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A University that  Elevates You

“I lift my eyes to the mountains” is more than just our motto. It’s what it means to be a student at the University of North Carolina Asheville.

To always look up, look ahead, and look to the future. To discover what’s next, to explore the unknown, and be inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds our campus. As an undergraduate at UNC Asheville, you’ll lift your eyes to the mountains and see your possibilities come to life.

What  Awaits You?

• Top 10 “Best Small College Town” by Preply
• Named a “Top Destination” by Lonely Planet
• Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains
• Free public transit to our vibrant, walkable downtown
• Renowned music venues, art museums, plus the famous Biltmore Estate
• Ranked #8 in Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
• Student discounts at local shops, eateries, and cultural attractions

This is the time to start earning your bachelor’s degree. This is the time to discover more about UNC Asheville and what it means to reach your goals through personalized learning.

Fill out the form above for more information.

Earn Your  Bachelor’s Degree

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving:   you’ll find real-world solutions to local and global issues, no matter your major

Transformative Learning:   your classes will emphasize strong written and oral communication, collaborative work, and making connections with different perspectives

Exceptional Value:   you’ll have access to a full range of merit- and need-based financial aid options, and we will work one-on-one with you to make your education affordable

High-Impact Opportunities:  you’ll be fully equipped for the career of your choosing,  from undergraduate research and capstone courses to study abroad and public/private sector internships

Make Your Experience  Your Own

• 65% of undergraduates complete original research
• 60+ student organizations
• 55+ countries for study abroad
• 50% of students complete at least one internship
• 16 NCAA Division I Teams
• Countless campus traditions like Rockypalooza and Greenfest
• Numerous outdoor program trips
• Service-learning courses across departments

What Do You Want To Study?

• Ancient Mediterranean Studies
• Atmospheric Science
• Computer Science
• Education (Teacher Licensure)
• Environmental Studies
• Health and Wellness Promotion
• Mass Communication
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Music Technology

Your passion guides your future. At UNC Asheville, some of our most popular and distinct academic programs from more than 65+ offerings include:

Where Your Success Starts

• Asheville Chamber of Commerce
• The Biltmore Company
• Council on Foreign Relations
• NC Department of Environmental Quality
• Teach For America

Here’s where some of our recent grads are working or continuing their studies:

• Columbia University
• Dartmouth College
• Dana Farber Cancer Institute
• Thunderbird School of Global Management
• UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
• University of Chicago

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The best of unc asheville, our crowdsourced guide to the best campus events, mind-blowing classes, life-changing experiences and much more.

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50 Things to Do in Asheville, NC

By del holston.

If you’re looking for things to do in Asheville, then consider this list your primer to the many activities available in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, or perhaps well acquainted with the flair of this Southern Appalachian getaway, here are 50 ideas to help you see, do, and explore the best Asheville has to offer.

Ver la versión en español aquí >>

Visit downtown asheville.

1. You feel it the moment you stroll through Asheville’s vibrant city center – it’s an unmistakable mountain vibe that has beckoned visitors to this region time and again. Lining the streets of this walkable neighborhood you'll find a wide array of independent shops, craft breweries, and some of the best dining options in the southeast.

2 . Take in Asheville's freshest talent with the many lively street performances from talented  buskers .

3 . Go shopping for cool indie wares, wearable art, local designs, and vintage styles at one of many chic boutiques.

5 . Peruse Asheville's legendary  independent bookstores like Malaprops , or sip champagne with your pooch outside at the Battery Park Book Exchange .

6 . Find that perfect piece of art or handmade craft available for sale at downtown art galleries , craft fairs, or the open-air market at  Grove Arcade .

7 . Climb to the top of Asheville's tallest buildings and enjoy the view from above at one of the many rooftop hangouts. See our guide to 13 of Asheville's best rooftop bars ! 

8 . Is that drumming you hear? Follow the rhythm to the downtown drum circle , a long-standing Friday night tradition.

9 . Explore Asheville's darker side with a nighttime  Haunted Ashevill e tour, or solve the clues the break out of an escape room at  Breakout Asheville , Fox-n-Otter , or A-Escape .

