Around Town -- Asheville Summer Happenings

Asheville is a wonderful place to live and visit all year long. Everyone knows about the splendors of fall in Western North Carolina but summertime is also an amazing time of year to be here. Asheville rolls out the red carpet and invites you in to share in a plethora of musical, culinary and cultural events to keep you entertained all summer long. Below is a list of some of the exciting things to do around the city this summer!

1. Biltmore Outdoor concerts
The Biltmore House is Asheville's biggest tourist attraction and during the summer, it puts on a concert series that is well loved by both visitors and locals. It's a must see for everyone in the city.

2. Downtown After Five
Downtown After Five provides free live music concerts in Downtown Asheville every third Friday, May through September. Be one of the thousands that gather on North Lexington Avenue from 5-9 PM for the free event, celebrating its 25th year! 

3. Asheville Tourists
What's summer without baseball? The Tourists are Asheville's minor league baseball team. You might get to see a rising star in action (Russel Wilson played here) but at the very least you'll get to enjoy the nation's pastime with family and friends as the Tourists fight to regain their division title.

4. Shindig on the Green
Maybe Asheville should change it's name to music city. These hills come alive with music during these steamer months and Shindig on the Green is another opportunity for people to be a part of the music experience. This music series offers free mountain bluegrass music and dance in the center of downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park in front of the Asheville City Hall.

5. Visit a Swimming Hole
Need to escape the summer heat? Nothing says summer in Asheville like a dip in a swimming hole and there are plenty of them around town. Throw in a tube and drift the say away. You can thank me later.

6. Brevard Music Festival
Not quite Asheville but close enough! This Festival is truly a musical delight in the mountains. Four hundred of the most talented students in the world join Brevard's artist faculty to present more than 80 concerts in a beautiful setting.Take a picnic basket and enjoy the beautiful music while sharing a romantic meal. 

7. Second Saturdays in the River Arts District
Join the artists of the River Arts District the second Saturday, May-December, for a day of artist demonstrations, classes, open studios and fun. Spend the day hopping from studio to studio to view a range of mediums and an abundance of creativity.

8. Too Many Food Events to list here
The food scene in Asheville is dynamic and growing. You can try some of the best restaurants in the South in this one small city. From acclaimed Chef Katie Button to the food trucks at The Lot, a culinary adventure awaits you at every turn.
  
9. Bele Chere
One of the city's premiere music festivals, this may you last year to experience Bele Chere. The festival is taking a break after this summer and it's anyone's guess when of even if it will be back.

10. Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
The Craft Fair showcases work by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, with over 900 members throughout the mountain regions of nine states. Members' work must be juried and accepted by a committee of peers, based on quality, design and craftsmanship. 

If this list doesn't whet you appetite for a fun-filled summer in Asheville, check out this link to see what else is going on around town: http://www.romanticasheville.com/summer_festivals.htm

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The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com