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Swannanoa/Black Mountain

Art gallery

• 1. Seven Sisters Craft Gallery 117 Cherry St., Black Mountain, 669-5107 Black Mountain is known as an arts-and-crafs destination largely thanks to Seven Sisters. Opened in 1981, it was taken over in 2002 by Andrea McFadyen, who tries to keep a blend of "modern and whimsical and fun" submissions from regional artists.
• 2. Black Mountain Center for the Arts 225 W State St., Black Mountain, 669-0930
• 3. Pisgah Brewing Company 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain, 669-2491

Local institution

• 1. Warren Wilson College 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa, 298-3325 Chances are you know someone who went to Warren Wilson College. For years, the college has been seeding the region with its alumni. The school also sends its students into the community for service projects and hosts the famous Old Farmers Ball contra dance every week.
• 2. The Town Pump Tavern 135 Cherry St., Black Mountain, 669-4808
• 3. Pisgah Brewing Company 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain, 669-2491
• 3. Dripolator Coffeehouse 221 W State St., Black Mountain, 669-0999

Music venue

• 1. White Horse Black Mountain 105-C Montreat Road, Black Mountain, 669-8305 It's a tall order to come to Black Mountain, where the Grey Eagle began and the Town Pump has reigned for decades, open a new music venue and be voted best in less than a year. Kim Hughes and Bob Hinkle did it. The venue opens onto the street via a huge garage, yet maintains the intimacy needed in a premier acoustic room.
• 2. The Town Pump Tavern 135 Cherry St., Black Mountain, 669-4808
• 3. Pisgah Brewing Company 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain, 669-2491

Place to get a great mountain view

• 1. Lookout Mountain Some of WNC's favorite overlooks are popular because of their accessibility by car, but this rock outcropping overlooking the Blue Ridge is a gem because you have to hike the beautiful Montreat trails to get to the top.
• 2. Dynamite Roasting Company Deck 3198 U.S. Hwy. 70 West, Black Mountain, 243-4085
• 3. Lake Tomahawk
• 3. Warren Wilson College 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa, 298-3325

Restaurant

• 1. My Father's Pizza 110 Cherry St., Black Mountain, 669-4944 In the heart of Black Mountain, yet tucked away from the high-traffic shopping strip, My Father's Pizza has been around long enough to become a standby for the town's hungry hordes. Serving salads and specials, the restaurant stresses that it is not only a pizza place (even though their pizza is enough to carry the reputation).
• 2. The Morning Glory Cafe 6 E. Market St., Black Mountain, 669-6212
• 3. Ole Guacamole 100 S. Ridgeway Road, Black Mountain, 669-0550
• 3. Okie Dokie Smokehouse 2375 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa, 686-0050

Woodin/Weaverville

Artist

• 1. Rob and Beth Mangum www.mangumpottery.com Rob and Beth Mangum make everything from cups and vases to ceramic instruments in their downtown Weaverville studio, where they are a local favorite.
• 2. Taiyo La Paix www.taiyolapaix.com
• 3. Diane English www.greatcosmichappyass.com
• 3. Jennifer Jenkins www.miyagallery.com

Cheap lunch

• 1. Taqueria Fast 175 Weaverville Highway, Weaverville, 645-4282 This small family-owned restaurant has been dishing out authentic Central Mexcian cuisine at low prices for four years and making fans around the area.
• 2. Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe 26 N. Main St., Weaverville, 645-9300
• 3. Blue Mountain Pizza 55 N. Main St., Weaverville, 658-8777

Local shop

• 1. Miya Gallery 20 N. Main St., Weaverville, 658-9655 This fine arts gallery, part of Weaverville's main drag, is home to work by a range of local folk artists.
• 2. Mangum Pottery 16 N. Main St., Weaverville, 645-4929
• 2. Well-Bred Bakery 26 N. Main St., Weaverville, 645-9300
• 3. Sanctuary of Stuff 116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, 255-8388
• 3. Pistil and Stamen 6 Central Ave., Weaverville, 484-9842

Neighborhood gathering spot

• 1. Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe Located in the heart of downtown Weaverville, this local coffee shop, bakery and munching spot is the local denizens' favorite hang out. 26 N. Main St., Weaverville, 645-9300
• 2. Blue Mountain Pizza 55 N. Main St., Weaverville, 658-8777
• 3. Lake Louise

Restaurant

• 1. Stoney Knob Cafe 337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, 645-3309 On the outskirts of Weaverville, Stoney Knob offers a Greek-tinged dining experience that has proven to be the toast of the town.
• 2. Blue Mountain Pizza 55 N. Main St., Weaverville, 658-8777
• 3. Curras Dom 72 Weaverville Highway, Asheville, 253-2111

