Weaverville, NC: Picture Perfect Small Town America

Just north of Asheville, North Carolina, sits a beautiful town; full of art, music, festivals, good southern home cooking, and Appalachian culture.

Asheville, North Carolina, has been made famous thanks to large historic sites such as The Biltmore House and The Thomas Wolfe Memorial. However, just a few minutes north of this gothic city sits a town named Weaverville. Where folks are hard-working, yet laid back and enjoying life.

What To Do In Weaverville, NC

Weaverville is in the center of popular hiking trails, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and only 12 miles from Asheville. For outdoor enthusiasts, this area has everything from golf to rock climbing. Weaverville is home to “Rattlesnake Lodge” hiking trail, and “Graveyard Fields.”

Rattlesnake Lodge Trail has an entrance on Ox Creek, and is part of the “Mountain to Sea Trail.” The hike is centered around landmarks and ruins of an early 1900s lodge, built as a family vacation home. Graveyard Fields is a great hike for families and is a perfect autumn hike. This trail leads to waterfalls and offers some of the best fall colors and views in the area. For those who visit in the summer, wear a bathing suit to enjoy the “swimming hole” at the Second falls.

If hiking is not in the plans, take a day to enjoy golf at the Reams Creek Golf course. The course is well maintained, and nothing compares to golfing in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For an even more laid back experience, go fishing.

There are several lakes to fish in, including Lake Louise. Lake Louise is located in Weaverville and features a play area, picnic, exercise areas, sitting areas, and a walking path. Many locals bring their children to the park and fish on hot summer days (permit needed). Also, take advantage of fishing in the French Broad by driving up to Marshall to the French Broad River Campground.

Art In Weaverville, NC

Of course, one of the best things to do in Weaverville is to walk and admire the town. Many artists, musicians, and craftsmen have made Weaverville home. Take home some pottery from Magnum Pottery and Studio Gallery, or even pieces of local art from Miya Gallery or Art Accents. Better yet, visit some of the local craftsmen or stop by Shop Around the Corner to take home an antique or piece of history from the visit.

For those who love art, the town holds an Art Safari every spring and autumn. The safari is a self-guided tour of “artists home studios” around Weaverville. The night before the tour features a “gala-event” where visitors and locals can meet the artists, see local art, participate in “a silent auction,” and enjoy good food, prizes, and music.

Weaverville also hosts “Art in Autumn,” annually in September. This event is one day, from 10AM to 5PM. It is sponsored by local volunteer groups and local businesses. After enjoying the outdoors and events, try out one of Weaverville’s salons and spas.

Salons and Spas

When it comes to beauty and relaxation, Weaverville is not short on either. Downtown Weaverville is home to Clay Spa, Aabani Salon, Calm Sensations, and Mountain Massage. It is also home to one of the most sought massage schools in the country, Center for Massage & Natural Health.

All, with the exception of Aabani Salon, offer massage services. Clay Spa is also a salon and uses a variety of natural scents, skin, and hair products. Calm Sensations has great prices and offers some of the best massages in Weaverville. Mountain Massage offers massages based on the client’s need, as well as stone and foot reflexology massages.

Aabani does not offer massages. Even so, they are the perfect place to go for a day of hair and nails. They offer hair services for men and women, as well as waxing, facials, manicures, and pedicures.

Where To Eat In Weaverville, NC

Well-Bred Bakery and Cafe is a great place for breakfast or lunch. Weaverville is truly blessed to have such a delicious and generous coffee house downtown. There is a large dessert menu to choose from, and their signature “mountain éclairs” are a must-eat item (although any dessert from here is great). They offer fresh-baked bread daily and always have sales on items from the previous day, but these items go fast. Eat or enjoy coffee and a book, inside or outside. For any visitor, this is a must-stop eatery in this charming town. Athens is located on 247 North Main Street, and is open Monday thru Saturday, 11am to 9pm. It is family-owned and has a great selection of Greek, Italian, and American fare. Greek pizza is one of the best pizzas ever, and the gyros are delicious. To end try the baklava, cheesecake, pecan pie, or other delights. The prices are perfect, and there is a special for lunch and dinner daily (take-out available).

Blue Mountain Pizza is in downtown Weaverville beside the library. They offer a variety of pizzas, spaghetti dinners, absolutely awesome garlic knots and cheese sticks, and a variety of food for meat lovers and vegetarians. Thursday night is a spaghetti special night, and there is live music every night. Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 11am to 9pm and until 10pm Fridays and Saturdays (inside and outside dining and take-out available).

Mike’s Main Street Grill is on Main Street beside Clay Spa. The menu consists of everything from beer-battered mushrooms to loaded fries. Mike’s is mainly known for the hot wings and as a place to hang out, talk, and watch some sports or news. Open Monday thru Saturday 11am to 9pm, pick up or “dine in,” it is a great place to enjoy some good food.

Jack of Hearts is the newest addition to Weaverville and is a good place to enjoy live music, some drinks, and good food. Located in the Old Firehouse on South Main street, this business has been a great addition to the town. Open 11:30 to midnight.

Events In Weaverville, NC

Weaverville, NC features parades, block parties, 5K’s, and a number of community-oriented activities annually. If visiting in the fall, be sure to enjoy Art In Autumn or Weaverville Art Safari, or check out the Cops for Kids Bike Run. The bike run is a kick-off to the local toy drive organized by the Weaverville Police Department, for needy children in the area.

At Christmas, there is a parade, the first Saturday of December. Folks sit out on their lawns or line the streets of Weaverville to listen to Christmas carols and cheer as the floats and Santa roll by. The town also offers a candlelight stroll of the town, the first Friday in December. The stroll is from 6-9 pm, businesses stay open late, carolers perform, carriage rides are available, and children can visit Santa.

Weaverville, North Carolina, is such a warm, inviting town. Come enjoy the beauty of the mountains, and take some time to enjoy a more easy way of life for a little while.

History of Weaverville, North Carolina

Weaverville was not Chartered until 1875 and was named after it’s founder, Michael Montraville Weaver. Even so, settlers were making the area home in the 1700s, when it was still Cherokee territory. Soldiers from the area fought in the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War, but the town nestled away in the Blue Ridge Mountains was still considered a frontier to most settlers.

Weaverville used to be a bustling resort town, where low-country folks would venture to escape from the heat. Weaverville College (1873-1934), attracted many students who wanted to have a “life” instead of a “living.” In nearby Reems Creek, stands the reconstructed home of Zebulon B. Vance, Governor of North Carolina, 1862-1865, and 1877-1879. He also served on the Senate, 1879-1883. Vance birthplace is a National Historic Site.

Not far from Vance Birthplace, is “Ox Creek Road.” This is milepost 376, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and for anyone wanting to make a stop in one of the best towns in America, take this exit to enjoy a day or more in and around Weaverville, North Carolina.

Where To Stay In Weaverville, NC

Weaverville is home to bed and breakfasts, and the busiest time of year is summer and autumn. The vast majority of tourists come in the autumn to see the miles of colors surrounding the area. Autumn is definitely one of the best times to enjoy the area, not only for the colors but for all the continuous events.

Two popular places to stay are:

• The Dry Ridge Inn-$99.00 and up
• Inn on Main Street-$125 before September 30th, $139 and up after September 30th

Guests truly enjoy relaxation and peace while staying in either place. Both are conveniently located along sidewalks and along Main Street. They each offer delicious breakfast each morning and information on the entire area.