New year, new me! Just kidding. I’m starting 2026 still unemployed, and I just left the gym midway through a brand-new workout because “my stomach was bothering me.” I’ve also yet to set time limits on my phone apps, as I said I would. Still, I do have a nice little 2026 Western North Carolina bucket list that I’m keeping to 10 items, because corporate America has taught me that the “A” in S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) is the most important one to keep in mind.
So, without further ado, here are 10 things specific to Western North Carolina (or, specifically, to living in Asheville, since that’s what the whole conceit of this blog is to begin with) I’d love to accomplish in 2026.
Spent a Weekend (or a Few Nights) at the Riverbend Cottage:
The Riverbend Cottage is a rental cottage located on the Laurel River Trail between Marshall and Hot Springs, one of my favorite places to hike. I’ve been saying since I’ve seen it (so, going on five years now), I’d love to stay there, and 2026 will be that year.
Hike the Babel Tower Trail:
Another thing I’ve been saying I’d like to do is to hike to the bottom of the Linville Gorge. While there is a trail that connects the two rims, I’m trying to make this goal SMART, so I’m settling on one that could be done in one morning.
Hike the Yellow Mountain Trail:
This is another hike I’ve been saying I’d like to tackle since moving here. It’s supposed to be one of the hardest hikes in WNC, but I think, based on AllTrails reviews, it’s very doable.
Visit the Shoji Spa:
The Shoji Spa is a traditional Japanese soaking spa with alleged gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain Views that—sensing a trend?—I’ve also been wanting to try since moving here, and it’s stupid I haven’t because it’s right near where I live.
Visit Charleston:
I know Charleston isn’t in WNC, but out of the southern cities that are weekend-trip distance from Asheville, it’s the one I want to tackle most.
Stay at the LeConte Lodge:
I’ve hiked Mt. LeConte at least six times I can think of, but never stayed over at the top.
Go Camping:
I haven’t technically camped anywhere in Western North Carolina (I tried one night, but it was solo, and to be very honest, I heard a sound in the middle of the night that spooked me, and so I fled), and I think that should be rectified.
Kayak to Burgess Falls in Tennessee:
This is another thing I keep saying I want to do, and making semi-haphazard plans to accomplish, and just…not.
Do an Asheville Food Tour:
Self-explanatory. I don’t want to link to one, because I don’t want to commit to any specific vendor!
Complete at Least Four Fire-Tower Hikes:
Call me a basic hiker, but I find fire towers fascinating, and would love to tackle a few of these (this is also a SUPER SMART goal, because it overlaps with another!)
Which WNC activities and locales have you been meaning to visit or experience but putting off? What’s on your 2026 WNC bucketlist?
AshevilleExplorer 