Crafts, Chrysanthemums & Andrew Weil: All Here in Asheville This Weekend

It seems like an odd, yet fascinating, combination but it's true. You can find crafts, chrysanthemums, and Dr. Andrew Weil all in same place this weekend—Asheville! Technically, they won't all be at the same location, but you get the picture.

The Crafts Are Here
Start your weekend early by coming out to the US Cellular Center on Haywood Street in Asheville from Thursday, October 18 through Sunday, October 21 to experience the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. This fair has been a tradition here locally since 1948 and highlights the work of the Southern Highland Craft Guild members, which are some of the best in the Appalachian region.

With over 200 exhibitors showcasing both traditional and contemporary craftworks, fair-goers can find everything from clay, glass, metal, and fiber to leather, natural materials, paper, and wood works. There are also selections featuring mixed media as well as handcrafted jewelry.

In addition to the opportunity to peruse and purchase crafts, visitors can also enjoy craft demonstrations and entertainment including Bluegrass and other live regional music. The entertainment lineup is jam-packed, so be sure to take in the full experience of the fair by making time to stop and listen to the music of the mountains.

Hours for the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands are 10a.m. to 6p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 10a.m. to 5p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $8, children 12 and under receive free admission.

The Chrysanthemums Are in Bloom
On Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21 from 10a.m-5p.m., the North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society Annual Show takes place at the North Carolina Arboretum on Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville. Admission is free with the $8 per vehicle parking fee.

This judged show exhibits hundreds of colored chrysanthemums in full bloom while highlighting the different and varied sizes, shapes, and colors of these marvelous works of nature's art. The show is in its 35th year of focusing on the beauty and simplicity of this fall flower. The chrysanthemums are judged and displayed in 13 distinct categories. Visitors can find a school competition and decorative arrangements, as well as a chance to purchase flowers (which begins at 3:30p.m. each day).

The Doctor Is In
The University of North Carolina at Asheville hosts one of our favorites, Dr. Andrew Weil, at the Kimmel Arena on Friday evening October 19 at 7p.m. Dr. Andrew Weil is speaking on the topic of Spontaneous Happiness with explanations on how the science, emotions, and spirituality of human beings relate to their innate ability to control and attain positive emotions without external agencies such as antidepressants, drugs, or medications. 

Dr. Weil has studied the epidemic of depression in our nation, as well as having struggled with it himself. He offers his personal expertise and experiences as well as investigating the causes of depression, the treatments for it, and the strategies necessary to achieving contentment throughout life.

Admission prices run from $25 for stadium seating to $35 for floor seating and can be purchased through the University of North Carolina's ticketing website. It's the perfect opportunity to see this New York Times bestselling author in person and hear him speak on this important topic that affects so many in this country. Don't let this opportunity pass; we think you'll enjoy it and gain insight from it.

The Other Things To Consider

Photo Submitted by Asheville Connections

We hope we've given you some ideas on what to do this weekend. If you're heading to Western North Carolina sometime this week, here's the weekly fall forecast and color report. The colors are peaking and it is absolutely gorgeous. Come and see for yourself! We can help you find your ideal North Carolina mountain getaway, so you can be fully immersed in the fall beauty.

We didn't mention it last week, but we are also still counting down to Moogfest. It's almost here. One week! We hope to see you soon. Happy Autumn and enjoy your weekend, whatever you may do.