Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small-town life in Western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4-hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City. Please refer to the map below for a layout of Dillsboro.

Itinerary

Below is an outline of this train’s excursion. Please refer to this train’s schedule for exact departure times.

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change with

Buncombe County will continue to offer ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription.

Downtown on Fridays, discover a delightful assortment of quality handmade goods from skilled makers at Asheville’s weekly street party. The Pack Square Artisan Market is produced by Places For Makers, an Asheville, NC based non-profit organization.

Plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase from Sideways (small
batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non alcoholic drinks). Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome!
During winter months enjoy playing under the covered, sheltered, heated porch! And during the summer months enjoy
collaborating in the fields, on the stage, or under the patio

Downtown After 5 has become a staple of Asheville’s cultural calendar, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to experience live music in the heart of our vibrant city. This year, each event is centered around highlighting a nonprofit partner with a theme that celebrates diverse musical genres, food and beverage offerings, local makers, and community initiatives. Each Downtown After 5 event draws an enthusiastic crowd of between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees to North Lexington Avenue, transforming it into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and community.

August 16 | LEAF Downtown
In collaboration with LEAF Global Arts, we’re excited to bring back LEAF Downtown at Downtown After 5. Tito Puente Jr. will be headlining the event, with the LEAF Kono Band opening.

September 20 | Outdoor Rec Fest
Closing out the series is September’s Outdoor Rec Fest with Riverlink. Featuring headliner Oliver Hazard and opener Paul McDonald. Celebrate Asheville’s outdoor lifestyle by engaging with our outdoor recreation partners and vendors.

Downtown After 5 is more than just a concert series; it’s a community staple that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Asheville. Each event is free to the public, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site, with a portion of proceeds supporting the nonprofit partners associated with each event.

The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Drum Circle

The Asheville Downtown Association is proud to facilitate the return of Asheville’s iconic Drum Circle. Feel the rhythm and join the beat as the community comes together for an evening of drumming, dancing, and camaraderie.

Discover our latest exhibit where hand painted insects and real butterflies converge in a captivating display of work by the artists of On the Wing Gallery. Opening reception August 16, 5-8pm.

The comedy of the season has landed! Fasten your seatbelts–there’s turbulence ahead in this laugh-out-loud tour-de-farce! It’s the 1960’s and Bernard, an American living in Paris, has the perfect setup: three international fiancées, each a beautiful airline hostess with frequent “layovers.” He keeps “one up, one down, and one pending” until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Paris, and Bernard’s apartment, at the same time.  Prepare yourself for the most deliriously funny flight of your life.

The Montford Park Players is pleased to announce auditions for its 52nd  Season: 

Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses

Jason Williams, Artistic Director

5/10/2024 5/24/2024   Edward III, directed by Mandy Bean
5/31/2024 6/23/2024   Richard II, directed by Jason Williams
6/28/2024 7/21/2024   Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, directed by Dr. George Brown, Callista Brown and Elizabeth DeVault
7/26/2024 8/25/2024   Henry V, directed by David Doersch
8/30/2024 9/22/2024  Henry VI Parts 1, 2 & 3, directed by Glenna Grant, Ariel Robinson and Adam Kampouris
9/27/2024 10/27/2024 Richard III, directed by Kristi DeVille

Conveniently located in the heart of the Historic Montford District of Asheville, North Carolina, the Outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre is easy to get to and accessible from I-240 and I-26. And, it’s just a short drive down Montford Avenue from downtown.

The original Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles. With unforgettable tunes like “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December ‘63 – Oh What A Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and of course, “Grease.” His songs have been omnipresent in other iconic movies such as The Deer Hunter, Dirty Dancing, Mrs. Doubtfire, Conspiracy Theory and The Wanderers. As many as 200 artists have done cover versions of Frankie’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” from Nancy Wilson’s jazz treatment to Lauryn Hill’s hip-hop makeover.

