Summer Fun Planning Guide for Asheville, NC
Enjoying the Mountains of Western North Carolina all year long!
Things to Do:
- The Hikes
- The Waterfalls
- The Rivers
- The Lakes
- The Parkway
- Biltmore in the Summer
- Summer Dining
- Summer Brews
- Summer Music
- Summer Festivals
- Being Prepared for Summer
- Where to Stay
Waterfalls
Visitors travel from around the world to hike the trails of Western North Carolina. Our forests are attractive year round, but in the summer, the foliage goes wild and the flowers spring forth from the ground, making our woods a magical and dreamy place to explore. There are hundreds of miles of trails from which to choose, but one of the best ways to introduce yourself to the area is to choose a trail that ultimately leads to a waterfall (we're famous for those too!). We've highlighted three of our favorites below!
The Rivers
Ah, the rivers of Western North Carolina! They are at the heart of our mountain culture. The French Broad River runs through the center of many communities in the area and our paddlesports rely on its alternating wild waves and calm stretches. There are many, many ways to enjoy the rivers of the area - recreational water sports, fishing, swimming, and lounging shore side are just a few of our favorites. In fact, Carolina Mornings is so passionate about these activities, we've teamed up with French Broad Rafting to offer our guests a complimentary rafting trip during their stay in the mountains! Click Here to learn more about our Mountain Discovery Pass!
The Lakes
We're very lucky to live in a place where water is abundant - Western North Carolina is a treasure trove of natural resources and the lakes are just one of many beautiful attractions in our landscape. Summertime means swimming in the local lakes, fishing their waters, and paddling away the afternoon hours. There are many lakes in the surrounding area, and we've highlighted three of the most popular below!
The Parkway
Ah, the Blue Ridge Parkway - the jewel of the Appalachians. We are so blessed to have this beautiful scenic byway wind through our backyard and to honor what it gives us, we try to experience all that it has to offer with each passing season. Visitors to the area will find themselves captivated with its summer beauty. From any of hundreds of vista points, long range views of the mountains and valleys in the distance can be enjoyed. Roadside picnics, hiking trails of all skill levels, a break from the hustle and bustle of city life - all of this and more is made supremely accessible on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Biltmore in Summer
To experience all of what the Estate has to offer, we recommend setting aside two days to explore - one for touring the home and catching a bite in one or several of the many restaurants on property, and the other for hiking around, paddling the lake, going horseback riding or renting a bike to spend the day cycling.
Summer Dining
Ah, the Blue Ridge Parkway - the jewel of the Appalachians. We are so blessed to have this beautiful scenic byway wind through our backyard and to honor what it gives us, we try to experience all that it has to offer with each passing season. Visitors to the area will find themselves captivated with its summer beauty. From any of hundreds of vista points, long range views of the mountains and valleys in the distance can be enjoyed. Roadside picnics, hiking trails of all skill levels, a break from the hustle and bustle of city life - all of this and more is made supremely accessible on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Summer Brews
Summer Music
Summer Festivals
Being Prepared for the Summer
Brushing up on the native plants in the area and the native North Carolina species will not only bring your experience to the next level of fun, it can protect you from interacting with potentially irritating native plants. When exploring these mountains, it's common to see a wide array of flora and fauna, all of which is beautiful, and many guests make a game of plant or species spotting while they're here with the kids!
Where to Stay