Take an accessible hike on one of these trails in Asheville
The ramp entrance to the observation deck leads to some spectacular views. | Photo by J. Brown via National Park Services
The outdoors are for everybody — and there are plenty of hikes in and around Asheville that are friendly to wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids. Get some fresh air on three of our favorite accessible trails.
French Broad River Greenway
You don’t need to go far to get into the outdoors in Asheville. Take this relatively flat path along the river and tour Hominy Creek River Park, Carrier Park, and — of course — French Broad River Park.
The North Carolina Arboretum
There’s a lot to see at the arboretum. The Education Center, Baker Exhibit Center, and main garden areas are all wheelchair-accessible. Pro tip: Check out its accessibility page for guidance on pathways and where you can borrow free wheelchairs.
Mount Mitchell Summit Trail
The parking lot itself boasts incredible views, and the half-mile paved hike is ADA-accessible. Heads up: the trail is on an incline so expect a workout (or recruit some help).
What’s your go-to wheelchair-accessible trail? Let us know where we should explore next.
If you’re hunting for more hikes, we’ve got you. Click the button below to explore our hiking guide.
Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic | Monday, July 24-Monday, Dec. 25 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Noble Cider Downtown, 49 Rankin Ave., Asheville | Free | Share your best jokes at this stand-up event, or sit back and enjoy the improv, sketch, and musical comedy.
Asheville StorySLAM - “SWEAT” | Monday, July 24 | 7:30 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | $15 | Prepare a five-minute story about perspiration for this monthly series presented by The Moth.
Tuesday, July 25
Screams in the Stacks: “The Haunting” (1973) PG-13 | Tuesday, July 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Settle in for a scary good time at the last screening of this horror film series.
Wednesday, July 26
Talk With “My Father’s List” Author | Wednesday, July 26 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Hear Laura Carney of CBS Sunday Morning talk about her latest book, in which she embarks on a series of adventures after finding her late father’s bucket list.
Highland Brewing Presents: Tyler Ramsey and Seth Kauffman Live | Wednesday, July 26 | 6-8 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Asheville | Free | Don’t miss this Highland Brewing Well-Crafted Music Series welcoming special guests Tyler Ramsey and Seth Kauffman.*
Thursday, July 27
Sound Meditation Demonstration | Thursday, July 27 | 1-2 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Billy Zanski from Skinny Beats Sound Shop will explain and demonstrate how to use special instruments like crystal singing bowls, gongs, and the didgeridoo to orchestrate a sound meditation.
One of our favorites: Methodical Coffee, perfect for those looking for complex and original flavor profiles. | Photo via Methodical Coffee + Six & Main
Put down the chain coffee and cozy up to these thoughtfully crafted coffee brands. Plus, get 20% off your first purchase.
Stop and smell the roses: Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady
Blue Ridge Pride has made a commitment to sustainability for its upcoming festival on September 30. This year, only local food vendors will be on site, using compostable packaging. The fest will also be selling reusable water bottles with refill stations available and will have more greening staff to keep the festival clean.
Festival
Have a farm-tastic day enjoying fresh food, live music, cold bevs, and more at the Take Root Festival. Make your way to Root Cause Farm on Saturday, August 5 from 3 to 8 p.m. to celebrate a bountiful harvest.
Theater
There’s a new playwright in town. At 67 years old, Marcy Gallagher set out to write her first musical, inspired by her own experiences. “At the Cafe” explores the lives of four women through a story of aging and friendship. Opening day is August 18 at at the Tina McGuire Theatre. Find tickets.
Cause
To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Asheville Chamber, its charitable arm, the Community Betterment Foundation, is awarding 12 $10,000 grants to local nonprofits. The community can vote to decide which organizations will receive grants, funded with profits from the chamber’s 125th Anniversary Celebration.
Talk
ArtsAVL is hosting a town hall meeting on Monday, August 21 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville to discuss the present and future of the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The public is invited to attend the panel and Q+A to discuss creative solutions to the issues brought on by the venue’s needed maintenance. Register to attend.
Frozen or on the rocks? Either way, today is your chance to celebrate National Tequila Day. A spicy marg (or two) from Anoche is my personal favorite, but you can find great cocktails at Mountain Madre, Mamacita’s, and Salsas to name a few.
Plus, you can head to Taco Boy West Asheville today for $5 Casa Margs.
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