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Asheville Visitor's Guide and Interactive Map to the NC Area

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  Willow Winds marker Willow Winds Woodland Gardens Recreation and Children's Attractions Recreational and Children’s Attractions Shopping Areas Shopping Areas
  Biltmore Estates Biltmore Estate Historical Sites, Art and Museums Historical Sites, Art and Museums City and Regional Sites & Services City and Regional Sites & Services
Outdoor and Natural Attractions Outdoor and Natural Attractions Theatres Theatres Miscellaneous Miscellaneous
Show / Hide All Miscellaneous Restaurants Within 15 Minutes of Willow Winds

Map Tips:

  • You can use the preset buttons above the map or you can zoom the map out (click on the - button in the upper left of the map) to see more attractions surrounding Willow Winds Woodland Gardens or zoom in (click on the + button) to see more local detail.

  • Hover over a colored marker to see the name of the location or click to see more information on that location. You can toggle the individual categories on and off with the check boxes in the map key.

  • Use the directional arrow buttons or click and drag to change the view area of the map.

  • Click on the Satellite button (on the upper right of the map) to see the terrain or the Hybrid button to see the roads overlaid on the Satellite map.

This Interactive Map is a Great Tourism Guide to Asheville Attractions

This unique interactive map of the tourist attractions of Asheville and the surrounding Western North Carolina mountains can serve as an excellent guide for visitors to the area. It begins with four different levels of detail that provide a starting view of 1) Asheville Restaurants, 2) the area around Willow Winds and the Biltmore Estate, 3) the Asheville city area, and 4) the entire Asheville region. Each of these areas can be zoomed in or out at the user’s pleasure.

The map categorizes Asheville’s attractions so that users can narrow their search down the specific kind of attraction they are seeking. The Google map features allow users to view satellite images as well as street maps, and even a hybrid version of the two. We are happy to add it to the other Asheville Visitor Guide features of our site.

We hope that this new map feature will be most helpful to people who are planning their Asheville vacation. We plan to continue to improve this service to make it more useful. We welcome feedback and suggestions for improvement, which can be submitted to info@willowwinds.com

Great information about Asheviile

In recent years, Downtown Asheville has become a destination on par with surrounding attractions such as the Smoky Mountains and Carl Sandburg National Historic Site. That’s because Downtown Asheville is a walkable place with fantastic architecture and an astounding variety of shops, galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues. This section features links to some of the best ways to enjoy an overview of the Downtown Asheville experience. Free, or almost free, things to do in Downtown Asheville

If the shopkeepers and restaurant owners weren’t so enamored themselves, they might bemoan the beauty of Asheville’s architecture. A visitor could wander through town ogling the grand structures without ever stepping foot inside the stores! With so many styles represented so well, this town could be a giant classroom. The Arts and Crafts movement rules many of the finest neighborhoods, while downtown showcases excellent Art Deco and Neoclassical examples. Asheville even gave birth to the original Biltmore Style, marked by pebbledash stucco, exposed timber beams and red brick. read more

Professional shoppers must be on top of their game when they visit Asheville. Their wallets must be accessible. Their minds must be ready for plethora of choices. Their arms must be toned for heavy shopping bags. These are the districts to visit for maximum shopping enjoyment: Downtown, the Historic Biltmore Village and Tunnel Road. Warning: The Asheville shopping experience can be addictive. read more

Many visitors may wonder how Ashevillians became so active, from the city tennis courts to the mountain trails. Spend a few days dining in Asheville, and anyone will understand. With so many delicious restaurants to choose from, visitors and residents alike constantly find themselves eating out. It’s a burden the town’s residents happily share. The read more

A natural extension of the Asheville’s dining scene can be found in the Asheville nightlife, which has a simultaneously cosmopolitan and down-home flair. It’s not unusual to find patrons in overalls standing beside patrons in fine suits. Whether they are frequenting a sports bar, nightclub or speakeasy, many of them enjoy beers from Asheville’s acclaimed microbreweries. read more

These mountains gave birth to bluegrass music, and that heritage lives on in the music halls and street corners. Related bloodlines, from Celtic to country, also remain popular, but the local music scene represents every genre imaginable. Several outdoor music festivals take place. Asheville music also has major talent on other ends of the spectrum, with a local symphony and a strong ensemble tradition. read more

Always a town that loved the arts and entertainment, Asheville’s options have increased ten-fold with an influx of citizens from big cities. such as New York, Atlanta and San Francisco. As a result, a robust dance, theater and film scene has emerged. Styles range from the avant-garde to the traditional. Fortunately, the venues tend toward the smaller size, giving every performance an intimate feel that can rarely be duplicated in big cities. read more