Visit the Biltmore Estate

10. An enduring legacy of America’s gilded age, take a tour of George W. Vanderbilt’s winter chateaux , or better yet, upgrade to a special behind-the-scenes or rooftop tour . Head outside to explore the century-old gardens, go horseback riding , or biking across the many trails. The Biltmore Winery  offers free tastings; however if you’re a fan of bubbly, then upgrade to a paid tasting (it’s worth it). There’s also great dining, shopping, and family activities available at Antler Hill Village .

11 . Visit Biltmore Village , located outside the entrance of Biltmore Estate. This former neighborhood for estate workers is now filled with great shopping, amazing arts and craft galleries, and delicious restaurants.

Experience the Great Outdoors

12. The breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains has lured travelers to this region for over a century, and no trip to Asheville would be complete without exploring some of America’s most cherished national forests, like Pisgah and Nantahala .

13 . Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway . Dubbed “America’s favorite drive,” this 469-mile scenic road passes right through Asheville and serves as your gateway to outdoor adventure.

15 . Bike the Blue Ridge ! Road or trails, there are plenty of way to challenge yourself with a bike ride in the mountains.

16 . Asheville is home to hundreds of native and migratory species of birds. Grab your binoculars and practice your birding skills . Bonus points if you see a peregrine falcon!

17 . Venturing outdoors is like taking a mountain safari. Native wildlife includes everything from foraging bears to herds of elk. Be sure to appreciate from a distance.

18 . Go waterfall hunting . There are hundreds of beautiful waterfalls scattered throughout the region, and many are easy to access within a short walk from the car. Dip your toes into the cool waters at the base or on a really hot day go for a swim. Just mind the slippery rocks, and never wade into the water from the top.

19 . Stand atop the highest peaks east of the Mississippi. Mt. Mitchell is king of the Blue Ridge, standing at over 6,000 feet in elevation.

20 . Take a pit stop at the Folk Art Center , located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s filled with the crème de la crème of regional handmade crafts.

21 . Visit a state park. Go deep into the heart of Western North Carolina, where you’ll find numerous state parks to explore such as Chimney Rock Park , DuPont , and Gorges .

22 . Catch a mountain trout or small mouth bass by taking part in a guided fly-fishing expedition. Already a pro?  Local outfitters are a great resource to find the secret spots teeming with fish.

23 . Go golfing at some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the country.

24 . Splash around on an exhilarating ride down the area’s best whitewater rapids, or slide down an all-natural 60-foot waterslide .

25 . If you want to keep your outdoor adventures closer to Asheville, then try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP),   tubing , or boating down the French Broad River.

26 . Practice your Tarzan yell as you zip line hundreds of feet above the forest canopy.

27 . Explore the nature trails at the North Carolina Arboretum and the A sheville Botanical Garden , both of which are home to numerous indigenous species of mountain flora.

Welcome to Foodtopia!

28. Asheville’s buzz-worthy food scene is packed with amazing places to eat. Our culinary mecca serves as a magnet for innovative chefs and food artisans, most of whom source their ingredients from the hundreds of farms surrounding the city. With so many delectable options, the hardest decision you’ll have to make is where to dine.

29 . Get a little taste of everything by signing up for a food tour . You’ll be able to sample cuisine from numerous restaurants in an afternoon.

30 . Learn how to find your own food with a guided foraging expedition through the mountains.

31 .  Visit local farms to buy the freshest meats, veggies, and cheese available in the mountains. This is a perfect way to take a little Foodtopia back home.

32 . Nosh on award-winning cheeses by visiting the multiple creameries along the WNC Cheese Trail .

33 . Stock up on fresh local ingredients by shopping at one of the multiple farmers markets around town, or simply stop in for a bite to eat from one of the many vendors.

34 . Sip the mountain’s finest nectar while visiting urban and rural wineries , go for a free tasting at Biltmore, the most visited winery in America, or embark on a walking or driving wine tour with Blue Ridge Wine Tours .

Experience Mountain Culture

35.  Asheville has been home to some of the world’s greatest artists , writers, musicians, and architects. They left an enduring mark on this town and many of their legacies are still present as you walk through town. Get a closer look into Asheville's rich heritage, and tap into the bohemian spirit, which still influences Asheville today.

36 . See amazing performances at Asheville's numerous theater companies, including the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts , which hosts some of the best in local and national productions, NC Stage , Asheville Community Theatre , Magnetic Theatre , and in the warmer months, take in a free outdoor Shakespeare production performed by the Montford Park Players .

