Art, handcraft, history, and music: Discover the stories of Black Mountain, NC

Written By Amy Schultz

There’s nothing like reading a really great book, and a book becomes great through its ability to transport you to another world. Every chapter is essential to making the magic possible.

 

Sassafras on Sutton, photo by South of Eden Photography

 

The book of Black Mountain

Black Mountain, North Carolina is like a really great book. The world-building of the town is rooted in the natural beauty of the Black Mountain range. The backstory is its rich history begins with the Cherokee and Catawba Native Americans and later in the founding of Town of Black Mountain in 1893. Several of the buildings in downtown Black Mountain today were constructed in those early decades of the town.

Black Mountain Center for the Arts, artist Nate Barton

What’s most compelling about the book of Black Mountain, at least to me, are the people. Each person is a chapter, totally unique in the ways they preserve traditions and create new ones. But we’re also connected by the love of our community.

Even first-time visitors immediately get a sense of this when they walk into any Black Mountain shop, gallery, venue, or business. Have you noticed? There’s a sublime mix of old and new, nature and nurture, art and hand-crafting.

Ready to dive into the book of Black Mountain, North Carolina? Here’s a guide to some of the characters who tell the story of our creative spirit.

Dedicated to the arts

In Black Mountain, I love that there are several non-profits dedicated to the visual and/or performing arts. They include:

In addition to these organizations, dozens of galleries and shops throughout Black Mountain showcase original works by artists who create with glass, canvas, paper, textiles, wood, and ceramics… not to mention food, flowers, spices, upcycled and repurposed goods, and more! Wear your comfy walking shoes and stroll from one end of downtown to the other. If you’re doing it right (by mixing in great food, beverages, events, nature breaks, and live music), it absolutely will take more than a weekend.

PRO TIP: Make the most of your browsing by asking the friendly people behind the counter to tell you a little about the artist.

Visit our Shops/Services directory >

Thanks to South of Eden Photography for your contributions to this photogallery.

 

Year-round music and events

Western North Carolina definitely has a soundtrack, and Black Mountain is a great place to hear this unique blend of heart and soulful talent. Here are some of the venues in Black Mountain that bring musicians and fans together by hosting live music throughout the year:

  • Beradu Market, Kitchen & Bar

  • Black Mountain Brewing

  • Black Mountain Pizza & Ale House

  • Foothills Grange

  • Lookout Brewing

  • Oak & Grist Distilling Co.

  • Phil's Bar-B-Que Pit

  • Silverados Music Park

  • The Town Pump Tavern

  • White Horse Black Mountain

Find out who’s playing where by visiting the town’s events calendar, which is updated independently by members of our community and hosted by our friends at My Carolina Mountain Life.

Annual Festivals

From the Black Mountain Tailgate Market to the Park Rhythms Concert Series, there are so many events taking place year-round in our community! Here’s a sampling:

  • {Re}HAPPENING: A one-day event in May held at the historic campus of Black Mountain College, {Re}HAPPENING invites contemporary artists to fill the campus with art installations, new media, music, and performance projects.

  • OLD DEPOT ART BY THE TRACKS: Every June and October, this awesome outdoor art show features local artists and is held near the historic railroad tracks in downtown Black Mountain.

  • PARK RHYTHMS: Held from June through August, the Town of Black Mountain hosts this Thursday evening concert series. Free and family-friendly!

  • ART IN BLOOM: Another fantastic annual event featuring local artists and craftspeople, showcasing a diverse range of artwork. June.

  • BLACK MOUNTAIN BLUES FESTIVAL: A downtown celebration of blues music with performances by local and national artists. July.

  • SOURWOOD FESTIVAL: A tradition since 1977, this festival celebrates the local sourwood honey with arts, crafts, music, and food vendors. August.

  • LEAF GLOBAL ARTS FESTIVAL: The Lake Eden Arts Festival is a bi-annual event featuring global music, arts, and culture, held at the historic Black Mountain College campus.

  • HOLLY JOLLY BLACK MOUNTAIN: A festive event where shops stay open late, offering holiday specials and entertainment. First Friday in December.

Visit our Things to Do directory to learn more >

 

Now you’re ready to write your own Black Mountain chapter!

Getting Here & Staying Here

Getting to and around Black Mountain is easy! Visit our handy travel guide and interactive parking map and our Accommodations guide.


About Black Mountain, North Carolina

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Mountain is a charming town known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor adventure, and Southern hospitality. Dubbed the "Front Porch of Western North Carolina," Black Mountain invites visitors to explore its stunning landscapes, discover unique local businesses, and enjoy the welcoming community spirit that make it such a special place to live, work, and visit again and again.


How to Support #BlackMountainStrong

At first glance, it might look like the Town of Black Mountain has achieved economic recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. In fact, there is still so much work to be done. Our recovery efforts, which include restoration of our parks and rebuilding of Town-owned spaces, will take years. Please consider a donation to the #BlackMountainStrong Helene Recovery Fund. You can trust that 100% of your donation will stay local. CLICK HERE TO DONATE, and thank you.

 

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.

Amy Schultz
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