Asheville West KOA

http://www.biltmore.com/ More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt created a larger-than-life country retreat in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Its centerpiece— Biltmore House—provided 250 rooms of hospitality to family and friends. Today, Biltmore Estate continues to offer a gracious escape from everyday life. Marvel at the grandeur of America's largest home filled with Vanderbilt's collection of fine art and antiques. Stroll through gardens created by America's father of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted. Enjoy estate-raised foods, and savor award-winning vintages at Biltmore's winery.

Steeped in history, Asheville's downtown boasts more art deco architecture than any southeastern city other than Miami Beach. Over 150 boutiques, shops, art galleries and antique stores offer lots of opportunity to browse or buy. Nearly 50 diverse restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, and brewery pubs provide mouth-watering cuisine and a place to people watch. Area night clubs feature everything from regional music to poetry slams to nationally known acts. During the summer and fall, a variety of entertainment can be found outdoors at City/County Plaza and Pack Square. Free. 828/251-9973.

This historic walking tour makes a 1.7 mile loop of downtown and tell the fascinating story of Asheville. Allow 2 1/2 hours of time.

Witness some of the most breathtaking views our part of the country has to offer!  While the Parkway runs 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, we are most proud of our portion of the Parkway.  Enjoy a picnic while taking in the vistas or hike any of the numerous trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  There are picture taking opportunities around every bend.  Come see what one of the most frequently visited National Parks in the United States is all about!

Ridge upon ridge of the forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park.

Part of the Great Smoky National Park, Cataloochee has a variety of historic buildings that have been preserved in the valley, including two churches, a school, and several homes and outbuildings.  This is the best place in the park to see historic frame buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Cataloochee Valley is nestled among some of the most rugged mountains in the Southeastern United States.  It is also one of the best places to see wildlife (especially elk) in the area.

To visit Chimney Rock website, click here. Chimney Rock Park is a scenic attraction located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, with spectacular 75-mile views, numerous hiking trails, a 404-foot waterfall, Nature Center, picnicking and more. 1-800-277-9611  Come see the breath taking views!

DuPont State Recreational Forest contains 10,400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.  Elevations range from 2,240 feet at Cascade Lake to 3,620 feet at the peak of Stone Mountain.  Little River runs through the forest with four major waterfalls and a number of smaller ones along its course.  the forest also contains five lakes and over 80 miles of roads and trails that are shared by hikers, bikers, and equestrians.  Habitats within the forest include Upland oak forests, cove forests, granite domes, riparian areas, mountain bogs, small wildlife openings, lakes, streams and the Little River.

Visit this historic site and home of the Forest Discovery Center. Activities include: 18-minute movie, guided hikes, historic cabins, craftsmen, 1915 logging train, helicopter simulator, scavenger hunt, hands-on exhibits, cafe and gift shop. Near waterfalls, hiking, and fishing on Hwy. 276. 1002 Pisgah Hwy. (Hwy. 276) Pisgah Forest (41 miles from Asheville) 828/877-3130 Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Apr 17- Nov 1. Allow two hours for visit. Admission: Adults $5; Children ages 4-17 $2.50.

There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary.  Rising more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places.  At an elevation of 6,684 feet, it is the highest point east of the Mississippi.  For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms in the horizon is a feast for the eyes, breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys.  Forested and forever misty, 1,946 acres Mount Mitchell State Park will provide you with some of the most tranquil moments you'll ever experience.

Grandfather Mountain rises 5, 946 feet above sea level and due to the considerable elevation gain the mountain boasts 16 distinct ecological communities.  The mountain is famous for its rugged character and in home to many hidden caves and significant cliffs.  It is still best known for its mile-high swinging bridge, the highest in America, built in 1952.  The attraction includes beautiful hiking, a nature center and a museum and a ton of history.

Located at the base of Humpback Mountain in the beautiful Linville Valley lies a natural wonder, Linville Caverns. After remaining a mysterious secret for centuries, the caverns have been opened for safe and convenient public touring. Grandfather Mountain is: The highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range (elv. 5,964 ft) The Mountain is privately owned and is operated as a scenic travel attraction a world-class nature preserve One ticket price includes everything: Guests purchase tickets (one ticket per person) and drive their own vehicles through the park, stopping along the way to enjoy a variety of activities. Main Attractions beautiful mountain scenery Mile High Swinging Bridge Environmental Habitats for native wildlife Black Bears, Bear cubs, River Otters, Cougars, Eagles and Deer Nature Museum excellent exhibits about the natural history of the region theater that shows nature movies made on the mountain restaurant and gift shop South's best alpine hiking trails Picnicking Over 100 picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park. The picnic area located on the right about 1/3 mile up the summit road is equipped with a water fountain and restrooms.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is Asheville, NC provides a one-of-a-kind adventure where guests can experience animals and plants native to the Southern Appalachian Region.  Featuring over 60 species of animals including river otter, black bear, red wolves, and cougars, the Center welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually.

The market was first opened in 1977 and is now open all year round and seven days a week.  The public is invited to come and enjoy the atmosphere and character of the Mountains.  Admission is FREE.  The retail area features displays of high quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, fresh breads, cookies, and dozens of other farm fresh items.  Come see what they have to offer both inside and out!

The Basilica of St. Lawrence is a minor basilica of theRoman Catholic Church located in downtown Asheville.  The basilica was designed and built in 1905 by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino along with his fellow architect R.S. Smith and the surrounding Catholic community.  The Basilica is on the National Register of Historic Places and was elevated in status to a Minor Basilica in 1993 by Pope John Paul II.  The basilica is the only basilica in Western North Carolina.  The Basilica's dome has a span of 58 by 82 feet and is reputed to be the largest freestanding elliptical dome in North America!.

