WNC Nature Center, Asheville NC | Nearby Businesses

• Zoo and Aquarium

75 Gashes Creek Rd
Asheville, NC 28805
(828) 259-8080

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a 42-acre zoological park operated by the City of Asheville's Parks and Recreation department. Until 1973, it was known as the Asheville City Zoo and was then renamed the Children's Zoo and Nature Center. It received its current name in 1974 when formed as a non-profit charity to develop the zoo which ultimately opened in 1976. The Center has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1999 and its collection features animals native to the southern Appalachian Mountains. In 2013 the center welcomed over 107,000 guests with over 13,000 coming from school children on field trips to the facility. In 2010, the Center completed an ambitious 2020 Vision master plan and in 2013 opened the first phase of this plan with a new red wolf exhibit and Arachnid Adventure playground. A new front entrance complex, prehistoric Appalachian exhibit and Appalachian Journey exhibit are also being planned.

MANNA FoodBank collects, stores, warehouses and distributes food to MANNA accredited non profits throughout 16 counties in Western North Carolina. MANNA provides direct service on a very limited basis to those struggling with hunger through our MANNA Packs for Kids Program and Food Stamp Outreach. MANNA assists partner agencies with acquiring food to serve those facing hunger.

The Blue Ridge Music Trails is your guide to finding great musical experiences in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina. As you explore the Music Trails, be sure to pick up a copy of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina guidebook which makes a great travel companion, souvenir, or gift. Traditional music is flourishing across many parts of America, but in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina, more so than elsewhere, the music is part of the fabric of community life.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership (a 501(c)3 non profit) works to protect, preserve, interpret and develop the unique cultural and natural resources of the 25 Westernmost counties in North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary that played a significant role in the history of the United States. The focus is on five thematic areas that created the traditions that live on today—agriculture, craft, Cherokee, music and the natural scenic beauty. The BRNHA actively markets the region as a premier heritage and cultural tourism destination.

We are a Messianic Jewish congregation housed within Bethesda United Methodist Church on Old Haw Creek Rd in beautiful Asheville, NC! Our office phone is 828-380-6188, or you can click on the email link to contact us for more information. Saturday morning services are held each week at 10:30AM, with Oneg (potluck lunch!) immediately following. We also have Torah Study each Thursday night, in our Fellowship Hall, from 6:30-8:00PM. Please visit our website for our full Mission & Belief statement, as well as detailed news, information, and links: www.KehillatYeshua.com We'd love to see you! Shalom and many blessings, David & Amy Cheesman

Situated on ten acres, Animal Haven of Asheville rescues and rehabilitates not only domestic animals but farm animals as well. We are a unique shelter in Western NC offering cage free living, a lifetime home for those not adopted, and a "hands on" humane education program for people of all ages. Animal Haven of Asheville works with the local Meals on Wheels program providing pet food assistance enabling those senior citizens whose only companion is their pet to keep them. We also work with the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women and the Craggy Correctional Facility for Men through the "New Leash on Life" program. Animal Haven recently built and completed a brand new 1500 square foot thrift shop, the proceeds of which directly benefit the animals in our care at the sanctuary. Animal Haven of Asheville receives no city, county, or state funding. We operate our sanctuary through private donations, fundraisers, grants, mailings, and our on site Thrift Store. We are a volunteer based organization and are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. For more information call 828-299-1635 or visit our website.