Southern Highlands Preserve
Southern Highlands Preserve is a native plant arboretum and research center located high above Lake Toxaway. At an elevation of 4500 feet, the Preserve offers weekly tours from April to October. Take a stroll through the Wildflower Labyrinth or take part in a Fireside Chat at the nearby Greystone Inn with one of the Preserves’ extremely knowledgeable Horticulturists.
Explore all of this and more at https://southernhighlandsreserve.org
PARI
Western North Carolina’s dark skies on a new moon present some of the most beautiful sights to be seen. The stars will take your breath away, and a shooting star is not a rarity. For all of our astronomy fans, PARI is right around the corner! Visit Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, located on 200 acres at a former NASA Facility. With camps and public tours for all ages, you won’t want to miss this experience.
https://www.pari.edu
Panthertown Valley
Love the outdoors? You’re in luck! With Panthertown Valley too close not to enjoy, you can take a hike every weekend of your entire life and never see it all! It offers breathtaking waterfalls, never-ending views, trout fishing and hiking trails for everyone from the shy beginner to the most experienced outdoorsmen.
https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/panthertown-valley/
You can also join “Friends of Panthertown” for guided hikes and volunteering opportunities helping to preserve our beautiful landscape.
https://panthertown.org
Gorges State Park
Visit Rainbow Falls and see for yourself how it got its name. Gorges State Park has trails for the whole family. Visit their beautiful new Visitors Center to explore the many options to enjoy this great park.
https://www.ncparks.gov/gorges-state-park
Headwaters Outfitters
Want to try your hand at Flyfishing? Have an experienced guide take you out and show you the ropes. With amazing guides and only the best streams and rivers, Headwaters Outfitters is your place for guided river tours! Whether Flyfishing, kayaking or just having a lazy river tube float, Headwaters does it best. After your day out on the water, stop by the Taproom for a local brew or a much earned bite to eat at one of the many fantastic Food Trucks, including the one and only Blue Smoke BBQ.
https://www.headwatersoutfitters.com
https://www.bluesmoke.com/
Killer Bees Honey
Are you as sweet as honey or do you have more of a sting? Either way, these guys have got you covered. Killer Bees Honey! This dangerously delicious local bee farm offers tours and tastings for groups of all sizes. Enjoy seeing them in action for a regular visit or special occasion. They always have a killer sweet time.
https://www.killerbeeshoney.com/
Oxbow River Snorkeling
Have you ever wondered what goes on below the surface of our beautiful rivers and streams? Have you ever wanted to see an Eastern Hellbender Salamander up close and personal or watch as a crayfish enjoys its lunch? Look no further! Go river snorkeling with a Freshwater Biologist at Oxbow River Snorkeling! Offering a variety of tours, these guys are bound to get your adrenaline pumping and show you things you have never seen before!
https://www.oxbowriversnorkeling.com
Dinner & Bluegrass at Toxaway Community Center
Get a taste of the local culture and history of Toxaway! Visit the Toxaway Community Center every Friday starting in Spring and running through Autumn. You will not want to miss the best bluegrass bands these mountains have inspired. $10 will get you an amazing Southern style dinner cooked by only the best and a night of only the most talented bluegrass musicians in the area. Friday Night Dinner is from 6pm-7pm and Music is from 7pm-9pm. Don’t forget to take a look next door at the Bargain Barn! You can find more information and other community events on their website at http://www.toxawaycc.com/friday-night-dinners-and-music.html
Curtis Wright Falconry
Falconry? Yes! Experience these amazing birds take flight! Handle and fly a bird of prey with licensed falconers with over 40 years of experience.
https://curtiswrightoutfitters.com/falconry/