Top 10 Reasons to Visit Black Mountain, NC this Summer
Are you looking for a perfect summer getaway, surrounded by stunning natural scenery, endless outdoor activities, and a town rich in history and culture? Black Mountain, NC has got you covered! Located just outside of Asheville, this charming town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains has something for everyone.
Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Black Mountain, NC this summer.
Stunning Scenery and Mountain Views: Known as the “Front Porch of Western North Carolina,” Black Mountain offers visitors breathtaking views of rolling hills, majestic mountains, and pristine forests. You can take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown, hike the nearby trails, or enjoy the stunning vistas from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and surrounding parks. Lake Tomahawk is located in the heart of Black Mountain, with picture perfect mountain views, a beautiful lake, walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas, this park is perfect for families looking for a day of fun in the sun.
Outdoor Adventures: If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Black Mountain can fulfill your thirst for adventure. You can go hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and rafting on the nearby trails, rivers, and lakes. The Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and the Pisgah National Forest present excellent opportunities for outdoor activities nearby.
Hike in Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest, located just a short drive from Black Mountain, offers miles and miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a challenging hike, Pisgah National Forest has it all. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy alongside stunning mountain views.
Horseback Riding at Biltmore Estate
Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced horseman, enjoy an unforgettable guided expedition through beautiful woodlands on a horse chosen to match your skill level at the Biltmore Equestrian Center. The Biltmore Estate is just a quick drive from Black Mountain.
History and Culture: Black Mountain has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, and you can explore the town’s past through the historic architecture, museums, and cultural centers. The Swannanoa Valley Museum and the Black Mountain Center for the Arts are a must-visit.
Visit the Swannanoa Valley Museum
The Swannanoa Valley Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in local history. The museum offers guided tours of the historic downtown district of Black Mountain and features exhibits that highlight the region’s rich history.
Explore Black Mountain Center for the Arts
A community art center in the heart of downtown Black Mountain with exhibits, classes and events. Be sure to check out the calendar of events for upcoming shows and exhibits.
Live Music: Black Mountain has a vibrant live music scene with numerous venues hosting local and regional musical acts. You can catch a concert at the iconic White Horse Black Mountain, or one of the many local breweries, distilleries, taphouses, and restaurants. The town also hosts a free concert series “Park Rhythms” Thursday evening between June through August at Veterans Park. Check out our local events calendar for what’s happening in Black Mountain.
Art and Crafts: The town is known for its art and crafts scene, and you can browse the galleries and workshops to find unique handmade items such as pottery, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, and fiber arts. Check out our Arts page for places to visit while exploring Black Mountain. Here are a few of our top picks
The Old Depot Gallery
In the historic old train depot, a master craft and fine art gallery with a variety of arts, crafts and funds raised support the teaching of mountain and heritage crafts in local schools.
Red House Studios
Home to working studios for our artists, a life drawing studio, a classroom suitable for workshops, a comfy corner library, kitchen facilities, and dedicated gallery spaces! Filled with great natural light, and lots of track lighting, this building has become home to an amazing amount of creative energy.
Culinary Explosion: Black Mountain is also a great place to visit for its food! The restaurant scene is eclectic with everything ranging from farm-to-table, South African, Argentinian, Latin, French, fresh seafood, authentic Thai, Japanese, and Chinese to a modern twist on classic southern cuisine. You can also find everything to satisfy your sweet tooth with local bakeries, chocolate, and homemade ice cream in Black Mountain. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Visit our restaurant guide for all the best places to eat while visiting Black Mountain.
Shopping:
Black Mountain has a charming downtown area with many boutique shops, antique stores, and specialty markets where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs. Most of the businesses in Black Mountain are locally owned small businesses, with handpicked items you won’t find the same ole same ole here. Check out our shopping page for great recommendations to visit while you are in town.
Festivals and Events: The town hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including Art in Bloom, Sourwood Festival, Art by the Tracks, LEAF Festival, Holly Jolly, and more. Check out our festivals page for more information and dates
This year marks the 17th Annual Art in Bloom. This multifaceted event, celebrating nature and art, combines two gallery exhibits, live floral arrangements, and a local garden tour featuring working artists.
Events run from May 26 – July 14.
The Sourwood Festival is held the 2nd weekend of August every year in Black Mountain, NC. Admission is free and the festival runs from 9-8 Sat, and 9-5 Sun in the downtown area of Black Mountain. Downtown Black Mountain is filled with entertainment, music, dancing, arts & crafts, great food, and more. Browse among the 200 vendors and discover lots of local and unique arts and crafts as well as delicious food! Sample the BBQ, funnel cakes, homemade ice cream, local jelly, corn on the cob, sausages, and of course, the HONEY.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation:
Black Mountain is an ideal place for relaxation, rejuvenation, and wellness. You can indulge in a spa treatment at one of the many wellness centers, take a yoga class, or simply enjoy a quiet picnic in the park.
Friendly Hospitality:
Last but not least, Black Mountain is known for its friendly and welcoming hospitality. The town’s residents and business owners are always willing to share their love for their community and provide visitors with a memorable experience.
Black Mountain, NC is a charming and welcoming town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering endless outdoor adventures, fascinating local history, and a vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, Black Mountain, NC has it all. So why not plan your trip now and experience the magic of Black Mountain for yourself? You will see why folks come for a visit, and come back for a lifetime.
