has a blast. Many rentals also feature fireplaces, large dining tables, and fully equipped kitchens, creating the ideal setting for your holiday feast. The multiple bedrooms and spacious living areas make it easy to gather the whole family under one roof while still giving everyone space to relax. Some properties even include hot tubs, game rooms, or outdoor fire pits that are perfect for post-dinner stargazing or family bonding.
Cook in or Explore the Local Restaurant Scene
Cooking Thanksgiving dinner can feel overwhelming at home but in Asheville it is easier than ever. Most vacation rentals come with full-size kitchens equipped with everything you need to prepare a holiday meal. You can roast all the essentials such as turkey, bake pies, and prepare all your favorite side dishes without juggling small appliances or cramped counters. But if you’d rather skip cooking altogether, you can explore Asheville’s vibrant food scene. Many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus around the holiday from traditional turkey dinners to creative farm-to-table feasts. Check out local favorite restaurants that include Chestnut, Bouchon, and Pack’s Tavern for the perfect holiday feel. There are so many options so you can enjoy a gourmet holiday meal in the comfort of your rental without lifting a finger.
Asheville Activities Over the Holiday Weekend
While Thanksgiving Day may center around food and family the rest of the long weekend is a perfect time to explore Asheville’s charm. You can stroll through the River Arts District, browse unique boutiques downtown, or check out the city’s lively craft beer scene. Asheville is famous for its dozens of breweries and many offer seasonal flavors that pair perfectly with the holiday spirit. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking trails in the nearby Pisgah National Forest. The crisp fall air and scenic overlooks make for unforgettable family adventures. And for a touch of history and elegance, a visit to the Biltmore Estate is just what you need. It is often decorated for the holidays by late November and is a must on the agenda.
Entertainment and Relaxation for All Ages
One of the best things about celebrating Thanksgiving in Asheville is how easy it is to keep everyone entertained. After your holiday meal, you can enjoy a movie night by the fireplace, take a family walk through the mountains, or relax in a hot tub with a view. Our properties are full of amenities that you will absolutely enjoy. Families with kids may find games and outdoor space for running around. Adults will also love Asheville’s live music scene that adds another layer of fun to the weekend.
Creating Lasting Memories
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and connection, and you will find just that in Asheville. By celebrating in Asheville you are setting the stage for a holiday filled with beauty, comfort, and joy. Come share your stories around the dinner table, exploring mountain trails, and simply savoring the peace of a mountain retreat. The memories you create in our vacation rentals will last far beyond the holiday weekend. Book your favorite vacation home in our listing today and find your own experience in Asheville.
There is no wrong time of year to visit Asheville, North Carolina, but is there one season that may make you fall in love more than any of the others. We at Mighty Tree Properties would have to say that a visit to our mountain town in the fall will make you fall head over heels in love with the crispness of the air, the charm of the town, and the dramatic beauty of the trees decked out in their finest autumn attire. Offering a dream come true vacation experience, travelers can follow the leaves to the places we have mentioned below, seeing everything that makes this part of the world so unique during the season, or they can simply sit out in the backyards of our Asheville vacation rentals, enjoying the sights, sounds, and scents of another glorious day in North Carolina. This guide will lead you in both directions, ensuring you will not be left disappointed!
When Is the Best Time to Leaf Peep?
Before we start our tour of fiery color, you might want to know when the best time to visit may be, especially as you don’t want to travel all this way only to discover that you were too early or too late to catch the beautiful fall extravaganza. In Asheville, the apex of leaf viewing time is a little later than in other states, with the prime time occurring sometime between mid-October and early November. At the highest elevations, however, you may begin to see the first signs of change somewhere near the end of September or beginning of October, and if you are curious enough to want a full report on how the changes are going, you can read the fall foliage report. Their reporting is wonderfully comprehensive and will basically tell you everything you need to know about the leaves on a weekly basis.
A Scenic Drive Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile drive that connects two of the most beautiful parks in the United States: our hometown park, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. You can choose to make the entire drive if you have the time, or you can just drive along the sections in Asheville. Offering panoramic views of the mountain landscape, the trees along this route will be ablaze in all the fall colors and there will be many opportunities to stop at scenic overlooks along the way, allowing for closer looks and better pictures of the stunning views. Below, we have listed a few places along the parkway where you might want to stop, grab your camera, and use up all the memory space on your camera/cell phone.
Graveyard Field, Milepost 418.8
Even though Graveyard Field isn’t at the highest point in the area, it is generally the first area where the colors are most noticeable and leads to a few local hiking trails if you want to get even closer to nature. Are you wondering about the name? Don’t worry, there aren’t any bodies buried there, Graveyard Fields got its name many centuries ago when a powerful windstorm uprooted the trees in the area, leaving behind stumps that resembled gravestones. Logging in the area also created more resemblances to a cemetery, but the bushes and trees that are there today will turn to fire (figuratively, not literally) during the fall months. The Graveyard Fields trail also leads to waterfalls, where the photo ops will be plentiful!
Mount Pisgah Trail, Milepost 407.6
While you are out and about in downtown Asheville, look toward the mountains and you may notice one peak that is more colorful than all the others. That will be Mount Pisgah, our next stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway to explore more of the beautiful fall foliage. The Mount Pisgah Trailhead parking lot can be found at milepost 407.6, and the trail, although coming in relatively short at just 2.6 miles round trip, does offer elevation gains of 750 feet, possibly making it inaccessible to the very young, the very old, and anyone with mobility issues. If you can make the hike, though, we highly recommend that you try it, hiking through the canopy of oak trees colored crimson and gold before making it to the top and more panoramic views of the countryside.
