Whew! It’s hot out there, even in the picturesque misty mountains of Western North Carolina.
Though high temperatures can often throw a wrench in outdoorsy summer plans, don’t let the heat get you down. There are still plenty of ways to enjoy your days in and around Asheville — regardless of the sweltering heat.
Beat the heat this summer with these cool ideas:
Head Indoors for a Cultural Experience
Asheville has no shortage of fantastic facilities to experience the arts — and it just so happens that these places make excellent excursions on hot summer days.
Head up the parkway and visit The Folk Art Center for a truly Appalachian afternoon, make the trip downtown to the Asheville Art Museum to explore its many exhibits, including the new “American Perspectives” folk art installation, enjoy a theatrical evening at Flat Rock Playhouse or see a fantastically funny show — a musical about writing a musical — at Asheville Community Theatre.
Take Advantage of the Setting Sun with Outdoor Evening Concerts
As the sun dips below the horizon, the mountains begin to cool off — and it’s a great time to get outdoors in and around Asheville.
Music on Main in Hendersonville is an increasingly popular free concert series, held every Friday from 7-9 p.m., now through Aug. 19, featuring a diverse lineup of musical entertainment that includes everything from pop to oldies to rock. This family-friendly event even offers concessions like hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade.
Alternatively, the Brevard Music Center’s 2022 Summer Music Festival is in full swing now through Aug. 20, offering night after night of unique outdoor orchestral concerts — everything from Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 to “Star Wars” movie screenings backed by a live orchestra soundtrack. You won’t want to miss the magic and majesty of this popular symphonic series.
Cool Off with a Cone (or Cup) of Local Frozen Treats
Facing an especially sweltering summer day? There’s no better way to keep cool than with a deliciously sweet frozen treat.
Head to The Hop (at any of its five Buncombe County locations) and enjoy a classic scoop, visit Ultimate Ice Cream at its east Asheville or Charlotte Street locations for a bite of something extra unique, drive up to 10th Muse Comfort Foods for one of its zany specialty sundaes or milkshakes, or take a trip down to Mills River Creamery for some fantastic farm-fresh flavors.
Explore WNC’s Accessible Trails and Waterfalls
Hoping to get out into the great outdoors this summer, but need accessible places to enjoy? Plan a trip to one of Western North Carolina’s many wheelchair-accessible or disability-friendly trails or waterfalls.
Luckily, Blue Ridge Mountain Life has compiled a great tried-and-tested list of waterfalls that are easily accessible to those who may not be able to trek miles into the woods. Many of these options are viewable from the roadside or through short, wheelchair- and cane-friendly trails. Click the link above to plan your next outing.