Small Town Charm -

Small Town Charm

Marshall, NC – The Creative Life on the River

The historic town of Marshall in Madison County is nestled between rocky cliffs and the scenic French Broad River, some 20 miles from Asheville. This small town of 800+ residents celebrates its colorful past while passionately embracing a creative life on the river. Its Main Street is lined with original buildings including the 100-year-old courthouse and is home to eclectic shops, restaurants, breweries, artists’ studios, galleries and music venues. There is even an 8-acre island in the middle of the river that was once home to the only High School in the United States built on an uninhabited island but don’t worry, it’s inhabited by artist studios now.

Every June there’s even a Mermaid Parade and Festival which summons mermaids, mermen, and sea creatures from all over the mountains. See more at exploremarshallnc.com

Mars Hill

Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Mars Hill is a wonderful place to live, work, shop, learn, and enjoy a leisurely pace and quality of life. Residents and visitors enjoy easy access to mountain sports and family activities as well as to the cosmopolitan city of Asheville, only 20 miles away via Interstate 26. The town is also near the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and many national and state parks and recreation areas. On a clear day, Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern United States, is visible from town, and skiing, hiking, cycling, horseback riding and whitewater rafting are among the many easily accessible outdoor activities. Yearly events offer the Heritage Festival, the Bascom Lamar Lunsford,Festival on the first Saturday of October. You also may want to check out SART (Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater)

Hot Springs

Hot Springs, North Carolina, is perhaps best known for its hot mineral springs, but you can certainly find many other things to do! This small village in Madison County is located just 40 minutes north of Asheville at the junction of the Appalachian Trail (goes right through downtown) and the French Broad River. Recently voted the Best “Small Mountain Town” from Georgia to West Virginia and surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, Hot Springs is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure, healing and relaxation, or a quiet romantic getaway in a charming mountain village.

Black Mountain

Black Mountain serves as the front porch to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just 25 minutes from Asheville, Black Mountain boasts a lively downtown packed with galleries and cozy bistros, offering a charming and walkable experience overflowing with arts, crafts and — at an elevation of 2,405 feet — incredible outdoor adventures that include awe-inspiring hikes and thrill-seeking mountain bike trails.

Named for the mountain range that towers over the town, Black Mountain became a haven for pioneers in the world of art, painting, music, poetry and architectural design during the mid-twentieth century. The town was once home to Black Mountain College, one of the most highly-respected and innovative experimental art colleges in the U.S. Today it remains an artist mecca with multiple galleries showcasing some of the region’s best southern Appalachian arts and crafts.