Black Balsam Knob, Milepost 420.2
This last spot off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Black Balsam Knob (or Bald) will take you above the tree lines (hence the bald title), offering the most sweeping views of the mountain landscape, and we actually dare you to find a prettier place in North Carolina! This trail offers a great opportunity for a picnic, so you can put together your own feast at home in your fully equipped kitchen or maybe stop by Sunny Point Café, 626 Haywood Road, and pick up a feast to go. There are a few options for a hike in this area, including the 5-mile loop trail that begins at the Mountains to Sea trail marker.
The North Carolina Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmstead Way
We’re leaving the Blue Ridge Parkway for now, exploring some of the other areas in Asheville that you may want to check out the color, and the North Carolina Arboretum is our first venture away from the parkway, although it isn’t that far off. Offering stunning gardens and miles of trails, it is one of our favorite places to visit during the cooler months of the year. The trails are for hiking and biking and are dog friendly—just be sure to clean up after your sweet pooch so as to not leave a nasty surprise for hikers that may come along after you. Some of the trails at the arboretum will be clearly marked for hikers only, but if no marking exists, you are free to ride your bike. Bent Creek runs through the gardens, and many of the trails that take you along or to the creek are quite easy. The Carolina Mountain Trail, extending out 1.2 miles, is a hiking-only trail that may be your best bet for viewing fall foliage as it takes hikers through forests of hardwood trees that are most colorful this time of year.
Fall at the Biltmore, One Lodge Street
The Biltmore is a 250-room castle built by George Washington Vanderbilt in 1889 for a country home, and it was a family estate for many years. Today, the grounds offer a stunning fall experience as the 8000 acres of gardens and trees offer a dramatic backdrop to the castle itself. The fall experience at the Biltmore includes a complimentary tasting at the Antler Hill Village & Winery, and depending on the type of ticket you purchase, can include access to the home, the grounds, the King Tut Exhibit that is there, and an exclusive tour that will give you an inside glimpse into what life would have been like for the fabulously wealthy back in the day! If you don’t have the time to do all of the above, they just sell grounds tickets that will allow you to get the full fall experience in your limited allotment of time, and trust us, the views of fall at the Biltmore are going to change your life.
The River Arts District in the Fall
The River Arts District, our version of an art colony, is slowly recovering from the hurricane damage it suffered in 2024, but it still offers some stunning views of the fall foliage as well as the opportunity to quite possibly buy artwork that captures the beauty of the season. Strolling along the river, dipping in and out of the galleries that are open for business, and feeling a sense of all’s right with the world will make the memory a special one, and as you enjoy this perfect day, you can be helping the artists that live and work here to rebuild after the devastation of the hurricane. Having fun and doing a good deed at the same time will make you feel even better about this beautiful fall day in Asheville.
Different Ways to View the Foliage
Hiking, driving, and walking are all wonderful ways to explore the fall landscape, but there are other ways you can peep the leaves that will become a unique adventure for your North Carolina seasonal escape. Keep reading to discover more ways to enjoy the fall!
Kayaking Down the French Broad River
The view from the water is one you will never forget, and kayaking down the French Broad River will help you see it all. Asheville Adventure Company, 521 Amboy Road, will rent you your own colorful kayak at a very reasonable price and send you on a trip down the river that will also take you by the Biltmore, for another perspective of fall at its finest. The weather will be cooler this time of year, so be sure to dress warmly and be careful not to tip your kayak; the water will be even colder than the air and your adventure will be finished almost before it starts. In any case, a calm paddle on the French Broad may become the memory you treasure most, offering views of the town, the estate, the colorful fall foliage, and quite possibly some wildlife that lives along the river.
A View from Above
The views of the foliage from Mt. Pisgah are certain to take your breath away, but let’s take this seasonal adventure a little higher with a hot air balloon ride offered by Asheville Balloon Company. Fall is their busiest season, so you may want to make your reservations far in advance. The last two weeks of October are the prime time to enjoy the best views, so if you haven’t already made your plans as for dates, this would be when to do so!
This company has been flying in the fall for many years, and they know the most scenic spots as well as knowing the reasons behind why Asheville offers so much drama with its fall foliage, more so than most places below the New England states. One of the reasons for our own dramatic and vibrant views, however, is that Asheville is home to over 100 species of trees that shed their leaves. Give the wonderful people of the Asheville Balloon Company a call at 828-707-2992 to schedule your fall balloon ride soon and ensure you don’t miss out on your chance!
At Home with Mighty Tree Properties
We mentioned at the very beginning of our tale that viewing the leaves from the deck of your Mighty Tree Properties seasonal sanctuary is a very wonderful option and we weren’t misleading you one bit. The majority of our homes are surrounded by trees with most offering dramatic changes in color when the days begin to grow shorter. During the daylight hours, it will still be warm enough on most days to sit outside with a glass of wine and your camera, alternating between snapping pics and taking sips. Maybe your property will be one with a hot tub, however, and because you really don’t want to bring camera or phone in the bubbling waters, you may have to commit the views that you see to memory, tucking each colorful “mind snap” away in a corner of your heart, knowing you can take it out and reexamine it whenever you like in years to come. If it is too chilly, many properties will offer firepits for additional warmth, or you can simply take the viewing party inside, where it is warm and cozy and every view is perfectly framed by windows that stretch from floor to ceiling.
Reserve Your Favorite Fall Sanctuary Today
Life is too short not to live beautifully, and appreciating the drama of Asheville in the fall will be enhanced by the comforts of the homes we offer. Contact us today to book your fall getaway!
