Tucked away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Mountain, North Carolina, is a charming town that perfectly blends natural beauty, small-town vibes, and a creative culture. Known as the “Front Porch of Western North Carolina,” this quaint destination offers something for everyone – whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax.
Black Mountain’s history traces back to its origins as a Cherokee and Catawba hunting ground before European settlers arrived in the 1700s. Named after the nearby Black Mountain range, the town became a thriving community in the late 1800s as a key stop on the Western North Carolina Railroad. It also holds a unique place in educational history with Black Mountain College, an experimental liberal arts school founded in 1933. The college emphasized interdisciplinary learning and prioritized art-making as an essential part of education. Although it closed in 1957, its innovative approach left a lasting impact on the town’s cultural identity.
A backstory
My love for Black Mountain dates back to the ’90s when I frequently visited the area during childhood church trips to Montreat Retreat Center. Montreat, a small town next to Black Mountain, NC, is known for its strong Presbyterian heritage and as the home of Montreat College. My most vivid memory isn’t the beautiful setting, stone cottages, or wonderful friendships made, but the time I got caught smoking a cigarette on campus (sorry, Mom & Dad!). I was young and impressionable. Thankfully, Jesus forgives.
Back to the story: Black Mountain is our happy place. We have a cozy house tucked away in the hills, just a five minute drive from downtown. Black Mountain is a little over two hours from Greensboro, and conveniently located only 20 miles from Asheville. Shameless plug: our ‘treetop hideaway’ is available for rent, offering four bedrooms (with super comfy beds), two and a half baths, and stunning views.
After the storm
Black Mountain has made a strong comeback after the impact of Hurricane Helene, thanks to the community’s tireless efforts to get things reopened. The way the community came together to support one another was incredibly heart-warming and inspiring. This picturesque town is thriving once again but they, along with many other WNC towns, still need our support more than ever!
The great outdoors
Whether you’re into biking, hiking, or golfing, Black Mountain has something for everyone. Our favorite outdoor adventure is hiking the Lookout Mountain Trail. While the official trailhead is located in Montreat, we were lucky to discover a connecting trail just about 100 yards from our house! For years, we had been driving into Montreat without realizing how close and convenient our access point was. Most of the hike is moderate, but the final stretch is all steep steps and rock scrambling. The climb is challenging, but the 360-degree views from the summit make it all worthwhile.
For a more leisurely adventure, we enjoy taking a slow stroll around Lake Tomahawk. Featuring incredible views, the lake area connects to the local pool and the Black Mountain Golf Course, which unfortunately experienced significant damage due to Hurricane Helene. They’re hoping to reopen in Spring 2025. Regardless, this a great spot to relax and take in the sights.
The food and drink
Oh boy do we love food and drink… and Black Mountain does not disappoint! There are so many great options – truly an impressive amount for a town this size. There are too many to mention, but here is a small few of our favorite spots:
Trailhead Restaurant – Black Mountain’s go-to for delicious, casual food, craft beer & cocktails
The Pure and Proper – incredible small plates, drinks & atmosphere in an old gas station
Cousin’s Cuban Cafe – a tiny eatery with the best cuban sandwiches ever
Lookout Brewing Company – our fave laid back spot to grab a delicious beer
Dripolator Coffee House – best coffee and pastries in town
Que Sera Restaurant – seafood & oysters galore
Open Oven Brunch & Bakery – best breakfast in town
All the other things to do
With a stunning backdrop of rolling hills, Downtown Black Mountain is a fun place to kick back and explore. The main area spans just a few blocks, centered around Cherry Street and State Street, making it easily walkable. Despite its size, downtown features an impressive mix of locally owned shops, art galleries, restaurants, coffee spots, and breweries. We also enjoy hitting up the Saturday farmer’s market for awesome local crafts, snacks and fresh flowers.
Another thing we love about Black Mountain is the vibrant music scene. You can always find live music at cozy bars (Town Pump Tavern!) or larger venues like Silverados, White Horse Black Mountain, and Pisgah Brewing Company.
Black Mountain is more than just a charming small town—it’s a place where natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant community come together to create something truly special. We’re always counting down the days until our next visit. If you haven’t experienced Black Mountain yet, I hope this inspires you to plan your own adventure—you won’t regret it! Let me know if I can help!