Marshall/Hot Springs

Festival

• 1. French Broad River Festival www.frenchbroadriverfestival.com As one FBRFestival-goer puts it: The lineup's terrific, the vibe is friendly but not over-crowded and there's space enough to do your thing, whether that's dancing, rafting or just hanging out by the river.
• 2. Bluff Mountain Festival www.madisoncountyarts.com
• 3. Trailfest www.hotspringsnc.org

Music venue

• 1. Zuma Coffee 7 N. Main St., Marshall, 649-1617 Smack in the center of Marshall's sweet downtown sits Zuma. The local gathering place offers coffee, live music, dessert and catching-up space. Boasting a warm interior and even warmer owners, it's now hard to imagine the Marshall landscape without it.
• 2. Madison County Arts Council 90 S. Main St., Marshall, 649-1301
• 3. The Depot Located on Highway 25/70 in Marshall, 649-3031

Restaurant

• 1. Zuma Coffee 7 N. Main St., Marshall, 649-1617 See description under "Music Venue."
• 2. Bacchus Bistro 18 N. Main St., Marshall, 649-0000
• 3. Iron Horse Station 24 S. Andrews Ave., Hot Springs, 622-0022

Place to camp

• 1. Hot Springs Campground A few blocks from town and a few steps from the Appalachian Trail, the Hot Springs Campground's got sweet riverfront spots, lovely mountain views and is within an easy walk to the diners, bars and outdoor outfitters in town proper.
• 2. Max Patch
• 3. Along the AT
• 3. Rocky Bluff Campground

Waynesville/Canton

Art gallery

• 1. Twigs and Leaves Gallery 98 N. Main St., Waynesville, 456-1940 Twigs and Leaves is a colorful art gallery featuring rustic furniture, paintings, photography and art inspired by the beauty of the Appalachian mountains. Representing more than 160 regional artists and crafters, the gallery is a perfect place to pick up "a piece of art that echoes the wonder of nature."
• 2. Textures Gallery 142 N. Main St., Waynesville, 452-0058
• 3. Ridge Runner Naturals 33 N. Main St., Waynesville, 456-3003

Local musician/group

• 1. Balsam Range www.balsamrange.com Influenced by the rich musical heritage of the Southeast, Balsam Range blends bluegrass with gospel music and folk ballads. True to their Carolina roots, this talented quintet claims first place in the best "Local Musician/Group" category in Waynesville/Canton. Congratulations!
• 2. Rafe Hollister www.rafehollister.com
• 3. A.C.E. www.myspace.com/freerockin

Music venue

• 1. Headlights Bar & Grill 190 N. Main St., Waynesville, 400-0382 Open late every night of the week—and really late on Fridays and Saturdays—Headlights is not only a great place to hear live music, but it also serves up some classic all-American fare.
• 1. Pickin' in the Park Held outside at Canton Recreation Park, 646-3411 Every Friday evening from June until Labor Day, folks gather at Canton Recreational Park to hear tunes by bluegrass or old-time bands and watch a clogging team in action. It's good ol' mountain fun.
• 1. Folkmoot USA www.folkmootusa.org Headquartered in Waynesville, this two-week-long festival features performances of folk music and dance from around the world, workshops, a parade and more.
• 1. O'Malley's On Main Pub & Grill 83 Asheville Highway, Sylva, 631-0554 This Irish sports bar/restaurant offers plenty to entertain. In addition to live music, the pub has 16 TVs, three pool tables, video golf, video bowling and trivia. All that and a late-night dinner menu.

Restaurant

• 1. The Sweet Onion 39 Miller St., Waynesville, 456-5559 Serving upscale Southern specials like Ranch Fettuccine Alfredo, steak paired with shrimp scampi, and unique, Asian-inspired fusions like the BBQ Pork Egg Rolls appetizer, The Sweet Onion is a restaurant that runs on delicious innovation. With elegant meals and a casual-dining atmosphere, this Waynesville eatery is one hotspot.
• 2. Nick and Nate's Pizzeria 11 N. Main St., Waynesville, 452-0027
• 3. Maggie's Galley Oyster Bar 49 Howell Mill Road, Waynesville, 456-8945

Swimmin' hole

• 1. Sunburst The West Fork Pigeon River flows past the Sunburst Campground area, which lies where the Shining Rock and Middle Prong wilderness areas meet. There you'll find plenty of swimming holes to explore, with water temperatures that will get your heart rate up.
• 2. Waynesville Recreation Center 550 Vance St., Waynesville, 456-2030
• 3. Mease Hole