Call Asheville the Sante Fe of the Southeast, an artist’s city where galleries abound. The art galleries in Asheville can be found primarily in Downtown, the River Arts District or the Historic Biltmore District. The Asheville Gallery of Art is one of the many downtown galleries that feature local artists. For exquisite local jewelry, head to Blue Goldsmiths in the Biltmore Village or the Overstrom Studio downtown. This is just the tip of the iceberg – one could spend an entire vacation just visiting the local galleries! read more

Free, or almost free, things to do in the Asheville Area

Folk Art Center

Waterfalls---Looking Glass , DuPont , Linville , and Dozens more.

Sliding Rock –swimming hole and natural water slide

Hike in the Pisgah National Forest

The North Carolina Arboretum

Cradle of Forestry

The Asheville Chamber of Commerce Also has recommendations fro free things to do in Asheville

ROMANCE AND RELAXATION

With its carefree atmosphere and beautiful setting, Asheville, North Carolina, can be a very romantic place. It’s perfect for couples celebrating an anniversary and singles who are looking for love. If you and your significant other plan on a private getaway, ask us about Willow Winds’ Asheville Romance Packages. Available during certain times of the year, it includes a lovely bouquet of flowers, a sumptuous gift basket, the use of two luxury bath robes and a $50 certificate for dinner at one of Asheville's finest gourmet restaurants.

Downtown Asheville also has several great spas, including Spa Theology, the area’s premiere center for rejuvenation and relaxation. Our spa packages provide a great way to enjoy this local treasure and the peaceful settings of Willow Winds.

If you fall in love with the charm and romance of Asheville, you'll certainly want to explore some of North Carolina's other beautiful destinations like the mysterious Outer Banks or Raleigh. One way to secure lodging every time you return is to buy North Carolina timeshare in your favorite region of the state. If you're planning on visiting North Carolina as frequently as every year or every other year, a timeshare sale will allow you to secure affordable lodging every time you return. To save even more money on your property, consider purchasing from a timeshare reseller.

 

Downtown Asheville Blog


  • Happening This Weekend?
    July 17, 2008. It’s going to be a busy weekend in Downtown Asheville, with a variety of entertainment to suit everyone. Here’s a brief wrapup: Friday Downtown After Five - This rockin’ event is now halfway through its five-show series. The Wayback...
  • Head Downtown for Asheville Bluegrass
    Shindig on the Green, one of the town’s most popular summer traditions, showcases a rich array of bluegrass music, one of the region’s most popular art forms. The annual series began a couple of weeks ago and continues this Saturday evening at Mar...
  • Family Fun with Toys in Downtown Asheville
    The tag is what hooked me: “If your parents never let you break open your Etch A Sketch to find out how it works…” Toys: The Inside Story is a new exhibit atThe Health Adventure, a museum at Pack Place. It will fascinate children and parents alik...
  • River Arts District Has Studio Stroll, Too
    After recently writing about Downtown Asheville’s Art Walk, it’s only fair that I mention the River Arts District’s Studio Stroll. This funky, industrial part of town has been incubating its own vibrant arts scene, which includes everything from g...

Top Ten Things to Do in Asheville

1. Tour the Biltmore Estate

2. Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

3. Hang out in Downtown Asheville

4. Stroll the River Arts District

5. Take a Hike

6. See Chimney Rock

7. Walk the Urban Trail

8. Indulge Yourself

9. Enjoy the Restaurants

10. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Asheville Vacation and Entertainment News

25 Reasons to Visit Asheville Brad Tuttle does a good job of describing Asheville's unique charm in his article explaining why Asheville is North Carolina's favorite mountain town. Click here for the story.

Thinking about a trip to Western North Carolina? Get the facts from the Asheville Visitor Center before planning your trip. Of Course, a call to Willow Winds will satisfy your accommodation needs, but additional information from the visitor center may help you get started. For complete story, http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=Visitor

The Asheville Dining Guide -- Asheville is blessed with many truly wonderful restaurants. The owners of Willow Winds are frequent diners at Amici Trattori, The Corner Kitchen and The Southside Cafe. However, there are over 100 good restaurants within 15 minutes of Willow Winds. They may be found at Asheville's only Interactive Restaurant Guide and Map

Asheville Activities For June

Through June The NC Arboretum presents “Kaleidoscope: Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition” www.ncarboretum.org

June 6, 2008: Center City Art Walk
 Galleries stay open Friday evenings four times a year to showcase new shows and artists. Walk to 30 galleries downtown Asheville. Free. www.ashevilledowntowngalleries.org Thirty-one downtown galleries for you to visit that are listed on the Downtown Gallery Guide with a map to help you along the way at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.