37 . Take a guided history tour with Asheville by Foot  to learn more about Asheville’s incredible array of Art Deco buildings including the Basilica of St. Lawrence , which boasts the largest free-standing dome in North America.

38 . Visit the childhood home of literary legend Thomas Wolfe , which he immortalized in his autobiographical novel, Look Homeward Angel .

Visit the River Arts District

39.  Along the riverbank of the French Broad, spend an afternoon strolling through former industrial warehouses now filled with hundreds of working artist studios . Watch a live demo, peruse numerous galleries to find that perfectly handcrafted piece of art for your collection, or get hands-on with one of the many immersive programs available. You'll also find this neighborhood is home to some of Asheville's most popular restaurants and breweries, perfect for a pit stop in between galleries.

40 . Asheville is home to some classic, and in some cases, quirky museums . Check out the fine art exhibits at the Asheville Art Museum , find vintage games at the Pinball Museum  (yes, you can play!), or for a real throwback Thursday, visit the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum . 

Listen to Live Music

41.  Hailed as one of America’s “Greatest Music Cities,” Asheville’s live music scene is beginning to garner national attention. Intimate music halls, unassuming neighborhood bars, and even the streets of downtown play host to some of the best in local and national touring musicians. You’ll find the sound is steeped in old-time mountain music, but it’s the full spectrum of innovative musicians who truly define Asheville’s sound.

42 . Immerse yourself in one of Asheville's many music festivals taking place throughout the year. Downtown After 5 , AVLFest , the LEAF festival , and Asheville Beer Week  are among the most popular. You can also tap your toe at a free Shindig on the Green concert, or make plans to attend the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival , the nation’s longest-running festival of its kind.

43 . Catch the classics as performed by the  Asheville Symphony Orchestra . Each season they perform a blend of timeless compositions along with more contemporary arrangements.

45 . Tour the  Moog Music Factory   and visit the new Moogseum ! Bob Moog was a pioneer of electronic music and a resident of Asheville. He gave the world its first synthesizer, an innovation that is still hand-crafted in downtown Asheville to this day. Watch these incredible instruments being made and take one home for yourself.

Visit the Omni Grove Park Inn

47. Let the stress of the day-to-day melt away in the hot tubs of Shoji spa , feel the healing properties of a  salt cave , or get pampered at one of the many day spas located throughout town.

Experience the Asheville Beer Scene

48.  Asheville is a special place for craft-brew enthusiasts . The secret ingredient is the mountain-filtered water, making for some of the most sought-after ales, stouts, and sour beers in the southeast. With more breweries per capita than any other city, you’ll have plenty of options to consider.

49.  Explore the beer scene by foot or on wheels. Many breweries are within walking distance from each other around downtown, but the Brews Cruise will deliver you to the more remote breweries. Plus they can get you a behind-the-scenes peek at the operations. You can also pedal for beer on a people-fueled pub-cycle   or explore the bustling craft beer scene with City Brew Tours . Take a behind the scenes look at local craft breweries while sipping your way through Asheville's extensive beer scene. Join the original tour and enjoy a perfectly curated beer and meal pairing. Before you head home, stock up on local flavors at our specialty beers shops. 

50. Want more ideas? Stop by the Asheville Visitor Center when you get to town, and the knowledgeable staff can provide further recommendations.

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Housing and Residence Life

Helping you make unc asheville your home.

Enjoy the convenience and excitement of living on campus with the amenities that support your academic and personal growth. Choose from 16 residence halls and apartment-style living spaces offering a variety of floor plans and accommodations including single, double, and suite-style rooms. Our communities make it easy to interact with other residents, build friendships, and explore new activities. 

Our Residence Halls 

When you live on campus, you’re getting the full residential experience. Our residence halls have private en suite bathrooms, free laundry facilities, and are fully air-conditioned. Utilities and wifi are always included. 

We offer academic year housing (August-May) for all students and year-round housing (May-May) for continuing students in Aspen Hall, located in our apartment-style option, the Woods.

Founders Hall

900 Founders Drive Asheville, NC 28804

A seven-story residence hall, Founders Hall houses 268 students. Founders Hall is suite-style where two rooms share an adjoining bathroom. Each room is carpeted and includes one microwave refrigerator, loftable beds, desks, and open flexible closets. Many first and second-year students select Founders Hall for its sense of community, engaging hall events, and prime location on campus. Founders is adjacent to Highsmith Student Union, near Brown Dining Hall, and across from one of the two Approved Animal Exercise Areas. Founders Hall is also close to the Botanical Gardens, and the upper floors feature scenic mountain views.

