Explore the regional communities

Waynesville has carved out a place in the region as a cultural center for the arts. The semi-professional HART Theatre, and Folkmoot, an international dance and music festival, draw global and local talent to downtown.

There are several unique attributes to this mountain town. A major asset is Mars Hill University, about which the town has grown. Famous for its mountain music roots, Mars Hill is also a respected center for the performing arts with SART, the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre.

This community has crafted a welcoming atmosphere with annual arts festivals and markets. A strong history of mountain crafts is reflected in their unique cultural nuances found in and around the town.

Dating back to the 1700s, Marion and Old Fort have been popular stopping points for travellers. Carson House, built in 1793, served as a stagecoach inn and courthouse.

Columbus, North Carolina has a climate that is rather good for growing grapes, as a result, wineries have prospered here in recent years.

Hendersonville is the second largest downtown in western North Carolina, second only to Asheville, 26 miles north. Hendersonville’s Main St is a prime example of historic preservation with updates to optimise the pedestrian experience.

27 miles SE of Asheville in the Hickory Nut Gorge lies the enchanting purpose-built resort town of Lake Lure.

Brevard attracts visitors and residents with its abundance of natural resources as well as the Brevard Music Center, the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, annual festivals and epic waterfalls.