Best Town Events · Best Weekend Getaways
Best Outdoor Fun

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• Best Festival Towns
• Best Shopping Towns
• Best Music Festival
• Best Art Festival
• Best Weekend Getaways
• Best Private Communities near Atlanta
• Best Private Communities in Florida
• Best Private Communities in Charlotte, NC & the Triad
• Best Outdoor Fun

BEST FESTIVAL TOWNS

• Asheville, NC · This popular city is home to the Southeast’s largest street festival, Bele Chere. More than 365,000 people head downtown to enjoy food, entertainment, arts and crafts and other family-friendly activities at this summer celebration. Also on tap are such events as the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, the Biltmore Festival of Flowers and the Asheville Film Festival. 828-258-6101; exploreasheville.com.
• Hendersonville, NC · In addition to the Foothills Highland Games and Music on Main events, the North Carolina Apple Festival, held in late August, is one of the town’s top attractions. Highlights of this annual celebration include live music, children’s games, special exhibits and, of course, apple growers selling apples. 800-828-4244; historichendersonville.com.
• Roanoke, VA · From music and art festivals to cultural and food fetes, Roanoke’s vibrant downtown draws large crowds year round. The city’s Elmwood Park hosts the award-winning Festival in the Park each May, while other celebraions of note include the annual Chili Festival, multi-nationality Local Colors and the popular December tradition, Dickens of a Christmas, a downtown family event with horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, vendors and street performers. 540-853-2000 or 800-635-5535; visitroanokeva.com.
• Winchester, VA · The city may be small, but more than 250,000 people flock there each year for the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in May. Activities through the 10-day celebration include, among many others, dances, a 10K race, band competitions, parades and an apple pie-baking contest. Winchester’s other seasonal festivals: the Bluemont Summer Concert Series and Christmas in Old Town. 540-662-3864; thebloom.com.

BEST SHOPPING TOWNS

• Asheville, NC · A blend of art galleries, antique shops and specialty stores gives Asheville residents and visitors a diverse selection of shopping opportunities. In addition to malls with retail chain stores, the pedestrian-friendly neighborhood of Biltmore Village features eclectic boutiques and galleries. For foodies, the Asheville Farmers Market is spilling over with fresh produce, snacks, even arts and crafts. 828-258-6101; exploreasheville.com.
• Charlottesville, VA · With more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants, the Historic Downtown Mall is a must-see shopping destination. Set on an urban pedestrian mall, its offers include quaint boutiques and specialty food and beverage shops located on and around old Main Street. After a day of browsing, folks can hit the movie theater, go ice skating at the indoor arena or enjoy an outdoor concert. 434-293-6789 or 877-386-1103; pursuecharlottesville.org.
• Pigeon Forge, TN · For special gift ideas, home décor and new clothing, the place to shop is Pigeon Forge. The area has often been named one of the country’s top shopping destinations and there is no mistaking why. Designer clothing, toys, pottery, arts and crafts are just part of what stores here have to offer. Pigeon Forge also features Bell Tower, the South’s largest year-round Christmas village. 865-429-7444 or 800-251-9100; mypigeonforge.com.

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

• Brevard Music Festival, Brevard, NC · National and international stars – from composer Burt Bacharach, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the late John Denver to professional opera troupes – mix with the 400 students, ages 14 to post-college, at this 70-year-old program each summer. In addition to seven weeks of intense study, faculty, students and guests combine for 80 public performances, giving students a taste of the working music world. 828-862-2100; brevardmusic.org.
• Floyd Fest, Floyd, VA · Floyd Fest is a four-day World Music Festival held every July in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia and showcasing the best in world, bluegrass, reggae, folk, African and Appalachian music, as well as quality local arts and crafts. Launched in 2001, the event today attracts crowds of more than 12,000 with regional and national artists on seven or more stages and events for both children and adults. 210-745-2711; floydvirginia.com.
• Merle Festival, North Wilkesboro, NC · An internationally renowned bluegrass festival, MerleFest was launched in spring 1988 as a two-day, multi-venue fund- raiser after the death of Merle Watson, Frets Magazine’s 1985 guitarist of the year. Proceeds from the event, which has included such stars as father Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs and Alison Krauss, benefited the Eddy Merle Watson Memorial Garden for the Senses at Wilkes Community College and have contributed more than $17 million to the North Wilkesboro region. Today, the four-day April festival offers numerous daily events and locations. 800-343-7857; merlefest.org.

