Exploring Western North Carolina 7.11.2025

Day Trip & Overnight Excursions--Llamas, massages, OHV trails, wine....

Burntshirt Vineyards 2695 Sugarloaf Rd., Hendersonville https:burntshirtvineyards.com/                                                                      

This Burntshirt link is its events, tours, & directions page. https://burntshirtvineyards.com/hendersonville/

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards,  588 Chestnut Gap Rd, Hendersonville https://www.saintpaulfarms.com/

Sierra Nevada Brewery, 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River.  Close to the Asheville, airport. Tours, food, tastings    https://sierranevada.com/

The Biltmore House, Asheville.  A day trip or plan an overnight at The Inn at Biltmore or the Grand Bohemian Hotel. https://www.biltmore.com/

The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville  For an overnight or just to walk around to see the interior. Especially pretty at the holidays. https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park#

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/spa#

Off highway vehicle/ATV trails/trail bikes, Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Ranger District, covers Swain, Jackson & Macon Counties. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/opportunities

Blue Ridge Parkway Check this site to see road closures. Helene has closed parts that are not repaired yet, including Mt. Mitchell. https://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm

Blue Ridge Parkway Folk Art Center BRP Milepost 382, very convenient to Asheville  https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/poi/folk-art-center/

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center BRP Milepost 384 https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/poi/blue-ridge-parkway-visitor-center/ 

 Nantahala Outdoor Center for rafting  https://noc.com/ Opportunity to walk part of the Appalachian Trail as it runs right through the Center, across the train tracks & river bridge.

NC Arboretum BRP Milepost 393.6, close to Asheville  https://www.ncarboretum.org/

Pisgah Inn & Restaurant BRP Milepost 408.7  https://www.pisgahinn.com/ Make meal reservations B,L,D

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City. A railroad with history, providing different destinations & tour themes, by rail, with food available. Steam & diesel engines. Dillsboro & Nantahala Outdoor Center are its destinations; there are adult-themed tours, too. https://gsmr.com/

Sliding Rock, Brevard. Cool off when it’s hot. https://explorebrevard.com/listings/sliding-rock/

Cradle of Forestry, Brevard/Pisgah Forest. Museum, video presentation about forestry’s beginnings in WNC via the Biltmore House. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/cradle-forestry

Bearwallow Trail Hike, near Asheville & Hendersonville. Short hike with panoramic views. https://www.nctripping.com/bearwallow-mountain/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLSN_BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvKO99QFScIhEHxto7S9Z-y0BZ2-I9EW0u16XgusBgtmmalDvOAq7sfnbFzy_aem_LqM1bPTkEo9410SVZ7IGTw

Dupont State Recreational Forest between Brevard & Hendersonville. Part of The Hunger Games movie was filmed here. https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/state-forests/dupont-state-recreational-forest     Visit this link to see the FAQs, very helpful. https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/state-forests/dupont-state-recreational-forest/faq

Llama hike at Earthshine Lodge, Lake Toxaway.  https://earthshinenc.com/ Check its calendar. Easy walk/hike with your own llama from Llama Caddy.