"The downtown area of Black Mountain encourages you to relax and enjoy the slower pace of a small town. Rocking chairs are located all around town so you can rest and take in the scenic view. Explore the eclectic restaurants, galleries, music, craft furniture, and breweries in this easily walkable historic district." Del Holston with the Asheville Travel Blog

"Many of the Black Mountain area's best trails are in nearby Montreat. Among the great trails in this community is the Graybeard Trail. It’s an easy to moderately strenuous hike, but the payoff is a view from the sixth highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Another popular, but challenging hiking spot is Lookout Trail" (Del Holston with the Asheville Travel Blog). If you don't want to stray too far, Christmount offers several hiking trails including Alex and Kara's favorite trail Rocky Knob. Maps available at the Christmount front desk.

"Black Mountain is also home to some of the most sought-after beer in the southeast. Pisgah Brewing, which focuses on creating only organic brew, is located within a short drive of downtown. The Pisgah Pale is a staple on most tap lists around town.

Also check out Lookout Brewing Company, a small-batch brewery offering flights and heady pints of their popular beer. Want to try something different? Visit the Black Mountain Ciderworks + Meadery, which uses locally sourced apples and honey to concoct their brew. Or, check out the recently opened Black Mountain Brewing Company.

For something more spirit-forward there’s Oak and Grist, a grain-to-glass distillery specializing in Appalachian gin and whisky. Oak and Grist offers tours and tastings four days a week. Reservations are recommended." Del Holston with the Asheville Travel Blog

The Biltmore Estate is a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon. You are able to buy tickets to tour just the gardens or the Biltmore gardens and house. Additionally, you could visit the Biltmore village and enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!

The Ashville pinball museum is a loving tribute to the arcade classic - pinball! This museum offers a look into pinball and other classic arcade games history and evolution, not to mention a great family friendly afternoon.

The Woolworth Walk is perfect for art and history buffs. "[It] is so much more than nostalgia, though. It’s where the work of more than 160 local artists is on display. In fact, it is Asheville’s largest local artist gallery, with displays eclectic enough to appeal to everyone. There’s glass work, metal, photography, apparel, pottery, fiber, painting, and locally handcrafted jewelry." The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

Wander through woods and meadows with expert guides, gathering any of over 500 edibles depending on the weather and the season. Enjoy a cooking demo, tasting, and the option to have your finds prepared at one of Asheville’s top restaurants.

***Kara has personally done this tour and would HIGHLY recommend. This was easily one of her favorite tours of all time!