Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Join Barbara Schauer from Weaverville Yoga for a free one hour session of Chair Yoga.

No Registration is necessary. Newcomers are welcome!

Bring your own yoga mat if you have one, but don’t worry if you don’t. We’ll have extra mats on hand for participants.

This simple practice does a myriad of things we all know are necessary: building strength, improving posture, developing better balance, healing the body by lowering stress and deepening breath, enhancing mood, and lifting energy calmly.

Everyone feels better after a yoga practice.

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this program! 

Make a new craft each month using your Cricut!
$20 per session, pay instructor at each class
For more information, call 828-350-2058 or email [email protected]

Cricut Kickstart Workshop
Session A: January 10, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by January 3
Session B: April 10, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by April 3
Get your feet wet in the world of all things Cricut as we chat about different machines and their best uses, and tackle the basics of the software, with lots of time for questions. You’ll create your own vinyl design to transfer on to a provided coffee mug.

Valentine’s Day Cards
February 7, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by January 31
Learn how to use your Cricut to make personalized cards. Even if you’re new, you’ll leave with an awesome card in hand.

Easter Banners
March 6, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by February 28
Dive into crafting a cute seasonal banner using the trusty Cricut, twine, and good ol’ clothing pins. We’ll cut out sweet egg shapes and string them up with twine, giving you the perfect excuse to showcase your handmade charm.

Crafting in Progress Sign
May 8, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by May 1
Craft a personalized sign proudly declaring that you’re “Crafting in Progress!” A cute loading bar adds a touch of whimsy as a fun nod to the crafting journey.

Buy the whole series for one processing fee and taxes! Individual tickets also available on the website, at the box office or you can buy them at the door on the day of the show.

Beer, wine and beverages will be available. We are finalizing Food Trucks for each event so you can come to the show, catch a bite to eat for dinner, and enjoy the music, as well as the stunning beauty of the amphitheater at sunset and under the lights! It’s no wonder we pack it in on Thursdays in May!

Season Pass is $45 (plus fees + taxes), or you can purchase individual tickets in advance for $10 (plus fees + taxes) or $12 at the door on the day of show.

May 2     David Childers & The Serpents

May 9     The Krickets

May 16    Dirty Blanket

May 23    Ever More Nest

May 30    Alice Wallace Band

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is announcing the launch of its new online reservation system for park pavilions.

ACTIVENet, the new online reservation system, allows for a hassle-free user experience for Buncombe County park visitors. With just a few clicks, visitors can make and cancel reservations from the comfort of their home, in addition to checking real-time availability of the pavilions. Park pavilions are located at Lake Jullian, Charles D. Owen, and the Buncombe County Sports Park. Field rental is also available through this new portal.

Key takeaways of the new reservation system include: 

Seamless Interface: The user-friendly layout of the reservation system allows for hassle-free bookings and cancelations.

Real-time Park Pavilion Availability: Users are able to check the availability of the park pavilions at their favorite park, and on their preferred date and time.

Secure Payment: ACTIVENet’s secure payment portal ensures data protection and encryption with Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant technology.

Email confirmations: Once a reservation is made or canceled, users will receive a confirmation email with the details of their booking.

Click here to view a tutorial on how to book a park pavilion. 

To access the new park pavilion reservation system, please visit www.buncombecounty.org/parks. There is a “Reserve & Register” button that will take users directly to the reservation portal. Please note that users must create an account prior to booking a park pavilion. For any inquiries or additional information, please contact [email protected] or call (828) 250-4260.

Distance: 2-3 miles

Difficulty: (3/10 difficulty) Easy

Cost: FREE

Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED

Birdwatching, also known as birding, is a popular hobby enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. With approximately 250 species of birds inhabiting the Southern Appalachian Mountains, there is no shortage of opportunities for birders to observe and appreciate these fascinating creatures. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of birdwatching, joining a bird walk can be an excellent way to learn tips and techniques for spotting and identifying native bird species.

The Elizabethton Bird Club, in collaboration with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, invites individuals to participate in a leisurely spring bird walk at Hampton Creek Cove. This 693-acre preserve offers an ideal habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including the elusive Golden-winged Warbler. Thanks to the conservation efforts of multiple agencies, the habitat of the Golden-winged Warbler has been protected, providing birdwatchers with a unique opportunity to observe these beautiful birds in their natural environment.

During the bird walk, participants will have the chance to learn from experienced birders and representatives of the Elizabethton Bird Club, including Chris Soto. These knowledgeable individuals will share their expertise on bird identification and behavior, helping attendees develop their skills as birdwatchers.

While participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars, a limited number of pairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Binoculars are essential tools for birdwatching, allowing observers to get a closer look at birds while maintaining a respectful distance.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about birds or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, the spring bird walk at Hampton Creek Cove promises to be an enriching experience for all participants. So grab your binoculars and join us for a memorable journey into the world of birdwatching!

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Kids Fishing Tournaments: For young anglers, the first kids fishing tournament will be taking place on April 13 at Charles D. Owen Park from 8-11:30 a.m. There will also be kids fishing tournaments at Lake Julian Park on May 4 and August 24, from 8-11:30 a.m. These events are open to all youth 15 and under. Competitors will be divided into age groups (0-5, 6-10, and 11-15) with prizes in each for biggest fish caught, smallest fish caught, and most fish caught. The admission for these fishing tournaments is $10, which includes bait, beverages, and grab-n-go breakfast items. Pre-registration is encouraged. 

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is announcing the launch of its new online reservation system for park pavilions.

ACTIVENet, the new online reservation system, allows for a hassle-free user experience for Buncombe County park visitors. With just a few clicks, visitors can make and cancel reservations from the comfort of their home, in addition to checking real-time availability of the pavilions. Park pavilions are located at Lake Jullian, Charles D. Owen, and the Buncombe County Sports Park. Field rental is also available through this new portal.

Key takeaways of the new reservation system include: 

Seamless Interface: The user-friendly layout of the reservation system allows for hassle-free bookings and cancelations.

Real-time Park Pavilion Availability: Users are able to check the availability of the park pavilions at their favorite park, and on their preferred date and time.

Secure Payment: ACTIVENet’s secure payment portal ensures data protection and encryption with Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant technology.

Email confirmations: Once a reservation is made or canceled, users will receive a confirmation email with the details of their booking.

Click here to view a tutorial on how to book a park pavilion. 

To access the new park pavilion reservation system, please visit www.buncombecounty.org/parks. There is a “Reserve & Register” button that will take users directly to the reservation portal. Please note that users must create an account prior to booking a park pavilion. For any inquiries or additional information, please contact [email protected] or call (828) 250-4260.

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce its 2024 Spring Kids Fishing Tournament, which will be taking place at the beautiful Lake Julian Park on May 4, from 8-11:30 a.m. Families are invited to join us for this annual event where the love of nature and joy of fishing unite!

This event is for youth ages 15 and under. Young anglers will be divided into three age brackets for the competition: 0-5, 6-10, and 11-15. Participants can win prizes for the biggest fish, the smallest fish, and the most fish caught. Each fish caught must be brought to the designated measuring station one at a time. After measurement, the fish will be released back into the lake.

For a registration fee of $10, each young angler will receive a bucket, bait, and an assortment of snacks and refreshing beverages that will be available throughout the morning. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-up registration will be available on the day of the tournament. Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. Fishing begins promptly at 8 a.m. and will end at 11:00 a.m. Prizes will be handed out at 11:30 a.m. Winners must be present to accept the prize.?Prizes include a mix of fishing gear, with the grand prize being a kayak donated by FeelFree kayaks and Waterways kayaks.

No fishing license is required for residents under 16 years old. No boat fishing is allowed for the tournament participants. All competitors must be accompanied by an adult, but the adult may not cast or reel. Only one fishing pole may be in the water per participant. Competitors are required to bring their own fishing poles and tackle.

Get ready to enjoy moments with fellow anglers, excitement, and friendly competition!

Before You Go:  

• Registration is $10 and includes bait, a bucket, snacks, and refreshing drinks.
• Participants must bring their own fishing pole and tackle.
• Category winners must be present to win.
• Competitors must be accompanied by an adult.
• No boat fishing allowed.
• Pre-registration can be found here. 

For questions or for more information, please call (828) 684-0376 or email [email protected].

Get ready to reel in some fun at our upcoming Spring Kids Fishing Tournament that will be taking place on May 4 at Lake Julian Park from 8-11:30 a.m. 🐟 This event is for youth ages 15 and under. Young anglers will be divided into three age brackets for the competition: 0-5, 6-10, and 11-15. Participants can win prizes for the biggest fish, the smallest fish, and the most fish caught. Each fish caught must be brought to the designated measuring station one at a time. After measurement, the fish will be released back into the lake.

For a registration fee of $10, each young angler will receive a bucket, bait, and an assortment of snacks and refreshing beverages will be available throughout the morning. Pre-registration is recommended but walk-up registration will be available on the day of the tournament. Registration will open at 7:00 a.m. Fishing begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and will end at 11:00 a.m. Prizes will be handed out at 11:30 a.m. Winners must be present to accept the prize.

Pre-register here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/buncombeparks/activity/search/detail/15?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&locale=en-US

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.