Approximate dimensions

Double Room: 12′ x 14′ Window: 5′ 10″ x 4′

Furniture Dimensions

The closets in Founders Hall are a total of 7′ high and 8′ wide, divided into sections. Each student has three rods for hanging clothes that are approximately 24″ long each as well as two shelves in the closet.

Take a 360 Virtual Tour

Follow a resident on a tour of her Founders Hall residence and learn about what it’s like to live there! Click on the video and drag your mouse for a 360-degree view of the room.

Governors Hall

2175 University Heights Asheville, NC 28804

Overlooking UNC Asheville’s soccer field with the beautiful long-range views of Mount Pisgah is Governor’s Hall. Centrally located on campus, Governor’s Hall features suite-style rooms promoting independence while establishing a sense of community among its residents. Each suite houses four to five students including one shared bathroom. The 2nd floor breezeway is home to The Rocky Pet Program. This provides an opportunity for students to register a live-in pet at UNC Asheville without the emotional support assistance animal requirements. For more information about application, animal requirements, and availability on The Rocky Pet Program contact our office at [email protected] or call 828-251-6700 .

Double Room: 12′ x 14′ Single Room: 9′ x 12′ Double Window: 5′ x 5′ Single Window: 3′ 7″ x 4′

The closets in Governors Hall are 6′ high and 40″ wide with a rod for hanging clothes and a shelf with 3′ of space for storage.

Check out this tour with Adam as he shares his room and talks about what it’s like to live in Governor’s Hall! Click on the video and drag your mouse for a 360-degree view of the room.

The Village

1300 – 1900 University Heights Asheville, NC 28804

With its unique housing structure inspired by township living, The Village offers a community experience beyond its suites for upper-class and transfer students. The Village is broken up into five small residence halls: Moore Hall, Ray Hall, Bird Hall, Gardner Hall, and Scott Hall. The Village houses a total of 100 students, each hall containing five suites. There are four single rooms in each suite, and each suite shares a large bathroom and common area. Each hall has a spacious community lounge, communal kitchen, and laundry room. The Village is conveniently located close to Athletics and Campus Recreation facilities.

Corner Room: 14′ x 8’5″ Interior Room: 11’3″ x 8’5″ Large Window: 3’4″ x 4’6″ Small Window: 1’4″ x 4’10

2225 University Heights Asheville, NC 28804

Mills Hall is a lively and tight-knit four-story residence hall adjacent to Highsmith Student Union and the Asheville Botanical Gardens. Mills is also conveniently located near Brown Dining Hall, the Quad, Ramsey Library and several academic buildings. Mills Hall houses 268 students in suites composed of two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a shared common area. There are typically 4 students in each suite. Mills also features an outdoor volleyball court, a grill, picnic tables, and a sizable green space suitable for lounging, hammocking, and community gatherings.

Double Room: 11′4″ x 11′4″ Single Window: 3′7″ x 4′

Closets in Mills Hall are 7′ high and 6′ wide, divided into sections. Each student has three rods for hanging clothes, each being approximately 18″ long, as well as two personal shelves.

Follow a current student as she gives a tour of her Mills Hall residence and talks about what it’s like to live there. Click on the video and drag your mouse for a 360-degree view of the room.

Ponder Hall

300 Field Drive Asheville, NC 28805

Centrally located in the heart of campus, Ponder is a 5 story residence hall that houses 300 students in suite-style living spaces. Suites contain 3 to 5 rooms with a large bathroom and a furnished common living room. What makes Ponder unique is the rooftop Sky Lounge and Down Under retail store. The Sky Lounge, located on the fifth floor, is a community gathering space with glass panel walls, a TV, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The lounge overlooks north of campus out onto the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Located on the ground floor, the Down Under, commonly referred to by students as “Dunder”, is a dining location that offers snacks, drinks, made-to-order subs, pizza, and salads. Additionally, the ground floor features public restrooms, dining spaces, a multipurpose room, and two arcade machines.

To make a reservation for Ponder Hall Room 011 multi-purpose room, please contact the front desk of the Office of Housing and Residence Life at (828) 251-6700 or [email protected] . To make a private reservation for the Sky Lounge, please contact the Ponder Area Director, Christopher Hanhan at [email protected] .

