Blue Ridge - Asheville, NC Area Guide

Blue Ridge provides a quiet, comfortable residential setting for the active-adult residential base. The community's dedication to Asheville's native wildlife remains a centerpiece for the community's culture and history. Blue Ridge attracts wildlife and helps maintain the natural ecosystem. Residents may spot deer, turkeys, and a variety of songbirds at any given time.

Although the community itself does not house museums or culturally significant destinations, a short drive takes you to Asheville's most historic sites, including the Biltmore Estate, America's largest home. Explore the Biltmore's 8,000-acre backyard, nestled amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take part in the estate's extensive offering of events, including seminars and tours. Indulge in the shops and dining experiences located onsite at this historic landmark.

Downtown Asheville offers culture at every turn. Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center houses numerous attractions at one location. Historic sites abound in the downtown area, while the Asheville Arts Museum showcases world-class special exhibitions throughout the year.

Blue Ridge puts residents close to some of Asheville's outlying retail hubs, which include traditional and unique dining experiences. Many are within a short walk of the entrance to the community. Taking a 30-minute drive lands residents at any of Asheville's exciting restaurants, from organic fare to hometown pizza, sushi to barbecue.

From the entrance of the community, a two-minute walk down Henderson Avenue puts you at Green Sage Cafe, a comfortable and chic spot to fill your belly or enjoy a latte while reading the morning paper. With a commitment to sustainability and fresh menus, Green Sage delights the taste buds of patrons. With a long list of vegetarian and vegan items on the menu, and the option to veganize a large portion of the other dishes, Green Sage remains a favorite for those living a healthy lifestyle. Try a refreshing chia berry lemonade during pleasant weather. For breakfast, order the Pura Vida Bowl, which combines black beans, brown rice, sunny-side eggs, sauteed kale, grilled sweet potato and avocado cilantro salsa into a festive meal. This cozy cafe also serves lunch and dinner, as well as beer and wine. Asheville's Citizen-Times took notice of Green Sage Cafe's commitment to local art by mentioning the "Zoom In" exhibition in autumn 2014. This exhibition showcased Asheville street photography.

Located just a 6-minute walk south on Henderson, Pacific Pagoda serves the sushi- craving residents of Blue Ridge. With lunch, dinner and take-out available, you have the option of enjoying an exciting sit-down meal or eating an authentic sushi meal at home. Order a starter from the sushi bar to taste an assortment, including salmon tartar, tuna or salmon tataki, or The White Tuna Volcano.

Asheville's bar selection gives patrons the chance to try one-of-a-kind brews, music and more in a variety of settings. Just down the road from Blue Ridge is Thirsty Monk Pub & Brewery, one of the company's four locations in the city. With a handful of brews on tap and in bottles, customers enjoy the brewery's signature beers.

Walking- and biking-friendly Blue Ridge allows residents to choose their mode of transportation. This forested and park-like community features sidewalks, walking trails, and natural land to explore.

Hailing a cab, if need be, provides a safe ride to and from your favorite Asheville destinations. Several taxi companies serve the Asheville area, including Uber. When enjoying the local venues, take advantage of the large parking lots available at most businesses. Interstates 40 and 26 offer on- and off-ramps nearby the community, providing quick commuting to and from the surrounding area. The community lies just off U.S. Highway 25, also known as Henderson Avenue.

Blue Ridge residents enjoy a desirable opportunity to live with the mature trees, natural lands, and well-stocked ponds and creeks. City and county parks lie within a short drive or, in some cases, within walking distance. Entrance to city and county parks remains free, although certain activities may come with a price tag.

A two-mile, 41-minute walk results in finding yourself at Lake Julian Park. This park's centerpiece, 300-acre Lake Julian, presents patrons with fishing, boating, picnicking and outdoor games. Lake Julian Park caters to families; residents of all ages enjoy the natural setting and mix of events and activities along the shores of this large lake. The park hosts annual festivals, including the 4th of July fireworks, Scarecrow Festival and Festival of Lights.

Lake Julian Park, like all Buncombe County Parks, allows leashed dogs. Several dog parks lie within the county as well, giving residents places to take their furry friends. Bike trails wind through many of the city and county parks, allowing Crowfields' active residents a place to get the heart pumping while enjoying the rolling terrain characteristic of the area.

Southern Asheville's wide array of shopping options gives Blue Ridge residents plenty to choose from. Along Henderson Avenue, residents find a hub of commerce, including grocers, boutiques and other retail establishments.

The immediate area surrounding the community houses several chain stores, including Earth Fare, a grocery chain that has its roots in the Asheville community. This hometown gem offers organic and natural foods, a cafe and a rigorous food philosophy that keeps many of today's chemical-laden products off the shelves.

If home furnishings rank high on your list of must-have items, Divine Living showcases furniture to suit every taste. From rustic to elegant, chic to country charm, this locally owned furniture store has you covered.

A short drive to other parts of the city gives you the opportunity to explore local specialty boutiques and nearly any type of retailer you may be seeking.

Several farmers' markets serve Asheville residents; Asheville City Market lies southwest of Blue Ridge in Biltmore Park Town Square. The market season at this venue lasts from early April through late October, every Wednesday from 1-5 p.m.