LAAFF Away on Lexington Ave

LAAFF (Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival) is back and bigger than ever. From September 3^rd to the 4^th, downtown Asheville’s Lexington Avenue will be a bustle of activity and artsy fun for this independently-run event loved by the Asheville community. The whole of Asheville’s creative and eccentric side will be out on the streets! Find multiple stages with a range of musical performances, plenty of local art, food, drinks, and street performers, like magicians, contortionists, and break dancers. It’s the place and time to spice up your mountain vacation in Asheville, so enjoy the end of summer with this classic local favorite.

Apple Festival of North Carolina

“The apple is the loveliest of all fruits”, as the apple growers of Hendersonville always say. For the chance to see (and taste!) their sweet labor of love, come to the North Carolina Apple Festival! From September 2^nd to the 5^th, you’ll find apples of all shapes and sizes. Walk the street fair to try everything from cool apple cider slushies to warm apple turnovers, look at arts and crafts, and enjoy plenty of free entertainment, especially the King Apple Parade on Labor Day. It’s the tastiest way to spend your Labor Day weekend this mountain vacation - plus, you’ll love visiting charming downtown Hendersonville, close to many of Carolina Mornings’ rental cabins and homes!

The Beach Boys at Biltmore

Tonight, this August 27^th, get ready for some ‘Good Vibrations’ up in the Blue Ridge Mountains – The Beach Boys are coming to Biltmore! Playing strong for more than 40 years, you’ll enjoy their surfer music and timeless style that’s better than ever. See them at 8 p.m at the Biltmore House’s South Terrace for a night you’ll never forget. Last chance to buy your ticket! And remember, Carolina Mornings is proud to offer 2-day Biltmore admission for the price of 1 so everyone can afford to visit Asheville’s favorite mountain house.

Musical Spotlight: Concert Pianists at Diana Wortham Theatre

For every lover of music, here is an Asheville event that can’t be missed! Kimberly and Michelle Cann, renowned concert pianists (and sisters), will play a lovely selection of classical masterpieces this Sunday at 3 pm at the Diana Wortham Theatre. Listen to performances of Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Ravel and more played from genuine Steinway pianos, the perfect soundtrack to your relaxing mountain vacation in Asheville. Attend and support the community you love to visit - proceeds from this program will go towards subsidizing music education for those in need.

The Wailers at the Orange Peel

When you hear the lyrics “No woman, no cry” floating down Biltmore street in downtown Asheville this Thursday, you’ll know you’re in the right place. Join Carolina Mornings on August 25^th for an Orange Peel performance of legendary status. The Wailers, with Bob Marley as their front man, have sold over 250 million albums and performed to more than 24 million people around the world. And that’s not all – this concert will benefit the Save the French Broad River campaign, raising awareness and funds for the French Broad River Paddle Trail and other conservation efforts. Watch a great show, help save the French Broad River, and keep having perfect (and clean-river) vacations in the beautiful Asheville area.

Goombay Festival Weekend

Goombay Festival is this weekend! See downtown Asheville transform into a fantastic celebration of Africa’s Caribbean Diaspora and enjoy an expose of the rich and dynamic culture that has traveled around the world all the way to the Blue Ridge Mountains. From Friday, August 27^th at 12:00 pm to Sunday at 6:00 pm, leave the comfort of your vacation cabin and walk the streets of downtown to see a variety of FREE live entertainment, including dancing, drumming, contemporary rhythm bands, and much more. Try delicious Caribbean food, buy local and international arts and crafts, and browse the booths and wares of local organizations. It’s Goombay’s biggest and greenest festival yet!

Festival of Native American Music

For the chance to imagine the Blue Ridge Mountains as they used to be before the arrival of Europeans and to understand how Native American musical traditions continue to evolve into the music played today, come to the Festival of Native American Music! This Saturday (August 20^th) at 6 pm, join flute maker Lee Entrekin and the Carolina Flute Circle for a magical evening of flute playing and storytelling. Held at the Julian Price Park Amphitheater at Milepost 297, bring friends and family and enjoy the warm and beautiful summer nights of Western North Carolina’s great outdoors on your vacation in Asheville.

Umbrella Market Saturdays at Pritchard Park

If you decide to explore the swanky streets and alleys of downtown Asheville early this Saturday afternoon, be sure to stop by Pritchard Park’s newest outdoor event. From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every Saturday this summer, the park’s Cultural Arts Program has organized a charming umbrella market right in the heart of downtown. Enjoy a spread of handmade or homegrown local products, such as arts, crafts, flowers, herbs, and much more. A good place to purchase gifts for friends and family - or to find the perfect souvenir from your relaxing mountain vacation in Asheville. Hope to see you there!

Hiking Spotlight: Devil’s Court House on the BRP

If you want to find great hiking trails in Western North Carolina during your vacation in Asheville, but you don’t know the best spots, join the local Parkway Rangers for their Hike of the Week! On August 19^th at 10:00 a.m., come to milepost 422 on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a strenuous but rewarding 1 mile hike up to Devil’s Court House. Enjoy an impressive overlook with panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings… and of several different states! Bring your hiking gear and be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather. Sensational mountain views, the company of your friends and family, and knowledgeable guides will be the perfect introduction to what this area has to offer.

Stained Glass Lamps by Tiffany at the Biltmore

The Biltmore House in Asheville, NC has now become the home of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s renowned body of work. Forty five stained glass lamps made by this acclaimed 19^th century artist will be shown until October 23^rd, an exhibition organized by the Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass in New York. Roam through the darkened rooms of the Biltmore and marvel at the colorful displays of light and color that are Tiffany’s unmistakable trademark. Free with admission to the Biltmore home! Don’t forget, Carolina Mornings has plenty of discounts and vacation special packages to make an enjoyable Biltmore visit both meaningful and affordable. Call us to take advantage of our special ticket deal: pay for a 1 day admission and get a second day visit FREE!

Take me out to the ballgame!

A perfect event for those who love this classic American sport: This Thursday, all visitors to the city are invited to come on down from your comfy vacation cabins and cheer for Asheville’s local baseball team, The Asheville Tourists! Have all the peanuts, cracker jacks and local booze you can handle (and understand why the locals call it ‘Thirsty Thursday’). You’ll love watching every exciting moment and witnessing the game where every player can hit a home run and every fan can catch a ball. Buy your tickets today!

Mountain Dance & Folk Festival: 84 Years in the Running

For a record 84 years, downtown Asheville’s Mountain Dance & Folk Festival has continued to bring together the many different heritages found in our beautiful Western North Carolina Mountains. From August 4^th to the 6^th at the Diana Wortham Theatre, both locals and visitors alike will join the festivities and delight in song, dance and musical performances reflecting the syncretism of Scottish, English, Irish, Cherokee and African cultures. Bring your friends and family to this vintage and well-loved festival, a chance to enjoy the artistic traditions handed down from generation to generation, from the Great Smokies to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

An Evening with Rosanne Cash

As you enjoy your vacation in the mountains this week, don’t miss an exciting opportunity to see an acclaimed author tell her life’s story! The beautiful city of Asheville, besides attracting the best in music and art, is also a Mecca for writers to share their work with the world. Rosanne Cash, the eldest daughter of Johnny Cash and Grammy award-winning writer, will make an appearance at the Diana Wortham Theatre on Tuesday, August 2^nd. Buy a ticket (that includes a free copy of her memoir Cash Composed) to experience a touching and personal account of her life - see you there!