Asheville 2009 Official Visitor Guide - (Page 25) Swannanoa Valley Museum 223 W. State St., Black Mountain, 828.669.9566, swannanoavalleymuseum.org. Buncombe County’s primary museum of general history, with exhibits that reflect the pioneer history of Western North Carolina, interpreted in photos and artifacts from the Swannanoa Valley, east of Asheville. Visit the Web site for hours. Asheville and Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Services 828.259.5800, ashevilleparks.org, 828.250.4260, buncombecounty. org. More than 50 parks offering golf, swimming, tennis, skateboarding, roller hockey, climbing wall, nature center, playgrounds, basketball, community centers, ballfields, picnic shelters, trails and much more. Parks are open daily during daylight hours. HandMade Trip Planner A road less traveled The HandMade Trip Planner is your invitation to discover extraordinary artisans, unparalleled galleries, remarkable farms, breathtaking gardens and local restaurants throughout the mountain back roads and scenic byways of Western North Carolina. Design your trip online today! HandMade Trip Planner what to do Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site 52 N. Market St., 828.253.8304, wolfememorial.com. Novelist Thomas Wolfe’s boyhood home and setting for his 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel. Visitor center offers audiovisual presentation, exhibits and gift shop. Hourly tours of the historic Old Kentucky Home. Visit the Web site for hours. Asheville’s Fun Depot 7 Roberts Rd. (I-40, Exit 51), 828.277.2386, 866.303.4386, ashevillesfundepot.com. Asheville’s only family entertainment center featuring indoor mini golf, multilevel laser tag, indoor batting cages, climbing wall, soft play area, indoor and outdoor go-carts, bumper cars and the Depot Diner. Open Mon.Sat. 800.331.4154 45986 www.handmadeinamerica.org YMI Cultural Center 39 S. Market St., 828.252.4614, ymicc.org. One of Asheville’s national historic landmarks commissioned by George Vanderbilt in 1893. Today the refurbished center houses art galleries, classes and performances in African-American cultural art and history. Visit the Web site for hours. Blue Ridge National Heritage Area blueridgeheritage.com. Covering 25 counties in an effort to protect, preserve, interpret and develop the unique natural, historical and cultural resources of Western North Carolina for the benefit of present and future generations. For help planning your trip along the parkway, be sure to stop at the Destination Center at MP 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed holidays. See Our Ad on page 28. Chimney Rock Here you’ll find the best of the mountains in one place. Start with Chimney Rock itself. Epic, ancient, breathtaking. Add jaw-dropping views. Trail options perfect for families or a little time alone. Guided hikes and rock climbing instruction. And our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Open all year. Only 25 miles southeast of Asheville. Pet friendly. Live it up! Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace State Historic Site 911 Reems Creek Rd., Weaverville, 828.645.6706, nchistoricsites.org/ vance. This 1830s reconstructed mountain farmstead is where North Carolina’s Civil War Gov. Zebulon B. Vance was born. Call or visit the Web site for hours. Blue Ridge Parkway 828.298.0398, nps.gov/blri. The 469-mile parkway intersects Asheville at US 25, 70, 74 and NC 191. The Linn Cove Viaduct (MP 304) is an engineering marvel that wraps around Grandfather Mountain. recreation & outdoor attractions Appalachian National Scenic Trail Appalachian Trail Conservancy Regional Office, 160-A Zillicoa St., 828.254.3708, appalachiantrail.org. Approximately 300 miles of this Maine-to-Georgia primitive hiking trail spans North Carolina. Voted most popular outdoor destination by Blue Ridge Outdoors and favorite long distance trail by Backpacker Magazine. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park 800.277.9611 46561 www.chimneyrockpark.com Botanical Gardens at Asheville 151 W. T. Weaver Blvd., 828.252.5190, ashevillebotanicalgardens.org. This 10-acre nonprofit nature preserve (next to UNC Asheville) is dedicated to preserving and displaying the native flora of the Southern Appalachians. Gardenthemed gift shop. Donations welcome. Open daily. ExploreAsheville.com 25 http://www.handmadeinamerica.org http://www.blueridgeheritage.com http://www.chimneyrockpark.com http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/outdoor-adventures/index.aspx http://www.ExploreAsheville.com
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