Escape to Asheville's Bele Chere The Southeast's Largest Free Outdoor Street Festival

Escape to Asheville’s Bele Chere The Southeast’s Largest Free Outdoor Street Festival

November 6, 2012

A myriad of light catchers reflect the afternoon sun.

The middle of summer is a great time to get away from the sweltering heat of our famously hot city for a few days and head to the beautiful city of Asheville. Nestled in the high foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Asheville takes its visitors to a cooler climate while allowing lots of opportunities to take a step back in time. Everyone thinks of the fabulous grandeur of the Biltmore Mansion and the quiet elegance of the Grove Park Inn where one can take in the serene beauty while dining al fresco on the Sunset Terrace.

With so many choices, in food, visitors can enjoy their favorites.

But in mid-summer, visitors can also enjoy the largest outdoor street festival in the Southeast, Bele Chere. Held in downtown Asheville with a wide variety of arts, music, food beverages, events, and children’s activities, Bele Chere was started in 1979 by a group of merchants dedicated to revitalizing the downtown area.

Enjoy a great meal surrounded by art.

Always held the last full weekend in July, this year’s festival ran from July 27 to 29. This year the festival had over 400 vendors, hundreds of artist’s exhibits, over 40 bands, and two food courts including one called Taste of Asheville with all local food.

Even the tee shirts make a colorful and artistic statement.

Bele Chere provides visitors with a wonderful opportunity to experience the Asheville area.

Unusual and decorative art pieces are available in all forms.

This year’s festival will include two food courts.

When you are planning your summer, and if you have a penchant for outdoor festivals and would love the opportunity to escape a little of the summer heat here in Columbia, Asheville’s Bele Chere might just be the place for you.