Welcome to the vibrant, culturally rich city of Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It's a place where history meets hip, where nature kisses the urban, and where every street corner seems to hum with energy and creativity. At GreyBeard Realty and Rentals, we've been lucky enough [...]
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The Greater Asheville area is no stranger to a real estate market influenced by a chronically low inventory of homes for sale. In the past few years, low inventory, combined with the area's growing demand, merged with even greater demand over the pandemic years. During these years, people sought to [...]
If you're considering making Asheville your new home, you're in for a treat. This vibrant city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is not just known for its breathtaking scenery and artistic vibe, but also for its thriving food scene. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best places to [...]
The term "winter wonderland" may conjure up imagery of snow angels, ice skating on frozen ponds and snowball fights. While our mountain paradise in Western North Carolina certainly sees low digit temperatures and a few seasonal snow flurries with accumulation from time to time, average high temperatures in Asheville actually tend to hover [...]
As I watched the Williams sisters at the Fed Cup in Asheville a few weekends ago, I was struck by how Asheville seems to be gaining a lot of national and international attention of late. In addition to tennis, important events are upcoming in biking, equestrian showing, and glass sculpture. Knowing the fine qualities of the western NC mountains, I cannot say that I’m surprised by all of this attention. It’s getting more difficult to keep our secret of this very special place.
The Fed Cup in Asheville is news unto itself, but it was particularly exciting as it marked Serena Williams’ first return to competitive tennis since the birth of her first child last autumn. While the match had been decided in favor of the US prior to her arrival on the court, it was still exciting to watch as Serena and Venus played doubles before a sold out crowd.
Next on tap is the opening of the “Chihuly at Biltmore” on May 17. Dale Chihuly’s large-scale glass sculptures, set up in historic Biltmore Gardens, includes special “after-dark” viewings that promise to be spectacular. The exhibit remains in place until October 7th so there’s ample time to take it all in. That same weekend, May 18-20, Haute Route, a European cycling event, comes to Asheville. More than 300 international riders will take to the streets, with each of the stages beginning and ending in Asheville.
In September, more international riders will come to the Asheville area, however, these riders will be on horseback. The FEI World Equestrian Games will settle into Tryon, about 45 minutes southeast of Asheville, from September 11-25. This event may welcome a half million people from around the world into the area. Competitions at this event include jumping, dressage, endurance, vaulting and reining.
A quick glance at these activities really does encapsulate what’s so special about Asheville and its environs. Sure the mountains are peaceful, the views are incredible, and the pace may be a little bit slower than some larger cities. But the activities and events illustrate the broad interests of the area and offer residents a chance to experience a truly cosmopolitan life. To see other upcoming events, please check out Greybeard Realty’s event calendar. Asheville is more than just a pretty place.
As western NC residents, Greybeard Realtors often are asked what their favorite season is in the Asheville area. For some, it’s the long days of summer that invite longer hikes and farm-fresh food. For others, it’s early-budding trees in spring and the vibrant, rich colors of autumn. Taking a look around now, however, it really feels like Christmas may be the very best season of the year up this way.
One of the highlights of the season is visiting one of the numerous western NC Christmas tree farms and making that careful selection of the perfect tree. Take some time to stop in at one of the local cider shops and then head over to The Biltmore to take in the spectacular decorations and enjoy some of the featured musical performances of the season. If holiday lights make your holiday, be sure to take in the multicolored light extravaganza at the NC Arboretum. Take a look at some of the Asheville area Christmas light suggestions.
Back at home, perhaps there’s a Christmas train to set up under the tree or a special gingerbread home to construct, complete with peppermint candies and peppermint bark. If you’d prefer to ride a Christmas train, then head over to Bryson City and catch a ride on the Polar Express train. Alternatively, this year you can enjoy the 25th annual National Gingerbread House competition at the Grove Park Inn. This year’s awards have been made, and there’s still time to check them out and get come inspiration for your own gingerbread houses.
For many of us, the holidays are about creating family traditions, and an Asheville area Christmas generates memorable moments for all family members. If you have time, take a moment to share your favorite Asheville holiday tradition. And let Greybeard Realty know what your favorite western NC season is as well. We’d love to hear from you.
Earlier this year, Conde Nast released its latest survey results for the Friendliest Cities in the US. And yes, Asheville made the list! More than 300,000 respondents contributed toward the compilation of the list that also included Charleston, Telluride and Key West. The survey results only confirmed what local residents have known for a [...]
Visiting Asheville in the fall? Take a tour on the Gray Line! This hop-on-hop-off tour in a trolley is a great way to learn about the history of Asheville as well as interact with the bustling downtown. With 10 spots including the diverse Montford Historic District, Art deco-rich downtown, legendary Grove Park Inn, as [...]
Come see what makes Asheville cool.
A recent on-line article by Matador Network lists the top 20 coolest towns in the US, and we are not surprised to see Asheville at the top of that list. Citing the architecture, the food-to-table cuisine and the craft beer industry, the article attributes Asheville's real rise to coolness to the hardworking people who drove the mid-1980s revitalization of the local area.
Matador notes its general criteria for coolness include towns having a local heart, excellent natural features, and cultural diversity. Specific to Asheville, the writers note the town wins top billing because of its location, the welcoming, supportive community, and the Southern family-friendly culture. Recognized local activities include hiking along Horsepasture River, cocktails at the Crow and Quill, and catching some music at the Orange Peel.
If you are ready to settle in the coolest town in the US, check out Greybeard Realty and take a look at the local western NC real estate listings. If you want a chance to sample Asheville first prior to purchasing a home here, consider staying in one of Greybeard Rentals' Asheville rentals. Come see for yourself what makes Asheville so cool.
Sample the Asheville Small Plate Crawl
Asheville residents and guests can take advantage of this year's Asheville Small Plate Crawl, an event sponsored by Asheville Independent Restaurants. The three-day event, which kicks off on February 24, offers attendees a chance to sample local chef's best food options.
The local event provides Asheville residents with a chance to taste various small servings from dozens of Asheville restaurants located in the downtown area as well as Biltmore Village and West Asheville. And for Asheville visitors, it gives guests a chance to sample the flavor of the Asheville community. To get started, go to the Asheville Small Plate Crawl website and start selecting the restaurants you want to sample. Then, with the online printable AIRpass you can head off at your own pace to get a taste of Asheville.
Joining in one of these community efforts is a great way to get a sampling of what Asheville is about. Sure, you can read the Asheville information, but to appreciate the special flavor of this wonderful community, you really do need to experience its activities. If you already know what we're talking about and you haven't made the move up here yet, come on up and take a look at some of Greybeard Realty's great Asheville real estate now on the market. If you have heard all about Asheville and think it may be your next move, what are you waiting for? Click on Greybeard Rentals website and book a weeklong rental so you can come sample the Asheville flavors for yourself.
