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Our little corner of the world offers amazing access to the outdoors, music and art, picturesque mountain main streets, and the best friends and neighbors anyone could ask for. While you may be headed to the beach or out of town for a summer vacation, there’s plenty of local adventure to occupy a weekend or an afternoon in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Grab your kayak, lace up the hiking boots, and make your summer bucket list.

May

While May technically falls within spring, Downtown After 5 serves as an unofficial start to summer in the city. Celebrating its 29th year, this monthly concert series from the Asheville Downtown Association began as a way to draw locals into a largely abandoned city center in the late 1980s. The first DA5 concert featured a Mardi Gras theme and, in a nod to that history, the May 19 concert features dynamic New Orleans funk and RnB band the High & Mighty Brass Band and local opening the Josh Phillips Big Brass Band. Why not make a day of it and explore the city’s history on the Asheville Urban Trail, stopping at galleries and public houses along the way?

June

Summer officially arrives on June 21. What better way to celebrate than by participating in the Great American Campout? The National Wildlife Federation has tools that can help you host a public campout in your neighborhood or community. Buncombe County Recreation Services is planning a June 24 campout in Lake Julian Park with guided hikes, stargazing, morning yoga, s’mores, and campfire stories. Even if you don’t take a pledge to join the GAC, heading out with a group of friends is a great way to unwind and reconnect. Lake James State Park is just under an hour away from Asheville and offers scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountain range, hiking, boating, biking, and hot showers.

Courtesy of RomanticAsheville.com

July

Thru-hiking for months on end is out of reach for many of us. Luckily, the Appalachian Trail offers plenty of shorter hikes that offer the same experience. Art Loeb Trail is just west of Asheville. This 30-mile-long footpath is a highlight reel of the Southern Appalachians with rhododendron tunnels, waterfalls, swimming holes, 360-degree views, and much more. There are plenty of spots to set up camp – or pick a spot in one of the shelters. Three to four days offers ample opportunity for side trips off the main trail. You can also beat the July heat with a stop at Sliding Rock on the way back.

August

Parts of WNC are uniquely positioned to witness the contiguous United States’ first total solar eclipse in 38 years on August 21. Graham, Macon, Swain, Jackson and Transylvania counties are a handful of places in the world that will be plunged into total darkness as the Earth, moon, and sun line up so that the moon completely obscures the sun for about two minutes. Mountain towns are bracing for ten times the number of guests as usual and Clingman’s Dome is hosting a special ticketed viewing, so it’s best to reserve a campsite or cabin as early as possible. Depending on where you end up watching the eclipse, it’s a perfect chance to explore towns like Murphy, Cherokee, or Brevard. Events are also planned at UNC Asheville and in Pack Square Park, but Asheville will only see a 99% eclipse.

September

Just as summer begins with a festival, it comes to an end with the Asheville Outdoor Show on September 17. Diamond Brand Outdoors and Frugal Backpacker host outdoor experts and leaders at this annual event that showcases everything new in hiking, camping, kayaking, outdoor clothing, and technology. With workshops, music, and the chance to chat with representatives from top brands like Patagonia, Prana, Mountain Hardwear, and Kelty, it’s a reminder that even as fall comes to the mountains, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style with your favorite folks.

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We couldn’t be more ecstatic to announce the final list of those of you can expect to see at the Asheville Outdoor Show. It’s a group of instantly-recognizable leaders in the outdoor industry, as well as locally-based gear companies who play on the international stage themselves. This is the biggest event of its kind in this area that’s been free and open to the public. Our customers are our North Star and you’ve told us you wanted something like this for awhile.

Chaco, Freefly, Howler Brothers, Mountain Hardwear, MSR, Osprey, Salomon, Seal Line, Smartwool, Therm-a-Rest, and Vasque will display their latest for fall and winter alongside several other previously announced brands. Bella & Oliver Soap Company, Falcon Guides, LightHeart Gear, Opal & Wonder, SunDrop Solar Trailers, and TearDrop Rentals join a who’s who of local gear makers.

The North Carolina Arboretum, which has a long relationship with Diamond Brand Outdoors and Frugal Backpacker, joins other previously announced regional environmental and conservation nonprofits protecting the natural spaces in the North Carolina mountains. Adventure Center of Asheville, Prestige Subaru, and Wildwater Ltd. will also be at the show with creative ways to explore the Asheville area. Diamond Brand Outdoors’ tagline is Adventure Is Local so the surrounding community it well represented.

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The day will begin with a performance by Djembeso students from nonprofit LEAF Schools & Streets, followed by a reggae showcase hosted by Dennis “Chalwa” Berndt.

The first 300 attendees will receive a commemorative insulated personal cooler. Those attending the festival will enjoy last year’s perks including coupons, discounts, giveaways, raffles, and the chance to chat with industry leaders and demo the newest gear.

