The Front Porch to the Blue Ridge Mountains is just 15 miles east of Asheville, making it an ideal day trip for anyone looking for their new favorite small town. It was named one of the best small mountain towns in the South by the readers of Southern Living. Here are some of the best reasons to visit Black Mountain, North Carolina.
Melodies Fill the Atmosphere
Regardless of the season, a visit to Black Mountain often includes experiencing live music at the White Horse Black Mountain, one of WNC’s award-winning listening rooms. The stage hosts a diverse array of musical genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s mountain music, classic rock, the twang of bluegrass, the smooth notes of jazz, the elegance of classical, or the spirited tunes of Celtic music, you’re in for a treat.
Embrace the Porch Experience
Though Black Mountain boasts a rich musical heritage, the focus here isn’t on rock ‘n’ roll. Instead, throughout downtown Black Mountain, numerous rocking chairs dot the streets, with a few grand ones commanding attention in the town square. As late spring transitions into fall, these rockers emerge, adorned by local artists and beckoning every passerby to pause and take a moment to sit and relax.
Small Town Shopping for One-of-a-Kind Treasures
Explore the vibrant streets of downtown Black Mountain, brimming with an array of gift shops, galleries, antique stores, and artisanal craft shops. Make sure to visit the nostalgic Town Hardware, where you’ll find an impressive collection of over 35,000 items spanning generations, offering a unique shopping experience.
Eat, Drink, Get Merry
Despite being a small town, Black Mountain has a lot of restaurants and a diverse culinary scene, check out our dining guide for a complete list, or grab a sweet treat at a local coffee or sweets shop. And, of course, there are plenty of places to find a local drink and enjoy the town’s locally crafted beers, ciders, meads, and whiskeys.
History
The town’s heritage as an artistic hub traces back nearly a century to the renowned Black Mountain College. This experimental institution, though now closed, served as a nurturing ground for some of the 20th century’s most influential creatives, including musician John Cage, architect Buckminster Fuller, choreographer Merce Cunningham, and artists Josef and Anni Albers.
Art
A town where art flourishes in every corner. The Red House Gallery & Studios on Cherry Street stands as a testament to the town’s vibrant creative spirit, showcasing local talent and working artist studios. Meanwhile, the Black Mountain Center for the Arts serves as a hub for artistic expression, offering classes, exhibitions, and live performances Local shopping galleries like the Old Depot, where one can discover an array of unique artworks crafted by the skilled hands of Black Mountain’s talented artists.
Today, this legacy thrives through events like the {Re}HAPPENING, a contemporary art showcase that pays homage to the college’s avant-garde spirit. Additionally, you can delve into the town’s artistic heritage at the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center or explore the numerous galleries and shops exhibiting the works of local artisans and craftspeople.
Get Outside
Black Mountain is a hiker’s paradise, surrounded by mountains crisscrossed with trails. Visit DuPont State Forest Waterfalls or Catawba Falls, hike up Mount Mitchell or Chimney Rock, or take to one of the many trails that run through the Pisgah National Forest. Mountain biking trails nearby and if you prefer to explore nature from the comfort of your car, Black Mountain’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes sightseeing easy.
Black Mountain’s beautiful 10-acre Lake Tomahawk. The lake is surrounded by walkways, is a favorite spot for local fishermen. It’s also an excellent spot for people looking for a pretty place for an afternoon stroll or a quiet boat ride.
Take the Challenge
Every February, adventurous runners eagerly converge for the annual Black Mountain Marathon, embarking on a challenging journey to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak in the Eastern United States. Starting from Black Mountain, participants dash towards the mountain’s pinnacle before retracing their steps in a demanding 40-mile race. Renowned as one of the most arduous races in the country, it’s an event that demands both courage and endurance. Whether you’re considering joining the race or simply cheering on the runners, it’s an experience not to be missed.
Festivals and Events
Events like the LEAF Festival and the annual Sourwood Festival draw thousands of visitors to the town each year. Still, they aren’t the only festivals in town: Art in Bloom takes over Black Mountain Center for the Arts in June and October, and there is a Pet Parade in October too. You won’t want to miss December, there’s the Holly Jolly Celebration, Deck the Trees competition, and of course the charm of a small-town Christmas Parade. It’s truly a page out of a hallmark-like story the first weekend of December.
Whether you’re drawn to the scenic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the vibrant art scene showcased in places like the Red House on Cherry Street and the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, or the opportunity to explore local shopping galleries brimming with unique creations, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting town. So, pack your bags and hit the road to Black Mountain, where unforgettable experiences await around every corner.
Looking for more local Black Mountain, NC events click here to visit our calendar.
