This pandemic season has been hard on western North Carolinians. People have had to take precautions for their health, learn how to work remotely, survive the uncertainty of job furloughs, and try to navigate school schedules that are ever-evolving. Small businesses throughout the Asheville area have taken financial hits from a truncated tourist season and are trying to find a way forward. Depending on when you are reading this, Off The Wagon has actually been closed since March through at least the middle of December. If you are reading this after December 11th, 2020, please check our website or contact us in case we have been allowed to safely reopen.

As we near the end of this difficult year, we want to talk about what you can expect when our dueling piano bar does reopen.

Sometimes, we become immune to the beauty around us. The everyday sights that once took our breath away become just another part of the scenery, relegated to the background. But if there is anything that never fails to capture the attention, imagination, and heart of viewers, it is the glorious spectacle that autumn treats us to every year. Here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we have a prime seat for one of the best shows on Earth. 

Are you planning a trip to the great city of Asheville, North Carolina? Good choice; we may be partial, but it’s a terrific place to visit. Or maybe you’re a resident who wants to explore your own great big backyard? Good choice; we may be partial, but Asheville is also a terrific place to live! Now, whether you love a jammed-packed agenda full of activities that will keep you going all day or night or you want a relaxed experience where you stumble upon wonderful experiences and meander your way through the sites, our city delivers.

Hot town, summer in the city

Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty

Been down, isn't it a pity

Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city

All around, people looking half-dead

Walking on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head

-Lovin’ Spoonful “Summer In the City”

Summer in the city of Asheville, North Carolina brings temperatures in the mid- to high- 80s and humidity that ensures we work up quite a sweat just getting up to get a glass of ice water. And guess what? We love every second of it! Because while our city gets hot, hot, hot, there are a ton of ways to beat the heat.

Asheville is one of the best locations across the country for spring hiking.  When we’re not busting out your favorite tunes we’re hitting the trails.  Tons of different kinds of wildflowers line the paths to incredible views and impressive waterfalls.  Getting out in nature is one of the best ways to relax and recharge, so here are 7 of our favorite hikes.