There was a time when people dressed up for airplanes, marked their memories with t-shirts and passport stamps, and travel bragging rights were based on how far you ventured away from home. Thankfully, times have changed. We gather experiences and hold tight to evenings spent around the fire pit, a game of horseshoes by the river, and a hike with the family to a waterfall. The French Broad River runs year round and the reasons to dip your toes in the water don’t. Here are four reasons why every season at Asheville River Cabins will stamp your emotional passport.
Spring
March may come in like a lion in the high thirties, but the temperatures will break sixty degrees in April and crest in the mid-seventies by May. Those aren’t lamb temperatures when your aching for some warmth and sunshine.
- Hiking: Aim for the rhododendron bloom in late spring via the Craggy Gardens Trail. Explore the Graveyard Fields Loops Trail to find a trail that takes you through a picturesque valley with waterfalls, streams, and blueberry fields. For those seeking a challenging hike, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. On the easier side, take the Max Patch Loop for panoramic views above the tree line.
- Biking: For challenging terrain and scenic views, go to the Pisgah National Forest, a mountain-biker’s paradise. You can’t beat the Bent Creek Experimental Forest in the area that has a network of trails suitable for various skill levels. Find your singletracks at the DuPont State Forest and technical challenges at the Cove Creek Loop. Kolo Bike Park provides a range of trails, jumps, and features within the Adventure Center of Asheville.
Summer
This time of year is a no-brainer. You may have more trouble narrowing down your list of things to do.
- Outdoor Concerts: Asheville is a destination for live music. Located in the River Arts District of Asheville, Salvage Station hosts headliners at this riverside venue. Asheville Brewing Company and Orange Peel have joined forces in downtown Asheville with a new outdoor music venue called Rabbit Rabbit. Tour the brewery, then take in live music indoors or outdoors at Highland Brewing Company. All told, Asheville River Cabins is THE launchpad for live music.
- Water Activities: The French Broad River that runs alongside Asheville River Cabins plays host to kayaking, canoeing, and Stand-up paddleboarding. Go to our friends Zen Tubing for the best float packages, they’ll drop you off up-river and pick you up afterward.
Fall
The Blue Ridge Parkway draws visitors from around the world at this time of year for travel along the 469 miles of fall splendor. The question is, “How do I get the most out of my visit?”
- Leaf Peeping: The window for peak season stretches later in the year than mountain ranges in the northern regions. Aim for mid to late October with lower elevations flowing over into November. Call the Blue Ridge Parkway information line at 828-298-0398, press option 3 for seasonal reports or check in at exploreasheville.com to stay up to date with their Fall Color Map. Early leaves begin at Grandfather Mountain. Chimney Rock State Park is a favorite destination. Likewise, for enthusiasts young and old, take a ride with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad over the river and through the woods.
- Apple Picking: It’s harvest time in North Carolina. For a hands-on experience, take the family apple picking. Similar activities include visiting pumpkin patches, corn-mazes, and hay-rides. For those who want to turn their fingers blue, there are wild and u-pick blueberry options as well.
Winter
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Plain and simple, you can ski in North Carolina. This area has the highest mountains in the eastern United States. Sapphire Ski Resort is just over an hour away if you take US-64 E. Cataloochee Ski Area is an hour away along I-40. Hatley Pointe Ski Resort is less than an hour using I-26. Given the ski commutes most people suffer to do what they love, you may be closer to snow by staying with us than if you stayed at home!
- Holiday Events: The beauty of staying riverside with us is the ability to drop into amazing holiday events, then return to the serenity of our site. All sleigh rides lead to the Biltmore Estate for Christmas decorations Mother Claus would admire. Asheville is a dining and shopping destination with an artists vibe in the River Arts District. Mark your calendar for a bit of crazy if participating in the Ugly Sweater Run would cap the year for the goofy that lies within you.
Staying at Asheville River Cabins offers year-round access to art and culture, outdoor adventure, and vibrant community events. We hope to see you each and every season.
