The Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains provide a backdrop for some of the state’s most popular recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, rafting and skiing. Transylvania County, which calls itself the “Land of Waterfalls,” boasts more than 250 of the natural attractions. Asheville, with its eclectic art galleries, restaurants and breweries, was ranked among the 15 best small cities in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler in 2017.

ATTRACTIONS

• Biltmore Estate, Asheville
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City
• Tryon International Equestrian Center, Mill Spring
• Sliding Rock, Transylvania County
• West Jefferson Arts District, West Jefferson

EVENTS

• Blowing Rock WinterFest, January
• MerleFest, Wilkesboro, April
• Lake Eden Arts Festival, Asheville-Black Mountain, May and October
• An Appalachian Summer Festival, Boone, June-August
• Folkmoot USA, Black Mountain, July
• Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Linville, July
• N.C. Apple Festival, Hendersonville, September

COUNTIES

Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey

INDUSTRIES

• Aerospace and defense
• Furniture
• Brewing
• Data centers
• Tourism
• Advanced manufacturing
• Christmas trees