Autumn in the Smoky Mountains is a season all its own bringing out a special time of year. The summer crowds begin to fade and the forests ignite with red, orange, and gold. the air turns crisp making it a perfect time of year for the calendar to fill up with harvest festivals and other fall themed events. There’s something for everyone around the Smoky Mountains; here are some upcoming events found around the Smokies here in the fall:
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
Fall is the harvest season and there is no better to celebrate the start of fall than Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. If you have been to Dollywood before you know about the incredible park that awaits you. The Harvest Festival has the park come alive with autumn colors including beautiful hues of red, yellow, and orange as the leave begin to turn. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival kicks off on September 12th and continues up until October 27th for over a fun of harvest fun. The event features several attractions and activities that will dazzle the whole family. The Great Pumpkin LumiNights features tons of glowing carved pumpkins and pumpkin icons to add some fall flair. Check out Hoot Owl Hollow that is a whimsical peek-a-boo setting where you can find giant owl statues in the trees. Festive sounds will be playing around the park with fall favorites of bluegrass, country, and more. Fall treats are a popular option as always with apple pies, pumpkin treats, and all other kinds of dessert offerings. The ride selection will continue on as normal where you can find all kinds of thrilling rides for all ages in the family. Don’t miss out on this fall staple right here in Pigeon Forge.
Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta
From the moment you step foot in Downtown Gatlinburg and look up you will see the mountaintop attraction of Anakeesta. It is decorated for the fall where pumpkins dot the paths, scarecrows stand guard, and photo-ops are all around the park. The Bear-Varian Fall Festival brings out a harvest aesthetic with warm tones, cozy textures, and twinkling lights as evening comes. One major highlight is the AnaVista Observation Tower and Treetop Skywalk that gives you panoramic views of the changing foliage. There are plenty of seasonal bite-sized pleasures such as giant pretzels, Black Forest crêpes, pork schnitzel, bratwurst with kraut, and dumplings of flavor paired with regional craft beers or cider. Anakeesta offers a “Beer Tasting Card” option so you can sample multiple beers across the park with six 8-oz pours offered for one pass. Stages come alive with varied programming including acoustic duos, polka trios, and Halloween themed shows that are often playful and family friendly. There’s even a bit of a spooky-but-fun edge as Halloween approaches. The Bear-Varian Fall Festival is already taking place and runs into early November so you get a long stretch of changing scenery.
Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest
Another community in the Great Smoky Mountains is Sevierville. Here you will find the Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest making a return once again from September 19th through October 31st. This is a whole town celebration that features plenty of pumpkin displays and local eateries embracing seasonal fall menus. All of the local shops around Downtown Sevierville are decorating for the fall. It may be a smaller event than the others listed so far but makes for a quiet day in a charming town that is taking fall to a whole new level.
Wears Valley Fall Fest
Sevierville also hosts more individual events during their harvest fest bringing out even more seasonal fun. The Wears Valley Fall Fest will take place October 17th through 19th for a weekend of a community driven festival. This quaint event is held at a large outdoor space where you will find over 240 different craft vendors offering their homemade goods. All three days brings out a variety of live music and children activities including hayrides and games. The food vendors are ready to serve the hungry with delicious southern comfort classics along with seasonal treats available for purchase. The Wears Valley Fall Fest is the perfect spot for a relaxed fall weekend with family and friends. Admission for the event is just $5 per person with children ages 4 and younger being free to get in.
Find Your Vacation Rental Properties Here in the Smokies
These fall events will be waiting for your near trip to the Smokies this fall season. Make the most of your seasonal stay by reserving one of our vacation rentals here in the area. Our properties feature lavish amenities and spacious living areas to ensure a comfortable stay from arrival to departure. Find your favorite rental home with us today and see how the Great Smoky Mountains is your top fall destination this year.
When you visit a city as huge and vibrant as New York City, you are expecting to pull out your wallet frequently. The costs of your trip can increase quickly, so throwing in some free activities is a great way to make your travel funds go further. New York City is home to countless free activities that the whole family will love. Here are the top free things you can do right here in New York City during most times of the year:
Explore the Local Parks
New York City is a concrete jungle, but hidden inside the endless rows of buildings you will find massive parks that are gems to the locals. A visit to any of these parks is a great way to enjoy a free activity during days of great weather. Of course, we cannot continue any further without discussing the icon itself, Central Park. Whenever you ask someone to name a landmark in New York City that is not a building, they are sure to say Central Park. You will find this massive park in the heart of Manhattan, taking up 843 acres of space. The park is so huge that many visitors often get lost inside if they do not know where they are going. Some free ways to enjoy the park include taking a scenic walk, visiting the tranquil lakes, or finding popular locations inside such as Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace. There are plenty of events held in the park all year long along with guided tours. Another park designed by the same people as Central Park is Prospect Park. This slightly smaller 526-acre park is found between Crown Heights and Park Slope. You can attend their SummerStage free events in the summer or explore the Oak Path. The Brooklyn Bridge Park is found at the waterfront space of the iconic bridge. You will find a variety of free activities hosted here throughout the year, including sunset yoga and free movie nights. You will find that the views at sunset here at Brooklyn Bridge Park are unrivaled within the city.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge or High Line
When it comes to seeing incredible views of New York City, you simply cannot get better than walking the Brooklyn Bridge or High Line. The Brooklyn Bridge itself is one of the most memorable aspects of New York City, especially when you walk the bridge at sunrise or sunset. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and provides you with panoramic skyline views. You can see the Statue of Liberty in the background too. The High Line is an elevated park that stretches out over an old railway in Chelsea. This 1.45-mile stretch features beautiful gardens, street art, and quiet areas next to the Hudson River that will elevate your experience. These are simply some of the best spots to see the skyline and are absolutely free to explore.
