Things to do nearby
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Right down the road, Dupont State Forest is 7,600 acres of forested land and has over ninety miles of trails for hiking, biking and even horseback riding on designated trails, which range from very easy to very challenging. Their trails combine a wonderful blend of incredible scenery, varied hiking levels and unbelievable waterfalls!
• Elevation Gain: up to 1,100 feet
• All skill levels
• Hiking, Biking, and a whole lot of Waterfalls
• Click here for more Details
One of the first national forests in the Eastern United States, Pisgah National Forest was established by the federal government in 1916. It covers over 500,000 acres in twelve counties in Western North Carolina. In close proximity to Moonbesam Bungalows you will find these 3 access areas just a short drive away.
• Beautiful Views
• The Davidson River trailhead is perhaps the most popular area within the entire Pisgah National Forest, for mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, rock climbers, fishermen, naturalists, photographers, and tourists alike. This is the quintessential National Forest recreation area, with a wide range of attractions that will delight any type of visitor.
• Bent Creek is located in the northern tip of the Pisgah Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. Bent Creek’s watershed contains a collection of trails for all kinds of hikes, for beginners and familes to advanced hiking groups. Bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway to the south and a moderately high ridge to the North, this watershed is a federal Research and Demonstration forest, so you can learn more about forestry management techniques as you hike.
• The Mills River area is the largest in Pisgah. There are several popular starting points for trails along both the North and South Mills Rivers. These rivers drains the south side of the Pisgah Ridge, and the modest ridges between the Bent Creek and Davidson River areas.
• Click here for more Details
Plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States are found within Gorges State Park. An elevation that rises 2,000 feet in only four miles, combined with rainfall in excess of 80 inches per year, creates a temperate rain forest and supports a collection of waterfalls!
It’s not a destination — it’s an experience. Considered “America’s most scenic drive,” the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through changing vistas of natural beauty, touching on stellar mountain views, hiking trails, and picnic sites. There are 2 close access areas from the Bungalows. The senic route winds you up through the stunning Pisgah Forest. The other enterance point takes you to the Aroboretum. You can also make this a nice day trip and start at the aboretum enterance go south on the Parkway and come back threw the Pisgah Forest to the Bungalows. Notable mile markers include:
• 417: Looking Glass Rock.
• 418.8: Graveyard Fields Overlook.
• 422.4: Devil’s Courthouse Parking Area.
• Click here for more Details
Jump Off Rock is a close by scenic overlook with a panoramic view of rolling pastures, the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges. Jump Off Rock also holds an ancient Indian legend and some say that on moonlit nights you can see the ghost of the Indian maiden on Jump Off Rock.
There are 3 very short trails but it is more about the view than the hiking at this scenic overlook.
Located about 5 miles from downtown Hendersonville in the Town of Laurel Park. Leaving Downtown Hendersonville take Fifth Avenue West, it becomes Laurel Park Highway, and the road dead ends at Jump Off Rock.
Jump Off Rock provides an excellent picnic spot! Grab lunch in Hendersonville and take 5th Ave. West to the end. Or from Moonbeam Bungalows stop by Appalachian Coffee Co in Laurel Park on your way.
Visit the Appalachian Coffee Co
The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset. No admission charge.
Just under an hour from Moonbeam Bungalows Chimney Rock State Park is an iconic landmark in North Carolina worthy of a day trip. You won’t regret the scenic drive through Apple Country where you can pop off at roadside stands or drop into a local winery or Cidery along the way. (see Apple Country)
At the park you can hike to the top of this towering 315-foot rock formation for the panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Don’t miss the Hickory Nut Falls Trail- it is considered a moderate 1.4mi round trip hike that takes you takes you to the base of this 404-foot natural wonder- one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.
Rock climbing and rappelling adventures are also available with Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School. Offering rock climbing instruction for guests of all levels with a variety of routes to try.
Just outside of the Park there is the quaint and quirky “Chimney Rock Village” home to an eclectic array of shops and eateries. Want to see the famous Chimney Rock with out the hike or park entrance fees? Go by Hickory Nut Gap Brewery for a “brew with a view”. Enjoy their wrap around riverside deck seating or my favorite… Bask in the Sunshine, brew in hand, toes in the water on the bouldery banks of the Rocky Broad River with Chimney Rock towering above you in the distance. Cheers!
Learn more about Chimney Rock Village
Learn more about Chimney Rock Park
The Crest of the Blue Ridge Orchards encompasses over 5,500 acres with 150 apple orchards making this area the 7th largest in apple production in America. Brining visitors from near and far every fall to the orchards for wholesome fun like apple-picking, hayrides and corn mazes. Or more Adult year round fun, touring the local wineries and Ciderys.
Henderson County is home to North Carolina’s newest wine country and was named an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the summer of 2019. Known as the “Crest of the Blue Ridge” there are now 6 wineries, 3 Ciderys and even a meadery to visit.
Crest of the Blue Ridge Wine Country
Guide and Map of the Crest of Blue Ridge Orchard Trail
Float the Undiscovered French Broad with Lazy Otter Outfitters.
BIKES. OUTDOOR GEAR. BEER.
