Asheville NC News | Toe River Arts - The Perfect Reason to Explore the Wonders of Asheville

Published on May 9, 2018

Folks looking for cultural enrichment this Spring in one of the most glorious regions of the South are encouraged to plan a visit to one of the most artistic towns found surrounded by inspiring Asheville neighborhoods. Considered one of the best cities to live in North Carolina, this spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains oasis is home to some of the best art galleries in Asheville. The ideal time to explore this Blue Ridge Mountain retreat is at the upcoming Toe River Art open house.

With over 400 artists who call this region home, there are some of the finest art galleries to explore. Outdoor exploration is truly exemplified with the awesome collection of unique artwork of all genres on display native to this chic mountain paradise. If you appreciate art like we do, make plans to be dazzled while attending the upcoming Toe River Art Studio Tour which will be held on June 1st through June 3rd.

This bi-annual event runs for 3 days and features over 80 amazing artists who will participate in the event. There is an incredible collection of mixed media forums that include clay, glass, wood, metals, textiles, and art creations from all genres that makes this one of the best showcases of unique artwork that has made this region a popular “hot spot” for art enthusiasts country wide. It is here where some of the most amazing original pieces from world-class artists are found in this quaint and austere mountain resort where the works of art complement the natural surroundings making this the ultimate weekend getaway for the place to discover the Zen within. Come and explore the spectacular scenery of the blooming mountainous terrain, bubbling streams, frolicking wildlife, awesome views, outdoor festivities and discover the amazing art galleries in Asheville and throughout the hidden suburbs scattered around this trendy city.

The self-guided art studio tours found at the Toe River Art weekend is the perfect way to kick back and enjoy the fine art displays that decorate the two-county area of Mitchell and Yancey, just 40 miles northeast of Asheville. Open from 10am to 5pm throughout the weekend, art strollers can peruse the many pieces of art for sale offered in multiple mediums while enjoying the captivating mountainous terrain, Southern hospitality, great local wines, craft beer and awesome regional cuisine. To “kick-off” the weekend, there is a free reception being held on June 1st from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Toe River Spruce Pine Gallery. Everyone is invited to come, explore and imbibe this rich and colorful art extravaganza offered at Toe River Valley.

With incredible landscaping which includes picturesque mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls and thousands of blooming wildflowers, this region not only offers great outdoor adventures, but add the component of super cool artwork and you will discover why over 400 artists have decided to call this area home adding a very significant cultural component for all who live and visit the area. That is why Asheville and the surrounding territory has become a premiere travel destination for thousands of visitors year-round and has quickly become one of the best cities to live in North Carolina.

Through the efforts of dedicated organizations and imbedded businesses this amazing “creative” dream has become reality allowing this community to spiral in the realm of arts. Through the focus and hard work of the Toe River Arts Council, Penland School of Crafts, The Spruce Pine Potters Market, Parkway Playhouse, The Carolina Literary Festival, Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival, Old Timey Festival, Mt. Mitchell Crafts Festival, Pickin’ on the Porch, and eleven galleries have transformed this small town into a year-round art explosion of activity making Asheville art galleries one of the most sought-after spots to visit throughout the year. "It's like a treasure hunt. You take a map and head out to look for our signs to find these hidden treasures in the mountains," says Denise Cook of the Toe River Arts Council, which has hosted the tours since 1993. "It's a rare opportunity for many of these places to be open because many of the artists only open their studios for this tour."

Besides the upcoming – June 1st through 3rd “Toe River Art Studio Tour”, here are some of the other exciting events to look forward to in May and June which provide the ideal time to discover the best place to live in North Carolina and explore the incredible mountain escapes that can be found in the Asheville neighborhoods that surround this unbelievably picturesque, yet happening mountain community:

May 19, 2018: Open Studios Art Tour is a self-guided free tour from 11am to 4pm from 11 resident artists at the Grovewood Village who are opening their doors to view their most recent creative works found adjacent to the Grovewood Gallery.
May 19, 2018: Montford Arts and Music Festival free street festival that features musical acts, awesome foods, and highlights one of Asheville neighborhoods displaying the best of Montford. This block party with offer over 100 arts and crafts artists, great regional and international food venues and two stages with toe-tapping live music, 10am to 7pm.
May 19, 2018: Saluda Arts Festival offers some of the best regional artists in a spectacular outdoor market in the historic mountain village of Saluda from 10am to 5pm.
May 26-27, 2018: Kenilworth Artists Open Studio Tour located just 5 minutes from Asheville is an open Studio tour in Kenilworth neighborhood featuring over 20 artists from a wide variety of venues including jewelers, painters, fabric designers, glass sculptors, pottery, photography and woodworking from 10am to 5pm.
May 26-27, 2018: White Squirrel Festival this event located in downtown Brevard features a colorful parade, live music, exquisite arts and a great weekend to enjoy some awesome entertainment in the foothills of the captivating Blue Ridge Mountains.
May 26-28, 2018: Lake Lure Arts Festival is another free event located across the Beach at Lake Lure at 2771 Memorial Highway. Here you will find unique handcrafted works of art from over 60 artists displaying their creations.
May 26-27, 2018 Rotary Arts & Craft Fair the Village Green in Cashiers will host 90 original creations of fine ironwork, woodcrafts, pottery, textile innovations, and delicious homemade cakes and jams from 10am to 5pm.
May 26-27, 2018: Art on the Greene come visit the historical landmark of Banner Elk which will be offering a wide selection of metal, glass, pottery, wood sculptures and original jewelry pieces offered from local artists from 10am to 5pm. Support the cause of restoration of this amazing piece of property.
May 26-27, 2018: Garden Jubilee Festival gardeners looking for the best ideas for creating the ideal lawn and garden should plan to attend this amazing horticultural event held in downtown Hendersonville, arts and crafts are also being offered.
June 9, 2018: Clay Fest at Folk Art Center is a great free event being held to demonstrate the wonders of working with clay. From hand-building to surface design, the Southern Highland Craft Guild is on hand to show the “know how” of clay art through a variety of techniques highlighting Take Raku Firing, the event will run from 10am to 4pm.
June 9, 2018: Bluff Mountain Festival adventurers looking for some good ole Southern toe-tapping family fun, this free event held in Hot Springs is the place to be. With bluegrass, clogging, square dancing, superb regional cuisine and kicking up the heels ‘til dark, this fun-filled event starts at 10am until the cows come home!
June 9, 2018: Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration another event that extolls the rich history of mountain living is being held in downtown Waynesville featuring mountain crafts, regional delicacies, storytelling, mountain music and the austere surroundings of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Come enjoy the life once lived, and “to be lived” in this historical retreat held from 10am to 5pm.
June 16, 23 & 30, 2018: Asheville Art in the Park come shop the fare of great arts and crafts from some of the finest local artists at Park Square Park downtown. With a wide array of mediums from amazing talent to choose from this is “much more than a walk in the park.”
June 15-17, 2018: Rhododendron Festivals celebrate the world-renowned blooms at Roan Mountain in the captivating mountain retreat town of Bakersville.
June 16, 2018: Front Street Arts & Crafts Show music, great art, awesome food and great times are to be had at the artistic funky village of Dillsboro from 10am to 4pm.
June 16, 2018: Open Studios Art Tour take the time to journey through the exhibits of 11 resident artists at Grovewood Village as they open their studios for visitors on a free self-guided tour from 11am to 4pm, adjacent to the Grovewood Gallery.
June 22-23, 2018: Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour this self-guided driving tour offers a bevvy of galleries and art studios starting at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. The event is free and runs from 10am to 5pm.
June 23-24, 2018: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts & Crafts Show is an indoor venue held at the Haywood County Fairgrounds on Highway 209 near Waynesville and Lake Junaluska offering the handmade artwork of over 50 artists. The event runs from 8am to 5pm and offers free parking for attendees.
June 30-July 1, 2018: Summertime Art & Crafts Show this collection of some of the most unique and highly regarded artists of the Appalachian Mountains will be held at the Ramsey Center area at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. The event will feature 100 artists showcasing contemporary and heritage-based arts and crafts from 10am to 5pm.
June 30-July 1, 2018: Pots on the Green gardeners looking for the perfect planting arrangements should venture to explore the works of arts created by 15 invited potters at Cashiers premiere event offered from 10am to 5pm.
June 30-July 1, 2018: Freedom Arts & Crafts Show held at the Haywood County Fairgrounds in Waynesville, is a fabulous indoor venue featuring 50 unique crafters from all mediums, free parking, admission and incredible food options throughout the event.

If you can’t attend the upcoming “Toe River Art Studio Tour” on June 1st, as you can see there are plenty of cultural happenings in the eclectic mountain town of Asheville and the surrounding suburbs hidden in the Appalachian Mountains providing one complete package of awesomeness. Now is a beautiful time to visit one of the best cities to live in North Carolina and explore the exquisite Asheville neighborhoods that make this mountain town a mecca of artistic expression.

Be sure to request our complimentary Asheville relocation information to help you learn more about this creative city.