BEST ART FESTIVAL

• Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, Asheville, NC · More than 12,000 people take part in this event, held at the Asheville Civic Center with approximately 200 booths exhibiting the best in traditional and contemporary crafts. Live regional music and craft demonstrations are part of the schedule for this October event. 828-298-7928; southernhighlandguild.org.
• Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival, Gatlinburg, TN · Part of the Gatlinburg SpringFest, a three-month tribute to the season, the show is a two-day affair featuring artists from across the country in juried competition. Held in May, it combines art with delicious food and music in a downtown setting, with proceeds benefiting the Sevier County Arts Council. Also notable as part of the SpringFest is the Easter Arts and Crafts Show, a four-day exhibit in early April of work by the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. 800-588-1817; gatlinburg.com.
• Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair, Burnsville, NC · Now approaching its 53rd year, this annual event draws people from all over the country to the historic Town Square for a two-day event in August. The fair brings together the works of the area’s artists and artisans, showing handmade quilts, jewelry of local gemstones, hand-turned wooden bowls, pottery of every design, traditional mountain instruments and stained glass works of art. 800-948-1632; yanceychamber.com.
• Sidewalk Art Show, Roanoke, VA · A fixture in the city’s lexicon of annual events, this show is held each June, when approximately 200 regional artists exhibit beautiful paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, and more for purchase. The two-day event, formerly part of Festival in the Park, began in the 1950s and is now held at downtown’s Market Square. The juried show bestows awards in a variety of categories. 540-342-5760; taubmanmuseum.org.
• Virginia Fall Foliage Festival Art Show, Waynesboro, VA · As much a part of autumn as the turning leaves, the event celebrated its 37th year in mid-October. With crowds of 20,000 to view color along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, a prime element of the festivities is a juried fine art and fine craft show sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Art Center and drawing artists from 14 states and Canada. Other attractions: food concessions, music and 150 artists’ booths. 540-943-7662; waynesboro.va.us.
• Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon, VA · There’s something for everyone at these festivities, started in 1948 and held in Historic Abingdon and the surrounding area. The festival, which ranked one of the top 100 tourist events in North America, a Top 20 Must See by National Georgraphic Traveler and one of the top 20 in the Southeast, includes an enormous antiques market, juried art and photography competitions, and a juried arts and crafts show. Also: nationally-known writers, lecturers, and visual and performing artists. 888-489-4230; vahighlandsfestival.org.

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAYS

• Homestead Preserve, Hot Springs, VA · Golf, tennis, swimming, spa treatments and dining are ideal weekend activities at the Homestead Preserve. Homeowners can stay busy with these amenities and more, available through The Homestead resort. The expansive property also includes walking trails that lead to stunning mountain views, an equestrian center, skiing opportunities and a fly-fishing school. 877-373-2555; homesteadpreserve.com.
• Keswick Estates, Charlottesville, VA · Owners of property within Keswick Estates not only enjoy beautiful scenery, but can take advantage of amenities available through Keswick Hall. Weekenders laud the 18-hole golf course, the full-service spa, tennis courts and swimming pool. Special activities are also planned each season, such as clay shooting excursions, hot air ballooning and fly-fishing outings. 888-778-2565; keswick.com.
• Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA · From golf to skiing, Wintergreen has activities to suit any lifestyle in any season. The 27-hole Stoney Creek Golf Course is playable year-round and Devils Knob, the highest course in Virginia, offers cool summer temperatures. For ski enthusiasts, there are two high-speed chairlifts, slopes with a variety of terrain and a tubing park. Skiiers also can take advantage of the resort’s Snowsports School. 800-926-3723; wintergreenresort.com.
• Wisp Resort, McHenry, MD · Every season brings exciting activities for a fun-filled weekend at Wisp Resort. Golf, waterskiing, whitewater rafting and fly-fishing are popular in the summer, while skiing, snow tubing and snowmobiling make for a busy winter. The resort also features a mountain coaster, nature trails, a climbing wall, a health club and spa. 301-387-4911; wispresort.com.

BEST PRIVATE COMMUNITIES IN ATLANTA

• Achasta, Dahlonega, GA · A weekend of golf on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, dining with family at the clubhouse and nature hikes through the lush landscape are just some of the options at Achasta. Members of all ages find plenty of ways to stay busy, such as swimming, relaxing on the deck or playing tennis. Nearby Dahlonega provides even more dining options, as well as shopping and entertainment. 888-988-6222; achasta.com.
• Big Canoe, Big Canoe, GA · This expansive community caters to all ages with activities that make for a full weekend schedule. From hiking, boating and bird watching to golf, tennis and swimming, Big Canoe is chock-full of amenities. There are even places to shop, dine and take advantage of a state-of-the-art fitness center. 877-571-7166; bigcanoe.com.

