The trains don't come around these parts any longer, the local historian at the visit center told…read moreme not since 2001 has the sounds of clanging train cars and the distinct wining of the diesel generators from the locomotives ramping up as the trains pull up this steep grade into town. The tracks are in disrepair so it's doubtful that they're ever feel the weight of cargo being transported across this mountainous region again, if it wasn't for the efforts of a few non-profits this section of rail would all but be forgotten. There are ongoing negotiations between the railroad and the community to convert approximately 30 miles of the abandoned tracks into a useful green space including a hiking and biking trail. Standing on the tracks gives you a different perspective and almost a haunting feeling, if you listen closely you may hear a train whistle in the distant or the railroad crossing in the center of town alerting the locals of a danger that no longer exist, I notice this crossing has no gates only the flashing signal and bells I wonder how many of the town's population of 800 have ever heard the sounds coming from these old signals that still stand like a monument to what once was considered the most progressive form of transportation and was instrumental in building America...

Located in the town of Saluda, this marker points out the railroad history. The rail is no longer…read morein use so you can walk it or take the nearby trail. The marker reads, "Saluda Grade. The steepest, standard gauge, mainline railway grade in the U.S. Opened in 1878; three miles long. Crests here." Online there is more information, "Railroad builders in western North Carolina faced the task of laying track up the steepest mountain inclines in the eastern United States. At Old Fort in McDowell County, the solution involved the use of tunnels and numerous curves. At Saluda in Polk County, workers on the railroad met the challenge straight on. The rugged geography of the Green River Gorge just west of the town posed a separate challenge for highway builders in the 1920s." "The Saluda Grade is infamous for the number of runaway train accidents. When talking about Cape Hatteras and the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," seamen tell tales of mishaps, triumph, and disaster. When veteran railroaders speak of Saluda, they do so with similar hushed tones." It's a neat spot and don't miss the Saluda Depot Museum nearby. [Review 20007 overall - 3448 in North Carolina - 982 of 2023.]

Nice close place Worth short drive and easy walk and was…read moreable to bring kids or older parents

Really beautiful place. The admission was $5 per adult, and it was well worth it. There were other…read morevisitors, but it wasn't overwhelming. The gentleman who helped us was very kind and gave us a map of the trail and grounds. There are picnic tables and benches around. The trail is very easy to walk. There are steps along the way. I have a bad knee, but nothing was very strenuous. The trail is lined with a creek that makes it's way to the falls. There are two different spots to have different views and take photos. I found being here very peaceful. The weather was a bit chilly and very windy otherwise I would've loved to sit there longer. Really important bit of info..... there are no restrooms available so use the facilities somewhere if you need to before arriving. I would recommend visiting! It's been on my list for a while.

Great food great atmosphere love the beautiful country setting and the people were so nice…read moredefinitely will be back

Stopped here on the way back to out AirBnB. When we walked in, live music was playing and it was…read morevery pleasant. We originally sat at the bar as we had planned to order some food to go however, we ended up changing our minds and ended up eating there as the staff was very welcoming and they allowed my dog to stay indoors as well. The bartender was really friendly and accommodating. We loved the vibes, the music, and the look of the place. It was really cute, we walked around to look at the items they sell while we waited for our food. Unfortunately, I didn't get to take pictures of the food as at that point we were just enjoying the place. I definitely recommend if you are in the area.

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located in Downtown Black Mountain. It is in the former…read moreCity Hall Building. Stairs are the only option to get to the second-floor gallery as the elevator got damaged by Hurricane Helene. Parking is on the street and in public lots. I found out about the Art in Bloom exhibit that was happening and made sure to fit it into my plans. The artwork and flower displays were upstairs. I was there the last day and they still looked amazing. I was thrilled I got to see the creativity. The staff was very friendly and welcoming here, and even provided me with a tour of the facility. The Center has performing arts so I joined the mailing list so I could find out about upcoming theatre performances and concerts. Classes and workshops are offered too. This is a great asset to the community.