Take the Staten Island Ferry
If you are looking to explore New York City, you simply cannot pass up on the opportunity to ride the Staten Island Ferry. This is a completely free ferry to take that runs 24/7. It is only a 25-minute ride that will take you to Staten Island. Along the way you will see incredible views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan’s southern skyline, and Ellis Island. It is easy to hop on, explore Staten Island, and head back.
Free Museum Days
New York City is home to some of the most popular and expansive museums in the country. Seeing the museums will give you a new perspective on both the country and area. You will find the National Museum of the American Indian and Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) to both be free to enter all days of the week. The 9/11 Memorial found in Lower Manhattan is a must see to understand the impact the infamous day had on our country and is free to visit at any time. You can also visit the adjacent museum for free on the first Mondays of the month along with any Monday evenings. Smaller, local museums also offer free days for admission. Make sure to visit the Cooper Hewitt, Jewish Museum, and more. If you prefer art galleries, you can find plenty of those in Chelsea that host free openings on Thursday evenings. This is a great way to mingle with local artists and see their incredible work.
New York City Is Waiting
As you can see, there are quite a few different ways to enjoy free activities right here in New York City. Our vacation rentals keep you close to the fun and make it easy to navigate the big city.
If you find yourself itching to explore not just all that Asheville has to offer, but even the surrounding area, you will be happy to know that there are tons of exciting day trip spots to check out nearby. Take a break from Asheville during your extended stay and make a day trip that takes you out and back all within a day. Here are the best day trips you can find around Asheville that the locals actually recommend:
Pisgah National Forest
The first stop is not another town or city but instead the Pisgah National Forest that is found approximately half an hour outside of Asheville. This destination is quick and easy to reach and more than makes up for the effort. This national forest is home to numerous waterfalls that you can visit via winding trails. There are quite a few different things to see while in the forest park. Mount Pisgah is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, making for a beautiful drive. Some of the popular waterfalls in the area that you can explore include Moore Cove Falls, Looking Glass Falls Douglas Falls, and Catawba Falls; each fall can be accessed through trails of various difficulties and lengths. Slide Rock Natural Water Slide is close by and offers a 60-foot all-natural waterslide. You will find that a day trip out to Pisgah National Forest is just what an outdoor adventurer like yourself needs!
Black Mountain
Asheville is a city known for many things, including its stunning natural beauty, expanding craft beer scene, and vibrant arts community. If you prefer to take a break from the city and see a smaller town with a lot of charm, head on down to Black Mountain. This is where Asheville locals will go to escape the hustle in a town of less than 9,000 residents. Black Mountain is home to Black Mountain College that has hosted a variety of world-famous artists who eventually made a name for themselves. The town is a great spot to visit for sightseeing, as you will be at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Seven Sisters Mountain ranges further surround the area, giving you all kinds of hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Take a walk down Main Street, where you will find all kinds of family owned businesses. You will find items such as European gifts, handmade pottery, jewelry, antiques, clothing, and much more; essentially, if you want to purchase a gift for someone back home, make sure to shop around Black Mountain! There are plenty of local restaurants that use a farm to table strategy with cuisines ranging from South African and Latin to French, Thai, and Chinese; of course, you will also be able to find plenty classic Southern cuisine with a local twist too. You can also find a few breweries in town along with Gin & Whiskey Distillery. The Black Mountain Ale Trail is a smaller version of the Asheville trail that will help guide you along your journey.
Brevard
If you prefer to spend your time outdoors, you will want to make the short drive down to Brevard—the land of waterfalls, as it is frequently called. Brevard is right next to the Pisgah National Forest, so you could visit both in one trip. The town is known for the many waterfalls we have covered that are just a short drive away. The area is complete with several streams and rivers that are known for great fishing. The Brevard locals are mountain bike enthusiasts and enjoy taking a spin on the Art Loeb Trail. Brevard also has a thriving beer community with local breweries including Brevard Brewing Company, Oskar Blues Brewing, and Ecusta Brewing. You can purchase all kinds of local produce and goods when you shop the Transylvania Farmers Market. Historic Downtown Brevard is where you can find some of these locations and local shops with a variety of goods and art galleries. Brevard Music Center often showcases a variety of musical performances throughout the year to which you can purchase tickets. The kids will love a trip to Crystal Mountain Gem Mine, where they can do actual gem mining right here by the mountain. Essentially, you will find a cozy town with plenty to do during this quick and easy day trip from Asheville.
Set Up Base at Asheville
If you enjoy exploring smaller towns around the region, you will find it easy to stay in Asheville and reach your locations with ease. Our vacation rentals are found in easy to locate neighborhoods and will keep you close to all the fun. Book today and see Asheville and the surrounding area for yourself!
Not every visit to Asheville will be an extended one, but even the shortest of stays will convince you to return later when you can stay longer, perhaps including a return visit to our Might Tree Properties vacation retreats when you do. Asheville is an exciting mountain town, offering a sophisticated cultural landscape and a countryside that is both lush and verdant, adding a rugged serenity and a natural peace to your North Carolina adventures. This guide to planning a day trip to Asheville and a night’s stay in our luxurious rentals will also give you many reasons you will want to return for more fun, relaxation, and luxury, later down the road.
Sunrise Over the Mountains
We should preface this with the thought that we know your sunrise may be on the day of your day trip or before you leave to go back to whence you came, so remember, these are just suggestions, and we don’t expect you to rise early to drive into town to witness our spectacular mountain sunrise. Whether you arrived in town late the night before or this is the day that you return to real life, rolling out of bed and stepping outside on to large patios, decks, or balconies, will give you the most serene start to your adventures. It will be cold in the winter months, so grab a coat, and remember shoes or slippers, unless you are staying in one of our homes with a sunroom, meaning you can stay cozy and comfortable while still feeling as if you are outside and becoming one with nature. As the skies begin to lighten and the fiery colors begin to take up residence where once it was dark, you will know that it was worth every minute of lost sleep.
