Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I am planning an eight day vacation in NC at the end of October. I am visiting a friend who moved there about 6 months ago. I have never been there. We are going to spend about half of that time in Asheville. I am wondering if anyone has suggestions on what we should see during our trip. Any areas that are great for birding?
Late October, stick to NW North Carolina. You will fall in love. Drive to the ghost town of Mortimer. It's on dirt roads and is sort of overgrown but it's right by a campground and in a pretty spot, especially that time of year. Hell you might see me there I already got time off work in late Oct lol. Definitely spending it camping in the Apps.
There is a forum for Western NC, it might make more sense to ask about Ashville there. We visited for a few days this summer. I really liked Mt. Mitchell, it's a short trip from there. We also stopped at all the overlooks on BRP and did a short walk in Craggy Gardens on the way. Beautiful nature!
Asheville downtown is neat too, some interesting architecture. But they had a lot of construction. Also there was too much partying going on, like spring break in FL, didn't care for such environment. But we were with a kid. Stores downtown were just meh, fancy tea store advertised by local visitor center was laughable. Cool park though with a water feature.
They also have an arts district if you are into that. Make sure to check a local visitor guide. Of course, there are tons of breweries and restaurants.
Went to Chimney Rock and didn't like it, way too crowded and too hot. Drove by Lake Lure, it's a scenic drive but can't say it's worth a special visit. Also very crowded in season.
There are several waterfalls nearby, but they were out of our way. If you drive a bit further to Cherokee and TN side there are more attractions. We didn't make it but plan to visit some day.
If you have time, take a ride down the Blue Ridge Parkway to the end, go through Cherokee and to the Cataloochee Valley - from there you can go see the elk. I think you might miss the big bugling fiesta, but you'll see large elk. A juvenile charged my car. Quite exciting.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
