Note from the owner:
"After coming to Asheville over the last twenty years, and having traveled extensively, I find this place to be among the most beautiful places I have ever seen."

"From time to time I will add a special place or experience here for your consideration."

Rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing is all as close as the French Broad River, which is a class II-III river. As no experience is required, it is a perfect - first time - adventure that the whole family can enjoy. There are several outfitters to service your needs, the closest is SOUTHERN WATERWAYS. Various outfitters have age and weight restrictions for young children, so be sure to ask about their policies if you are taking little ones along.

ASHEVILLE OUTDOORS is a wonderful website in which they describe and rate various hiking trails, cycling routes, fishing spots, horseback riding, golf courses and ski slopes. Some of the best trails for hiking and camping are off the Blue Ridge Parkway, for a guide to these see: www.ncnatural.com

THE NORTH CARLOINA ARBORETUM is a 434 acre public garden located within Bent Creek Experimental Forest of the Pisgah National Forest. As a center for education, research, conservation, economic development, and garden demonstrations it offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Stop by the Information Desk at the Visitors Education Center (VEC) to pick up a brochure listing current programs, tours and workshops. Open all year, except New Year's Day & Jan 2nd, Christmas Day & Dec 26, & Thanksgiving Day & the day after. On other holidays the property will be open but the greenhouse will be closed.

ROCK 'N' WATER offers whitewater rafting and tubing for the whole family, guided trips for fishing, mountain biking, and horse back riding. Mars Hill about a 50 minute drive from the house.

Capture the beauty of Western North Carolina from a bird's eye view with ASHEVILLE HOT AIR BALLONS.

There are 4 public golf courses within a 25-35 minute drive of Highwoods:
GREAT SMOKIES GOLF RESORT 1 Holiday Inn Dr., Asheville 254-3211
18 holes over 5,600 yards, par 70. 14 miles east.
GROVE PARK INN 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-0050
Award winning course, 18 holes over 6,600 yards, par 70. 17 miles east.
ASHEVILLE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE 226 Fairway Dr., Asheville 289-1867
18 holes over 6,356 yards, par 72. 19 miles east.
LAKE JUNALUSKA GOLF COURSE 756 Golf Course Rd., Waynesville 456-5777
18 holes over 5,744 yards, par 70. 19.5 miles west.

If this is your first trip to the area you might want to consider a day trip to take in a few of the many waterfalls in the area. There are three in Buncombe County that are relatively close to one another:

Glassmine Falls Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 361.2 it is just a short drive north of the FOLK ART CENTER. To get to Walker Falls continue another 6.25 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and turn left onto FR 63 and continue 6.3 miles to SR 2173 (becomes FR 74) turn right onto 2173 & drive 5.25 miles. The falls will be on the left. Douglas (Carter Creek) Falls is a little further along SR 2173 at the end of the road. All are Handicapped Accessible.

For some of the prettiest waterfalls in the area you will want to drive down to Transylvania County. A third of the county is covered by National Parks and boasts of 250 waterfalls. Some are a short or moderate walk, whiles others take several hours to make the round trip hike. See www.goasheville.com for a list of some of the best falls in that area.

Be sure to spend a little time discovering Asheville. It is has an attractive downtown area, friendly to pedestrian traffic. A good place to start is the GROVE ARCADE PUBLIC MARKET with over 50 locally owned shops and restaurants. The kids will love the activities and shops catering to their interests on Wall Street and adults will find the boutiques along the short walk charming. At www.ashevilledowntown.org you will find more that will tantalize all your senses in the downtown districts. There are more restaurants, boutiques and several great galleries in the Biltmore Village just outside the entrance to the Biltmore Estate. New Morning Gallery is a personal favorite.

See the best of Asheville on board a vintage trolley and enjoy the fully narrated TROLLEY TOUR covering all major points of interest in Asheville including: the Grove Park Inn, Biltmore Village, the Grove Arcade, the Montford Historic District, the downtown shopping and restaurants district, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the Asheville Museum and Art Gallery district, the Asheville Chamber and Visitors Center and much more!