Double Room: 14′ x 13′ Single Room: 8′ x 13′

2 Single Rooms, 1 Double

2 Single Rooms, 2 Doubles

4 Single Rooms, 1 Double

Follow a current student as she gives a tour of her Ponder Hall residence and talks about what it’s like to live there. Click on the video and drag your mouse for a 360-degree view of the room.

South Ridge & West Ridge Halls

300 – 400 Ridge Hall Drive Asheville, NC 28804

Nestled in the cozy corner of campus are South Ridge and West Ridge residence halls, commonly referred to as The Ridges. They are situated in a wooded area with a landscaped courtyard adjacent to the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. The Ridges house a total of 220 residents in traditional residence hall rooms with jack-and-jill style bathrooms. Students select The Ridges for its variety of lounge and study spaces, scenic environment, and close-knit community. South Ridge is our Substance-Free Wellness Community Residence Hall. Students who live in South Ridge are required to sign a substance-free agreement. The West Ridge 3rd floor is home to our Honors Housing for incoming First-Year students. There are 14 single-room options in South Ridge and 16 single-room options in West Ridge.

Double Room: 13′ x 15′ Double Window: 6′ x 5′ Single Window: 4′ x 5′

The closets in South Ridge and West Ridge Halls are 5.5′ high and 40″ wide with a rod for hanging clothes and a shelf with 29″ of space for storage above the hanging rod.

Follow a current student as she gives a tour of her South Ridge residence and talks about what it’s like to live there. Click on the video and drag your mouse for a 360-degree view of the room.

100 – 500 Founders Drive Asheville, NC 28804

The Woods community is UNC Asheville’s newly developed apartment-style housing for upper-classmen students. Living in The Woods allows students to remain close to campus while experiencing more independent living. The names of the individual buildings are namesakes of North Carolina native trees: Aspen Hall, Beech Hall, Cedar Hall, Chestnut Hall, Magnolia Hall, and Willow Hall . Designed to foster community, the five halls consist of apartments housing for four, five, or six students. Each apartment includes a spacious common area and a full-size kitchen with amenities. Each hall features a community laundry room where students have access to washers and dryers free of charge. Students can also enjoy studying, lounging, or taking in the mountain views on the porch areas, swings, or outdoor seating areas. Chestnut Hall, located along University Heights, includes the Donna and David Bailey Welcome Center on the top level and a fitness center open to all students 24/7 on the lower level.

With each unit offering a full-size kitchen with full-size appliances, no meal plans are required; however, students do have the option to purchase a block meal plan. See the Dining Services website for more information about meal plans. Because each unit kitchen is equipped with a full-size refrigerator, stove, and microwave, micro-fridges are not provided within individual rooms.

Single Room: 11′5″ x 9′ Double Room: 12′ x 14′

Follow a former as he gives a tour of his Aspen Hall residence and talks about what it’s like to live there. Click on the video and drag your mouse for a 360-degree view of the room.

Important Dates – Summer 2024

• May 9 ……. Residence Halls Close at 9 a.m.
• May 22 ……. Priority Housing Application Deadline for New Incoming Students 
• June 11 – July 31 ……. 2024-2025 Room Selection For New Incoming Students 
• August 13-14 ……. New Incoming Student Move-In for Fall 2024 
• August 17-18 ……. Continuing Student Move-In for Fall 2024
• August 19 ……. First day of classes for Fall 2024

Our Programs

Residence Life programming focuses on community building and facilitating new experiences for students through events planned and coordinated by the student Resident Assistant (RA) staff. We offer unique housing options through our special programs, including Residential Learning Communities and Rocky’s Pet Program, that allow students to select housing options that fit their lifestyle and academic interests.

Residential Learning Communities

A Residential Learning Community (RLC) is a group of students living on the same floor in a residence hall that shares a common theme such as career goals, personal interests, or academic major. This unique housing opportunity creates an environment that will help students succeed academically and build strong relationships outside of the classroom. The majority of the RLCs are linked to an academic course or major so students can continue their academic learning in the residence halls. 

We currently offer Honors and Transfer Student communities for incoming new students. RLCs require a separate application in addition to the Housing Application. This application can be found in the Forms Section of the Housing Portal (within OnePort ).

