Private Clubs, Dining & Cultural Life

 

Whether you’re interested in making professional connections, joining like-minded hobbyists, supporting a cause, or simply enjoying a world-class meal, this is your guide to the clubs, organizations, and experiences that define life in Asheville and beyond.

 

Private Clubs & Social Circles

 

Private clubs have been central to Western North Carolina’s social life for over a century. From the early 20th-century establishment of Biltmore Forest Country Club to today’s resort-style enclaves like The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, clubs in the region have blended sport, socialization, and civic leadership into one dynamic offering. What once served mainly as seasonal gathering spots for Southern families now cater year-round to a growing population of full-time residents, remote professionals, and high-net-worth newcomers.

 

According to club managers and real estate brokers, membership interest has surged in recent years—driven by demand for lifestyle amenities, multigenerational programming, and gated community living. Golf remains central, but so too do wellness facilities, racquet sports, wine clubs, and outdoor adventure. Notably, several area clubs are by invitation only, and having a local broker who understands the etiquette of access can be instrumental.

 

Below is a snapshot of some of the region’s most established and desirable clubs—each offering a different take on life in the mountains.

 

• Biltmore Forest Country Club – Founded in 1922 and located in Asheville’s most prestigious neighborhood. Offers a Donald Ross–designed course, formal dining, tennis, pool, and curated member events. Membership is by invitation and known for its discretion and tradition.
• The Cliffs at Walnut Cove – A gated golf and wellness community with a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, full spa and fitness center, and extensive trails. Members enjoy reciprocal access to all seven Cliffs communities.
• Country Club of Asheville – Another Donald Ross course with mountain views and a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere. Includes fitness, swimming, and social programming. Managed by McConnell Golf.
• Asheville Racquet Club – Two locations (Downtown and South) with tennis, pickleball, gym, pool, and active social events. Known for a casual and inclusive environment with strong programming for all ages.

• Tryon International Equestrian Center – Just under an hour from Asheville, TIEC is a nationally recognized equestrian hub offering shows, boarding, and events. Adjacent to private communities and near historic Tryon Country Club.
• Biltmore Sporting Clays Club – On the Biltmore Estate, this members-only shooting club features trap, skeet, and 5-stand ranges with event space and exclusive access.
• Asheville Rowing Club – A recreational and competitive rowing club on Lake Julian with seasonal regattas, coached programs, and an active adult membership base.
• Asheville Rifle & Pistol Club – A private, nonprofit shooting club in Arden (Asheville area) with roughly 800 members, the club maintains outdoor ranges for a variety of calibers and competitions.
• Fowler Farms Sporting Clays – located near Hot Springs about 25 miles southeast of Asheville, is a scenic outdoors shotgun‑shooting facility featuring a 10–11 station sporting clays course set among wooded hills and open fields.

• Champion Hills – A luxury community in Hendersonville with a Tom Fazio–designed course, social programming, and full club amenities.
• Mountain Flyers Flying Club – A pilot co-op based at Asheville Regional Airport with shared aircraft and flight access for private aviators.
• Carolina Soaring Association – Based at Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport (KSPA) in South Carolina (serving pilots across the Carolinas), offering both tow‑plane and winch launches, and flight instruction in two‑seat trainers.
• Highlands Plateau Audubon Society – Not a traditional club, but a great example of nature-minded membership circles.

 

 

The garden club tradition in Asheville is not only alive and well—it’s foundational. Western NC’s biodiversity, historic landscapes, and urban greenways have long inspired a community of gardeners, preservationists, and civic stewards. From the native plant initiatives of the Asheville Botanical Gardens to the formal influence of the Garden Club of America, these societies reflect the area’s deep respect for place.

 

These clubs also serve as informal “welcome wagons” for newcomers looking to connect through beauty and service. Seasonal luncheons, historic home tours, and fundraising teas make them both social and civic-minded institutions.

• French Broad River Garden Club – Founded in 1927 and affiliated with the Garden Club of America. Focuses on conservation, native plantings, and heritage landscapes.
• Asheville Garden Club – Open membership and monthly meetings; known for its hands-on volunteer work in public spaces.
• Asheville Botanical Gardens Society – Members support educational programming and the maintenance of this unique 10-acre garden of native plants.
• Blue Ridge Bonsai Society – Dedicated to promoting the art and fine craftsmanship of bonsai through monthly educational workshops, exhibitions, and community events—ranging from beginner-friendly lessons to advanced styling—hosted primarily at the North Carolina Arboretum.
• Asheville Garden Club – A vibrant community of garden enthusiasts fostering a shared love of gardening, plants, and conservation through meetings and events throughout the year.
• Garden Club of Weaverville – A co‑ed nonprofit dedicated to native‑plant gardening, pollinator projects, and regular educational meetings open to everyone.
• Western North Carolina Orchid Society – A specialized horticultural group focused on the cultivation, education, and appreciation of orchids in the Asheville region
• The Village Wreath Club – A longstanding (and invitation-only) social club focused on seasonal floral design and neighborhood beautification in Biltmore Village.