For beer enthusiasts Asheville also hosts several fine local breweries. At ASHEVILLE PIZZA and BREWING COMPANY you can also take in a $2 movie. The FRENCH BROAD BREWING CO. offers live music. Or leave the driving to someone else and join the ASHEVILLE BREWS CRUISE .

There are many great places to eat in Asheville! Please see our DINING PAGE devoted to dining places you must add to your destination list. If you find another that is really special please let us know so that we can share it with others.

Jan – Dec NORTH CAROLINA STAGE COMPANY: Asheville's professional theatre company invites you to live in the moment with their plays. This year's productions are a wonderful sampling of everything NC Stage does best - poignant drama, hilarious comedy, a twist on an American classic, the best Shakespeare around, and something to make you puzzle and ponder and laugh all at the same time.

Jan – Dec usually on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and some Sunday matinees ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE offers a wide variety of plays and musicals throughout the year.

Jan – Dec DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE: provides year round entertainment including OFF BROADWAY SHOWS, THEATRE PRESENTATIONS, SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS, MUSIC AND DANCE PRODUCTIONS and more. Some shows run 2 to 5 nights, while others are just one-night stands, all are terrific.

Jan – Dec Jazz enthusiasts should check out the WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA JAZZ SOCIETY to see if they are performing during your stay.

Apr – Dec FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE 2009 season : Flat Rock, NC 828-693-0731

June – Sept THE MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS : NC longest running Shakespeare Festival, in an open-air amphitheater in historic Montford district, admission is free, bring a blanket, a sweater or jacket, bug spray or citronella candles, and a picnic basket (optional), drinks and snacks sold at concession stand. Asheville 7:30pm Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, 828-254-5146.

Jan – Dec THE ORANGE PEEL: preformances change often, you might catch a show on Mondays-Saturdays, or you might not, but if you hit it right you won’t be disappointed. Asheville.

On Fridays our local newspaper, the Asheville Citizen Times, publishes a special section "Take Five" highlighting events for that weekend and the following week.

Jan – Dec FELMET ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIONS AUCTION: monthly auction of estate & consigned quality merchandise on the 2nd Thursday each month at 6:00pm, Waynesville, 828-456-2815.

Jan – Dec THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTIANS RAILROAD: is truly spectacular with 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges. Choose from a variety of round trip excursions departing from depots in Dillsboro and Bryson City. For a unique dining experience enjoy a romantic evening aboard the Gourmet Dinner Train departing every Saturday evening or participate in an entertaining and suspenseful performance aboard the Mystery Theatre Dinner Train departing on select Friday evenings May through September with additional departures in October and November. Throughout the year there are special events that will delight children. Dillsboro is less than an hour west of Highwoods.

Jan - Dec HAPPENINGS IN HAYWOOD COUNTY.

Jan - Apr, 3rd Friday each month JAZZ AFTER FIVE: featuring jazz bands with wine, beer, and appetizers for purchase. The event starts at 5 pm and is free. Grove Arcade, Asheville.

Jan - Oct JAVA JAM: The Toe River Arts Council is pleased to sponsor the Java Jam coffee house series that takes place the second Friday of every month from 8pm to 10pm at the Burnsville Town Center.

February, 2nd weekend BLUE GRASS FIRST CLASS: The entire Crown Plaza Resort will become a haven for blue grass music lovers with plenty of live music and jamming.

Apr - Dec DOWNTOWN WAYNESVILL EVENTS CALENDAR.

Apr 4- June 27 certain Saturdays only SIGNS OF SPRING along the FRENCH BROAD RIVER: a beautiful 8 mile (3 hour) guided canoe trip on the river, Rosman, NC, about an hour and 20 minutes from the house. Reservations required 828--877-3106.

May – Dec Saturdays only (except 4th Saturday in Sept) CAROLINA MOUNTAIN WOODTURNERS, world-renowned woodworkers demonstrate their techniques, sharing traditions and innovations in woodturning.

May - Dec MUSIC & ART AT LAKE JUNALUSKA.

May - Dec THINGS GOING ON IN BREVARD, NC .

