Best Things to Do in Weaverville, NC

Looking to get out of Asheville for the day but not sure which direction to go? How about Weaverville, NC. It’s just a short 15 minute drive (seven miles) north of downtown Asheville. It’s a tiny little mountain town but it’s host to a bunch of fun things to do as well as two local breweries. Keep reading to discover our top picks for Best Things to Do in Weaverville, NC.

Hungry and looking for the Best Places to Eat in Weaverville? Check out our post HERE.

Explore Main Street

One of the best things to do in Weaverville, NC is to explore Main Street and it’s cute shops and restaurants. There is on-street parking all along Main Street as well as a couple of parking lots (Weaverville’s Downtown Parking Lot is the most centrally located) where you can dump your vehicle for the day and explore on foot. If you’re able, we think walking is the best way to explore the town. In addition to Main Street, we also recommend a few detours off the main drag such as Merchants Alley, Merrimon Avenue and Florida Avenue. Two of our favorite shops in Weaverville are Curtis Wright Outfitters and Five Little Monkeys Quilt and Sew. Read more about both shops below.

Main Street Nature Park | 11 Pine Street

The Main Street Nature Park, one of the best things to do in Weaverville, NC.

The Main Street Nature Park is, as you might have guessed, just off Main Street. Be sure to take a stop there when you’re strolling through town. There is a dog-friendly walking trail (dogs must be on a leash) which is also great for running because it’s lightly mulched. The park itself is made up of 10 acres and includes a few benches and picnic shelters. During the summer there are free concerts down at the bandshell. If the Barsters are playing, you must go! Bring your own chair or blanket.

Mangum Pottery | 16 N. Main Street

Definitely make a point to stop in at Mangum Pottery. They have all kinds of pottery items for sale; things like dinnerware, mugs, bowls, platters, and pitchers. They’ve been honing their craft for over 30 years and have a reputation for being a safe and welcoming space for all people. In addition, they were recently Best of WNC winners for Potter and Ceramic Artist! They are open for business during Covid-19 and are practicing safe social distancing and masks. They also use disinfectant, gloves, and a mask when packing orders. Oh, and Rob is a member of the Barsters, mentioned above.

Curtis Wright Outfitters | 24 N. Main Street

This outdoor shop is focused on fly fishing. They’ve got all the gear you need to get you ready for some time on the water. They also offer guided trips and on those, they provide all the gear and flies you need so the only thing you need to do is show up and have a good time. The types of guided trips they offer are half-day wades, full-day wades, float trips, and multi-day trips. The multi-day trips include lodging, breakfast, lunch, gear, supplies, and even snacks. The shop is currently open for business during the pandemic.

Curtis Wright Outfitters, one of the best things to do in Weaverville, NC. — Curtis Wright Outfitters on Main Street in Weaverville, NC.

Five Little Monkeys Quilt and Sew | 32 N. Main Street

This shop on Main Street is your go-to spot for all things quilting and sewing. They were recently featured in the Spring 2020 issue of Better Homes & Gardens as being a top shop. You can find everything from patterns, books, fabrics, machines, kits, and more here. You can also take one of their classes. Due to Covid-19 the shop is currently open by appointment only although you can order items online.

Visit Lake Louise Park | 120 Merrimon Avenue

The .6 mile gravel path that circles Lake Louise Park was one of the cornerstones of our runs when we lived in Weaverville during Covid-19. Though we could easily access the short trail from our apartment, there is a bunch of free parking there if you need to drive there in order to access the lake. There’s also a bunch of fitness equipment, picnic tables, playground equipment, and even shelters for you to hang out at. Plus, a quick lap around the park means you’re almost guaranteed to run into the resident ducks that live there. Be sure to walk down towards the waterfall as well (just across the street from the fishing pier.)