The Honors Program Learning Community

The Honors Program Learning Community is currently open to first-year residential students who have been accepted into the University Honors Program. This RLC is intended to allow Honors students the opportunity to live near one another in the Ridges, including in a designated Honors block on the 3rd floor of West Ridge Hall. The Honors RLC will offer some extracurricular activities, as well as social programming. For more information, please contact Dylan Lawing, Director of Residence Life at [email protected] .

Population: First-year students

Requirements: Must be an active member of the Honors Program and participate in RLC events

Co-curricular Partner: FYS 178.0H1 – 0H4 HONORS First-Year Seminars

Location: West Ridge Hall 3rd Floor

Goals: Live with or near other Honors Students. develop study groups and support networks in-hall, and enjoy Honors programming and social events

Rocky Pet Program

The Rocky Pet Program allows students to register to bring a pet to live with them on campus! Located on the 2nd floor breezeway of Governors Hall, this program is open to continuing students (non-first-years) only. Approved pets are cats and dogs. Certain restrictions apply.

How to Apply

Please complete the  Pet Registration Request Form , located in the Forms and Agreements section of the Housing Portal within OnePort. Registration and a non-refundable fee of $250 (due at the time of registration) must be completed by July 1 . 

• Students with an approved pet will reside on the 2nd floor breezeway in Governors Hall in single rooms.
• Only 1 pet per suite is allowed.
• Pets will only be allowed in the designated suite

Requirements

• Allowed pets are cats and dogs, at least 1 year in age, and not to exceed 40 lbs. fully grown. Certain dog restrictions do apply.
• Pets must be fully vaccinated and dogs must be treated for fleas and ticks prior to arriving on campus.
• Pets must be spayed/neutered.
• Pets will be required to wear both rabies vaccination tags and UNC Asheville Pet tag (to be given to you when you check into your residence hall).

For complete rules and regulation information on The Rocky Pet Program, please review the pet policy terms and conditions

Please note: This is a separate process from emotional support or service animals. The request process for assistance animals is still through the Office of Accessibility . Please see the service animal and emotional support animal pages for more information. residence halls.

Take a Virtual Tour

Can’t make it to campus? Take our self-guided virtual tour and explore UNC Asheville’s campus and residence halls. 

Make Your Home at UNC Asheville

Apply through your Housing Portal in OnePort.

1 University Heights Asheville, NC 28804 Contact UNCA 828.251.6600 Campus Directory

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UNC Asheville Drama students fighting to save program amid budget cuts

U NC Asheville announced the proposal of its plan to cut four programs to help with budget deficits just over two weeks ago. The Drama Department was one of them.

"It was like a punch to the gut," said Valerie Lounsbury, senior in the department. "It was one of the most upsetting things I think I've ever heard. It's shifted my perspective on everything in my entire life by being a part of this program."

Lise Kloeppel, the department chair, said her first reaction was just sadness.

"The department has fed a lot of the local theatre community in Asheville," Kloeppel said. "A lot of what we do is not easily quantifiable."

The department was for more people than just those under the major.

"It's a living art form, and we don't have many of those left," said Mikayla Wilson, an alumna of the department. "There were psychology or stem majors that would come and do acting classes because it was a fun thing to do to let the weight off. It's for the weirdos, the kids that don't fit in, and for people that want to try something new."

If the program is cut, a phase-out process would begin that would stem multiple semesters.

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"There's just a lot of uncertainty," Kloeppel said. "A teach-out plan would be looking at what courses [students] need to finish their degree."

Then, Kloeppel thought of an idea to show administrators the impact that this loss could have.

"The letter-writing campaign came from a place of providing a voice for community and alumni," she said. "There was this immediate outcry on social media. My phone blew up. People were texting and calling me. I felt like I had to do something."

What followed was over 1,200 letters written to UNCA officials in an attempt to save the program.

"I really had no idea how much of an impact we've had and continue to have," Kloeppel said. "We're so overwhelmed and uplifted by the response we've received."

It is not just alumni that are looking to save the department. While current students will be able to finish out to earn their degree, some are worried about it not being the same.

"All these people that make [the drama department] what it is, and we have to learn through other folks for our drama program, it's no longer what we signed up for," Lounsbury said. "All the students would get together and talk about it. The amount of anger, manifesting from a place of hurt, was just about asking: 'How could they do this?'"

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Graduates in the area do not want a decision like this to leave lasting effects.