May - Nov SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES, 3rd Sunday each month, free concerts, Waynesville Public Library, 3:00pm. 828-456-3517

May - Nov first Friday of each month ART AFTER DARK: more than a dozen fine galleries & studios, offering demonstrations, special showings, refreshments & music 6-9pm, Main Street and Historic Frog Level at downtown Waynesville.

May - Sept DISCOVERY AT DUSK: slip your canoe into the tranquil waters of the French Broad River in Western NC and ease your way downstream as the days light fades to dusk. Your guided trip covers 8 river miles and ends at sunset, Rosman, NC, about an hour and 20 minutes from the house. Reservations required 828--877-3106.

May – Sept DOWNTOWN AFTER FIVE: Every 3rd Friday of the month, free concert series. Features live music, beer, soft drinks & food on Pack Square downtown.

May – mid Oct, Daily 9-5 OCONALUFTEE INDIAN VILLAGE: Experience Cherokee village life in the 1750s. Visit the council house, ceremonial grounds, and sweat lodge, where you’ll learn of the Cherokee way of life and the seven-clan society. See traditional potters, basket weavers, blowgun marksmen, mask-makers, bead-workers, arrowhead knappers, and craftsmen making great canoes by ancient methods. A life so peaceful you may not want to return home.

May 8 - July 5 ECO-ART SHOW: Artists featured recycle, reclaim and reuse materials, reduce their energy needs, recreate the spirit of alchemy and revitalize outdated artwork. Over 50 local and regional artists working in most mediums will be represented. Hand in Hand Gallery is partnering with Environmental and Conservation Organization of Henderson County (ECO) to raise awareness and funds for their local efforts.

May 1-3 French Broad River Festival: where music, art and adventure meet.

May 29 - 31 MOUNTAIN SPORTS FESTIVAL.

June - Dec OUTDOOR SCULPTURE for the GARDEN EXHIBIT:
Grovewood Gallery's annual invitational, outdoor sculpture exhibition features large-scale, contemporary outdoor sculptures from nationally recognized artists from around the country. Sculptures will range from playful pieces suitable for the home or garden, to works for public spaces and corporate settings. This event is open to the public and free of charge. Located behind the Grove Park Inn.

June 5 ART WALK: Asheville Downtown Gallery Association invites you to visit the downtown galleries to enjoy the fine art and craft that they have to offer.

June 5 - Aug 29, 7:30pm nightly except Sundays UNTO THESE HILLS: an outdoor drama depicting the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee Indians from 1540 to 1883, Cherokee, NC.

June 5 – Sept 6 ARTHUR'S WORLD TOUR : This exclusive exhibit is based on Marc Brown’s wildly popular books and the Emmy award winning PBS series produced by WGBH-TV Boston. A series of imaginative environments invite kids to join Arthur and his friends in the Library, at a Backyard Sleepover, in the Read Family Kitchen, and in Mr. Ratburn’s Classroom. Arthur promotes reading, handling emotions that kids face every day, creative problem solving, being a good friend, connecting to your family, appreciating what makes us all different, and having fun!

June 12-14 BURLESQUE & SIDESHOW FESTIVAL: Boylesque? Burlesque? Aerialists, fire eaters, jugglers and acrobats? The international Vaudeville Revival is in full bloom and gets a big stage at Asheville's annual Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival.

June 12-14 TOE RIVER STUDIO TOUR: About an hour north of Asheville, tucked in the lush green mountains is one of the finest collections of artists and craftsmen in the world and the acclaimed Penland School of Crafts. A unique blend of contemporary and traditional cultures. More than 100 fine artists and crafts people in every medium open their studios for a free, self-guided cultural adventure.

June 13-14 RIVER DISTRICT ARTISTS STUDIO STROLL: The Studio Stroll is your chance to tour the studios, meet with the artists and purchase artwork. Within just a few blocks are dozens of eclectic mix of creative artists - from traditional to cutting-edge.

Mid June - mid Oct 8am-noon TAILGATE FARMER'S MARKET, every Wednesday & Saturday, N. Main St., Waynesville. 828-456-3517

June 13th BLUFF MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL: enjoy a day of bluegrass, dancing and a silent auction in Hot Springs, NC.