Choices are What Makes Travel Fun
When the skies are azure once more and the golden fire of the sun is smiling down on you, it will be time to make your first choice. Do you want to climb back into bed and enjoy a couple more hours of happy dreams? The next adventure on the agenda for today is breakfast, but you can decide to put that off a little longer. Or, if the sunrise made you realize exactly how hungry you are—the fresh air can do that to you—go straight to breakfast and get a really early start on your day! However you decide to handle the beginning of your travel day, Sunny Point Café, located at 626 Haywood Road, offers a delicious taste of the south, serving plate sized pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and cheesy grits, only their grits are spiced up a bit with chipotle! Also offering a generous selection of vegan options, this breakfast really will be one you never forget.
A Festival for Every Season
We can’t predict what time of year your visit may occur during, so we thought we’d give a peek into festivals that will take place while you are here. The ones listed below are our favorites!
Winter Is for Restaurant Week
Ok, as you can imagine and already expect, Asheville becomes a winter wonderland at Christmas, with the best time to visit being the evening hours, but you probably expected us to lead with Christmas, and we decided to aim for your stomach instead! Restaurant Week takes up two weeks every year, one in January and one in February, so you can choose which month you want to visit to enjoy a taste of the town. Come see why Asheville has become one of our nation’s top 10 food and drink destinations, as nearly every restaurant in town offers a special meal that will show off their talents in the most delicious of ways.
Spring Is for the Asheville Orchid Festival
Truly one of our most colorful festivals, the Asheville Orchid Festival held in March offers three days filled with flowers, and the orchids at this festival are rare and stunning in their beauty. Held in various venues, including the North Carolina Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, many orchids and other flowers will be on sale, as will flower accessories, allowing travelers to do a little shopping as they fall in love with these incredible blooms.
Summer Is for the Goombay Festival
Held after Labor Day Weekend but before summers end in September, the Goombay Festival is a tradition rich in history and culture. For over 40 years, this wonderful festival has celebrated the rhythm, resilience, and the richness of Black culture, offering three days of music, food, fun, and art with more than 40 vendors selling the best there is to offer.
Autumn Is for the Lovely Asheville Fall Festival
The beauty of Asheville seems to shine brighter in the fall as the leaves turn fiery colors, the air turns crisp, and the Lovely Asheville Fall Festival comes to town in mid-October. Offering two days of live music, yummy food, and arts, crafts, and picturesque views, your fall adventures in North Carolina are certain to be unforgettable ones.
A Tour of America’s Largest Home, the Biltmore Estate
So what if you come to town when there isn’t a festival taking place? You start by taking a tour of America’s Largest Home (and it’s trademarked, so it must be true!), the Biltmore Estate. Built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century, the house, the gardens, the ambience, the vibe, all work together to give you a better understanding of the way the elite used to live over 100 years ago. Offering a different experience with every season, there is generally some kind of exhibition going on, including the current one, The Tutankhamun Exhibition, which will be included in the price of your tickets. If you are visiting during Christmas, this is THE activity you will definitely want to experience, as the elegant home will be decorated in its finest holiday attire adding a festive touch to your tour of riches.
Grove Arcade, 1 Page Avenue
Shopping while on vacation is one of those life experiences that never get old, and when you visit the Grove Arcade, it is an experience you won’t soon forget. Offering shops, restaurants, and more inside a beautiful historic building (It’s almost 100 years old!), its history and elegant charms are almost as wonderful as the shops and restaurants inside. This beautiful building was the dream of EW Grove, the inventor of the “tasteless chill tonic.” The genius behind the Grove died a full two years before his dream building was finished. Over the years it has gone through many incarnations before settling back into its original purpose as sort of a lifestyle center for everyone. Offering everything from art to watches, its Restaurant Row Is certainly worth exploring, especially its Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar. How did it take this long for someone to come up with the idea of blending books and champagne?
Explore the River Arts District
The most talented artists often migrate to the most beautiful places, and if you aren’t quite sure of what we mean, after your exploration of the River Arts District, it will become amazingly clear. An artist’s colony located along the banks of the French Broad River, it is still in the process of rebuilding after nearly surrendering to the power of Hurricane Helene in 2024, but there will still be plenty to see and purchase, and the money you spend will help hurry along the efforts to rebuild the spots that still need help. The artists that work here cover all the different genres, including jewelry, photography, and even paper, and there are usually some sort of class that can be taken during your adventures at the RAD.
Watery Adventures with Asheville Adventure Company, 521 Amboy Road
Sometimes you just need to splash in the water, and the Asheville Adventure Company offers many ways to let you do just that. Explore the views of the River Arts District from the water as you participate in a tubing adventure, discover the excitement of white water rafting on Section 9 of the French Broad River, and fall in love with the sheer beauty of the Biltmore as you paddle by on a kayak in a self-guided tour. The French Broad offers peace and excitement to our town, and with the help of this wonderful company, you too will soon understand the draw of the water!
A Meal to Remember
As your day begins to draw to a close, exploring the culinary landscape of Asheville will be your favorite adventure, filling your stomach with good old Southern country food while filling your soul. The 150+ restaurants that can be found here may overwhelm you with the sheer number of choices you will have, which is why we are going to help you out a little with a recommendation to visit Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive, located at 161 Biltmore Avenue. Offering a menu filled with Southern favorites, such as Daddy’s Original Pimiento Cheese and Mama’s Got Mac cheddar mac and cheese, we can assure you that no one leaves Daddy Mac’s feeling hungry, especially if you take this time to explore some of the South’s favorite desserts, including Nutter Butter Nana Pudding, or if you prefer to drink your dessert calories, we can highly recommend their Blackberry Cheesecake Martini made with Smirnoff Whipped Vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and pineapple juice. The blackberry syrup and nutter butter rim may be considered overkill—until you taste it, that is!
