|
Summer Festival Season
 There are great events and festivals year-round in Asheville, but summertime is when this festival-loving area truly comes to life with some amazing summer festivals. The best part? These aren't stifling summer events, but festivals held right in the midst of the cool, refreshing Appalachian mountains.
We have the unique Friday night drum circle downtown (which is pictured, and already started just as soon as the weather warmed up here). We have the largest free street festival in the Southeast, Bele Chere, ideal for music lovers and featuring several stages of live bands playing.
Then we have the 53rd Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games for fans of all things Scottish. You can visit the Cherokee reservation during the popular July Powwow, or taste world class barbecue at the Carolina Mountain Ribfest. You can even come to recharge and rejuvenate during the Asheville Sacred Music and Yoga Festival.
See a list of all the Summer Festivals>
Do you know someone who loves a good festival?
Summer Camp for Grown- Ups
 Families from across the country flock to western North Carolina during the summer months to drop children off at area summer camps humming with activities.
But summer camp doesn't have to be just for the 18-and-under set. This is the perfect getaway for a fun-filled Summer Camp for Grown-Ups.
With the kids at summer camp for a week or two (or even if you just want to feel like a kid!), why not stick around and create your own version of camp - Asheville style? With outdoor festivals and concerts, unique shopping and outdoor activities to rival nearly any small city, your kids won't be the only ones with stories to tell at the end of summer vacation.
Pick Your Summer Camp for Grown-Ups Activity:
Take a Hike on Vacation
 Now that the weather has warmed up, this is a great time to plan a hiking vacation. Hiking trails in Asheville and the Western North Carolina range from easy to difficult, and take hikers past mountain vistas, nature scenes and waterfalls to experience the cool, clean mountain air and sweet summer breezes.
Hiking can be a fun adventure with the children, or a romantic experience for couples. It is wonderful exercise, and it's a great way to experience the nature of the mountains close-up.
Check out the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and parts of Western North Carolina, or walk some of the Pisgah National Forest Trails or Nantahala National Forest Trails.
See our list of suggested hikes, or bring your pedometer and enjoy some Step Count Sightseeing.
Go ahead! Take a hike!
| 
Back to newsletter list
