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Summer in Asheville and WNC: A guide to day trips, waterfalls, festivals and more

Summer in Asheville and WNC: A guide to day trips, waterfalls, festivals and more

Wildflowers bloom along a mountain road in Western North Carolina Photo: Contributed, Saga Communications/Contributed by Shannon Ballard


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Summer in Asheville often starts with the same question: What should we do today? For families with kids out of school, visitors on vacation in Western North Carolina or locals looking for experiences close to home, the answer might be a waterfall hike, mountain town day trip, or an evening concert.

The Summer in Asheville and Western North Carolina guide was created with those days in mind.

The guide brings together ideas for summer outings across the region.

For a day trip close to home, the guide includes nearby towns and scenic drives. For hotter days, it includes waterfall hikes, swimming holes and tubing spots.

There are also guides to Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks and picnic areas, plus dog-friendly parks, greenways, trails and patios for people bringing pets along.

For those looking for something social, the guide includes breweries, rooftop bars, distilleries, mocktails, along with festivals, outdoor concerts, arts events and seasonal celebrations happening across Western North Carolina.

Before hitting the road, check official sources for current information on parks, trails, river access points, and event schedules.

For anyone trying to decide what to do with a free afternoon or vacation plans, the guide offers a place to start.

Explore the Summer in Asheville and WNC guide:

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