Things To Do In North Carolina Mountains This Summer

We're fortunate living in the Carolinas that we can easily and quickly drive to the beach or the mountains for a quick getaway. And, if you're looking for things to do in North Carolina mountains this summer, we have a great resource with some wonderful suggestions.

According to romanticasheville.com, there's summer events and festivals galore to keep you busy. And, we'll highlight just a few of them to get you started.

Of course, The Biltmore is one of my all time favorite destinations when looking for things to do in North Carolina mountains. And, currently through January 5, 2025, visitors to the Biltmore can experience Chihuly at Biltmore.

Chihuly is an intimate gallery setting of art and glass sculptures including pedestal works, drawings and large scale installations of chandeliers, towers and neon. Tickets and info are available online.

Next, if you're headed to downtown Asheville you might want to check out Downtown After Five happening on select dates in July, August and September this year. Enjoy great music and beer at a free outdoor concert held every third Friday of the month from April to September 5 to 9 p.m.

And, speaking of music, how about Arbor Evenings at the North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville. The event showcases local and regional artists in the Arboretum's gardens Thursdays and most Fridays June 27 through September 26 5:30 to 8 p.m. More info on the website.

Finally, I think we all love Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. Many have fond memories of attending events there as children or even taking their children. And, July 4th, you can enjoy fireworks in the High Country of Boone. Experience extended hours at the Wild West Theme park on July 4 with fireworks at 9:30. Ticket prices and more info are found on the website.

So, those are just a few of the many things to do in North Carolina mountains this year. For more ideas, visit romanticasheville.com.

Looking to plan that perfect summer trip? Perhaps one that doesn't involved dragging your family through the airport? Well good news a North Carolina city just made USA Today's 10Best list of the Best Places For Summer Vacation. So you can go on a fantastic trip, that's an easy driving distance, and everyone in the family will love!

To create this list USA Today 10Best's travel editors combined with a panel of experts create a shortlist of their must-see places for a summer vacation. And from there, well then readers get the final say. They were able to vote on the best places for summer vacation, and the top 10 became the official 10Best.

USA Today conducts these contests in a variety of categories throughout the year, you can view all the winners and even vote here. But for what you came here to see, the North Carolina city that made the 10Best list of Best Places For A Summer Vacation. When you think summer vacation, your mind typically goes to the beach right? Wrong. At least in this case it's the complete opposite. Yep we are taking a road trip down I-40 to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Where to you ask?

It's Asheville! Asheville has been getting a ton of love lately and I love to see it. At just around a 2.5 hour drive from Charlotte this city is a mountain paradise with a personality all it's own. From the exquisite food scene, vibrant cultural influence, hiking, outdoor activities, and popular tourist destinations such as Biltmore Estate. There is no shortage of fun to be had in Asheville, which is why people, myself included return year after year.

We know there is a lot to love in South Carolina. The state is full of some fantastic places to live and visit whether you are looking for small-town living or city-dreaming. We report a lot about the fantastic small towns our state is home to. But now it's time for some of our best cities to shine. And shine is just what they are doing. Southern Living Magazine recently released its 2023 The South's Best Cities list and two South Carolina cities were featured. The list is voted on by the publication's readers, and I have to say they did a good job selecting. The number one and two best southern cities are two of my all-time favorites (one is in SC) that epitomize southern hospitality.

When it comes to North Carolina, Asheville ranked the highest, and even higher than some big-time cities! Not bad for a North Carolina mountain town.  Keep reading to see which of the North and South Carolina cities were named as some of the best southern cities. You'll also find the top 10. Read more about them and how this list was curated on Southern Living's website. We know how wonderful the Palmetto State is, but hearing it confirmed by experts never gets old!

Greenville has had quite a revival of late and has positioned itself as a destination city in South Carolina. From festivals to the bustling downtown, parks, trails, and more after a visit you'll be saying what the locals say "Yeah, that Greenville". 

I'd be shocked if Charleston didn't top this list. The city received (deservedly so) accolade after accolade and is a popular vacation destination for people all over the country. The gorgeous scenery, historic downtown, world-class restaurants, bars, and more make it what it is.  And in my, completely biased opinion, is there a better example of a quintessential southern city? I think not.

Coming in at number 12 on the list is Raleigh. Our state's capital city is home to a number of wonderful restaurants, museums, festivals, and of course, the North Carolina State Fair which happens every October. It's also home to the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team, and several universities.

Back to back are Charlotte and Raleigh the two largest cities in the state. And while I don't buy into the "rivalry" between the two cities this time Charlotte one-upped Raleigh. An ever-growing city Charlotte is home to breweries, renowned restaurants and shopping, Carowinds, and the US National White Water Center. And for the sports lovers, there is the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Football Club, Charlotte Knights, and NASCAR is a short drive north in Concord.

All the way at number 3 is the mountain paradise of Asheville, NC. It eclipses destinations such as New Orleans, Nashville, and Austin Texas. Which are heavy hitters. But Asheville's beauty and culture can't go unrecognized. Whether it's the incredible culinary scene, attractions like Biltmore and the Grove Park Inn, hiking, or the arts culture there is something for everyone to love in Asheville. Visit in October during leaf season? You're in for an even bigger treat!