A synthesis of art and nature
A vibrant red symbol of perpetual motion, the old gristmill wheel at Reems Creek is an apt metaphor for the town where it turns. Tucked in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lined with historic brick buildings, Weaverville is a cozy, welcoming haven. It sits about 10 miles north of Asheville, North Carolina, and while it shares a similar vibe, Weaverville retains a neighborly small-town atmosphere.
Feeding the body and soul
Weaverville’s downtown is peppered with eclectic eateries. On North Main Street, the Glass Onion serves Italian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Upscale pub fare—such as fried Brussels sprouts and Buffalo shrimp salad—is on the menu at Main Street Grill. Residents can stop by Blue Mountain Pizza when they’re in the mood for a slice. For deli staples and picnic supplies, Maggie B’s Wine and Specialty Store is the place to go. “They have wine tastings on Friday evenings, which are very popular,” says Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons. Beer drinkers will appreciate the multitude of craft breweries, namely Zebulon Artisan Ales and Leveller Brewing Company.
Several shops in the area cater to animal lovers. Honey & the Hive stocks beekeeping supplies and products made from Southern Appalachian honey. Closer to Main Street, Weaverville Pet Pantry lines its shelves with everything its four-legged residents might need. For the basics, Weaverville Plaza features a Publix Supermarket in addition to several other chain stores and restaurants.
During the summer months, the Concert on Main series amplifies the town's heartbeat. Art in Autumn, another Main Street happening, typically occurs in September. This free event includes food and drink vendors as well as arts and crafts exhibitions.
A welcoming small-town vibe
“If you live on Main Street, you can walk, but otherwise it’s best to have a car,” according to Claire Hunn, a residential broker associate with Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Realtors. The west side of the neighborhood takes on a wooded rural quality, where lot sizes of one acre or more are not uncommon. That means there’s plenty of lawn space for outdoor recreation. “We’re in the mountains, so people spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities—hiking and biking,” Fitzsimmons says. Ranch- and Craftsman-style homes are prominent, with many falling into the $500,000 to $600,000 range.
Weaverville Primary School gets a B grade from Niche, while Weaverville Elementary School gets an A-minus. Students then move on to North Windy Ridge Intermediate, which also receives an A-minus. Seventh and eighth grade are spent at North Buncombe Middle School, with a Niche grade of A. North Buncombe High receives a B from Niche and offers several specialized programs, including technology, engineering and agriculture education.
Weaving through the Blue Ridge Mountains
Amenities at Lake Louise Park include a walking trail, a playground, and outdoor fitness equipment. At the lake, visitors can find a burbling waterfall and the remains of the old gristmill. Closer to town, Main Street Nature Park offers 10 acres of meandering trails blooming with wildflowers, a great place for residents to walk their leashed dogs.
The North Buncombe Trailblazer, a light transit bus system, services the Weaverville area Monday through Friday. While this might be convenient for travelers transferring to Asheville’s ART bus system, getting around by car is preferable. With a wealth of shopping and dining options available, residents don't need to make frequent trips to Asheville unless they have jobs in the city.