Eluvium Brewing Company | 11 Florida Avenue

On Saturday’s B’aad Sheep Burrito’s Food Truck used to pull up in front of Eluvium Brewing Company. It made for a really fun way to spend an afternoon. However, B’aad Sheep recently finished building out the space next to Eluvium so you can get food every day except for Monday. Eluvium has a ton of great beers on tap (yes, you can get a flight) and a fun indoor/outdoor space to hang out. They are open for business during Covid-19 and they have a great outdoor seating area. Check out what they have on tap (it’s constantly rotating) and if you don’t see something you like then try one of their guest beers or ciders. Oh, and be on the lookout for one of the five brewery dogs!

Zebulon Artisan Ales | 8 Merchants Alley

Though the town of Weaverville is small, it still boasts two really cool, super tasty craft breweries. And they’re both just around the corner from each other. Zebulon has more limited hours than Eluvium (they’re only open to the public from 1-6 on Fridays and Saturdays) but their beers are delicious. They do small pours and flights of their bottled beers (you can take these to-go) as well as the experimental small batches that are only available at their brewery. All of the beers at Zebulon are unfiltered. Some of them can even be stored for years and opened later for a special occasion. Check out the Zebulon Artisan Ales beer blog for a look at some of their descriptions and dedications (almost all of the beers are ‘for’ someone, often a musician.)

Honey and the Hive | 23 Merrimon Avenue

photo of the Honey and the Hive, one of the best things to do in Weaverville, NC. — Honey and the Hive in Weaverville, NC.

This family business is your one-stop shop for all things bees. They sell what you might expect, local honey, beeswax, books and and art. But they are so much more than that. They also offer classes and workshops such as the Beginner Beekeeping Series, Hands-On in the Hive, and Mead Making. We think it’s one of the best things to do in Weaverville because it’s an experience that you can’t get in most other places.

Crucible Glassworks | 60 Clarks Chapel Road

This hot glass studio and gallery was founded in 1998. It features the work of local artist Michael Hatch. You may remember him from his original location in downtown Asheville. Hatch moved his studio to Weaverville in 2015 and he also offers private lessons that range from 35 minutes – 4 hours. All skill levels are welcome and the classes are open to kids 11 and up (though students 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult).

Echoview Fiber Mill | 76 Jupiter Road

photo of the Echview Fiber Mill, one of the best things to do in Weaverville, NC. — The Gold LEED Certified Echoview Fiber Mill.

There are arts and craft stores and yarn stores and then there is the Echoview Fiber Mill. This is not only a yarn store but, as they say on their website, “… a spinning mill, knitting operation, and design house.” Plus, they sell more than just yarn. They sell everything from bags to scarfs to rugs to hats and even magazines and books. They also offer classes and workshops. It’s a great spot to pick up a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself. You can also take a free tour by visiting on a Friday at 1:00pm. Tours are not being offered as of now due to Covid-19. Due to Covid-19, check their website or call for details before visiting.

Reems Creek Golf Course | 36 Pink Fox Cove Road

Neither of us are into golf but we know a bunch of people who are so we thought we’d add it to our list of the best things to do in Weaverville. This golf course has 18 holes and is a 72 par course. Plus, it’s public so you don’t have to be a member to play there. Update: The golf course is currently open despite the coronavirus. There are some modifications to playing and clubhouse use but you can still get out on the links.

Dry Ridge Historical Museum | 60 Lakeshore Drive

The Dry Ridge Historical Museum is currently under construction (May 2020). We’ve been watching the construction crew make progress on the site for the last couple of weeks. Until they are completed with the new community center, also home to the Dry Ridge Historical Museum, you’ll have to make-do with their Facebook page. The community museum is set to be completed by mid-2021. When it opens you can do genealogy research, learn about Weaverville in it’s infancy, see historic photos and artifacts and learn the stories behind them and make a connection to the town. We can’t wait to take a tour of the new site as we think it will quickly become one of the top attractions in Weaverville, NC.

Reems Creek Pottery | 181 Reems Creek Road, #6

There are six different potters in this artist’s space. You can shop for mugs, magnets, jewelry, wall art, and more in this combined studio/gallery space. It’s another great spot to meet local artists and support the artists community in Weaverville. The studios are currently open during Covid-19. Masks and social distancing are required.