Sylva/Cullowhee

Craft/gift store

• 1. City Lights Bookstore 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva, 586-9499 "If you consider books a really great gift, then I guess we earned it!" says City Lights owner Joyce Moore. Since she bought the shop in 1986, it has been a backbone for local and regional authors, many of whom have performed readings there. On Nov. 14, the store will host the Great Smoky Mountain Book Fair.
• 2. Oaks Gallery 29 Craft Circle, Sylva, 586-6542
• 2. It's By Nature 678 W. Main St., Sylva, 631-3020
• 3. Tuckasegee Trading Company 7987 Hwy. 107, Cullowhee, 293-1514

Place to get beer

• 1. Heinzelmannchen Brewery 545 Mill St., Sylva, 631-4466 The Heinzelmannchen is a gnome-like creature that sneaks around the Black Forest at night. It was like such a sprite that, in 2004, a brewery arrived in Sylva. German-born brewmaster Dieter Kuhn makes traditional German styles that have now dominated the western-most areas of WNC.
• 2. Guadalupe Cafe 606 W. Main St., Sylva, 586-9877
• 3. O'Malley's On Main Pub & Grill 83 Asheville Highway, Sylva, 631-0554
• 3. Soul Infusion Tea House 628 E. Main St., Sylva, 586-1717

Restaurant

• 1. LuLu's On Main 612 W. Main St., Sylva, 586-8989 Back when it was still a surprise to find gourmet dining in the Smoky Mountains, LuLu's was serving it up and making headlines in magazines like Southern Living and travel guides like Fodor's. Since then, the restaurant has continued fusing tastes and pleaing crowds, with dishes like the Raspberry Rum Pork Loin.
• 2. Guadalupe Cafe 606 W. Main St., Sylva, 586-9877
• 3. Spring Street Cafe 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva, 586-1800

Saturday-night hangout

• 1. Guadalupe Cafe 606 W. Main St., Sylva, 586-9877 With bands starting around 10 p.m., a rotating art exhibit, a deck looking out over Sylva's Main Street and a late-night kitchen, Guadalupe Cafe has what Saturday-night revelers look for. Plus, they have goat burgers. "People go crazy for them," says bartender Eli Hashemi.
• 2. O'Malley's On Main Pub & Grill 83 Asheville Highway, Sylva, 631-0554
• 3. Soul Infusion Tea House 628 E. Main St., Sylva, 586-1717

Brevard

Art gallery

• 1. Red Wolf Gallery 8 E. Main St., Brevard, 862-8620 Featuring a host of local, national and regional artisans and craftspeople, the Red Wolf Gallery is easy to find on East Main Street.
• 2. Bluewood Gallery 36 W. Jordan St., Brevard, 883-4142
• 3. Gallery on Main 36 E. Main St., Brevard, 885-7299

Local musician/group

• 1. Steep Canyon Rangers www.steepcanyon.com The boys have come far winning the bluegrass competition at the 2002 Mountain State Fair (nabbing the opening slot for Earl Scruggs in the process). Rangerland means the whole United States these days, with the band traveling the festival circuit, winning awards in Nashville and playing venues such as, oh, Carnegie Hall with the actor/playwright/comedian/banjo player Steve Martin. But the Rangers know their roots, and still put on their beloved Mountain Song Festival in Brevard each year.
• 2. Dave Desmelik www.davedesmelik.com
• 3. Shannon Whitworth www.myspace.com/shannonwhitworth

Restaurant

• 1. Hob Nob 192 W. Main St., Brevard, 966-4662 Warm and cozy, laidback but kinda upscale, too, Hob Nob offers delightful food in an intimate setting: an old house, with a sweet patio.
• 2. Square Roots 33 Times Arcade, Brevard, 884-6171
• 3. Sora Japanese Restaurant 91 Forest Gate Drive, Pisgah Forest, 883-9808

Music venue

• 1. Brevard Music Center 1000 Probart St., Brevard, 884-2011 Bringing in big names like organist Cameron Carpenter last year and pianist Olga Kern this year, the Brevard Music Center is a treasure for WNC music lovers. There may be no lovelier venue than the covered, open-air-on-the-sides Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium.
• 2. The Porter Center for Performing Arts at Brevard College
1 Brevard College Drive, Brevard, 884-8330
• 3. Jordan Street Pub 48 W. Jordan St., Brevard, 883-2558

