About

About The Swannanoa Valley

The Valley is located in eastern  Buncombe County of North Carlina (adjacent to Asheville NC).

The area was named for the beautiful Swannanoa River which runs through it.

The latitude is 35.597N. The longitude is -82.4W.

It is in the Eastern Standard time zone.

Elevation varies greatly with the low point of 2,195 feet and the surrounding mountains rising to over 6,000 feet.   Mount Mitchell stands just a few miles to the north of the Swannanoa and is the highest point east of the Mississippi River.

Swannanoa is a census-designated place (CDP) in Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 4,526 in 2007. The community is named for the Swannanoa River, which flows through the settlement. The Swannanoa River joins the French Broad at Asheville, North Carolina. The Cheraw Indians lived east of the Cherokee until they were obliged to join the Catawba people early in the 18th Century. Their name for themselves must have been something like “Suwala,” because de Soto called them Xuala and, to the Cherokee, they were Ani-Suwali ["they are Suwali"]. The Cherokee name for the route from the mountains to the Cheraw country was Suwa’li-nunnohi ["Suwali path"]. In English pronunciation, that became Swannanoa and was applied to the river and the mountains just east of Asheville. It is part of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Swannanoa is approximately located between Asheville and Black Mountain. I-40 passes through the main commercial area of Swannanoa, which is focused around Ingles supermarket and gas station. The old commercial area sits beside an empty lot where the old Beacon Blankets plant once sat. The Beacon Plant was the epicenter of the Swannanoa community, built by the late Charles D. Owen,Sr.

Black Mountain was originally known as Grey Eagle to the Cherokee and Catawba Native Americans who lived and hunted here in great numbers. Early settlers of the area were lured by the adventure and rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains.

The Town of Black Mountain was founded in 1893. It was named for the Black Mountain range of mountains that border the Town to the north. At the time of incorporation, the Town of Black Mountain had become a major pathway for westbound immigrants, commercial trade, and the mountain railroad. This strategic location helped establish Black Mountain as one of the most prosperous and picturesque communities in the country.

Spectacular views have welcomed Black Mountain residents and visitors for over 109 years as they step from the quaint shops, prosperous businesses, and friendly neighborhoods into the great outdoors that serves as the centerpiece for a visual feast that continues to draw so many to this lovely valley. Black Mountain’s friendly character and graceful setting have long lured botanists, hikers, travelers, and others seeking to commune with the great outdoors. However, the magnificence of the mountains has drawn more than just those seeking to enjoy this graceful natural bounty. Our historic downtown shopping district, vital service sector and clean industry, all serve to attract fine people of every age and profession with backgrounds and interests as varied as the mountainous landscape that surrounds the Town. This special mixture of people and talent has created a lively community with varied assets and lifestyles



Excerpt from the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce:

Since the Cherokee Indians settled here more than 10,000 years ago, folks have come seeking rejuvenation, contemplation, and introspection. The beautiful mountain scenery, variety of recreational activities, and friendly hometown feel, continues to attract many each year. Take a walk through historic downtown and discover numerous unique gift shops, galleries, and Appalachian-style craft stores, with local craftsmen often demonstrating iron works, dulcimer making, and throwing pottery. Enjoy a wide variety of nightly music at one of our famous venues.

From the most upscale cuisine, to country cooking and BBQ, the area is home to over forty restaurants sure to please any palate. Dine inside or outside, while enjoying the local flavor or celebrating a special occasion.

Activities abound - from a round of golf at Black Mountain's famous 747 yard par 6 course (one of the longest in the world), to hiking and biking along the area's numerous scenic trails. The area hosts many renowned festivals: Sourwood Festival, L.E.A.F. Festival, Black Mountain Art and Crafts Show, and Art in Bloom to name a few. Don't miss the Swannanoa Valley Museum and Black Mountain Center for the Arts.

About The Swannanoa Valley Scene On-Line Magazine

                                    

Print Media, such as newspapers and magazines, have been used to share information for centuries....and they remain useful tools in today's world.  

But.....The advent of computers and the internet have opened up new words for sharing news and information. 

The Swannanoa Valley Scene intends to make full use of digital media to share the wonderful opportunities provided to all who visit and live in the Swannanoa Valley.