Springtime in Western North Carolina

Springtime in Western North Carolina is an awakening for the senses. While every season here in Asheville and its neighboring towns has something unique to offer its visitors and residents, there's nothing quite like the renewal of life and the burgeoning beauty you'll find this time of year.

Perhaps you have stayed here during a family vacation or special family gathering. Maybe you were here for a secluded romantic getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Possibly you visited downtown Asheville for the day or for the weekend. Regardless, we are sure you noticed the stunning flora that besets the mountains and the rivers of the countryside, the verdant landscapes that abound, and the dotting of downtown streets and structures with flowers and greenery.

If you haven't been to Asheville yet, it's a great time to come and see it for yourself! There are a couple of ways you can learn even more about our surroundings here (and even have the chance to take some with you).

This weekend presents a perfect opportunity to get first-hand insight and access to what's growing in this part of the state. The 18th Annual "Growin' in the Mountains" Spring Garden Show kicks off on Friday, April 27 from 9a.m. to 6p.m. and continues through Saturday, April 28 from 9a.m. to 4p.m. Here you'll find everything from herbs, vegetable starts, annual and perennial flowers, irises, shrubs, and succulents to dwarf conifers, Japanese maples, hostas, edible landscaping plants and so much more. This is a free, one-time yearly event where you can purchase from and talk directly to the growers themselves. Also on-site you'll find experts from the America Iris Society, North American Conifer Society, and North American Branch Maple Society. 

The Western North Carolina (WNC) Farmers Market is the venue for the Spring Garden Show. It's conveniently located near downtown Asheville on a thirty-six acre site that boasts a panoramic view of the mountains, and the Biltmore Estate. If you can't make it to the WNC Farmers Market this weekend, be sure to stop by any day of the week. The market is open 7 days a week from 8a.m. to 6p.m., April through October (8a.m to 5p.m. November through March). You'll find high quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, fresh baked breads, cookies, and so much more.

When we're talking about the floral beauty of this area, we can't forget to mention that the Biltmore’s 27th Annual Festival of Flowers is going on now and continuing through May 20. Tulips numbering in the thousands accompanied by dynamic floral displays across the estate celebrate master horticulture planner Frederick Law Olmsted's legacy. While you're here, be sure to check out Biltmore’s restaurants for special menu items and commemorative Festival of Flowers wine and wine seminars at the winery.

Whew, we have so much we love about Western North Carolina in the spring, and we enjoy sharing it with you. We also love hearing from you, so be sure to tell us about some of your favorite springtime sights and sounds in Asheville and beyond in our comment section!