History and musical heritage abound in this beautiful setting just north of Asheville. The county is known for its traditional mountain music which is highlighted at several festivals during the year and every week at locations throughout. There are also artists throughout these Blue Ridge Mountains who derive their inspiration from the people and the natural surroundings. The three towns each have unique qualities. Hot Springs has one of the few natural mineral springs east of the Mississippi plus easy access to the Appalachian Trail. Marshall’s Main Street parallels the French Broad River and celebrates the old and new with its 100-year old Courthouse and influx of artists’ studios and eclectic shops. Mars Hill is home to the beautiful campus of Mars Hill University as well as the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre. These hills inspire authors to write books about the area and attract filmmakers to use the beauty as a backdrop for movies.
The County itself is rich in history from the times of the Cherokee Indians through the colonial settlers and into the Civil War...
The town of Hot Springs is a jewel in the county, situated where the Appalachian Trail crosses the French Broad River...