"We're not going to have students becoming interns, who become tour guides, and then museum directors," Wilson said. "That's what makes this town have so many beautiful moments around it. If you undervalue one form of art, all art becomes unimportant and unintegral."

The future of the theatre program, as well as Ancient Mediterranean Studies, Religious Studies and Philosophy, will be determined by the UNC System Board of Governors in early July.

Daytripper: Western North Carolina restaurants worth the drive

ASHEVILLE - Asheville’s a foodie destination that brings draws tourists and locals, but there’s much more to discover outside of the city limits.

Take advantage of the warm weather, school break and vacation days and let the highways and parkways lead you to towns and eateries across Western North Carolina.

Head west for Thai cuisine, homemade ice cream and American barbecue bounty.

Summit mountaintops for Appalachian feasts while feasting your eyes on stunning landscape views.

Stroll Main Streets for local gifts, goodies and bounteous biscuits in small town gems.

Take the tasting trail less traveled as you set off on summer explorations to these WNC destinations.:

Betty’s Biscuits

640 West King St., Boone, bettysbiscuitsnc.com

For anything but basic biscuits, head to Betty’s Biscuits in Boone ― less than two hours from Asheville ― which offers biscuit sandwiches, freshly baked buttermilk biscuits and more Southern comfort plates.

In 2018, restaurateur Tina Houston launched Solar Food Truck leading to the opening of the brick-and-mortar Betty’s Biscuits last March.

Houston said everything at Betty’s Biscuits is made from scratch and ingredients are sourced from neighborhood farmers.

Menu bestsellers are the Butterbuster — buttermilk fried Joyce Farm chicken topped with marinated cucumbers and remoulade. Yo'Nanna is a sweet dish prepared with a french toast biscuit, hazelnut ganache, sorghum bananas and whipped cream. A meatless favorite is the Towanda made with fried green tomato, pimento cheese and greens. And a traditional must-have is the chicken and dumplings.

Betty’s Biscuits was named after Houston’s grandmother, whom Houston described as a “wonderful baker” who instilled in her the importance of caring about what and how she does everything.

Photos of Houston’s mother, grandmother and great grandmother and the staff’s matriarchs are displayed throughout the restaurant creating a homey dining room and “Betty vibe.”  

Check out Houston’s other eateries, Reid’s Café in Sugar Mountain and Reid’s Catering and The Beacon Butcher Bar in Boone.

Dalaya Thai Cuisine

1084 West Main St., Sylva, dalayathai.com

A cozy Thai eatery off Scott Creek in Jackson County nearly an hour west of Asheville continues to make waves with diners regionally and nationwide.

This year, Kanlaya Supachana ― known as Chef Gun ― chef and owner of Dalaya Thai Cuisine was named a 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast.

Chef Gun, who owned a Thai eatery in New York, said, in 2019, she chose to open Dalaya outside of central downtown because the mountainous scenery reminds her of her hometown, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Dalaya’s scratch-made, authentic Thai dishes originate from Chiang Mai and are prepared with many WNC farm-sourced ingredients, like the chef’s signature Khao Soi, made with soft, thick egg noodles in a rich Chiang Mai coconut curry soup with dark meat chicken, crispy thin egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, shallots, sweet soy sauce and chili oil.

The popular Spicy Fish Sauce Wings ― described as “spicy, sweet and tangy” — are made with Springer Mountain chicken wings that are marinated in fish sauce, sugar and garlic, and then deep fried and tossed with a house-made sweet and spicy sriracha glaze. It’s finished with fried garlic and scallion toppers.

Dalaya’s abbreviated lunch menu features bestsellers like the “Curry in a Hurry” rotating selection of classic Thai curries.

Chef Gun said there’s been nearly a 30% increase of customers at the restaurant since the James Beard nod. The 25-seat dining room and estimated 15-seat patio is first-come, first-serve. Dalaya offers homemade food and not-fast food, so plan accordingly in case of longer wait times or consider carryout.

On June 24, Dalaya hosted a sold-out pop-up in partnership with Master BBQ and Zillicoah Beer Co. in Asheville, with a return date to be announced.

Look out for Chef Gun’s ice cream truck that she plans to bring to the city serving housemade, plant-based Thai ice cream made sans dairy and eggs.

