Other Scenic Towns Canton About 15 miles west of Asheville on the banks of the Pigeon River, the town of Canton was once part of the Cherokee Indian Territory. Its beauty and natural scenery can be understood by the town motto: “where the mountains kiss the sky.” Once known as Pigeon River, Canton opened a post office in 1837, and the emerging railroad in 1881 ensured the town’s growth. Just over 4,000 residents live in Canton. Its greatest industry is Blue Ridge Papers, the largest employer in Haywood County with more than 1,600 workers. Additionally, two industrial parks opened just north of Canton. To facilitate the town’s growth, a 41-acre sports complex is being constructed and will include six baseball fields, five soccer fields, fitness trails, picnic areas and a recreation center. Canton’s downtown is currently undergoing a revitalization project to preserve its history, and hand-painted murals throughout downtown depict Canton’s historic past. The Canton Area Historical Museum on Park Street features elements from the early settlement of Pigeon River including artifacts, records and pictures. One of Canton’s historical structures is Colonial Theatre, which opened in 1932 and operated until about 1970. The theatre was acquired by the town in 1998, underwent a significant restoration process and reopened in 2002 with many of its original designs. Today the theatre’s grand vintage stage features concerts, plays and classic films on the weekends. With 345 seats, the Colonial Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another historical spot is First Baptist Church in Canton, which was originally established in 1801 as Locust Old Fields Church and still congregates. Two of the world’s largest sapphires were found in Old Pressley Sapphire Mine, including the 1,445-carat sapphire known as “Star of the Carolinas.” Barnardsville About 20 minutes north of Asheville, the town of Barnardsville is a natural retreat set in the backdrop of Pisgah National Forest and some of the highest peaks in the eastern part of the country. The town includes a community outdoor pool and opportunities for horseback riding. The Big Ivy Historical Society in Barnardsville sponsors a Christmas Bazaar in November. The bazaar includes homemade food and mountain crafts created by artists from across the region. A Christmas home tour is also a part of the festivities. Near Barnardsville, the Toe River Art Council’s annual Holiday Studio Tour begins by driving over the mountain on N.C. 197 North. Held the first full weekend in December, the tour involves galleries throughout the higher elevations of Yancey County. The tour features glass studios, pottery, sculpture, wood, photography, textiles, paintings and jewelry. On the edge of Pisgah National Forest, Barnardsville is near Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains. At 6,684 feet, the mountaintop is part of 1,855-acre Mount Mitchell State Park, which offers breathtaking, 85-mile views of the peaks and valleys that outline Western North Carolina. At this altitude, however, the peak is often covered in fog and the temperature is significantly cooler than lower elevations, so visitors are encouraged to check the weather report before visiting. The park includes a variety of hiking trails and an observation tower. Craggy Gardens is also near Barnardsville at Milepost 364.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In June and July, visitors can see Catawba rhododendron and other wildflowers. The area includes a visitors center with a bookshop and exhibits, an 86-site picnic area and three trails with spectacular views. Mars Hill In Madison County, the town of Mars Hill is a largely rural community located about 18 minutes north of Asheville at 2,360 feet in elevation. With about 1,800 residents, Mars Hill has seen increasing growth as many of its mountain roads have been expanded to highways. This includes U.S. 19/23, which has become the new I-26 extension that leads to Johnson City, Tenn. Major industries in Mars Hill include Micro Switch, a division of Honeywell, and Advanced Superabrasives, which is planning an industrial park to bring in new business and spur the local economy. The Madison County Farmers and Artisans Market runs on Saturdays in Mars Hill between April and October. For the most part, Mars Hill grew up as a college town. Established by local citizens who wanted to provide a Baptist education for their children, the school opened in 1864 with 35 students. The name “Mars Hill” comes from a biblical reference – it’s the hill that Paul stood on in the Bible. Today, Mars Hill College is the oldest educational institution in Western North Carolina and serves about 1,275 students. The college also brings in cultural activities for the greater community. For the past 30 years, the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre at Mars Hill College has produced comedy, music and drama in Owen Theatre as well as original works. Also, the Rural Life Museum on the Mars Hill College campus features exhibits of the history and culture of Madison County and the southern Appalachian region. Wolf Laurel Ski Resort, located a few miles northeast of Mars Hill, offers family-oriented skiing and snowboarding opportunities for the beginner and expert alike. Covering 54 acres, Wolf Laurel also features a double and quad chairlift, a tube run, night skiing and a 26,000 square foot ski lodge. Marshall Located between Weaverville and Hot Springs on the banks of the French Broad River, Marshall is appealing because of its pastoral landscape and tranquility. Originally called Lapland when Scotch and Irish immigrants first settled it, Marshall was established as the county seat of Madison County and later named after U.S. Chief Justice John Marshall. With about 1,000 residents, Marshall sits at about 1,920 feet in elevation. Marshall is one of the rural, mountain towns supported by HandMade in America, a group that sponsors projects to preserve the cultural and historical aspects of small communities in Western North Carolina. Marshall’s historic district includes the Madison County Courthouse on Main Street – a two-story Neoclassical Revival brick edifice built in 1907 – and the Marshall Train Depot, a restored, authentic train station. The town also sponsors local traditional mountain music on Friday nights. The Madison County Library’s Main Branch is located in Marshall and offers family-oriented programs including story time, book clubs, educational programs and arts and crafts. The Madison Campus extension of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is also located in Marshall. The campus serves Madison, Yancey and North Buncombe counties as well as eastern Tennessee. Saluda Southeast of Hendersonville on I-26, the town of Saluda is only a few miles from the South Carolina border in Polk County. Saluda is best known for its location at the crest of the “Saluda Grade” – the steepest standard-gauge railroad in the country. The first train climbed the Saluda Grade in 1879; the popular route brought famous people, writers and artists from across the country. This town of nearly 600 residents features quaint shops and restaurants as well as arts and craft galleries. With tree-lined streets that complement the town’s Victorian homes, Saluda maintains its turn-of-the-century atmosphere. In fact, its business district has 16 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Saluda also offers a number of outdoor escapes. McCreery Park in downtown Saluda includes a covered picnic area, playground and tennis courts. Residents can go fishing, swimming, tubing, kayaking, hiking or picnicking at Green River Cove and Holbert Cove. The 10-mile, picturesque Pacolet River Scenic Byway follows the Pacolet River from Saluda to Tryon, where horse-lovers can visit the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, a 390-acre nature education and recreation center.