8 Things to Know About Black Mountain When Planning Your Visit

Whether you’re currently visiting Asheville and want to learn more about Black Mountain, or you’re planning a whole Western North Carolina adventure, be sure to include Black Mountain on your travel itinerary.  

Black Mountain, North Carolina is a charming Blue Ridge Mountain town located an easy 20-minute drive east of Asheville. Black Mountain is a fantastic place for people who want to visit more of Western North Carolina than just Asheville. 

Read on for eight things to know about Black Mountain when planning your first-time destination vacation or day trip. 

1. Black Mountain is Brimming with Things to Experience

Don’t let the size fool you – there’s a lot to explore in Black Mountain! With only 8,300-ish people, Black Mountain has an extraordinary amount of restaurants, bars, galleries, stores, music venues, hiking, and unique experiences to explore. 

During a visit to Black Mountain, you can hike to the top of Lookout Mountain in the neighboring community of Montreat, enjoy patio weather at one of my six favorite Black Mountain patio spots, or catch an eclectic live music show at White Horse Black Mountain.   

2. Black Mountain is Home to Several Lodging Options

If you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Black Mountain offers all the standard lodging options travelers have come to expect with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town of Black Mountain is nestled in a bowl surrounded by several mountain rims, which affords mountain views everywhere you look. 

Whether you’re looking for a hotel experience, a charming B&B, a campsite, or a cozy home rental, you’ll be able to find your lodging preference in Black Mountain. Identify the best lodging option for you in this 2024 Black Mountain Lodging Guide. 

3. Black Mountain is a Beautiful Destination Year-Round

Thanks to the beautiful rim of Blue Ridge Mountains that surround Black Mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views year round. No matter the season, there’s always something to explore and enjoy.

Here are some high-level benefits of visiting in each season:

• Benefits of visiting Black Mountain in Spring: Flowers and trees are blooming, second slowest visitor season.
• Benefits of visiting Black Mountain in Summer: Outdoor concerts, swimming in streams, the Sourwood Festival.
• Benefits of visiting Black Mountain in Fall: Leaf-peeping the fall foliage – here are five things you should know! 
• Benefits of visiting Black Mountain in Winter: Christmas gift shopping, holiday festivals, better views on winter hikes, the slowest visitor season.

4. Some Places Close for Winter Breaks

What makes winter a fantastic season to visit Black Mountain also means an opportunity for businesses to take an extended winter break. Many businesses take advantage of the slower tourism season and close in January or February. Or businesses will choose to only be open during the weekends. The Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center, for example, is only open on Saturdays, January through February.  

If you have your heart set on a restaurant, store, or experience, I encourage you to call them beforehand or monitor their websites or social media accounts to ensure they’ll be open during your visit.

5. Most Black Mountain Restaurants Are Closed One Day of the Week

Even during the busiest seasons, most restaurants in Black Mountain are closed at least one day a week, typically Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. This ensures their hardworking staff can enjoy a day off on what are typically slower days of the week.  

Always check restaurant hours before arriving to ensure they’ll be open. Need restaurant recommendations? Here are my five favorite Black Mountain restaurants. 

6. Most Black Mountain Restaurants Close at 9pm 

Speaking about closing time, most restaurants in Black Mountain close at 9pm – even on weekends. Some restaurants like Taco Billy Black Mountain and Berliner Kindl close at 8pm. But don’t worry your late-night heart! Currently, the restaurants that are open later include:

• Trailhead Restaurant & Bar: Open until 10pm, Friday-Sunday
• La Tapa Lounge: Their late-night menu is available from 9pm until close. 

For all Black Mountain restaurants, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time. We’ve been turned away before when asking for a table at 8:40 p.m. When they say “closing time” these businesses mean it! The kitchen and waitstaff are committed to wrapping up the day and enjoying their evenings.

7. Some Black Mountain Places Don’t Answer Their Phone 

Thanks to the charming town and beautiful landscape, most businesses and restaurants stay consistently busy during peak times. You might think, “They’re probably packed out, I’ll just call for a takeout order,” and that my friend is when you’ll meet the infamous dial tone. 

Often, when Black Mountain businesses become too busy, they’ll take their phone off the hook. It might seem like a confusing business move, but it’s a service to the people actively enjoying the food and the kitchen staff. When this happens, I recommend either visiting the place in person to place your order or selecting one of the many other delightful restaurants that Black Mountain has to offer.

8. Black Mountain is On Mountain Time

Many travelers are familiar with the phrase “island time;” the concept used to describe an easy-going attitude or taking the moment at your own pace. When you visit Western North Carolina mountain towns like Black Mountain, you’ll be greeted by what’s fondly known as “mountain time.” 

Things move at a slower pace here, especially if you’re coming from a larger city. This cultural phenomenon came as a little bit of a shock to us when we moved from Denver, Colorado to Black Mountain, North Carolina. We were used to people and businesses moving at warp speed. Here everything moves a bit slower. 

When planning your visit to Black Mountain, also plan to leave your sense of urgency at home. Stop and take in the view while you wait for your table. Enjoy the interactions you have with wait staff who genuinely want to know how you are. Breathe deep and set your devices to mountain time.

Come Visit Black Mountain

Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountain views, or explore a charming North Carolina Mountain town, Black Mountain is an extraordinary place to visit. I hope these eight things to know about Black Mountain will help you enjoy a fantastic first-time adventure. 

Have you visited Black Mountain? I’d love to hear about your experience! Comment below.