Y o n d e r ’ s G u i d e t o

Paradise in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Another Get Your WOW On Publication

Asheville

Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina Page: 3

Welcome to Asheville, North Carolina! Asheville is a broad minded, progressive and cosmopolitan haven of nature and creative energy…outdoor cafes, scintillating galleries, alluring boutiques, vibrant music, inspired restaurants, craft filled fairs and art deco architecture — surrounded by some of the oldest mountains in the world.

Asheville is Western North Carolina’s largest city, boasting a population of approximately 70,000 residents. Often referred to as “Paris of the South,” it is perennially among the top 10 best places to live. Recently it was voted one of the “10 Most Beautiful Places in America.”

Asheville is a fascinating, diverse and welcoming place to visit or call home. For those of us fortunate enough to live here, Asheville is a mountain paradise, full of grand vistas and fertile valleys. There’s something special about Asheville and the world is just beginning to discover it. This thriving mountain city & surrounding countryside is the ultimate playground, with a relaxing atmosphere and boasting a wide diversity of outdoor activities which creates the ideal destination for an active and healthy getaway.

For those of you wishing to visit, Yonder is the perfect host for your “dream getaway.” We have a superb collection of luxury homes for you to choose from; whether you prefer a downtown condominium, a luxurious cottage, or a large retreat in the countryside — Asheville has what you are looking for.

Page: 4 Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina

Twelve Places Locals Love

If you are staying at the Lofts, all of downtown Asheville is at your feet.

Here are twelve places that Ashevillians love.

The Kress – A beautiful tiled building, formerly the

Kress 5 and Dime, is now a collection of artist booths. Browse jewelry, pottery, funky clothes, and hanging art, to find unique gifts for others and yourself. Downstairs is furniture.

Woolworth Walk – Also an artist gallery, the Woolworth Walk is home to a variety of artists, mostly focusing on visual art. Check out their Soda Fountain mentioned in the 3 and a Half Eats below.

Pritchard Park – The heart of the hip, hippy funk Asheville community. Men playing chess, people hanging out in the well-tended garden area,

students studying, and street people make for an eclectic mix that is all Asheville. Come to the Friday night drum circle to feel like an “in the know” local.

Ten Thousand Village – A store on Prichard Park run by volunteers; art is sourced from poor villages around the world, sold at a fair price, and returns much needed wages into these communities.

Festivals – During the warmer months the downtown area hosts festivals, art fairs, walks, outdoor music events, and other ways to get enjoy the warm weather and the talented mix of artists and musicians.

The Grove Arcade – Save this one for one of the few inclement weather days, if you have one. Designed by Edwin Wiley Grove, the man who created the Omni Grove Park Inn, and considered to be “Father of Modern Asheville.Inside of this building with curved marble staircases and soaring ceilings feels like walking in an inverted wedding cake. During the warmer months, tables along

Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina Page: 5

the back display artists wares, and outdoor cafes and restaurants line the long side. For a relaxing afternoon or evening, don’t miss the Used Book and Champaign Bar, a book club favorite for drinks, a great book, and lively conversation. You’ll find first editions amongst the collections, and lots of nooks and crannies for cozying up with a good book.

The Basilica of St. Lawrence – Quietly enter from the side if there is a service going on, and take in the beauty from the back row seats. The rose garden is beautiful in season.

The Biltmore House – This is America’s largest private home and feels a bit like visiting Europe, with inspiration and all of its magnificent art. A winery, miles of paths, beautiful gardens, and of course, the house itself make this a treasure to tour and experience. Take one of the tours to learn about the wonders of this house. Just a note- the house is not air conditioned and there are no elevators.

Biltmore Village – An alternative to downtown Asheville, where dreadlocks are not unusual, this quaint, upscale village with chef-owned restaurants and one of a kind shopping boutiques are worth perusing. The hourly bells pealing from historic All Souls Episcopal Church and walking these brick paved

sidewalks transports you to another time. Chelsea’s Tea Room is a great place for lunch or afternoon tea. If you’re from the Deep South, you’ll enjoy the artful, high end boutiques. The Southern Highland Craft Gallery, in one of the most beautiful buildings in Asheville, is a must see. Try Enoteca for an afternoon treat, or Rezzas for a fabulous dinner.

Grove Park Inn – This massive hotel, built in the Arts and Crafts style, is the perfect place to window shop or sit in the massive lobby. Enjoy the piano bar on the weekends, or take in a high end spa treatment.

Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina Page: 6

Asheville is a foodie town. From Southern cooking to farm to table to food trucks to vegan — we have it all. Here are 3 downtown favorites, all within an easy walk of the Lofts at 16 Church.

Breakfast- Tupelo Honey. Have your biggest meal of the day with cat-head biscuits (roughly the size of a cat’s head) and blueberry jam served to every table, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try sweet potato pancakes with delectable whipped peach butter and spiced pecans, SHOO-Mercy Crab Cake Betty, or a breakfast pie. Service is friendly and the ambiance is upbeat and eclectic.

Lunch- The historic Woolworth’s Soda Fountain — is it an art gallery or a restaurant? It’s both! After you’ve walked around the gallery, both upstairs and down, enjoy lunch at the counter with the locals, at a table, or outside. The Soda Fountain, fashioned after the 1950’s Luncheonette, serves sandwiches, soups and salads, milkshakes and ice cream.

Dinner- If you like every bite to taste different, visit the quaint Salsas, just off of Pack Square. This Mexican Caribbean restaurant offers a wide array of flavor packed meals. For those who tend to eat on the safe side — the nachos won’t disappoint.

Anytime- The Chocolate Lounge is an Asheville icon. My favorite, and I’m not a huge fan of chocolate, is the Cold Sipping Chocolate. This thick coconut based drink will satisfy a sweet spot you didn’t know you had, with just a sip. Homemade sorbets, crème brule, and shortbread cookies round out their over-the-top chocolate menu. The Chocolate Lounge is conveniently located at 10 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC, 28801

3 and a Half Eats in Asheville

The River Arts District – As a local, watching the area transform from sketchy, abandoned buildings to thriving artist community has been a delight. Pick up a brochure and enjoy pockets of creativity – many within walking distance. Great casual restaurants, too.

The Great Outdoors – From hiking to biking, canoeing to fishing, to hula hopping, Ashevillians love to be outdoors. Try the North Carolina Arboretum, (which charges by the car), for a mix of trails and art that is the quintessential blend of what makes Asheville such a popular destination. The Botanical Gardens at UNC Asheville is free.

The Best of All Worlds? Take a trolley tour from the Visitor’s Center (free parking) to ride and stop at many of these places, as well as get an interesting narrative.

Another Get Your WOW On Publication

Page: 8 Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina

Yonder’s Adventure Bucket List

What to do in & Around AshevilleWhether you were born here, moved here, or just visiting, Asheville and the surrounding area have endless possibilities for fun, adventure and inspiration. Here’s our 10 summer & autumn bucket list items in no particular order, because (to be quite honest) they all could be #1.

Have fun, be safe and share the experience!

#1 - Experience the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains from the air. The Asheville Balloon Company offers sunrise flights year round weather permitting. Colorful baloons fly adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest on the west side of Asheville, providing expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains (see photo above).

#2 - Enjoy a breathtaking mountaintop zipline adventure.Navitat is a fantastic tree-based zipline adventure company about 20 minutes north of Asheville.

The founders and guides believe that experiencing trees in unique and engaging ways can ultimately thrill, educate and inspire their guests.

#3 Explore the Historic Biltmore Estate. With 8,000 acres, there are enough things to do on the Biltmore Estate for its own bucket list. Touring the home is a must, and don’t forget the gardens/grounds and hiking/biking trails. For a hidden treat, enjoy an ice cream at Antler Hill Village.

The estate was built by George W. Vanderbilt in 1895. The construction project took five years, employed hundreds of workers, and boosted the local economy.

#4 - Play a round of Golf at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Enjoy 18 holes at the Omni Grove Park Inn. On this 6,400-yard Donald Ross designed championship course, feel like a pro playing on the same greens as PGA stars Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus!The Biltmore Estate. Photo courtesy of the Biltmore Estate

Photo courtesy of Navitat Tree Based Zipline

Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina Page: 9

#5 - Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway on a Motorcycle. Breathtaking views and sweeping curves, coupled with 469 stop sign- and traffic light-free miles, make the Blue Ridge Parkway a glorious ride for motorcyclists.

#6 - Tube/Kayak/SUP Down the French Broad River. With its relatively flat and calm conditions through Asheville, the 3rd oldest river in the world is perfect for a slow and comfortable float down the French Broad on a tube, kayak or SUP.

#7 - See Asheville With LaZoom. Quite possibly the most entertaining way to see and learn about Asheville is with LaZoom! Their unique interactive bus tours blend fast paced facts, original comedy and sharp improv. They also have specialty tours—a Haunted Comedy and Band and Beer tours.