Saddle UP! And hit the trails with Pisgah forest stables.
Choose between their one hour, two hour, the scenic three hour mountaintop, or the three hour waterfall ride. Located in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest. When was the last time you saddled UP?!
Call Ahead For Reservations:
AROUND TOWN
Asheville is a pure Southern gem! A wide variety and mix of cultures, Asheville brings you the best in entertainment, dining, shopping, art and some ofthe best microbrewed beer in America! Just walking through the streets of Asheville will give you a feel for it’s wonderful flavor! Street preformers, local and handcrafted goods, smiling faces and so many opportunities to experience something you never have! As the locals say, “Life is better here!” Click on any of the links below to find out more about what makes Asheville tick!
Hendersonville has all of your modern conveniences with a cute historic downtown. Just a short drive from the bungalows there are plenty of good places to eat, interesting little shops, a local co-op, antique shops, thrift shops and farm stands. Just outside of downtown Hendersonville is Apple Country. Known not just for the plethora of Apple Orchards but also Henderson County’s Vineyards.
• North Carolina Apple Festival
• Hendersonville CO-OP
Nicknamed “Little Charleston of the Mountains,” Flat Rock is now home to poets, playwrights, artists and entrepreneurs who invite you to explore Flat Rock and the surrounding area. Hike the mountain trails, tour the home of Carl Sandburg, catch a performance at the Flat Rock Playhouse and enjoy a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, historic inns and businesses.
Brevard is in Transylvania County which has a unique geography that allows for 250 magnificent cascades within a few miles of each other, know as “ the land of waterfalls”. Not only is Brevard a waterfall hunter’s dream but also has an artsy up beat downtown. The quaint town of Brevard lies just 15 miles south/west of the Bungalows. Did we mention the white squirrels?
LOCAL LOVE
Local Watering Holes
- Bold Rock Cidery: 5miles down the road from the bungalows! Awesome place to grab a cider and watch the sunset over the farmlands – An extensive list of ciders to try and local brews on tap too! The Bold Rock Food Trailer offers a limited menu at this time. Be sure to check out their current event schedule, they typically have something fun going on. website
- Mills River Brewery: Right down the road from Bold Rock. Awesome outdoor seating among the trees. Outdoor stage area for weekly live music. They also have Juju’s Craft Cokery food truck on site daily: website
- Burning Blush Brewery- Around the Conner from Mills River Brewery. Victorian era theme makes this brewery quite unique. Rotating food trucks website
- Sideways Farm and Brewery: 6miles from the Bungalows in Etowah. They are stewards of the land, growing their own ingredients and creating small batch artisan beers. Go by for a tasting and help them GROW: website
- Oklawaha Brewing: 8miles from the Bungalows. A nano brewery with lively vibes Downtown Hendersonville. Events almost everyday of the week. Great spot to catch a little local music. website
- Southern Appalachian Brewery- Micro Brewery Downtown Hendersonville 8 miles from Moonbeam Bungalows – website
- Sierra Nevada: 10 miles from the bungalows. WOW!! This is quite the brewery and event space, however, their outdoor amphitheater, inside dining and taps currently remain closed. Only offering TOGO website
- Oskar Blues Brewery- 14miles from the Bungalows. Located in the outskirts of Brevard, it is a great stop on your way to or fro Dupont State Forest. Grab a beer or a wild basin boozy sparkling water and a burger from their Chuckwagon. Large covered outside area and plenty of corn hole boards to go around. website
- Cheers! Trail: download brochure and map
No need to go Far
Want to stick close by to the bungalows or grab something quick to bring back? These options are all under 5-10min away:
Horse Shoe / Etowah:
- China Dynasty: Quick, easy and yummy! Located in the Horse Shoe Plaza 2miles down the road. Grab TOGO or Get Delivery: website
- Blue Ridge Pizza: Great pizza and super close! website
- The Salty Landing: The dining room is open for full service and outside seating options also available. The Salty Landing does seafood in the mountains right, offering Fresh Seafood brought in 6 days a week with a full bar and 18 taps for craft beer from local breweries. Only 5miles from the bungalows this is your closest laid back fun ambiance yet “sit down” dining experience. website
- Closest “INGLES” Grocery Store: 5miles from the bungalows. Has a better all around selection especially produce than the one in Laurel Park
Laurel Park:
- Appalachian Coffee Company: this is were you want to go for a GOOD cup of coffee and a light bistro breakfast. They are also a little market with wine and beer for sale. website
- Sol Y Luna: Cali-Mex Bar and Grill. Only 6miles from the bungalows. Great option for take out or dine in. Check out their pet friendly large outside patio seating! website
- Dixie Diner: Looking for a timeless “all day” breakfast spot that is still outfitted with the same sparkly green chairs from their retro days and good ‘ol down to earth southern cooking ? Dixie Diner is your spot. Don’t expect fancy or healthy but you can count on those sparkly green chairs and being fully satisfied without paying those trendy breakfast prices.
- Next Closest “INGLES” Grocery Store: 6miles from the bungalows. I call this the Baby Ingles, sometimes it’s nice not having so many options. *Better Beer selection than Etowah Ingles*