Previously announced outdoor brands announced includes Astral, Buff Headwear, Columbia Sportswear, Deuter, Eagles Nest Outfitters, ExOfficio, Farm to Feet, Fifth Element Camping, GO Easy, Goal Zero, Good to Go Gourmet, Gorilla Carriers, KEEN, Kelty, Klean Kanteen, LEKI, Marmot, Montrail, Mount Inspiration Apparel, NEMO Equipment, Oboz, Outdoor Research, Outdoor Tech, Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, Rinse Kit, Salewa, Sea to Summit, SimpleShot, Stanley, Sylvan Sport GO, TerraForma Outdoor Solutions, Tilley Endurables, Toad&CO., Ursa Minor, and Wind Pouch.

Nonprofits already announced include Asheville Greenworks, Carolina Mountain Club, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mountain True, and North Carolina Outward Bound School.

Highland Brewing Company is located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville, North Carolina.

The wait is over! We’re happy to join Frugal Backpacker in announcing the entertainment and second set of vendors for the Asheville Outdoor Show. Another bonus announcement: the first 300 attendees will receive a commemorative insulated cooler, perfect for six cans of your favorite beverage. The free public expo brings top innovators from the most popular outdoor companies to recreation enthusiasts in the mountains of North Carolina. The Asheville Outdoor Show will take place on Sunday, September 18, from noon to 4:00 p.m. in Highland Brewing Company’s Meadow (12 Charlotte Highway in Asheville).

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“The level of outdoor innovation that will be in Asheville is amazing,” said Chris Bubenik, Marketing Manager for Diamond Brand Outdoors and Frugal Backpacker. “Our goal has always been to promote outdoor adventure and the lifestyle that comes along with it. Our mix of local talent and brands that are instantly recognized throughout the country is a reflection of our stores.”

Fifth Element Camping, GO Easy, Gorilla Carriers, Mount Inspiration Apparel, Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, SimpleShot, Sylvan Sport GO, TerraForma Outdoor Solutions, and Ursa Minor are among the locally-based businesses that can be expected. Farm to Feet, Good to Go Gourmet, Kelty, Klean Kanteen, and Rinse Kit join other previously announced exhibitors.

Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park joins other environmental and conservation nonprofits protecting the natural spaces in the region. Hard Exercise Works will also be on hand with information about the Diamond Crusher, a group fitness competition scheduled for September 24.

LEAF Schools & Streets will hold a special performance at noon to kick off the day’s festivities. A reggae showcase hosted by local mainstay Dennis “Chalwa” Berndt will follow the performance.

Those attending the festival will enjoy last year’s perks including coupons, discounts, giveaways, raffles, and the chance to chat with industry leaders and demo the newest gear. This year includes an expanded music schedule, family adventure zone, yard games, and a nonprofit village. Highland Brewing’s line of beers and food will be available for purchase.

The first round of outdoor brands announced includes locally-based businesses Astral and Eagles Nest Outfitters, as well as Buff Headwear, Columbia Sportswear, Deuter, ExOfficio, Goal Zero, KEEN, LEKI, Marmot, Montrail, NEMO Equipment, Oboz, Outdoor Research, Outdoor Tech, Salewa, Sea to Summit, Stanley, Tilley Endurables, Toad&CO., and Wind Pouch.

The first round of nonprofits announced include Asheville Greenworks, Carolina Mountain Club, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, Mountain True, and North Carolina Outward Bound School.

Highland Brewing Company is located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville, North Carolina.

We’re excited to join Frugal Backpacker to announce the first round of vendors for the Asheville Outdoor Show. In its second year, the free public expo brings top innovators from the most popular outdoor companies to recreation enthusiasts in the playground of the mountains of North Carolina. The Asheville Outdoor Show will take place on Sunday, September 18, from noon to 4:00 p.m. in Highland Brewing Company’s Meadow (12 Charlotte Highway in Asheville). The festival is open to the public and features an expanded footprint in Highland Brewing Company’s Meadow with over 75 booths, Family Adventure Zone, live music, and games.

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“Diamond Brand Outdoors opened the area’s first outdoor lifestyle shop in 1964,” said Chris Bubenik, Marketing Manager for Diamond Brand Outdoors and Frugal Backpacker. “We love the outdoors and making sure our customers have what they need for the best experience. That’s why we’ve made the Asheville Outdoor Show open to brands by invitation only. We want to showcase innovators known for their quality, variety, and uniqueness.”

Those attending the festival will enjoy last year’s perks including coupons, discounts, giveaways, raffles, and the chance to chat with industry leaders and demo the newest gear. This year includes an expanded music schedule, family adventure zone, yard games, and a nonprofit village. Highland Brewing’s line of beers and food will be available for purchase.

The day’s schedule, music lineup, raffle beneficiary, and additional vendors will be announced in two parts in mid-August and the beginning of September.

The first round of outdoor brands announced include locally-based businesses Astral and Eagles Nest Outfitters, as well as Buff Headwear, Columbia Sportswear, Deuter, ExOfficio, Goal Zero, KEEN, LEKI, Marmot, Montrail, NEMO Equipment, Oboz, Outdoor Research, Outdoor Tech, Salewa, Sea to Summit, Stanley, Tilley Endurables, Toad&CO., and Wind Pouch.

The first round of nonprofits announced include Asheville Greenworks, Carolina Mountain Club, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, Mountain True, and North Carolina Outward Bound School.

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Highland Brewing Company is located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville, North Carolina. Check out photos from last year below.

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