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have sold over 100 million records worldwide. They continue to tour throughout the U.S. and abroad to packed houses receiving nightly standing ovations from thrilled fans of multiple generations.

Valli’s long-lasting career has led to the overwhelming success of the Broadway musical JERSEY BOYS, which chronicles Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons incredible career and features all of their greatest hits.

The JERSEY BOYS juggernaut has now been seen by over 18 million people worldwide, won 4 Tony Awards including Best Musical (2006), and is currently playing in New York; Las Vegas; London; in cities across the U.S. on a National Tour and The Netherlands; and will open soon in Korea. It is the 15th longest running show in Broadway history, having played over 3,250 performances and recently passing Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly!, The Producers, Hairspray, My Fair Lady and Oklahoma.

In 2014, Frankie Valli’s life story was once again featured. This time in the film adaptation of JERSEY BOYS, directed by Academy Award winning director Clint Eastwood. Valli also returned to acting in Rob Reiner’s romantic comedy, And So It Goes. The film starred Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton, and was release July 18, 2014. Frankie recently appeared on this past season of Hawaii 5-0 and his mega hit BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY was just inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame 2015. On May 18, 2015 Dan Rather profiled the legend for his series, The Big Interview and he also participated in the AMC series, The Making of the Mob.

In 2016, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons appeared on Broadway in a limited engagement October 21 through October 29 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Frankie Valli released, TIS THE SEASONS, which was a holiday album released on October 14th, 2016 on Rhino.

First-ever Jazz album, A TOUCH OF JAZZ, was released June 25, 2021 while touring worldwide.

Every Saturday from 8am-12pm, This is the 44th year for this
weekly tailgate market, where vendors sell fresh-picked seasonal vegetables and fruit, local honey, cut flowers, plant starts and
more, The market will be open through October. L

Hendersonville Farmers Market in front of the Historic Train Depot, 8am-1pm, Hendersonville Farmers Market aims to be a world-class market that contributes to the success of local producers and growers, expands access to farm fresh foods, and creates a
vibrant community gathering space. With fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, live entertainment, food trucks, and more,
it’s a weekly outing with something for everybody! Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere celebrating food, farm and family with
live music every Saturday! At least 30 vendors from within a 60-mile radius participate in each market, offering produce, meat,
eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, beverages, and more. Special events such as Tomato Day, Wellness Day and
Juneteenth Celebration will occur at the market regularly throughout the season. Food trucks will also be a staple, allowing
visitors to enjoy breakfast or lunch on their farmers market adventure

Welcome to Western NC’s most premier farmers market!

Since 1980, we have been providing Asheville and the surrounding area with a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants, prepared foods and crafts. Day vendors complement the members’ offerings with additional products and services.

The North Asheville Tailgate Market is a weekly, Saturday morning gathering of the best farmers, craftsmen, and bakers. With over 40 vendors and more than 40,000 annual customers, the market’s energetic and warm environment welcomes all.

The Friends of the Black Mountain Library are pleased to again participate in the Antiques and Collectibles Sale sponsored by the Swannanoa Valley Museum. The antique sale will be held at the Monte Vista Hotel on Saturday August 17, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. FOL will be selling antique books, ephemera, and other related items. This is the perfect opportunity to shop for one of a kind holiday gifts or to add to your personal library! Join us for a day of treasure hunting and fun!

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Baker Exhibit Center

Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!

Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.

Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size,  and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

At each Plant Clinic, Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer all of your gardening questions and address your related concerns. Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution.

You can pick up soil test kits and receive information about in-person programs and activities at The Learning Garden and the Gardening in the Mountains seminars.

Follow us on Instagram @buncombemastergardeners to stay up to date on our programs and events.

Splasheville

Splasheville is located in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza. The free splash pad’s regular daily hours are 9.m-8:30pm, but may close for special events or during inclement weather. Check the calendar for scheduled closures.

