Things to do in Black Mountain, NC

Black Mountain is our town. It's small, walkable and about 20 minutes from the cabin. Here's where we actually go.

Breakfast

Louise's Kitchen

The best breakfast in town. Get the pancakes, or any of the sandwiches if you come for lunch. Walk downtown after.

Blue Ridge Biscuit Company

Giant homemade biscuits. Fast, filling and a good start before a hike.

Also good

Open Oven, and brunch at Pure and Proper or The Bush Farmhouse.

Lunch and dinner

Milton's

Our favorite for a real dinner out. Southern food, done well. Reserve a table or grab a seat at the bar.

The Bush Farmhouse

South African food, creative cocktails and resident goats. It was rebuilt after Hurricane Helene and it's a local favorite. Eat out under the verandas.

Pure and Proper

Tapas for sharing. Saturday fills up, so book ahead.

Little Sprout Carry Out

A local secret. Gourmet meals to go from a catering kitchen, including their famous "The Salad." Hours vary, so call first: (828) 357-9100.

The Trailhead

Burgers, sandwiches and a long list of local beer on tap. There's usually a wait. Put your name in and wander the shops.

Foothills Grange

Outdoor seating, a play area with dirt piles and Tonka trucks, and a very good burger.

More we like

La Guinguette for French food. Cousin's Cuban Cafe. Recess for baked goods.

Something sweet

The Hop for ice cream. Dairy King if you want the classic.

Shops and galleries

The Curiosity Shoppe has crafts and odd little gifts. Seven Sisters Gallery and Cherry Street Gallery have local art. C.W. Moose Trading Company is where we'd buy your Black Mountain souvenir.

Outside

Lake Tomahawk Park

A flat loop around the lake with ducks and a playground. Easy with a stroller or a slow dog.

Lookout Trail, Montreat (25 min)

1.5 miles out and back. More up and down than out and back, honestly. Steep in spots, with a short rock scramble to big views over Montreat and Black Mountain.

Greybeard Trail, Montreat

About 9 miles, across creeks and through the woods. Do part of it if you're not up for the whole thing. It's also where we got engaged.

Black Mountain Tailgate Market

Saturdays, May through October. Local produce, bread and flowers.

Our history hunt

We built a GPS-guided hunt through Black Mountain. Solve a clue, drive to the spot, learn a bit about the town, from the early railway days on. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour, plus however long you linger. Start the hunt here.

Local radio

Tune to 88.7 FM on the drive in. Lots of bluegrass.

Headed into the city? See our Asheville guide. Traveling with kids? Here's Moonlight with kids.

Check dates at Moonlight