Outdoor spot

• 1. DuPont State Forest
• 1. Pisgah National Forest Brevard's long been known as the Land of Waterfalls, and DuPont and Pisgah are a couple of inspired places to view them. The two forests are playgrounds for outdoor-lovers of all sorts: hikers, bikers, tubers, canoers, bird-watchers, rock climbers and those with a serious love of fresh air.
• 2. Looking Glass Falls
• 3. Davidson River

Hendersonville/Flat Rock

Art gallery

• 1. Hand in Hand Gallery 2720 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, 697-7719 Where better to begin a gallery than as an artist studio? Jeweler Molly Sharp and potter David Voorhees did just that nearly 13 years ago. Their own studios have long since been relocated to make way for a variety of Southeastern artists, many of whom are members of the storied Southern Highland Craft Guild.
• 2. Silver Fox Gallery 508 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 698-0601
• 3. Wickwire Fine & Folk Art Gallery 330 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 692-6222

Festival

• 1. N.C. Apple Festival www.ncapplefestival.org There are few things more down home than a street fair, and the apple is as good a reason as any to throw a festival. The North Carolina Apple Festival, which celebrated its 63rd year this September, puts all of the all-American pieces together right in the heart of N.C.'s biggest apple-producing area.
• 2. Flat Rock Music Festival www.flatrockmusicfestival.com
• 3. Garden Jubilee www.historichendersonville.org/garden_jubilee.htm

Little-known attraction

• 1. Carl Sandburg Home 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, 693-4178 In 1945, the writer, poet and historian moved to 264 acres of Flat Rock countryside he named "Connemara" and spent the last 22 years of his life there. Today, the house and grounds are open for touring, and many of his books and papers are still on display.
• 2. Jump Off Rock www.historichendersonville.org/jump_off_rock.htm
• 3. Flat Rock Playhouse 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, 693-0731

Music venue

• 1. Back Room at the Flat Rock Wine Shoppe 2702 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, 697-6828 With a capacity of only 100, the Back Room is what they call "intimate." But that's what owner David Brannock thinks brings an impressive list of local and touring acts back again and again. "True musicians want to play to people who want to listen," he says. The venue turned 4 years old last month.
• 2. Flat Rock Playhouse 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, 693-0731
• 3. Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center 538 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 693-0087

Restaurant

• 1. West First Wood-Fired Pizza 101-B W. First Ave., Hendersonville, 693-1080 It is part of the pizza gospel that if you want a great pie, start with the crust. So to turn up the pizza, you turn to a baker. West First was started by two bakers, and they put a personal touch on crusts, breads and handmade pasta. The establishment has received universally glowing reviews.
• 1. Umi Japanese Fine Dining
633 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 698-8048 If every town needs a pizza joint, every WNC town needs a sushi place. For two years, Umi Japanese Fine Dining has been filling that need and filling stomachs with sushi, tempura and bento boxes.
• 2. Flight Wood Grill & Wine Bar 401 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 694-1030
• 3. Hannah Flanagan's Pub 300 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 696-1665

Burnsville/Celo/Spruce Pine

Art gallery

• 1. Toe River Arts Council 102 W. Main St., Burnsville, 682-7215, and 269 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, 765-0520 Serving residents of Mitchell and Yancey counties, the Toe River Arts Council is dedicated to "education and communication in the arts." Hosting gallery exhibitions, studio strolls, community programs and K-5 education programs for children, the council is a valued community resource, earning first place as the region's best art gallery.
• 2. Penland School of Crafts Gallery 67 Doras Trail, Penland, 765-6211
• 3. Design Gallery 7 S. Main St. #1A, Burnsville, 678-9869

Fishin' hole

• 1. South Toe River "The South Toe Rive is absolutely beautiful," exclaims dedicated kayaker and Xpress staffer Jeff Tallman. "With 100-year-old farm houses perched along the river, it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time, and you can kayak and fish for miles on end."
• 2. Cane River
• 3. Pensacola River

Picnic spot

• 1. Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area Coves of hardwood trees, the grassy meadow of Deep Gap and the proud South Toe River converge at the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, where nature lovers flock to camp, fish, hike and enjoy the natural beauty of WNC.
• 2. Toe River
• 3. Mount Mitchell State Park

Restaurant

• 1. The Garden Deli 107 Town Square, Burnsville, 682-3946 The Garden Deli is a family-owned restaurant serving up big deli sandwiches at bargain prices. With charming outdoor seating, the delicatessen is a perfect place to satisfy cravings for New York-style subs, while sitting in a "garden mountain" atmosphere.
• 2. Knife and Fork 61 Locust St., Spruce Pine, 765-1511
• 3. Hilltop Restaurant 109 W. Main St., Burnsville, 678-9123