Artists are invited to create artworks with the theme of “Red, White and Blue.“  Apply these patriotic colors at the center of your subjects, however there are no limits to your creativity, your artworks don’t need to be primarily patriotic theme, but viewers should be able to spot the use of recognizable amount of red, white and blue colors.

Happy National Parents Day from your friends at Craigfields Hair Studio & Spa!

With school right around the corner we want to invite everyone to our Back To School Bash – August 17th, 2024 from 10AM-6PM

Come out and Enjoy a FREE fun family event ! 🎈
⁃ Corn Hole 🕳️
⁃ Snow Cones 🍧
⁃ Face painting 🎨
⁃ Kids nail painting 💅

We will be partnering with Eblen Charities as we be offering donation based haircuts for the family to get ready for the new school year. All proceeds from the day will go to the Eblen Charities.

Eblen Charities will be handing out 🆓 haircut vouchers for all those who qualify!

Call the salon for more information or to reserve a spot.

Walk ins welcome!

We can’t wait to see you!

For the 19th year in a row, artists in this small community will open their studios to the public for the annual Come to Leicester Studio Tour. This free, self-guided event is held every third weekend in August, with this year’s tour dates being August 17th and 18th, 10 AM to 5 PM each day. Visitors choose their tour stops using a printed full-color map of the area, along with pictures of each artist’s work. Detailed brochures with maps will be available at various locations in Leicester and the surrounding communities before the Tour, and at each stop on the Tour days. Bold signs along the route direct visitors to the individual stops. Visit the Tour website at http://cometoleicester.org to view all the artists and print out a map to guide your tour.

The Come to Leicester Artist Studio Tour route takes visitors through some of the most scenic rural countryside in Western North Carolina. Along the way, one can view beautiful, hand-crafted work and meet the artists who create it. Visitors will find many types of fine arts and crafts, including brooms, pottery, stained glass, paintings, ironwork, wood, jewelry, fiber, and mixed media. Tour stops include artist personal studios and 4 hub locations where several artists gather: Leicester Community Center, Sandy Mush Community Center, Addison Farms Vineyard, and Olivette Farm. Many artists open the doors to their home studios only this weekend, and it is a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of our mountain community while getting a glimpse behind the scenes of an artist’s life and work.

If you’re hungry along the way, stop at one of our food sponsors, all identified on the map: Grateful Roots, Gossett Grocery, The Salty Goat, and Jessi Cake Bake Shop). You might also want to enjoy a wine-tasting at Addison Farms Vineyard, a favorite tour stop and host to several artist displays. Enjoy mountain hospitality at its finest!

Artists returning to the Tour are: Wesley Angel, Sara Bell, Adrienne Blum, Ilana Brody, Kevin Campbell, Doug Canivet, John Cummings, Joe Desousa, Peggy Eckel, Raquel Egosi, Marlow Gates, Jan Helm, Cat Jarosz, Matt Jones, Julie & Tyrone Larson, Kathy Mack, Patrick McDermott, Victoria Miceli, Gail Powell, Tani Reeves, Suzanne Saunders, Nirado Sloan, Doc Welty, Brad Worden, Noel Yovovich, and Pamela Winn. Artists who are new to the Tour this year are Kevin Andrew, Kevin Duckett, Sascha Frowine, Matrix Designs (Sarah and Kelly), Jill Pam, Puma Love, Jason Rojas, Catherine Twomey, and Terrence Threadwell.

For the 19th year in a row, artists in this small WNC community will open their studios to the public for the annual Come to Leicester Studio Tour. This free, self-guided event is held every third weekend in August, with this year’s tour dates being August 17th and 18th, 10 AM to 5 PM each day.

Visitors choose their own tour stops using a printed brochure with a full-color map of the area, and bold signs direct to the individual studios. The tour route travels through some of the most scenic rural countryside in Western North Carolina. Along the way, visitors can view beautiful, hand-crafted work and meet the artists who create it. The variety of arts and crafts includes brooms, pottery, painting, wood, glass, iron work, and fiber art. Come join the tour on August 17 & 18!