The Most Comfortable Adventures Begin with Mighty Tree Properties
Our Mighty Tree Properties vacation escapes give new meaning to the word luxury, providing game rooms, swimming pools, hot tubs, and yes, in at least one memorable case, a koi pond for your vacationing enjoyment. But perhaps our best amenity of all will be their welcoming vibe, encouraging guests to rest, relax, and recharge before you head back out on the road and enticing you to return another day when you have more time to explore them all.
More Amenities You Will Love
Our homes are designed to be a home away from home, and even if you do nothing more exciting than spend an evening watching television while you sip a glass of wine from a bottle that has been resting in the wine refrigerator, we can promise that your stay with us will be a memorable one. Will you be able to explore all that we have to offer in our luxury retreats? Maybe not, your time will be limited, but we have faith that you will give it your best shot.
Watch movies in our home theaters furnished with supersized movie screens and rows of leather recliners that are as comfortable as they looked in the pictures you perused on the listing. Sit on back patios, watching the sun fall behind the mountains. And when you can’t put off the inevitable another moment, crawl beneath the silky soft linens that top our premium beds; your dreams will be happy, your sleep will be deep, and morning will arrive when you are ready for it!
Reserve Your Favorite North Carolina Retreat Today
A day trip to Asheville is going to be one of those adventures that will live on in your memory long after your trip has finished, and we’re not bragging when we say that will be due in part to your stay in our luxurious sanctuaries. Reserve your favorite today and discover all the ways Mighty Tree Properties can make your travel life that much more comfortable.
Are you on the lookout for one last outdoor adventure before the summer season comes to a close? If so, make your way to the Smoky Mountains where you can find all kinds of outdoor activities to keep you busy with. Our vacation rentals are found nearby, making it easy to navigate the area. Take a look at the top must-do Smoky Mountains Labor Day activities you can enjoy here in the Smoky Mountains over Labor Day Weekend:
Whitewater Rafting
Labor Day Weekend is a great time to take advantage of the last of the warm weather and enjoy something thrilling. Of course, we are talking about whitewater rafting and you can find this activity right here in the area. There is no better company to trust with whitewater rafting than Big Creek Expeditions. This local expedition is located right along the Upper Pigeon River where you can take on a variety of trips out on the water. Upper river trips continue to be a local favorite where you hit rapids at a thrilling pace offering a unique experience. For those who prefer a more relaxed trip, the scenic floats have you enjoying the lower river as you take in the beautiful scenery. You can even combine both trips together for a full day trip if you want to stay out on the water longer. Big Creek Expeditions offers experienced guides who will be with you every paddle of the way. Book today as Labor Day Weekend is always a busy time for their whitewater rafting experiences.

Hang Out at Dollywood
Holiday weekends are a great time to visit your favorite theme park and enjoy all kinds of fun. You will find that the Smoky Mountains has our very own theme park with Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge. Named after Dolly Parton herself, this unique theme park features all kinds of rides and attractions based on her life and the surrounding area. Live shows will provide tons of music and entertainment while the water park attractions offer all kinds of water fun. You will find water slides that will take you at high speeds and a lazy river you can hang out in. After you are done at the theme park, you can head on over to The Island where you can find a variety of restaurants, shops, and the famous Island Fountain. Labor Day Weekend is a busy time for Dollywood so make sure you head to the park before doors open, to hop on as many rides as you can before the park fills up!
Go Off Roading
Labor Day Weekend is also a great time to get off the beaten path and enjoy some off roading. You can head out into the wilderness on a guided UTV tour with Off Road Gatlinburg. Their 90 minute off road tours are a great way to build up your adrenaline. You will navigate around creek crossings and rugged trails all throughout the Smoky Mountains. Once you are done with the guided tour, you can rent the UTVs on your own and go exploring. Make sure to book your reservations in advance so you can secure your rentals for the busy holiday weekend!

Find Serenity at the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm
You may also be looking for an activity that is perfect for families with young children. Consider making your way to the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm where you can find a serene petting zoo. You will be able to get close to deer who will walk right up to you. The petting zoo area allows you to feed the deer and pet them as they allow. These deer are used to people so they will not run away scared like they do out in the wild. You will also be able to see other animals in spacious habitats too.
Visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
When you visit the Smoky Mountains, there is one attraction that you simply cannot pass up on: the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country and is what the area is named after. The park is also one of the biggest national parks too with sprawling hiking trails and winding rivers. If you go up higher in elevation, you may even start to see some changing color of the leaves too. If you have an annual national park pass you will not need to pay an entry fee. Don’t miss out on this amazing national park right here in our back yard.
Get Ready for Your Time at the Smoky Mountains
Labor Day Weekend is always a great time to see the Smoky Mountains for yourself. Our Smoky Mountains vacation rentals will keep you comfortable all stay long. Reach out to us today to book your stay!