Located at the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, a short distance from Interstates 26 and 40, the 424-acre site features a Visitor Education Center, state-of-the-art greenhouse complex, an array of gardens, a loop trail and a variety of ongoing special programs.

Your journey will begin in Bryson City.  The scenic rail excursions take you from the historic depot through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina.  The variety of train excursions and special even trains makes this a perfect memory making opportunity!  This is one of the top fun things to do in North Carolina for families.

Find out why Asheville has been voted "Beer City USA"  over and over again.   Asheville's beer scene features amazing selection of bars, brewpubs, micro craft breweries and restaurants.  Sample 50+ local beers from 25 Western North Carolina mountain brewing companies (14 in and near Asheville).  Asheville, per capita, has one of the highest rates of craft brew consumption in the Southeast.  Even bigger breweries are seeking the area as a place to plant new roots, like Oskar Blues, Sierra Nevada and New Belgium.

The nation's preeminent organization representing the crafts culture of the Southern Appalachians, the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild, owns and operates this facility where works of guild members are displayed and sold and artisans frequently demonstrate their craft. Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Apr-Dec); 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Jan-Mar). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Days. Allow 45 minutes to one hour for visit.

As the single visual arts facility serving Western North Carolina, the Asheville Art Museum, its collection and programs are the only such resources available to the diverse communities in the region. We are committed to being a vital force in community and individual development and to providing life-long opportunities for education and enrichment through the visual arts. The Asheville Art Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums and receives general operating support for its programs from Museum members, many private and corporate foundations, the Arts Alliance, the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency.

Seven driving tours with almost 450 stops including craft shops, studios, galleries, and historic inns and restaurants are included in this 145-page guidebook which can be purchased at the Asheville Visitor Center or by contacting HandMade in America. 800/331-4154.

Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove.  The Cove is a Christian conference center in Asheville, NC designed to encourage, refresh, and empower believers who want to grow and deepen their faith.

Oconaluftee Indian Village is an authentic recreation of an 18th Century Cherokee Indian Village. Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 15-October 25. Admission: Adults $12; Children ages 6-13 $5.

The Cherokee Indian Reservation is located in western North Carolina and is home to 12,500 enrolled members. We are adjacent to both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway.

Did you know that you can find Sapphires, rubies and emeralds in these mountains, not to mention any number of other gems and minerals?  Well, ya can!  There are a number of gem mines here in Western North Carolina who can help you sift through your find and identify what you have in your hands.  Who knows, maybe you will get luck and find the gem of all gems!

This part of Western North Carolina has a number of companies to chose from for your fun in the tree tops.  Zip from tree top to tree top and swing from the canopy as you enjoy the beautiful vistas the area has to offer.  Fun and exciting adventures for everyone!

Enjoy the beauty of Pisgah National Forest as you experience the challenge of whitewater rafting. Whether you are rafting the French Broad, Pigeon River, Swannanoa River or any other in the area, you will be sure to have an adventure!  There is something for everyone, white water, evening sunset trips and calm water raft trips.

One of the most enjoyable ways to see the wild and beautiful county of the Appalachians is by horseback.  There are a number of companies in the area who are experts in showing you the rugged and awesome beauty of these old mountains!

Hot air balloon rides in Mount Pisgah area. 828-667-9943

Explore Asheville's hidden treasure where you will be dazzled by exhibits of mineral crystals and gemstones from North Carolina and around the world.

http://www.nps.gov/carl/ Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site - Home of famous poet and biographer Carl Sandburg, the site preserves and protects over 260 acres of land, 50 historic structures and over five miles of trails. The house and farm are open to the public for guided tours. 1928 Little River Road, Flat Rock (27 miles from Asheville). 828/693-4178. Hours: Daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., except Christmas Day. Allow two hours for visit. Admission: Adults $3; Children ages 16 & under admitted free

A must stop for antique car buffs is located just a few miles north of downtown Asheville.  The car museum is free of charge, however, donations in the "Wishing Well" are greatly appreciated and go to benefit several non-profit organizations. Open April - December, Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.  The museum is closed during the winter months of January - March.

This is one of the first health education facilities of our kind in the United States. Learn about their fascinating history! Enjoy a short gallery tour. There are over 12,000 square feet of hands-on fun. Sneak a peek at this developing tour of this facility. Admission is $5.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Students, Seniors, and Children ages 2 - 15. Children under 2 are FREE! For information about scheduling a group visit with a program , call 1-800-935-0204 or (828) 257-4535. Hours of Operation The Health Adventure is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.

Campground Accommodations: RV Sites

• Maximum amp service: 50 amp
  
• Maximum length pull thru: 70 feet
  

• One Room Kabin(s)
  
• Kamping Lodge(s)
  

• Scouts Welcome
  

• Maximum group capacity: 200 people
  
• Food service - Catering on-site by a local caterer
  
• Large Pavilion
  
• Specialized Cake Decoration
  

Enjoy the birds singing or the tree frogs talking to each other.  Smell the Honeysuckle in the spring or taking in the fall colors in all of their glory as you wind your way around our hiking trails that span our park.

The Wheels Through Time Museum is home to the world's premier collection of rare American Vintage Motorcycles.  Located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, in beautiful Maggie Valley, NC, this All-American motorcycle museum houses over 300 of America's rarest and most historic classics motorcycles with over 24 Marques on display, including the likes of Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, Crocker, Henderson, and much more.