Very nice people. Was invited into a painting studio along with a pottery studio. Would recommend.read more

While visiting Asheville for a long weekend from Washington, D.C., booking a Hood Huggers tour was…read moreone of the best things we did. Led by Mr. Dwayne, the tour is an hour and a half learning about the Burton Street Community, a historically Black neighborhood in West Asheville and the victim of gentrification and highway expansions. Hood Huggers was created to serve as a champion for the 1912 neighborhood and its long-time residents. My wife, eight-year-old daughter, and I booked a Sunday morning tour. Since it was just us, he gave us the option to walk it or take his little shuttle. Mr. Dwayne gave us the background on the area before Mr. Cotton, the grandson of the man who founded the neighborhood, joined us with a book of photos. After a drive, we ended at the Peace Gardens and Market, a sacred space for the community.

What a cool tour. Our tour guide was very friendly and even offered to do a shuttle right for us…read moreversus a walk ride due to the weather being cold and it was just us on the tour for that morning. He showed us a lot of different areas that were Historical for the African-American community. He also shared a lot of historical information of the schools and colleges in the area that were very prominent years ago. I will definitely recommend this tour hands down to give you more of a historical African-American background of the city based on the money that we spent I feel that it was a great value for the tour that we received the service was outstanding by our tour guide and hands-down. I definitely would recommend this tour.

Geoff is quite possibly the best tour guide on Ashville. We had no idea what to expect, but Groovy…read moreAshville over delivered. What a great way to see the city. Wow! Seriously...been on tours all over the country. This. One was incredibly unique!! #74 VW BUS!!!!!

Such a great and personable experience! We got a great tour of the downtown area and so much more!…read moreHe gave us so much insight into the Asheville experience! I have made a short visit before, but after this tour I realized I was missing out on all of the culture that Asheville offers! We had so much fun, with great music and great knowledgeable company! I highly recommend taking this tour if you want to see what Asheville has to offer and getting some history about how it got to where it is today! I can't say

"Luxury tour" seems to mean booze & wine during the daily happy hour onboard the bus. No help…read moreextended (I called both men assigned & on site as Treks reps) when my hotel room was too close to the hotel's ventilation exhaust outlet, and I needed to move to a different side of the building. No inquiry into my well-being when I didn't appear for the 3 a.m. fire evacuation (due to the old building's faulty system) because my sleep-aid dosage was heavy but needed to handle the exhaust noise. I also question the driving judgement of the coach drive/business owner, after seeing how he handled traffic situations on the trip. Plus, the owner called no one to assist guests when our tour arrived back almost 3 hours late, and I had to wait a half-hour just to get my car keys, left in the business office per Treks rule. I lived through it all, but never again.

Globe Treks offers incredible tours, both domestic and international. They also offer day tours…read more Check them out!

I scheduled Atchison to pickup my 78 year old mother at her home in Spartanburg on 11/21/2022 and…read moretake her to the airport. They were incredibly professional, arrived on time, helped her with her luggage, and drove her comfortably to the airport. The driver was a lady named Paula who Mom really liked. She also stated that there was a "sweet young man" with her that was training. Paula also picked her up from her return flight and drove her safely home. I live hundreds of miles away and it is very reassuring that my mother was so well cared for during her travels. I will certainly book Atchison for future transport needs for my mother.

As a professional event planner in the industry for over 20 years, this was by far the worst…read moretransportation company I have ever worked with. Late, rude and incompetent drivers among many other things. I do not recommend this company.

I have traveled with this service and have had amazing adventures. I highly recommend.read more

I will never ride with this bus service again. A professional service would arrive early to get…read morethings organized. Jean's bus service was 30 minutes late which put our 3.5 hour bus trip (1 way) 45 minutes late in leaving. The driver of one of the busses, the one I happened to be on, was ALL over the road. He spent most of the trip driving over the grooved part of the lanes (outside the lanes). He was writing in his notebook while driving. Other drivers routinely blew their horns at us because we were swerving in their lane. I did not feel safe at all. There were approx 38 students and 14 adults on each bus. I also would categorize the driver as elderly and not a wise choice for a charter bus. Our students and chaperones paid a lot of money for this bus service for a nerve-racking and unprofessional trip.