It sure can get hot right in New York City over the summer—just ask the locals! But that heat brings out some fun and exciting activities that you will not want to miss out on. A trip to New York City in August is always exciting, especially when you watch out for what the locals do. Here is how you can make the most of fun activities in New York City just like a local who has lived here for years:
Where to Purchase Tickets for Broadway
No matter if you are a local or a visitor, seeing the Broadway shows is always a top priority here in New York City. We have some world-class talent hitting the many stages here in New York City, and it would be a shame to not see them. You can purchase your tickets well in advance to secure good seats. However, locals know that you can have that itch to see a show the day of and still get good seats if you know where to look. There are plenty of spots to pick up discounted tickets the day of the show. This includes TKTS, a discount booth you can find in Times Square. You can find various seats the morning of the show for a great price. This is perfect for both locals and visitors, so get to the booth early so you can get a spot near the front of the line.
Get a Taste of Local Food from August Festivals
New York City is one of the largest cities on the planet, so expect to find tons of local spots with delicious food. There will be so many restaurants and food vendors that you can find it difficult to settle on just a few during your visit. Locals will always have their favorite spots to check out but they also know that the summer season is perfect to hit up the local food festivals. August is home to several food festivals, including the New York City Soul Food Festival and Hudson River Park Blues BBQ Festival. As the names suggest, you can find some extremely delicious BBQ and soul food, all from local favorite vendors. All you have to do is pick up a ticket that will get you inside and then purchase food from as many vendors as you can. This is a great way to try little things here and there to really get a taste for the city’s food. Each festival will also bring out tons of fun too with live music, fashion, and artwork. The festivals take place at incredible destinations too including Pier 76 and Sung Harbor Botanical Garden. You get a lot of fun all from one event.
Know When to see Notable Attractions
New York City is home to some of the grandest buildings you will ever lay your eyes upon. From landmarks such as the Rockefeller Center to the Empire State Building, there will be no shortage of sites to see. However, locals know that these places will be frequented by visitors all throughout the year. You will never see them without others nearby doing the exact same, but locals will know when to visit these spots with smaller crowds. The Rockefeller Center, for example, is open late until midnight, so you can avoid larger groups such as families during your visit. Make sure to look up the visiting hours for each landmark to see them in person outside of the busy crowded hours of the weekend.
Catch the US Open
The US Open tennis tournament is held right here in New York City. This year’s tournament will be held from August 24th to September 7th. This extravagant event sees the top tennis players of the world hit the courts right here in the city. The tournament is held in Flushing Meadows and is always a popular event. Finding tickets so close to your visit can be difficult, and it is always recommended to buy them in advance. However, if you get the chance to buy tickets for your visit, you will be able to see a unique event like no other.
Visit The Big Apple
New York City always has so much to see and explore when you visit. Experiencing the city like a local will provide a different insight with plenty of fun. Book one of our vacation rentals and come see New York City in August for the best stay in the city.
The beauty of the natural landscape of Asheville will make you fall in love and make you start to think that a good hike would be a wonderful thing to do. It’s only natural that you will want to get outside and get up close and personal with the flora, the fauna, and the views of mountains, returning home to the comfort and luxury of our Mighty Tree Properties Asheville retreats at the end of your adventure. It can be difficult to find your way around a new place, however, and because we want to ensure that our guests enjoy a full and successful vacation experience, we have created this complete hiking/walking guide to Asheville, showing off our favorite trails and offering up hints and tips that will make your hike feel as simple and charming as a walk in the park!
Your Outfit of the Day
Social media sites like to use that phrase when they show everyone what they are wearing on camera, but your outfit of the day could have some inconvenient circumstances if you didn’t dress appropriately.
The Feet Matter for Asheville Hiking
Your feet are going to bear the burden of this adventure in Asheville, and so we will start from the bottom and work our way up. Comfortable boots or shoes should be well fitting and offer good traction and ankle support, while the socks you wear should be moisture wicking and non-chafing. Nothing destroys the mood on a hike faster than blisters or a fall.

Moisture Wicking is the Name of the Game
As much as you may want to wear your most comfortable pair of jeans, a good hiker knows that the cotton material holds on to water and will add unwanted weight, especially in the case of a sudden rainstorm. North Carolina weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers may be the secret to the success of your hike, just as carrying (or tying it around your waist) a rain jacket is most important.
Hats and Sunglasses
The final touch to your outfit, hats and sunglasses, will protect hikers against sun and heat, so even if it doesn’t seem that adding more would help you stay cool on a sultry summer day in North Carolina, we can assure you that blocking the sun’s rays however you can is the best thing you can do!
Safety Matters
Many of the trails we will list below are out in the wilderness, and having enough water or wearing enough sunscreen can be the difference between happy hikers celebrating with a beer and a soak in one of our hot tubs, and worried hikers wondering if they really can drink the rainwater out of cupped leaves like they’ve seen done in the movies. Two quarts of water per person per day is the rule of thumb. The sunscreen—always make sure to reapply throughout the day—will allow you to sleep comfortably each night without feeling pain, and although you could pack a bottle or two in your luggage, any local drugstore, grocery store, or convenience store will sell it. Map, compass, and GPS device are vital, as is studying the trail in advance to get an idea of what you are facing, and if you are hiking alone, notifying someone of where you are hiking and what time you plan to be back. Also, don’t forget snacks and a first aid kit!

The Rules of the Trail
Now that you are presentable, let’s take a few minutes to get to know the rules of the trail. Rules may be boring, but they could keep you from having a miserable time. Some are simple, including yielding the trail to faster hikers, and pack it in, pack it out. There won’t be garbage cans in the wild, and we want to keep North Carolina looking as beautiful as it does today. Which leads us to the next rule, stay on marked trails. Not only could you get lost if you wander off, you could destroy delicate ecosystems that could affect our wilderness areas in all the wrong ways. And finally, you are hiking into the habitat of many different wild animals, so remember that they belong there; you are the interloper, so be sure to keep your distance. That mama doe does look soft, but all animals have a bit of a mama bear in them, and hers could come out if you tried to pet her or her baby. Keep your distance from the wildlife, but feel free to take as many pictures as you want for remembrance!
