A tiny community near the Great Smokies
The small community of Fairview lies just south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Home to several Fairview vacation rentals, Fairview itself is certainly scenic, but it's the surrounding backcountry which is the biggest draw for most. The Blue Ridge Mountains are only a short drive away and provide endless hiking and biking trails for those who decide to explore them. In fact, just the route alone is often dubbed America's favorite drive. If you travel in the summer months, there's a wealth of seasonal attractions and events in the area.
Pinball and the Bard
While Fairview is pretty, it's tiny. For attractions, your best bet is the short drive up to the bohemian town of Asheville, a place many artists and writers call home. Just walking through the town reveals some fascinating Art Deco architecture, but if you delve in a little deeper you'll find so much more. You should look for the numerous theaters in town, and in the summer, try to score a seat at one of the free Shakespeare productions. If you bring kids, they'll love the quirky Pinball Museum where they can have a play on the vintage machines.
Fairview awaits hikers and anglers
You'll want to pack your walking shoes when you come to stay in a Fairview vacation rental. There's a staggering number of hiking trails available for all abilities, some of which wind their way up to some spectacular viewpoints. Anglers will be particularly taken by the fishing opportunities and peaceful spots from which to cast their lines. For something a little faster paced, you can hop on a rented mountain bike to ride along the downhill tracks. For a memorable summer treat, nothing beats taking a refreshing dip in one of the nearby waterfalls.
Pick the shoulder months
The elevation of Fairview means it's never as humid in the summer here as other destinations in the state. It's also the busiest time, so Fairview vacation rentals can be hard to come by. Try visiting in the shoulder months, particularly between March to May and September to the end of October, when the blooms and foliage make for an arguably more scenic landscape, the weather is more agreeable and the vacation rentals very good value. You'll also have far fewer vacationers to contend with on the hiking trails and along the fishing banks.
Pack up your camera and binoculars
This part of North Carolina has long been known as one of the best spots in the state for wildlife. The surrounding forests and national parks teem with critters, both big and small. You don't need to join a tour group to see some – just pack up a camera and a pair of binoculars and keep your eyes peeled. Birds are particularly prevalent in the wooded areas and there are dozens of species to tick off your list. For something a little larger, look out along the rivers and you may very well spot a playful otter or beaver.
How to get to and around Fairview
Fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), the closest airport, located 9.6 mi (15.5 km) from the city center.