#8 - Enjoy Asheville’s Craft Breweries with Asheville Brews Cruise. For over a decade Asheville Brews Cruise have taken thousands of tour-goers on a fun and educational experience to Asheville’s famous beer world on the big, yellow bus with a smile!

#9 - Tour The River Arts District. Nestled by the French Broad River, the River Arts District has over 180 working studios along with great restaurants, cafes and a fantastic brewery.

#10 - Visit The Thomas Wolfe Memorial. One of the great American writers of the 20th century, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home which has changed very little since 1916. The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is an historic site and one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.

Photo courtesy of Navitat Tree Based Zipline

Photo courtesy of Navitat Tree Based Zipline

Photo courtesy of

LaZoom

Photo courtesy of the Thomas Wolfe Memoral & Pack Library

Page: 10 Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina

Amazingly, we have 3,000+ miles of free public hiking trails near Asheville, including 1,600 miles in the Pisgah

and Nantahala National Forests, 850 miles in Great Smokey Mountains National Park and many more along the Blue Ridge Parkway, as wel as in state parks and forests.

Where to begin?Here are just a few of our favorite hikes near Asheville in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. To find the best hiking trails, we evaluated hikes for all skill levels. When selecting hikes and walks, we used the following criteria:

1. The hike begins 80 miles or less from downtown Asheville.2. It is safe, well-marked, and not overly strenuous.3. It does not require any special equipment or shoes.4. It is easy to locate.

Black BalsamFor sweeping 360 degree views, roam the bald mountain tops at Black Balsam Knob (photo above). Almost entirely devoid of trees above 6,000 ft, the summit is more reminiscent of New England than North Carolina.

Directions from Asheville: After traveling south for approximately an hour on the Blue Ridge Parkway, look for the “Black Balsam” sign. Drive about 8/10 of a mile down the road and look for the trail on the right. Park along the road.

Max PatchHike a section of the famous Appalachian Trail on top of Max Patch near Hot Springs. This 4,600 foot mountain was cleared and used as pasture in the 1800’s. Today, it’s a 350 acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360 degree views. On a clear day, you can see from Mount Mitchell on the east to the great Smokey Mountains to the south. The parking area is near the summit so you can do a short 1.4 mile loop to enjoy the

Asheville & Western North Carolina Hikes

Another Get Your WOW On Publication

Page: 12 Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina

views on top or you can do a longer loop by heading north or south on the Appalachian Trail.Directions from Asheville: Take I-40 West to Exit 7 (Harman’s Den). Take a right on Cold Springs Road which soon becomes gravel. This usually well graded road climbs steadily but never steeply for 6.2 miles to SR-1182 (Max Patch Road). Turn left and drive 1.5 miles to the Max Patch parking area on the right. Allow an hour to drive.

Looking Glass RockFor 180+ degree views from a rock face, hike Looking Glass Rock in the Pisgah National Forest. It is an especially great hike for the winter months because it’s accessible year around (weather permitting) unlike some of the hikes from the Blue Ridge Parkways. The 6.4-mile round trip trail gains 1,700 feet in elevation. It’s about a 45 minute drive from downtown Asheville.Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 West to I-26 East to Exit 40 (Asheville Airport). Turn right onto NC-280. Follow this 4 lane highway for 16 miles toward Brevard. At the intersection of US HWY 276 & US HWY 64, turn right onto US-276 West (follow signs for Pisgah National Forest). Follow US 276 for 5.2 miles; turn left onto FR 475. The trail head parking area is on the right after 0.4 miles

Mount PisgahA very popular hike is to the top of 5,700 foot Mount Pisgah is located 26 miles southwest of Asheville, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 3 mile trail (round trip) gains 712 feet in elevation and is steep in spots. Your reward at the top is panoramic views of the North Carolina Mountains, including Cold Mountain.

Directions from Asheville: Take the Blue Ridge Parkways south to mile post 407.6. Look for a parking area on the left before you reach the Pisgah Inn.

