The Perfect 3-Day Guide to Explore Black Mountain
If you’re looking for a mountain getaway, Black Mountain, NC is the place to be. This charming town is known for its picturesque views of the Seven Sisters Mountain ranges, vibrant downtown scene, and unique local businesses. But with so much to explore, fitting it all in can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together the perfect 3-day guide to exploring Black Mountain, NC to pack in as much of the sights, smells, and tastes of the mountains in 3 days.
Day 1
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast at Open Oven, which offers fresh locally sourced ingredients, homemade baked goods and coffee. After breakfast, head out for a hike on one of the many nearby trails, such as the Lookout Trail at Montreat or of the many Christmount trails in the area.
In the afternoon, grab lunch at one of the downtown locally-owned restaurants like Veranda before heading over to the Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center for a walk back in time. This museum features exhibits on the region’s history, from the Cherokee and Catawba Indians to the arrival of the railroad. After the museum, take a stroll through the historic downtown area and explore the unique local shops and art galleries. For that mid-afternoon pick-me-up, stop in at Cousins Cuban Café for authentic Cuban coffee and pastries before heading over to Lookout Brewing or Black Mountain Brewing for some of the best craft beer you will find.
End your day with dinner at the Black Mountain Bistro or Que Sera, both are charming restaurants known for their Southern cuisine, creative cocktails, and cozy atmospheres. Don’t let the fun stop after dinner check out some of the local music scene that showcases great local and regional talent. Visit our event calendar for the best places to see live music.
Day 2
On day 2, Grab breakfast at the Pure & Proper or the Black Bear Tavern before heading over to Lake Tomahawk for a stroll surrounded by views of the Seven Sisters. Lake Tomahawk Park is just a few blocks from downtown and provides a place to play, walk, swim, gather, and relax in nature.
Next, challenge your mind and have fun with friends or family at Black Mountain’s Escape Room. After you successfully escape, head out for lunch at the Foothills Grange, offering smash burgers, hotdogs, local beers on tap, and plenty of room for hanging out with friends while enjoying amazing mountain views.
In the afternoon, take a short drive to the nearby town of Asheville to visit the famous Biltmore Estate. This Americas largest and most beautiful home was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century and is now a popular tourist attraction. The home is a 250-room castle on 8,000 acres, you can tour the house and gardens through self-guided or hosted tours. Before leaving the estate be sure to stop by Antler Village to enjoy a glass of wine or a wine tasting at the estate’s winery.
Wrap up the day with dinner at the La Guinguette for a little French and Latin flair, followed by music at the White Horse Black Mountain, one of the area’s only listening rooms.
Day 3
For your last day in Black Mountain, start your morning with Dripolator or the Red Rocker Inn for breakfast before heading out for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway just 10 miles from Black Mountain and see the breathtaking views from the many overlooks on the parkway. Top places to check out on the BRP
- Black Mountains Overlook — Milepost 342.2: The Black Mountains include six of the ten tallest mountains on the East Coast, including the tallest, Mount Mitchell, at 6,684 feet
- Craggy Gardens— Milepost 364.4: Breathtaking views await you here at elevation 5,640 feet. Craggy Gardens is home to a National Park Service visitor center, shop and restroom facilities.
- Mount Mitchell— Milepost 355.4: Explore the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. You can drive nearly all the way to the summit. From the parking area it is just a half-mile hike to reach the observation deck and enjoy the long-range mountain views. Mount Mitchell also has a museum, gift shop, restaurant (open during spring to fall) and restrooms.
- Folk Art Center— Milepost 382: This popular stop on the Parkway offers you the opportunity to view and purchase some of the region’s best arts and crafts. The Folk Art Center hosts craft demonstrations and events throughout the year.
- Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center— Milepost 382: Pick up maps, learn about the entire 469 miles and history of the Parkway. Interactive exhibits and souvenirs also available.
Heading back be sure to stop in at Oak and Grist Distillery, they are one of North Carolina’s few 100% grain-to-glass distilleries. Their small-batch whiskeys and gin capture the unique flavors of the region. Just around the corner is Black Mountain Cider & Mead where you will find the best cider and mead we have had the pleasure of tasting. Made with local apples and honey, the ferment in small batches, never pasteurized or tainted.
Depending on the days you are in town, we have listed some of our favorite local re-occurring events. Visit our event calendar for the most up to date list of events.
Saturdays
Black Mountain Tailgate Market The market is a Saturday morning open-air shopping event featuring organic and sustainably grown produce and proteins, native plants, freshly cut flowers and herbs, artisan-made bread, pastries, and more. The market also features live music, children’s activities, and hosts and array of local artists and crafts people as well as kid-entrepreneurs. All products sold at the market must be made, grown or raised by the person selling them, making it a unique and interactive experience.
Mondays
Black Mountain Brewing Chess Club 4pm and open to all levels
Tuesdays
Lookout Brewing Trivia starts at 6:30 pm grab dinner at Mac’s Food Truck in the parking lot
White Horse Black Mountain Open Mic Night starts at 7pm. Channel your inner talents or listen to a variety of folks on their way up.
Thursdays
WNC Outdoor Collective Trivia starts at 6:30 in the beer garden with pop-up food truck usually in the side courtyard.
Flood Gallery Open Mic Nights. Sign up at 6pm starts at 6:30 pm. Unique setting and open to song, music, spoken word, comedy, magic, poetry and more.
Black Mountain, NC is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway in the mountains. With this 3-day itinerary, you’ll be able to experience the best of the area. Black Mountain has it all whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. So, pack your bags and get ready for a memorable trip to this charming mountain town.