June 20 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN TROUT, WILDLIFE & HERITAGE FESTIVAL: not the same old Trout Festival! This environmental and educational event features children's activities, live entertainment, crafts and a variety of food. A trout dinner is also served during the event. The festival includes a trout race, fly-casting, and numerous environmental programs geared toward youth. More than $1,500 in cash prizes is awarded to the trout race winners, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, NC, 800-624-4431.

June 26 - Aug 9 THE BREVARD MUSIC FESTIVAL: seven weeks of a summer music series featuring over eighty concerts presented by young musicians, esteemed faculty and renowned guest artists, Brevard, NC, about an hour from the house.

July – Aug Fridays only: For a true taste of Asheville, stop by the DRUMMING CIRCLE on Friday nights in Pritchard Park downtown on Patton Avenue at College Street. Join folks of every age and description. Watch people dance to the thunderous rhythm of the dozens of drums. Or better yet, join in! See the individuality and diversity of Asheville.
And: Locals and visitors alike gather “along about sundown,” or at seven o’clock for those who wear a watch. Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather on these Saturday nights to share the region's stirring Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions-with each other and visitors from around the world-at the SHINDIG ON THE GREEN. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stake out a spot on the "green." But don't sit in your chair the entire time. Performers go on stage for just two numbers each, so the real jewel is the clusters of musicians that get together for informal jam sessions under the trees and on the sidewalk. Anyone can join in! Learn some new moves at one of the street dances.

July 3 & 4 JUNALUSKA SINGERS: preform their RED, WHITE & BLUE CONCERT, concerts start at 7:30pm in the Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska.

July 4th FIREWORKS CELEBRATIONS: will be held at Asheville, Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, Clyde & Cherokee.

July 3-5 JULY POWWOW: On the first full weekend in July our special brand of fireworks happen as a two-day explosion of authentic Indian dancing, drumming and tribal regalia. Dance competitions kick the excitement up even higher. Cherokee, NC.

July 9-12 GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES: a celebration of Scotish dance, music & athletics, Linville, NC, about an hour and a half from the house.

July 16-26 FOLKMOOT USA: 10 days and nights of international folk music and dance festival, venues held in various WNC comunities including Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley & Asheville.

July 17-18 FESTIVAL OF NATIVE PEOPLES: This year our annual gathering of tribes from throughout the Americas takes its rightful place as the finest showcase of native dance, art, and culture in the southeast. The Festival of Native Peoples is an exposition of non-competitive dance, storytelling, and song performances expressing the collected history, culture, tradition, and wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. And for 2008, juried artists and artisans will return to Cherokee to display, show, and sell their beautiful work. The Cherokee Festival of Native Peoples is a unique event that is not to be missed. Cherokee, NC.

July 23 - Aug 1SUMMER EVENING CONCERTS: Enjoy star performances on the South Terrace, while savoring breathtaking sunset views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Performers include Bruce Hornsby, Rick Springfeild and The Oak Ridge Boys.

July 24-26 BELE CHERE: A free 3-day street festival in downtown Asheville. 6 stages with music of all kinds, arts & crafts, a children's area, food from around the world and around the corner, events, and interactive events! The largest free street festival in the Southeast!

July 30 - Aug 1 MOUNTAIN DANCE & FOLK FESTIVAL: the oldest continuing celebration of traditional music and dance in the nation freaturing Southern Appalachian performers, Diane Wortham Theatre, downtown Asheville 7:00 - 10pm

July 31 - Aug 2 ASHEVILLE ANTIQUES FAIR: held at the Civic Center.

August 7 ART WALK: Asheville Downtown Gallery Association invites you to visit the downtown galleries to enjoy the fine art and craft that they have to offer.

Aug 7-9 ASHEVILLE QUIT SHOW: over 200 quilts, vendors, demonstrations, and boutique, held at the NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, Asheville.

Aug 15 & 16 LEICESTER STUDIO TOUR: Take a self-guided tour to the studios of 22 artists in Leicester, a community nestled in the mountains near Asheville.

Aug 28 & 29 GOOMBAY: African-Caribbean style festival featuring a variety of entertainment - drums, dancers, gospel, contemporary - and activities geared for families. Vendors offer everything from tempting ethnic foods to crafts from developing nations, corner of Eagle & Market Sts., Asheville.

