Located in the eastern most portion of Buncombe County, this community is a mix of old and new with great shops, breweries, and restaurants featured in the downtown area.  Black Mountain also is home to Lake Tomahawk, many hiking destinations, and is close by to other destinations.  A quick day trip over the mountain on NC Hwy 9 will take you to rivers and outdoor adventures, like a step back in time.  Black Mountain has much to offer and is a favorite of many locals and tourists.

This “Papertown” is the quintessential mountain town that was built on industry.  Discovering new recent growth, Canton sits along the Pigeon River and has several new businesses that are adding flavor to this hometown in Western NC.  This is the first Town you will encounter west of Asheville and located in Haywood County – making this the perfect place to settle for those wanting a bit slower pace of life but who still commute into Buncombe County.

Located just minutes from the airport between Asheville and the South Carolina border, Hendersonville is a thriving small town known for the downtown corridor.  Here you will find great local restaurants, coffee houses, and breweries.  Convenient to Gorges State Park and Dupont State Forest, Hendersonville isn’t lacking for outdoor adventures.  Just outside of the city, you’ll find endless apple orchards and this town is home to the annual Apple Festival.

It’s easy to imagine this town and how it was 100 years ago.  Tucked tight against the French Broad River, this community is a blend of old and new.  You can frequently hear locals pickin’ and grinnin’ and playing bluegrass right off the main corridor.  Jump over to Blannahassett Island, where until the early 1990s, Marshall High School was located.  Now this unique venue is home to artists’ studios and an interesting place to visit.  Several unique and great restaurants are here, along with several options to enjoy a local brew.

When traveling north of Asheville, and located just inside Madison County, Mars Hill is the first town you’ll come to.  Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this sleepy town is home to Mars Hill University and only located a stone’s throw from the Tennessee border.  Plenty of hiking and outdoor adventure opportunities are available close by, and in the winter months, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort offers a cooler brand of outdoor entertainment.  Good food and good coffee are easy to find along Main St. as well.

The bustling small town in Haywood County, Waynesville is a very happening place.  The Main St through town features many shops, galleries, restaurants, breweries and other small businesses that you’ll find intriguing.  A destination for many visitors due to the close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee Indian Reservation, there are many outdoor adventures to be had in this small-town feeling community.  Make sure to check out the Historic “Frog Level” section of town and bring your fishing pole for Jonathan Creek trout stream.

Weaverville is known for the “Mayberry” feel of the downtown Main St.  Several restaurants and shops here are well known and favorites of the locals.  On the outskirts of the picturesque Reems Creek Valley (with the stocked trout waters of Reems Creek), there is easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and many other outdoor destinations.  Weaverville features its own community gathering area, Lake Louise, which is a popular place to fish, exercise or enjoy a picnic.

Located just north of Asheville proper and bordering UNC-Asheville and the Botanical Gardens, Woodfin features several new craft breweries and has a vision for the future along the River Corridor.  Plans for a Whitewater Park along the timeless French Broad River, which runs through town, are sure to impress and will make Woodfin a destination of its own.  Be sure to visit Reynolds Village, a newly designed Town Center for this small mountain municipality.