Ten reasons to spend Thanksgiving weekend in Black Mountain, NC
“I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Mountain, NC is the kind of place that feels tailor-made for a cozy Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. With nature's beauty all around us, we think our town’s the perfect place to spend time with those you’re most grateful for.
Here are ten ways to make the most of your Thanksgiving getaway in Black Mountain, while showing a little extra love to the small businesses that make our mountain town shine.
1. Kick off Thanksgiving morning at the Black Mountain Turkey Trot, November 27.
Lace up for a crisp fall run through Black Mountain’s historic streets and leafy neighborhoods. Whether you pick the chip-timed 5K or the family-friendly 1-mile “Wishbone” fun run, you’ll start the holiday full of fresh air, gratitude, and community energy. CLICK HERE to register.
2. Burn off those calories at the Black Mountain Turkey Burner Trail Race, November 30.
The Black Mountain Turkey Burner Trail Race is the most technical trail race on the ERS' Sunshine Series schedule. With its start and finish at the Black Mountain Community Park, the half marathon includes major "hill" climbing on some very technical trails, while the 10K and 5K features less technical climbing on groomed dirt trail. This event is an ERS Championship Qualifier and will sell out early, so please sign up early! CLICK HERE to register.
3. Hike or stroll in the mountain air.
Prefer to set your own pace? Take advantage of the natural beauty in and around Black Mountain. Whether you want a moderate trail with sweeping views or a gentle stroll around a lake, a walk or hike in the Swannanoa Valley is the perfect response to Thanksgiving indulgences. CLICK HERE for trail ideas.
4. Savor our local flavor(s).
Every kitchen in Black Mountain reflects our town’s creative flavor. From chef-inspired menus to super-fresh pizza, and from homey bakeries to cozy cafés, there are so many places to soak our friendly atmosphere and delicious fare. CLICK HERE FOR OUR DRINK/DINE DIRECTORY.
5. Taste craft drinks or local brews.
Whether you’re winding down with a craft beer, cider, mixed drink, or a specialty coffee, Black Mountain’s local pubs, breweries, distillery, and cafés provide warm spots to linger, chat and enjoy the pace of the weekend. CLICK HERE FOR OUR DRINK/DINE DIRECTORY.
6. Shop our boutique treasure trove, especially on Small Business Saturday, November 29.
Set the perfect table with pottery from Europa Fine Gifts, europafinegifts.com, in downtown Black Mountain
With our walkable downtown, Black Mountain is the perfect place for holiday shopping. We pride ourselves on our small business culture that offers so many handcrafted and locally-sources goods, arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, and much more.
On Small Business Saturday, we invite you to support gems like Town Hardware & General Store (in business since 1928), Mountain Nest Gallery, and the Black Mountain Yarn Shop. Each stop helps keep our local economy vibrant. CLICK HERE FOR OUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY.
7. Stay somewhere rich in character.
Choose lodging that complements our town’s historic and artistic flair. Boutique inns, locally-owned hotels, and vacation rentals let you rest easy and feel part of our hometown vibes. CLICK HERE FOR PLACES TO STAY.
8. Discover our art and music scene.
Nature’s artistry surrounds our town, providing inspiration for the creatives who call our community home. In Black Mountain, you’ll find galleries, shops, restaurants, breweries, and other venues that feature local artists’ work plus host exhibits, live music, theatre, dancing, and more. CLICK HERE to discover arts, culture, and events in Black Mountain.
9. Capture your memories.
While you enjoy Thanksgiving in Black Mountain, be sure to take a few photos that capture your special get-away, including our historic downtown architecture, artful murals, gorgeous mountain and valley views, and the warm glow of our holiday lights.
10. Thank you.
At its heart, a Thanksgiving weekend is about gratitude. So, thank you for spending time with us, and we hope you come back again soon to Black Mountain.
About the Author
This blog story was written by Amy J. Schultz, an award-winning author, brand/marketing strategist, and overall creative type. She, her husband Brian, and their giant dog Bentley love their downtown Black Mountain neighborhood.