Sept 11-20 NC MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR : WNC Agricultural Center, Fletcher, 828-687-1414.

Sept 19 & 20 SOUTHERN HIGHLAND GUILD , presents Heritage Weekend, a weekend of traditional crafts, music and storytelling.

Sept 23-25 GREEK FESTIVAL: Asheville's vibrant Greek community bring authentic foods, music and dancers in native costumes, booths with cultural education and games, and much more to Downtown Asheville's MLK Park.

Sept 25 – Jan 3 GROSSOLOGY: EEuuuhhhh, gross! Gross is all the stuff adults don't like to talk about in polite company. But kids do! And they love it. The weirder, slimier, and gnarlier the better. That's exactly the inspiration behind this fascinating traveling exhibit.

Sept 25-28 FLAT ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL: Two stages of music plus workshops. If you play a lot, or just a little, bring any and all of the instruments you have! There are tons of musicians from everywhere who jam together, and make sweet, sweet music.

Sept 26 THE LEXINGTON AVE. ARTS AND FUN FESTIVAL: a truly unique all local music and arts event, where the creative strut their stuff and the rest of us revel and gawk, and even inspired, there will be 2 stages, food and beer, arts and craft vendors, kids area, dancing, and more! Asheville 11:00am-10pm

October & early November FALL FOLIAGE SHOW: Nature's grand leaf color show is the biggest event of the year. With the 5,000-foot elevation change within 50 miles of Asheville, our lush Blue Ridge Mountain range puts on one of the longest-running leaf color displays in the country. The Asheville fall foliage color show featuring the North Carolina mountains attracts visitors from around the world. No matter when you plan an autumn visit, you can take a short drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to find the best color. Elevation and weather are the biggest factors in the color show. Leaves begin their color change on the highest peaks and gradually work down to the lowest elevations. An early frost speeds up the show and warm weather prolongs it.

October FALL AT BILTMORE.

Oct 4, 11, 18, 25 FALL COLORS: Experience the fall leaf season from the rivers point of view! This 3 hour guided canoe trip by Headwaters Outfitters will take you down the valley with the explosion of fall color for your entertainment! Located in Rosman, NC, about an hour and 20 minutes from the house. Reservations required 828--877-3106.

Oct 2 ART WALK: Asheville Downtown Gallery Association invites you to visit the downtown galleries to enjoy the fine art and craft that they have to offer.

Oct 6-10 ANNUAL CHEROKEE INDIAN FAIR: This nearly century-old October celebration includes artwork, crafts, agricultural items and traditional food items made by local artisans. Vendors from throughout the region participate in craft sales, and top entertainment complements the visual feast.

Nov 5-8 ASHEVILLE FILM FESTIVAL: This festival draws considerable attention from both casual film buffs and film industry professionals. See some of the 100 films, enjoy parties, see interesting exhibits, and attend seminars in downtown Asheville.

Nov 6- Jan 3 CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE and CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVENINGS.

Nov 14-15 RIVER DISTRICT ARTISTS STUDIO STROLL: The Studio Stroll is your chance to tour the studios, meet with the artists and purchase artwork. Within just a few blocks are dozens of eclectic mix of creative artists - from traditional to cutting-edge.

Dec 4-6 DICKENS FESTIVAL: Enjoy three days of concerts, refreshments, horsedrawn carriage rides, and strolling vocalists and instrumentalists in costumes of the period, Biltmore Village.

Dec 5 & Dec 12 SOUTHERN HIGHLAND GUILD HOLIDAY ART SALE: This popular event has expanded to two dates this year! The Guild Artist Holiday Sale provides an opportunity for individual members and the organization to sell over-runs, discontinued stock and studio seconds in a festive atmosphere during the holiday season.

Dec 12 & 13 JUNALUSKA SINGERS, preform their Appalachian Christmas, concerts start at 7:30pm in the Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska.

Dec 31 DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN: Family magic and fun to countdown the new year on New Year's Eve, Asheville, 828-259-5800

Dec 31 ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL: bring in the New Year with Towne Square! There will be food, music, dancing, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight, at Towne Square in Waynesville.