Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, this artsy town invites exploration of Cherry Street's galleries and craft shops. Lake Tomahawk offers a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon, while hikers can tackle nearby trails in Montreat. The Black Mountain College Museum celebrates the town's surprising avant-garde history. Live music spills from local venues most evenings, providing soundtrack to pints at craft breweries. Venture to Catawba Falls for impressive cascades or Mount Mitchell State Park to stand atop the highest peak east of the Mississippi. The Swannanoa Valley Museum reveals fascinating local history in a building that's seen it all. Don't miss sampling Appalachian cuisine – hearty mountain food that sticks to your ribs like the town sticks in your memory.
