Outdoors

Western North Carolina’s natural beauty has drawn visitors and residents to our area for centuries, so it’s no surprise that some of the very first state and national parks were established right here. Today, our region is surrounded by protected parklands, which are visited by millions of people each year and provide a stunning backdrop for our cities and towns.

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During the Asheville Summer, you may find yourself cooling off at the bottom of a waterfall, checking out the views from 6,000 feet, biking through the lush forests, or countless other outdoor activities.  To get to these alluring destinations, you will probably use a portion of the 175-mile portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway that meanders through Western North Carolina.  

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“A couple who vacations together, stays together."

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On July 18, 2016, the Buncombe County Special Olympics basketball team converged on the Kimmel Arena at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.  Athletes shot hoops with members of the UNC Asheville men’s and women’s basketball teams in between trying on shoes.  They enthusiastically declared their favorite numbers as a volunteer recorded what would appear on the back of their new jersey.  The arena could barely contain the excitement of the Buncombe County Special Olympics athletes who relished the attention.  Buncombe County Special Olympic athletes were enthusiastic about the prospect of proper-fitting uniforms that would sharpen their team’s appearance.  The event had a profoundly meaningful impact as Buncombe County Special Olympics athletes told coordinators the night had been their favorite event and reached out over social media to inform their friends and family.

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Too old for Easter Egg hunts? Perfect for an Adventure Hunt! BANGS Shoes and Blue Ridge Chair Works present Asheville’s very first Adventure Hunt! Bringing together a booty of 10 local company’s prizes, the Hunt takes place on August 6^th, 2016 beginning at 10am.

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Asheville Outlets will soon be home to a new outpost for Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine. Headquartered in the Hickory Nut Gorge in historic Chimney Rock Village, the mine has long been a draw for tourists and locals alike. The Asheville Outlets mine will open at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22nd and will be Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine’s third location. There is also a mine and retail store in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. 

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Ribbon cutting ceremony marks the opening of a new river access on the French Broad River in Asheville

What an amazing way to have fun in the summer with the whole family by participating on July 17th, 2016 in the Asheville Triathlon & Kids’ Splash N Dash. iDaph events and Right on Time Productions have united again to bring this popular fast & fun sprint triathlon to Asheville, NC! The race consists of a beautiful outdoor pool swim in a 50-meter pool, rolling bike course and a flat and fast run course which is super event for every level of triathlete, from novice to elites. Novice + Beginner triathletes love this race! The pool swim is great for new swimmers & the run is a flat, ‘easy’ course to navigate. Elite athletes – get ready for a PR! This race is fast and is a huge hit among local elites.

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Come Get Downtown for SoulTown at the 2^nd Annual LEAF Downtown AVL, taking place July 30-31, 2016 in the heart of Downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park.  Join LEAF for soul at its finest – infused throughout stages, conversations, connections, roaming art and then some!  LEAF Downtown AVL seeks to be an inclusive, family-friendly, FREE event that showcases talent in a wide variety of musical genres and backgrounds with artists such as WAR playing hit songs on the main Pack Square stage; the eclectic Big Sam’s Funky Nation; and Bill Myers & The Monitors, world-class ensemble musicians; and many others from national and regional stages.  Visit theLEAF.org/downtown for more info!

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The YMCA of Western North Carolina will be holding a dedication ceremony for its new overnight summer camp, YMCA Camp Watia, on June 8, 2016, on the grounds of the camp, located outside Bryson City, N.C. Attendees will include YMCA executive leadership, its board of directors, donors, and other supporters of YMCA Camp Watia. 

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