No matter the season, the mountains of Western, North Carolina offer visitors an unforgettable adventure of stunning vistas, charming towns, delectable cuisine and activities that are sure to please everyone from the thrill seeker to the serenity seeker.
Go rafting or zip lining in the Great Smoky Mountains, or if you’re looking to take it easy, head to one of the many charming towns throughout Western, North Carolina and explore area attractions like breweries, art galleries, and more!
Our charming hometown of Hendersonville is the perfect home base in which to discover the best of Western, North Carolina—from national parks and forests to the entertainment and culture of Asheville, Residents of Champion Hills have direct access to the best of Western, North Carolina. With so many options, we wanted to give you a list of a few of our favorite spots.
Click on a location or attraction to learn more about it!
Eating.Shopping.Entertainment
If you happened across any “Top 10” or “Best of” lists in the past few years, chances are that Asheville, North Carolina is somewhere on that list. From Conde Nast Traveler and Southern Living Magazine to the U.S. News & World Report, Asheville has been recognized as a premier location for nature enthusiasts, craft beer aficionados, foodies, musicians, and well just about anyone!
Biltmore Estate, Gardens & Winery
The Biltmore Estate, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina has been the subject of much national attention throughout the years as America’s largest home, dating all the way back to the gilded age of America.
Head to the Biltmore Estate year-round for tours and various exhibits, or stop by during the Holidays for their iconic Christmas at Biltmore. Those seeking to expand their palates will enjoy visiting The Biltmore Winery, which is designated as America’s most-visited winery. Visitors to the winery can enjoy complimentary tastings, a winery tour, specialty wine experiences, and more!
Tryon International Equestrian Center
Located in nearby Mill Spring, North Carolina is the Tryon International Equestrian Center, which is the world’s premier Equestrian Lifestyle Destination showcasing some of the top riders in the Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Eventing disciplines.
The TIEC hosts a range of Equestrian events all year round and best of all, admission to all horse shows is free and all are welcome to attend. During non-event weeks visitors to the TIEC can browse shopping options, dine at one of 8 onsite restaurants and even catch a concert!
World-class events deserve world-class venues. That’s why the Tryon International Equestrian Center has been tapped to host the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, considered to be one of the biggest events in the global sporting calendar. This event will combine eight equestrian World Championship events over the course of 13 days, from September 11th to the 23rd.
Coined as the state theatre of North Carolina, The Flat Rock Playhouse is the premier location for theatrical performances in Western North Carolina. The Flat Rock Playhouse offers nine-months filled with performances ranging from Broadway musicals, comedies, and dramas, to children’s theatre.
The playhouse features two venues, a 506-seat auditorium-style theatre located in Flat Rock, and an intimate playhouse in Downtown Hendersonville—perfect for those who wish to stay close to Champion Hills!
Get in Touch with Nature
Those seeking to get in touch with nature needn’t look far! Hendersonville is approximately an hour away from five National and State Parks and Forests, all of which offer ample opportunity to connect with the great outdoors!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives over nine million visitors each year, making it the most visited National Park in the United States. Visitors are captivated by the natural beauty and majesty of the park, which is home to some of the oldest mountains in the world, dating back to the ice age.
384 miles of paved road weave throughout the park for those who wish to take in the stunning views by car, or grab your hiking boots and explore 800 miles of hiking trails ranging in length from half a mile to 70 miles.
Home to the first tract of land purchased through the Weeks Act of 1911, The Pisgah National Forest predates every national forest on the eastern seaboard. The forest spans 500,000 acres of hardwoods, bubbling whitewater rivers, majestic waterfalls and miles of hiking trails.
Pisgah National Forest is also home to the first two designated wilderness areas on the east coast, as well as the first school of Forestry in America, with a section of the park preserved as the Cradle of Forestry in America Historic Site.
As the largest national forest in North Carolina, the Nantahala consists of 531,148 acres with peaks as high as 5,800 feet. Visitors to the forest can explore over 600 miles of hiking trails along with opportunities for camping, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and more!
Acquired in 2007, Chimney Rock State Park is one of North Carolina’s newest state parks, with six hiking trails and opportunities for hiking, picnicking, fishing, and even rock climbing.
The park also offers educational programs designed to give the public an inside look at the efforts being done to preserve national parks, as well as the geology, ecology, and animal life that call this area home.
Nestled between Hendersonville and Brevard, North Carolina, the Dupont State Forest encompasses a total of 10,400 acres with four major waterfalls and several smaller falls throughout.
The Dupont Forest is open to the public for hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as fishing and hunting with applicable permits.
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Get Out and Explore!
A plethora of adventures await you in Western North Carolina! From quaint mountain towns filled with unique cultural, shopping, entertainment, and dining options to breathtaking national parks and forests, the mountains of Western North Carolina are yours to explore when you live at Champion Hills.
Contact us today to learn more about life at Champion Hills!