Visit Sylva’s quaint downtown district for shopping, cultural and artistic attractions, and more dining options. And enjoy nature-centric activities, like hiking, camping, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Haywood Smokehouse

Locations in Dillsboro, Franklin and Waynesville, haywoodsmokehouse.com

Chow down on brisket and more barbecue favorites at any of Haywood Smokehouse’s three locations, in Dillsboro, Franklin and Waynesville.

Joe Beasley, who co-founded the restaurant with his wife Brenda in 2013, said Texas, St. Louis, Kansas City, South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina-style barbecue are offered at the restaurants.

Haywood Smokehouse, local family owned and operated, has been recognized on nationwide customer-ranked lists including ranking No. 11 on Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 U.S. Restaurants list.

Its slow-cooked Texas-style brisket earned the restaurant the No. 1 spot on Yelp’s list of Top Brisket Spots in the U.S. and Canada in 2023. Haywood Smokehouse placed in the Top 10 on the site’s Top 100 BBQ Spots list and ranked No. 11 on the Top 100 U.S. Restaurants lists in 2024.

Beyond the brisket, Beasley recommends first-time visitors try the baby back ribs – offered on Saturdays only. The quesadillas made with brisket or pork are another crowd favorite.

Local craft beers, sweet teas and more are on the beverage menu.

Beasley recommends diners visiting Dillsboro, a former old train stop, to visit the downtown shops, breweries, pottery and craft shops and other local restaurants.

He noted that the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which boards in Bryson City, makes a stop in Dillsboro.

Also stop into Brenda Beasley’s retail shop, Horse Feathers Mercantile and Boutique in Dillsboro.

Mount Mitchell Café & Eatery

2388 N.C. 128, Burnsville at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 355, mountmitchellcafeandeatery.com 

Refuel up on the way to the summit at Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet elevation, at Mount Mitchell Café & Eatery in Burnsville.

In May, owners Melissa Howell and Chef Leigh Howell reopened Mount Mitchell State Park’s restaurant as the newly rebranded eatery, which sits at an estimated 6,200 feet elevation and offers American and Appalachian fare.

The menu features handcrafted, made-to-order gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads made with local ingredients and artisan bread. Gluten-free options are available.

Grilled and fried local trout are among the favorite dishes with other signature standouts offered like the Elisha’s turkey and pimento melt and the 6684 Burger.

Hiking trails and scenic views are plenty just beyond the restaurant’s doors. Take in the sights on the café’s patio lounging in Adirondack chairs ― outside dining service is not offered.

Before heading home, visit downtown Burnsville, nearly an hour down the mountain, and enjoy a meal at the Howell’s other restaurant, Pig & Grits.

The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn

202 Gideon Ridge Road, Blowing Rock, gideonridge.com

Make the hike up the Blue Ridge Mountains to dine at The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn, a 2024 James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant.

Executive Chef Hunter Womble said The Restaurant ― about an hour-and-a-half northeast of Asheville ― offers long-range views from any seat in the dining room, guest-tailored experiences and “a beautiful balance of fine dining without all the pretentious notes.”

The Restaurant’s local and regional farm-to-table menu rotates regularly with seasonally and features fresh imports like Alaskan halibut and Northeastern mussels.

Two longtime staples are the local, spreadable chicken liver pate paired with sorghum mustard, rehydrated cherries and chive oil. The escargot is prepared with local mushrooms, cognac cream sauce and a classic garlic parsley mix.

The in-house, curated cocktail program complements the seasonal dining menu.

The dining room features banks of glass windows offering unadulterated, infinity mountain views.

Womble recommends dining al fresco on the patio and taking a walk along the Rhododendron gardens. An on-site hiking trail loops and leads to a cave that is available for guests to explore.

The Restaurant is open to the public and Womble said many new diners have come in after the James Beard nod. The Restaurant is reservation only via Resy. Reservation time blocks open two weeks out.

Consider staying a night or more at the Inn, housed in a building constructed in 1939 and formerly owned by the locally famed Cone family.

In Blowing Rock, Womble recommends hiking, tubing, fly fishing and shopping downtown. Also, check out Gideon Ridge Inn’s other properties, Bistro Roca and Hellbender Bed and Beverage.

Stories you may have missed:

• Mount Mitchell State Park's restaurant reopened by Burnsville couple; What's on the menu?
• National Geographic travel guide features Asheville as LGBTQIA+-friendly destination
• 2024 James Beard Award winner takes over Asheville in four-day tasting tour

Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times .