9
Perfect Weekend
Adventure Guide
Explore the RiverWay:
Carrier
Park and the French Broad River Park are the
jewels of the 17-mile Wilma Dykeman RiverWay. At
these two conjoined parks along Amboy Road, you can
run or skate the paved greenways, fish from the piers, or
pedal Asheville’s velodrome. Also be sure to check out
the bocce fields, the dog park, volleyball and basketball
courts, and softball fields. Recently, a new section was
added just past Carrier Park that heads south along the
river towards Bent Creek. Directions: Take I-240
W to Exit 1-B (Farmers Market, Hwy. 191).Turn left at the
light and pass over I-240. Turn left at the very next light
(I-240 E/ I-26 W) and stay in the right lane. Take Exit 1-C
(Amboy Rd.). There are two parking areas along Amboy
Rd.—Carrier Park is the first on your right; the French
Broad River Park will be on your left a few miles down
Amboy.
Float the French Broad: When
it
comes to a relaxing summer adventure, nothing
beats a leisurely float and paddle down the French
Broad River near Asheville. Add in a few pit stops
at some of the local watering holes and you’ve got
yourself an adventure to remember. We recommend
launching at Hominy Creek Park before paddling down
to the River Arts District where you can chain up the
boats at the river access below the Haywood Bridge
and make the short walk over to The Wedge Brewery
for a taste of one of their signature Iron Rail IPAs. From
the Wedge, head down the river through a series of
shoals where the river picks up the pace a bit before
the takeout at French Broad Outfitters located on
the banks of the river where you’ll find great drinks,
local beers and an outdoor area with grills, games and
frequent live music. Directions from Asheville:
Take I-240 W to exit 1B (Brevard Rd.). Turn right off the
ramp to an immediate left onto Shelburne Rd, then first left
again onto Hominy Creek Rd. Best bets for taking out are
at The Wedge Brewery / 125B Roberts St. / 828-505-2792
and French Broad Outfitters / 704 Riverside Dr. / (828)
505-7371.
Go Climbing: If you are looking to do
some climbing at one of the best known climbing
establishments in Asheville, head over to Climbmax
Climbing Center. Head indoors to test your moves on
over 4000 square feet of climbing space. If you want
to feel the sunshine while climbing, take a lap on their
40 foot outdoor climbing wall. The good thing about
this climbing gym is that it has a challenge for all types
of climbers—beginners, advanced, kids, adults, etc. Also,
be sure to ask for Asheville’s own climbing guru—
Stuart Cowles. Directions: This is located in the heart
of downtown on 43 Wall Street; one block over from the
Grove Arcade.
Richmond Hill Park (Asheville):
Located just minutes from downtown Asheville,
Richmond Hill Park offers disc golfers and mountain
bikers in Asheville an easy opportunity to get outdoors
and into the woods. The park offers more than three
miles (with plans to build more) of mountain biking
on speedy singletrack trails with just enough technical
difficulty to make things exciting. For disc golfers
looking to test their skills, this 18-hole course nestled
in a dense hardwood forest offers just such a challenge.
While dogs are required to be on leash, we do consider
this a ‘dog friendly’ adventure. After the adventure you
are a mere 2 miles from downtown which means lots
of local breweries. We like: Lexington Ave. Brewery
for great beers and food with options for overnight
lodging in the heart of downtown at Sweet Peas Hostel
located upstairs. 39 N. Lexington Ave / 828-252-0212
Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 W to exit
4A/ I-26 W to exit 5A/I-26W. Stay right and exit on Hill St.
exit. Turn left on Hill St., then turn right on Riverside Dr.
Turn left on Pearson Bridge Rd. and head .5 mile and take
a right on Richmond Hill Dr. Follow for .5 mile and veer
right at top of hill through neighborhood to dead-end at
parking area.
Relax At A Spa: S ښH