June 7 th MANNA Food Banks “Blue Jean Ball Fund raiser” 828-299-3663

June 7 th WNC Folk Art Center “Clay Day & Guild Fair on the Parkway” Free www.craftguild.org

June 7-8, 2008: Toe River Studio Tour
About an hour north of Asheville, tucked in the lush green mountains is one of the finest collections of artists and craftsmen in the world and the acclaimed Penland School of Crafts. More than 100 fine artists and crafts people in every medium open their studios for a free, self-guided cultural adventure. Free. www.toeriverarts.org

June 7 th & 8 th Black Mountain Arts & Crafts Festival www.OldDepot.org 828-669-4814

June 7 th & 8 th The Annual Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition www.ncarboretum.org

June 8 th The Diana Wortham Theatre presents “The Takana Miyamoto Trio” www.dwtheatre.org

June 9 th UNCA Concerts on the Quad “Billy Jonas” 828-251-6991

June 11 th – 29 th NC Stage Company presents “Driving Miss Daisy” www.ncstage.org

June 13 th & 14 th The Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival www.blueridgebbqfestival.com

June 14-15, 2008: River District Artists Studio Stroll
The Studio Stroll is your chance to tour the studios, meet with the artists and purchase artwork. Within just a few blocks are dozens of eclectic mix of creative artists - from traditional to cutting-edge. Near downtown Asheville. Free.

June 14, 2008: Bluff Mountain Festival in Hot Springs, NC
This free, family-friendly festival features great old-time and bluegrass music, ballads, clogging and square dance, and a silent auction and raffle of regional art work, local crafts, vacation packages, and more.

June 14, 2008:
Asheville Area Arts Council ”Purple Ball” Four hosted theme parties featuring food, specialty cocktails, live music and local performers. Purple Ball proceeds will fund direct services to artists, art organizations, students and educators.

Jun 20th, 2007 5 to 9:30 pmDowntown after Five at Battery Park “Woody Wood & Hollywood”, “John Mooney & Bluesiana”.

June 20 thTime for Our Power “Women Bringing Change to the World” www.timeforourpower.com

June 19 th -21 st Frugal Design Showcase Home 828-275-2653

June 19 thFree Concert on Lake Tomahawk at Black Mountain 828-669-2052

June 19 th – 22 ndAshevillage Building Convergence www.ashevillage.org

June 20 – 22 nd 48 Hour Film Project Asheville@48hourfilm.com Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company screening June 24 th – 26 th

June 23 rd UNCA Concerts on the Quad “Smoky Mountain Brass Band” 828-251-6991

June 26 thBook Reading at Malaprop’s Café “Escape from Andersonville” by actor Gene Hackman & Dan Lenihan. 828-254-6734

June 26 th Free Concert at Lake Tomahawk Black Mountain 828-669-2052

June 26 th – 29 th Black Mountain Center for the Arts presents “Art in Bloom Flower Show” 828-699-0930

June 28 thOld Time Music Jam Session Shindig on the Green Martin Luther King Jr. Park 828-258-6101

June 27 th & 28 thTerpsicorps ”Elvis & Other Men” Diana Wortham Theatre www.dianaworthamtheatre.org

June 27 th – 29 th Asheville Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival www.sideshowburlesque.org

June 27 th – 30 thSustainable Living Workshops “Firefly Gathering” www.fireflygathering.org

June 28 th Brevard Music Center Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble 888-384-8682

 

Asheville Activities For July

Through July & August Brevard Music Center Summer Concert Series www.brevardmusic.org 888.384.8682

Through July WNC Nature Center presents “The Beauty of Butterflies” an interactive exhibit. www.wildwnc.org

Through July The NC Arboretum Kaleidoscope Outdoor Exhibit of Contemporary Sculpture www.ncarboretum.org

Every Friday Night: Drumming Circle
Listen and dance to the drumming circle which gathers in Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville from Spring through Fall on Friday evenings.

Every Third Friday, June through September: Downtown After Five
Enjoy free live music, food and beer in downtown Asheville. 

Through July Hendersonville Street Dances on Monday Nights www.historichendersonville.org

Ingles’ 4th of July Celebration in Downtown Asheville
The City of Asheville invites you to join friends and neighbors downtown for the Ingles 4th of July Celebration. An event for the whole family, the festivities start at 1:00 p.m. at Pack Square and along College Street in Downtown Asheville.