Mount MitchellGo to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in eastern America at 6,684 feet to hike the Deep Gap Trail. This lofty North Carolina hiking trail keeps you above 6,000 feet and takes you over the highest two mountains east of the Mississippi. You drive (yes, drive!) to the top of Mount Mitchell and look for the picnic area near the beginning of the summit parking lot. Deep Gap Trail begins here and descends and climbs through fragrant spruce-fur forests to Mount Craig with panoramic views (about a 2 mile round trip). The trail continues for another 3.5

Spectacular views from Looking Glass Rock

Drive to the the top of the highest peak in the eastern US - Mt. Mitchell

Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina Page: 13

miles, topping several more peaks. Dress warmly, it’s usually about 20 degrees cooler here than in town.Directions from Asheville: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway north to mile post 355 about 34 miles from downtown Asheville

DuPont State Forest Forty miles southwest of Asheville near Brevard, our top waterfall trail pick is a 3-mile round trip easy hike to three beautiful waterfalls. On this hike, you will visit up to 5 of the 6 major waterfalls in Dupont State Forest. It starts as an easy path to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area: Hooker, Triple, and High Falls. Covered picnic shelters with views of the falls make for excellent family outing possibilities. If you wish to continue your journey to Grassy Creek and Bridal Veil Falls, this will become a moderate hike. You will cross the big covered bridge and a beautiful mountain lake on the way. Well worth the extra effort.Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 West to I-26 East to Exit 40 (Asheville Airport). Turn right onto NC-280. Follow this 4 lane highway for 16 miles toward Brevard. At the intersection of US HWY 276 & US HWY 64,turn left onto US 64 east and drive 3.7

miles. Turn right onto Crab Creek Road. Drive 4.3 miles and turn right on Dupont Road. The road will climb and change names to Staton Road, then begins a long downhill. At the bottom, just before the bridge over the Little River, the parking area is on the right. The trail to Triple and High Falls starts on the other side of the bridge.

Graveyard FieldsAlthough it is a gentle hike with little climbing, but you still are rewarded with beautiful views in the mile high valley

filled with wild flowers and the North Carolina mountains with 6,000 foot peaks. With an easy 4-mile hike, you can see two nice waterfalls: Upper Falls and Second Falls. Arrive early since this is a very popular hiking location.Directions from Asheville: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south to mile post 418.8, about 37 miles south west of downtown Asheville.

Rattle Snake LodgeA favorite hike for locals, the Rattle Snake Lodge Trail is a fun trip back in time. You hike to the

Page: 14 Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina

ruins of a lodge that was built and enjoyed by many in the early 1900’s but burned to the ground in 1926. There are two trails that lead to the site. A 1.4-mile gradual climb from Ox Creek Rd and a ½ mile steep climb from the Blue Ridge Parkway.Directions from Asheville: From I-240 take Exit 4A for US HWY 19/23 North toward Weaverville. Go 6 miles and take Exit 21 for New Stock Rd. At the end of the road take a right then a quick left then drive past the Ingle grocery store. Go 8/10 of a mile. At the stoplight, turn right onto Reems Creek Road. Go 4 miles and turn right onto Ox Creek Road. Go 3.7 miles to arrive at the parking area on the left. From the parking area, follow the trail for a short distance where it intersects with the Mountains to Sea Trail (White Blaze). Turn left on the trail and head up the switchbacks 1.4 miles to the lodge site.

The Urban TrailThe Urban Trail in downtown Asheville is a 1.7 mile walking tour with 30 sculptures that depict the history of downtown. Walk half of it, stop for lunch, and then complete your tour. Get a brochure at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center or stop by Pack Place by the monument to pick up an audio tour at the art museum.

North Carolina ArboretumJust 10 miles south of downtown, the North Carolina Arboretum has several easy to moderate walking trails. Our favorite is the Natural Garden Trail, a 1 mile loop starting from the plants of Promise Garden to the

core area gardens. It is a gently graded and naturally surfaced trail that overlooks Bent Creek and the National Native Azalea Repository. Directions: Take Exit 2 from I-26 then go south on highway 191 to the Blue Ridge Parkways / Arboretum Entrance. There is a $12 per vehicle fee.

• Please be careful near waterfalls and ledges. Rocks and surrounding fauna can be very slippery. Serious injuries, including death, do occur every year.

• Do not block gated entrances with your car.

• Wear brightly colored clothing and dress in layers.

• Certain sections of the Blue Ridge Parkways are closed during winter months. Please check blueridgeparkways.org for availability.

Important Notes

Get Your WOW On - Asheville, North Carolina Page: 15Another Get Your WOW On Publication

Are you a property owner or manager who sees the value of being

the local expert for your guests?

If so, we want to hear from you right away. We are expanding our WOWMag destinations and may stil be able to partner with you so you are recognized as the

local expert for your destination.

Contact us today to see if we can help you

Get Your WOW On