Wagbar | 320 Merrimon Avenue

If you have a dog and it loves being social with other dogs and people then you must visit Wagbar. We’ve actually gone a handful of times without a pup in tow, just to be there in and among all the four-legged friends. Plus, there’s a good selection of craft beers, non-alcoholic drinks, cider, and even wine. Note: Wagbar is 21+, sorry kids.

Seasonal Events in Weaverville, NC

Though Weaverville is small, they do have several events a year that draw a good crowd, often bringing several thousand people into town. These special events are some of the best things to do in Weaverville. Many of the events have been impacted due to the coronavirus but stay tuned for announcements and updates for upcoming years.

Weaverville Art Safari

Weaverville typically hosts two art safaris a year, one in the spring and one in the fall, though at the time of this writing, the spring 2020 safari has been cancelled due to Covid-19. The two-day, self-guided safari is one of the original studio tours in the Asheville area. You an expect to meet a ton of local artists, everything from potters to woodworkers, painters to photographers and more. Oh and the best part is, the event is free! Check out the Weaverville Art Safari page for more information.

Candlelight Stroll

One Friday night in December, Main Street in Weaverville gets into the holiday spirit for the Candlelight Stroll. The town lines Main Street with luminaries, music, and entertainment. The shops and restaurants are open as are the lower floor of the library (cookies, a story, and hot cider await you) and the Dry Ridge Museum. You can even take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage and listen to carolers from some of the local schools. If this doesn’t get you into a holiday spirit …

Music on Main

The event Music on Main has been canceled for 2020 due to Covid-19 but we’re eager for it to return. Why? Because it’s an awesome one-day event where the entire town comes out to dance, sing and enjoy an open-air concert. The event usually lasts for four hours and features at least two bands. There are also activities for kids, food, drinks, and pop up booths for you to explore. The whole thing takes place on Main Street and the roads are closed between Merrimon Avenue and Brown Street. If you’re attending, do your best to walk, ride a bike or, at the very least, carpool. They open up parking on the field at Weaverville primary but there are only so many spaces so if you’re planning on parking there, arrive early.

Art in Autumn

The coronavirus has also canceled Weaverville’s Art in Autumn event which was slated for September 19 from 10 am to 6 pm on Main Street. The event typically features over 100 local artists and makers, all of whom have their work for sale. One of the highlights of Art in Autumn is the awards. Best in Show receives $1000, second place receives $500, third places receive $300 and there are four awards of $50 each for honorable mention. There is also music and food at the event. Admission and parking is free.

Weaverville Tailgate Market | 76 Monticello Road

If you guessed that the coronavirus has had an impact on the Weaverville Tailgate Market, you’re right. Since 2009, the Weaverville Tailgate Market sets up at Reems Creek Nursery from April 1 – October 28 on Wednesdays from 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm. You can show up and pick up produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, tea, coffee and honey. There are also other non-food related vendors on site selling plants, arts and crafts.

Best Things to Do in Weaverville, NC Recap

Weaverville’s slogan is The Art of Small Town Hospitality. And it truly lives up to it’s name. As we mentioned earlier, we lived in Weaverville for several months during the coronavirus pandemic. (And as of May 2020, we’re still here!) During that time, even though we were social distancing, we met, from at least six feet away, many of the people that live there. We started seeing familiar faces on our morning runs and afternoon walks and almost everyone there gave us a wave and a smile. Many of them introduced themselves. Weaverville truly has a neighborhood vibe to it and it’s an inclusive one. If you want to get out of Asheville for the day and aren’t sure what to do, we recommend Weaverville. What do you think of our list of top attractions in Weaverville? We’d love to hear from you. Think something should be added to our list? Feel free to drop us a line or leave a comment. Wondering where our top picks and recommendations are for food and places to eat? Stay tuned!

Weaverville is the last stop on our Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip. Check it out on our Van Life page.