 

Philanthropy & Civic Engagement

 

 

Western North Carolina is a place where philanthropy feels personal. From family foundations funding rural healthcare to art lovers underwriting symphony programs, giving is woven into the cultural fabric. In fact, the Asheville metro area consistently ranks among North Carolina’s top regions for per capita charitable contributions, according to Giving USA and local reporting.

 

Many organizations offer structured giving circles, volunteer leadership, and social events for donors — a welcoming on-ramp for new residents looking to engage with purpose. Whether your passion is conservation, the arts, or food security, there is a mission-driven group eager to meet you.

 

• Community Foundation of Western North Carolina – Manages over $450M in charitable assets and provides millions in annual grants. Offers donor-advised funds and regional giving initiatives.
• Dogwood Health Trust – One of the largest health-focused foundations in the country, serving 18 counties with a focus on housing, broadband, and healthcare equity.
• Asheville Area Arts Council – Advocates for arts funding and supports local creatives through grants, events, and policy work.
• Conserving Carolina – A land trust protecting over 48,000 acres. Donors can support specific projects or join volunteer trail-building crews.

• Asheville Symphony Guild – Hosts social events and raises funds for classical music programming and education.
• LEAF Global Arts – Fosters global cultural connection through education and festivals. Opportunities for sponsorship and service abound.
• Asheville GreenWorks – A grassroots organization leading sustainability and cleanup projects. Frequent hands-on volunteer opportunities.
• Homeward Bound – Works to end homelessness via permanent supportive housing. Offers donor and advocacy roles.
• Pisgah Legal Services – Delivers legal aid and policy advocacy. Donor events and pro bono opportunities for professionals.
• MANNA FoodBank – The region’s main hunger relief agency, distributing food to 200+ partners. Hosts well-attended events like Empty Bowls.

 

Dining, Arts & Cultural Life

 

With more than 100 independent restaurants, over 50 breweries, and a nationally celebrated art scene, Asheville has carved out a cultural identity far larger than its population might suggest. The city has been home to multiple James Beard–nominated chefs, and outlets like Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, and Garden & Gun regularly highlight it as one of the South’s most vibrant small-city scenes.

 

From experimental galleries to historic stages, the region fosters artistic expression alongside culinary experimentation. Downtown Asheville is the epicenter, but satellite towns like Brevard, Black Mountain, and Hendersonville also boast rich local culture.

 

• Cúrate – A Spanish tapas institution helmed by James Beard Award winner Katie Button.
• Rhubarb – John Fleer’s Appalachian-inspired bistro with seasonal tasting menus.
• The Market Place – A long-standing local favorite offering farm-to-table fare in an elegant setting.

• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – A massive beer campus near the airport with trails, gardens, and a restaurant.
• Burial Beer Co. – Known for artistic can design and experimental ales.
• 12 Bones Smokehouse – A favorite for ribs and local flavor, famously visited by President Obama.

• Wortham Center for the Performing Arts – Hosts national touring acts and local productions in a state-of-the-art venue.
• Brevard Music Center – A world-class music institute offering outdoor concerts all summer.
• Flat Rock Playhouse – North Carolina’s state theater, known for Broadway-level musicals and plays.

Visual Arts & Immersive Spaces:              

• River Arts District (RAD) – Home to over 200 working artists in open studios and galleries.
• Moogseum – A tribute to electronic music pioneer Bob Moog, blending science and art.
• Center for Craft – Showcasing national craft artists and curating rotating exhibitions.

Annual & Seasonal Events

 

For many, it’s the rhythm of the year—festivals, markets, concerts, and performances—that truly defines the Asheville experience. Western NC’s event calendar is packed with long-running celebrations that blend local pride, world culture, and mountain creativity.

Whether you’re cheering at a Scottish Highland game, sipping wine under string lights, or watching ballet in the park, these recurring events offer joy and connection for all ages.

 

• LEAF Festival – World music, arts, and culture on the grounds of historic Black Mountain College. Held each May and October since 1995.
• Biltmore Blooms and Christmas at Biltmore – Seasonal floral and holiday spectacles at America’s largest home.
• Asheville Wine & Food Festival – A springtime celebration of culinary excellence across multiple venues.
• Shindig on the Green – Free bluegrass concerts in Pack Square Park on Saturday nights all summer.
• Downtown After 5 – Monthly street parties with live music and local vendors, May–September.
• White Squirrel Festival (Brevard) – A family-friendly celebration featuring music, arts, and the town’s rare squirrel mascots.
• Mountain Song Festival – Hosted by Steep Canyon Rangers each September in Brevard.
• Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain – Traditional Scottish games and pageantry in Linville, dating back to 1956.

Whether you’re drawn to the camaraderie of garden clubs, the refinement of private dining, or the casual charm of neighborhood eateries, Western North Carolina offers countless ways to connect, engage, and enjoy. From nationally recognized garden societies to vibrant social clubs, the region is as rich in community as it is in natural beauty. For those relocating to the Asheville area—or simply looking to deepen their roots—this author is happy to offer personalized recommendations based on your interests and lifestyle. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like additional information, suggestions, or other ideas, as this article only scratches the surface of what Western North Carolina has to offer.