I Hate Hamlet" at Asheville Community Theatre July 5 - 20: To See, or Not to See?
Just “When?” is the question for Asheville Community Theatre’s production of the hilarious comedy "I Hate Hamlet", by Paul Rudnick, opening on Saturday, July 5th at 8:00 pm and running for three weekends through July 20, 2008. Performances are held on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm.

June 4-August 24, 2008: SART
Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre presents six professional productions at Mars Hill College, 18 miles north of downtown.

June 27-August 10, 2008: Brevard Music Center Festival
Four hundred of the most talented students in the world join Brevard's artist faculty to present more than 80 concerts in a beautiful setting.

July 5, 12, 19 and August 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2008 : Shindig on the Green
Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather on these Saturday nights to share the region's stirring Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions-with each other and visitors from around the world-at the Shindig on the Green in downtown Asheville. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stake out a spot on the "green."

July 4, 2008: Fourth of July Celebrations
A good time for the whole family starts at 4 p.m. downtown. End the exciting day with the captivating fireworks display, which will take place at 10 p.m. Many other celebrations in nearby towns.

July 4 –6, August 2–3, and August 30- September 1, 2008 : Biltmore Winery Summer Holiday Weekends
Enjoy soloist performances in the wine bar, and cool off with complimentary wine seminars and wine tasting. For tips on how to incorporate fresh flavors into your summer cuisine, sit in on our fun-filled cooking demonstrations at the winery on Biltmore Estate.

Get Ready To Celebrate The 12th Annual "Chalk It Up!" on July 12
“Chalk It Up!”, a sidewalk chalk art contest that transforms the sidewalks of Main Street, Hendersonville North Carolina into an outdoor museum is scheduled for July 12th. "Chalk It Up" is one of the oldest and largest chalk art contest in the nation.

July 10-13, 2008: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Modeled after the Braemar Highland Games in Scotland, it is considered to be the grandfather of Scottish Games in the United States.

July 14-27, 2008: Folkmoot USA
North Carolina's Official International Festival is a two-week celebration of the world's cultural heritage through folk music and dance.

July 17-20, 2008: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
The Craft Fair showcases work by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, with over 900 members throughout the mountain regions of nine states. Members' work must be juried and accepted by a committee of peers, based on quality, design and craftsmanship.

July 25-27, 2008: Bele Chere
Enjoy the largest free outdoor street festival in the Southeast in downtown Asheville.

August: Biltmore Summer Concert Series
With Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains for a backdrop, the 12th Annual Summer Evening Concert Series at Biltmore will take your breath away. Past performers for these weekend events include Alison Krauss, the Indigo Girls, Bruce Hornsby, Tony Bennett and the Doobie Brothers.

August 1-2, 2008: Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair
The oldest and largest crafts fair in the Blue Ridge with 250+ craftfolk showing their work as well as live entertainment, children activites and a wide variety of food in downtown Burnsville.

August 1-3, 2008: Asheville Antiques Fair
More than 50 invited dealers from across the U.S. display and sell at the Civic Center.

August 2-3, 2008: Village Art & Craft Fair
Held on the grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village near the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, the fair hosts 125 artists from 20 states representing the full spectrum of craft media - jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional art and more.

August 22-24, 2008: Goombay !
Join in the fun with this African-Caribbean style festival with a variety of entertainment including steel drums, African-America dancers, local gospel groups, and contemporary rhythm bands, plus crafts and great food.

August 29-September 1, 2008: NC Apple Festival
Downtown Hendersonville features more than 150 vendors lining eight blocks of the main event area. There is continuous entertainment from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. The King Apple Parade, always held on Labor Day, culminates the Main Street activities.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 4 th Montreat Forth of July 828-669-2911 A traditional homecoming holiday

July 6 th – August 9 th Swannanoa Gathering Warren Wilson College summer workshops in folk arts 828-294-3434

July 10 – 13 th Grandfather Mountain Highland Games & Gathering of Scottish Clans www.gmhg.org

July 17 th – 21 st Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands www.craftguild.org

July 25 – 27 th Bele Chere Annual festival with art, music, fun, & food www.belecherefestival .com

July 31 – August 2 nd Mountain Dance Festival Mountain fiddlers, banjo pickers, dancers, balladeers at sundown. www.folkheritage.org

August 1 st – 3 rd Asheville Antiques Fair The South’s Oldest www.ashevilleantiquesfair.com

August 15 th Asheville Scared Music & Yoga Festival 828-252-8149

August 23 rd – 24 th Goombay Festival www.ymicc.org