11 New Things in Black Mountain for 2024

Black Mountain, North Carolina has been a popular visitor destination since the arrival of the railroad in 1879. Although passenger trains no longer travel through our lovely Blue Ridge mountain town, it’s still a welcoming spot and beloved by visitors. As the front porch to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Mountain is a great place to visit for a day trip from Asheville or for a relaxing week in the mountains.  

Whether you’re visiting the Asheville area and looking for things to do in Black Mountain. You just moved here or you’ve lived here for years and are looking to spice up your routine, here are 11 new things (and you know I’m all about trying new things!) in Black Mountain for 2024. 

1. BERADU Specialty Market, Restaurant & Bar – Now Open

Opened in October 2023, this creative culinary destination has much to offer Black Mountain visitors and residents. Located in Cheshire Village three minutes from downtown Black Mountain, BERADU is run by a dynamic couple and a celebrated chef. BERADU’s specialty market is the ideal pre-picnic stop for sandwiches, deli market salads, and local goodies. 

BERADU Restaurant and Bar, hosts events, specialty menu pairings, live music, and features seasonal menus. Be sure to make reservations, as their intimate dining room only hosts 35 seats and this new location is popular!

2. Black Mountain Vintage – Now Open

Opened in January 2024, Black Mountain Vintage features a wide collection of women’s and men’s vintage clothing. Focused on bringing community elements to the shop, they also feature locally made jewelry, homewares, and beauty products. 

Located off Black Mountain’s main street area at 104 Church St., their location is the perfect place to browse while you wait for a table at one of my favorite Black Mountain brunch spots – Open Oven, located just next door.

3. Catawba Falls – Now Open

Although not technically in Black Mountain, the popular Catawba Falls is an easy 20-minute drive from Black Mountain. After a two-year closure, it reopened in May 2024 with updated trails and new stairs for easy access to waterfall views and natural swimming pools. 

If visiting during the weekend, plan to arrive early as parking does fill up quickly! Once you arrive, you can choose your own trail adventure. The out-and-back trail option brings you to the base of the lower falls is 2.3 miles roundtrip. If you’re looking for a longer adventure, you can take the full 4-mile loop which includes taking 580 stairs to the top of the upper falls and trailridge views.

4. The Cheshire Arms – Now Open

2024 as a British pub with southern hospitality. Formally a daytime eatery, the new restaurant features pub-style vibes complete with a full bar. 

The Cheshire Arms serves up classic British fare with locally sourced ingredients, the space offers indoor and outdoor seating in a welcoming atmosphere.

5. Lake Tomahawk Playground – New Equipment

One of my favorite spots in Black Mountain is Lake Tomahawk. The easy 0.5-mile loop is the perfect spot to enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views, duck sightings, or a good book. If you’re traveling with children be sure to visit the updated playground!

In spring 2024, Lake Tomahawk’s playground equipment was updated to be accessible for all with a new freestanding swing set, three STEM play elements and nature play stumps.

6.  The Làundry Refillery & Essentials – Now Open

You know those places you never knew you needed? Opening in March 2024, The Làundry Refillery & Essentials brought a new (and beloved!) concept to Black Mountain. Offering high-quality, refillable products at affordable price points while encouraging less waste. 

In addition to household essentials like dish soap and body care products, The Làundry also offers cozy home goods like blankets, journals, and furniture pieces.

7. North Carolina Glass Center – Opening 2024

An expansion from the Asheville center, the North Carolina Glass Center in Black Mountain has been under construction since 2022. Originally it was supposed to open in August 2024, but with any construction project, the renovated space is running into some delays and hopes to open by the end of the year. 

Once open, the center will offer demonstrations, classes, and community programs. As an expansion of their River Arts District location, this additional location will be able to offer more space and glass quantity to local artists.

8. Peri Social House – Now Open

The Peri Social House which opened in August 2024 is a community gathering space offering local brews, wine, coffee, and inviting vibes in a renovated 1936 Georgian Revival that’s been welcoming visitors and celebrating events for years. The space includes areas to host events, gather with friends, or just take in the mountain views. 

Peri Social House is also NC’s smallest boutique hotel offering six unique rooms in an unhosted stay experience. The rooms have been updated and curated by a hospitality-focused and fun-loving local couple. They’ve put their hearts and passions into every corner of this newly redesigned space and can’t wait to welcome visitors “home.” 

9. Red House Gallery and Studios – New Location

Red House Gallery isn’t new to Black Mountain, the gallery and studio previously called the Monte Vista Hotel home. In the spring of 2024, they relocated to a thriving destination in the heart of Black Mountain’s historical district on Cherry Street. 

The new space features gallery exhibits from local artists on multiple floors. Tour through working studios featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, fiber art, jewelry, and cards all for sale and supporting the local art community. They also offer educational opportunities and chances to meet the artists.

10. Recess Coffee and Baked Goods – Now Open

Run by the sweetest couple and baking masterminds, Recess Coffee opened in February 2024 in the Foothills Grange space. Playing on the “school’s out” theme, this coffee shop located on Black Mountain Ave offers a bright and welcoming school-themed space and a large covered patio. 

Baked goods and coffee specials are updated seasonally and include mouth-watering pastries like a strawberry cheesecake croissant or an earl gray lavender cruffin, savory baked goods like caprese and pesto focaccia sandwiches or bread staples like sourdough loaves.

11. Thai Basil – Relocated in 2024 

In April 2024, the beloved and delicious Thai Basil located in downtown Black Mountain served its last Pad Thai. The restaurant has plans to reopen in Marion, North Carolina and loyal patrons are encouraged to follow their Facebook page for updates. 

The Black Mountain space on State Street is currently under renovation. Although not 100% confirmed, it’s rumored to be reopening later in 2024 as a new Thai restaurant offering the same delicious dishes in a fresh space.

Come Experience Black Mountain

In a thriving community, change is inevitable and Black Mountain is no expectation. If you haven’t visited in years or just stopped by last month, there’s always something new to experience in our thriving Blue Ridge Mountain community.

What new restaurants or experiences are you most looking forward to? I’d love to hear about them! Drop them in the comments below.