Balsam Mountain Preserve was developed as an authentic and highly livable community. Just 40 minutes from downtown Asheville, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers a concept rarely found in today’s homogenized, digitized world – a true sense of place.

Marvel at the authentic and architecturally diverse homes that already nestle into this high elevation 4,400 acre private community. Created with a commitment to preserve its natural surroundings, over 3,400 acres, or nearly 75% of the community, has been placed in a permanent conservation easement, ensuring it will never be developed and will always remain for future generations in its present park-like state.

Members select from an impressive array of family and individual activities – from championship golf and tennis courts, to miles of hiking trails and private family camping.

The Nature Center

Many communities claim to have an on-site Nature Center, but you'll be hard pressed to find one like this anywhere in the North Carolina mountains. The Balsam Mountain Trust operates the Nature Center, and it serves as one of the social and educational heartbeats of the community.

Two full time, on-site naturalists are based at the Center, and together they develop a staggering collection of year round multi-generational programming for members of all ages. The variety of activities include guided nature hikes, bird watching classes, botanical walks, family focused programs led by a full-time Activities Director, a nature and cultural arts program, and several weeks of outdoor summer kids camps.

Unique to Balsam Mountain Preserve is the birds of prey program. Several species - including a bald eagle, a red tail hawk, a falcon, and a screech owl - call the Nature Center home. Take a journey to learn more about the birds of prey program.

The Nature Center is but one component of the Balsam Mountain Trust, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization funded, in perpetuity, by real estate transfer fees as well as donations and grants. The Trust provides stewardship and management of the 3,000 acre conservation easement. The Trust also participates in educational outreach and scientific research, partnering with area colleges and universities on a variety of research projects.

Festivals:

In the Spring, Summer, and Autumn months, there is literally a festival happening every weekend in mountain towns large and small. One of the most popular events is Folkmoot, an annual happening in Waynesville. Folkmoot is North Carolina's Official International Festival, and is a two-week celebration of the world's cultural heritage through folk music and dance. The festival features performances and workshops by more than 350 performers from a dozen or so countries. During its 25-year history, over 200 folk groups from more than 100 countries have shared their heritage and culture at Folkmoot.

Asheville's most popular summer family happening is Shindig On The Green, a weekend event that runs from July through September, and features an always enjoyable variety of mountain dancers, bluegrass bands, and storytellers. For those who like a little more adventure, Bele Chere is one of the largest outdoor street festivals in the U.S., as more than 300,000 people descend on Downtown Asheville for a three-day street party that features great food, spectacular entertainment, quality arts and crafts, and special events appealing to the whole family.

Sylva's annual Greening up the Mountains Festival features mountain music on two stages, homemade baked goods, and fun and games for children. Dillsboro's Luminaries and Lights festival weekends in December illuminates the town with thousands of lights and candles.

Arts and Crafts

Western North Carolina is known across the U.S. for its remarkable arts and crafts, an industry nurtured by the legendary George Vanderbilt. In building the Biltmore Estate, Vanderbilt brought in artisans from around the world who stayed and prospered in the region long after the estate was completed. Today, local shops offer fine works from talented artists who bring their visions to life right here in the area.

Check out some of the galleries in Downtown Waynesville - Twigs and Leaves, Studio 33 Jewelry, and Burr Studio and Gallery are a few local favorites.

The New York Times, Travel and Leisure magazine, and many other publications have recognized Asheville as a premier arts destination. Asheville's River Arts District is comprised of 13 unique storefronts that offer visitors the opportunity to meet and talk with artists in their studios. and to experience the magic hidden inside the time-worn factories and warehouses along the French Broad River. The Asheville Downtown Galleries Association features 24 galleries that offer glass arts, sculptures, pottery, fine paintings, jewelry, and much more.