BEST PRIVATE COMMUNITIES IN FLORIDA

• The Preserve at Sharp Mountain, Jasper, GA · Families that love the great outdoors will fit right in at this private community. Weekend activities include hiking or biking the trails, watching wildlife at the bird sanctuary and wildlife feeding area or exploring the nature parks and waterfalls. 888-742-7768; naterraland.com/sharpmountain.
• Trillium, Cashiers, NC · It’s where mom can get away to pamper herself at the spa and dad can hit the links for a challenging round of golf. Trillium is an ideal weekend getaway for couples and families alike. Tennis, hiking, croquet and even kids’ camps and clubs are available. Children can experience activities such as repelling, boating and mountain biking. 888-464-3800; trilliumnc.com.

BEST PRIVATE COMMUNITIES IN CHARLOTTE, NC & THE TRIAD

• Echota, Boone, NC · The scenic mountain views just brush the surface of what makes Echota a great weekend excursion. Its stunning landscape can be admired from the mountaintop swimming pool, walking and hiking trails, and 25 acre riverfront park. Other amenities include a hot tub, two clubhouses, stocked fishing ponds and fitness center. 866-289-1118; echotanc.com.
• Elk River Club, Banner Elk, NC · Amid the 1,200 acres that comprise Elk River, weekend getaway-seekers will find such joys as the Jack Nicklaus golf course, stunning scenery, a handsome clubhouse for formal and casual dining, the tennis and fitness club, ideal for staying active, and the saddle club for horse enthusiasts. 828-898-9777; elkriverclub.com.
• Linville Ridge, Linville, NC · The golf lover. The tennis enthusiast. The culinary connoisseur. All will appreciate the amenities Linville Ridge has to offer for a three-day getaway. The golf course is the highest east of the Rockies; the Har Tru tennis courts beg for a fun challenge and there’s a smorgasbord of dining options. The community also has a full service spa and numerous recreational activities. 800-898-5150; linvilleridge.com.
• The Headwaters at Banner Elk, Banner Elk, NC · Nature beckons for weekend fun at The Headwaters. Families can enjoy picnics at the scenic Lakeside Park, meander the nature trails or listen to concerts or lectures at the amphitheater. Inside, the community’s clubhouse is a fully equipped kitchen, a kids’ gameroom and gourmet kitchen for cooking classes. There’s also an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts. 866-200-3290; headwatersnc.com.

BEST OUTDOOR FUN

• Balsam Mountain Preserve, Sylva, NC · Surrounded by a preserved landscape, residents have ample room to revel in the great outdoors. Activities include golf on the Arnold Palmer course, horseback riding along the numerous trails, camping at Dark Ridge Creek and fishing the community’s 38 miles of streams. Balsam Mountain also has a sports camp with tennis courts, a swimming pool and activity pavilion. 866-452-3456; balsammountainpreserve.com.
• New River Gorge Preserve, Fayetteville, WV · A projected 20-mile trail system exclusive to residents will ensure discoveries of outdoor wonders around almost every corner. Nature enthusiasts can explore waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, gorge overlooks and native flora. Additionally, the community is ideal for bird watching, fishing, boating, biking and rock climbing. 304-574-1802; newrivergorgepreserve.com.
• SweetGrass, Blowing Rock, NC · Residents find plenty of ways to enjoy Mother Nature here. The community’s Boone Fork Creek is an ideal fishing hole, as it’s chock full of trout. Swimming and canoeing are minutes away at the 22-acre SweetGrass Lake. Plus, the community features nature parks and meandering trails. 877-295-0276; sweetgrass.com.
• The Coves at Round Mountain, Lenoir, NC · Master-planned to provide outdoor recreation at its finest, this community is packed with good things. In addition to the standard golf course, swimming pool and tennis courts, The Coves features numerous hiking and horseback riding trails and a 160-acre lake for canoeing, fishing or rafting. Residents can even sleep under the stars at camp sites on the property or relax on the riverside beach. 877-815-2466; thecovesnc.com.
• Wolf Creek Ranch, Waynesville, NC · At the heart of Wolf Creek Ranch’s outdoor amenities, the equestrian center allows for the exploration of nature aboard four-legged friends. The community also has hiking trails that lead to two national forests, mountain creeks for fishing, two picnic shelters for outdoor meals and a fire pit ideal for roasting marshmallows. 888-868-9653; wolfcreekranchnc.com.