Mountain to Sea Trail
Now that we have gotten the boring yet important, stuff out of the way, it is time to take a hike, and our first trail, the Mountain to Sea Trail, is perhaps the most popular one out of all that we will discuss today. Covering 4.8 miles of lush North Carolina countryside, this out-and-back trail starts at the Folk Art Center at mile marker 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway taking hikers on a journey through canopies of trees, meadows filled with wildflowers, and a relatively steep ascent to the midway point of your hike, the Haw Creek Overlook. The signs don’t lead you to the overlook per se, but when you reach the top the overlook will be on your left and all of the beauty of the Asheville landscape will be spread out before you. This hike is considered a moderate one, taking just over two hours to complete (if you don’t lollygag at the top) and offering an elevation gain of 803 feet. Because it is an out and back trail, you will return to the Folk Art Center to get your car.

A Quick Ride Home to Our Weaverville Retreats
You may not notice how tired you are until you climb back into your rental car after completing the Mountain to Sea Trail hike, but when you do, you aren’t going to want to spend a lot of time in traffic. Fortunately our Weaverville retreats are located less than 20 miles away offering so many ways to relax and a bubbling hot tub that will help ease the aches and pains in your muscles. One of the more charming touches you may find in some of our Mighty Tree Properties sanctuaries, are large covered front porches (this is the south, so we should say verandas!) lined with rocking chairs and inviting guests to pour themselves a sweet tea (cold beer, chilled wine?) and sit, rock, and watch the world go by.
Beaver Lake Perimeter Trail Loop
Not everyone likes to climb mountains while hiking, and for many a hike is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace and if you agree with both those thoughts, the Beaver Lake Perimeter Trail Loop may be more your style. Offering multiple access points that include a gravel parking lot off Merrimon Avenue at the east end of the trail and the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary found at the northwest corner of the lake, the trail is short (under two miles), flat (only a 34-foot gain in elevation), and private. The lake is on private property but there is an agreement between the city and the landowners that allows the public to hike this scenic trail as long as they follow the rules. This isn’t a trail for dogs, riding bikes, or to utilize the lake, it is just for hiking, relaxing, and taking plenty of pictures to remember the good times you had on your hike (stroll?) during your North Carolina adventures.
Rural, Yet Urban
Not all our Asheville accommodations are actually located within the city limits, some may be found in the small towns that border our big city, offering a rural charm and urban appeal, like the town of Leicester. Located just 11 miles outside of the downtown area, the homes we offer there are close enough to Beaver Lake to ensure that your drive home will be a short one. We love the luxurious extras we offer in these larger homes including slipper tubs which will feel heavenly after a day of Asheville hiking, even as the hike was a relatively short one. Summer visitors will appreciate the recuperative powers of a refreshing swim and sore muscles will benefit from a soak in the hot tubs that are open to the stars.
Hawkbill Rock
You knew we couldn’t end our hiking adventures without throwing in at least one difficult trail, and yes, Hawkbill Rock would be it. Located just outside of Swannanoa, another bedroom community, this one located just about 11 miles outside of downtown Asheville, the 3.5-mile long out-and-back trail can be reached via the Craggy Garden Picnic Area. What makes this trail so difficult, you ask? Well, it could be the 1335 feet of elevation gain that is equally taxing when you are descending on your way back to the parking lot. But as you—and if you are staying in one of our pet friendly rentals, your sweet fur baby—walk under the canopy of mature trees, cut across meadows filled with wildflowers, and climb to the peak of Hawkbill Rock to marvel at views that will make you forget all about your aching quads, you may notice that the peace and tranquility of the countryside will heal places in your soul you never knew needed healed. At a steady pace it should take you about 2.5 hours to complete this trail.

Home in a Flash
Even those in the best of shape are going to be relieved to see the parking lot at the end of the Hawkbill Rock hike, but no worries, your Mighty Tree Properties home is just minutes away, and it offers all sorts of ways to relax, recharge, and recuperate, including large hot tubs that you may wish you could just move into for the duration of your stay. The list of luxury amenities in these homes is a long one as fitting for properties that may have as many as 8 bedrooms and room for up to 20 guests. Surrounded by trees and offering mountain views, the peace you will feel after your day in the mountains will be something you never forget.
A Sunset Walk
Hiking is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Asheville countryside, but it isn’t the only way. Sometimes the simple joys of a walk around the neighborhood in which your vacation sanctuary is located can be the most beneficial to your well-being, especially when that walk takes place at sunset. The golden light may appear dappled as it shines through the trees that line our streets and as the first colors of red, orange, and purple begin to appear, you may forget the purpose of your adventure on this beautiful evening was to walk. But it’s ok if you stand in place, mesmerized by the display the sun is making, and if you find yourself feeling more. More content, more happy, more present, these feelings are normal feelings that a North Carolina sunset can arouse. And, just as with all the other hikes we have talked about today, your return trip home will be a quick one, especially if you just took a walk around the block.

Home Again
The common denominator to all these hikes and walks is the eagerness you will have to return home to your Asheville retreat, ready to relax in hot tubs, swimming pools, in front of the big screens in home theaters. Our homes are designed to be the best part of your vacation experience and we’ve put the time and effort into making sure each space we offer lives up to its full potential. Whether you are gathered round the dining room table playing Monopoly with the family, are taking turns at the Pacman arcade game trying to get your name on the top of the winners list or are simply sitting in front of the television watching the big game with your favorite beverage in hand, these spaces will feel warm, welcoming, and oh so comfortable. Reserve your favorite today!