35th Annual Asheville Goombay Festival - Cultural Celebration

TOP PLACES TO LIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA

Rhythmic beats, dancing in the streets, and folks having a good time. That’s what to expect at the 35th Annual Asheville Goombay Festival.  This year’s event will be held on September 11th-13th at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville and it’s going to be better than ever.  More than 10,000 people are expected to converge on Downtown Asheville, one of the best neighborhoods in Asheville, to immerse themselves in a cultural celebration. 

The Goombay Festival is a celebration of the cultural diversity of the African Diaspora and Asheville’s African American Community.  The Goombay Festival, which is rooted in the West African Culture and means rhythm or drum, is bound to live up to the liveliness of its meaning. 

There is nothing like a Goombay Festival.  For three days and nights, festival attendees will enjoy the sounds of eclectic music styles from well-known performers like this year’s headliner Hip-Hop Legend Doug E. Fresh, plus local entertainment from various groups, including gospel choirs.  The event also gives artists, as well as clothing and food vendors a chance to showcase their unique wear and exotic cuisine.  Don’t be surprised to see television cameras taking candid shots of attendees enjoying themselves.  Here’s a list of times and activities for the family fun-packed weekend in Asheville:

Friday: 5-10pm, Saturday: 10am-10pm, Sunday: 1pm-6pm

FEATURED ACTIVITIES:

• Downtown Parade (11am) in Pritchard Park
• Stilt Walkers
• Art & Craft Vendors
• Food Vendors
• Free Throw & 3PT Competition

FEATURED WORKSHOP LOCATIONS:

• LEAF in School and Streets
• Asheville Arts Museum

FEATURED DANCE PERFORMERS:

• Studio Zahiya
• Urban Arts Institute

Asheville may be a popular destination for festivals, but it’s also home to some of the finest North Carolina mountain communities and prestigious gated neighborhoods. The beauty of North Carolina, coupled with its rich history, makes Asheville retirement communities particularly attractive. In addition, the sought-after destination is ideal for families looking for comfort, luxury and great schools.  Here’s a look at several master planned communities in close proximity to downtown Asheville worth exploring during the exciting Asheville Goombay Festival:

SOUTHCLIFF

The gated community offers its residents a lifestyle that fosters fitness.  Set in the foothills of North Carolina’s majestic mountains, Southcliff spans more than 400 acres of land.  The Asheville neighborhood features several hiking trials and five community parks, plus, the following residential features. Amenities include a 24 hour manned gated entrance, five community parks, six miles of walking trails.

BILTMORE LAKE

The award winning master planned community is tucked away from the busy sights and sounds of the city.  Tranquility fills the air in this gated estate.   The lake view homes sit on more than 1,000 acres of land in one of best neighborhoods in Asheville. Amenities include a 62 Acre private lake, lakefront clubhouse, fishing pier/kayak storage, community parks, children's playground, tennis courts, ball courts and 4.2 miles of dedicated walking trails. Its close proximity to downtown makes it ideal for Asheville retirement.

THOMS ESTATE

Residents of the Thoms Estate enjoy a particular distinction thanks to its European-style village setting.  The estate’s close proximity to many of Asheville’s favorite sights makes this community even more attractive to families, baby-boomers and retirees. Amenities include a gated entrance, 32 acres of walking trails & open space, open air pavilion, community gardens, children's playground and community recreational lawn.

Take a peek at Thoms Estate homes.  

REYNOLDS MOUNTAIN

Looking for luxury living?  Reynolds Mountain is the place to visit.  Luxury town homes and custom built large estates fill the landscape of this illustrious community, which reaches over 500 acres of land. Amenities include a gated entrance, urban village at the base of the mountain with cafes, shops and a YMCA, the Reynolds Mansion Bed and Breakfast, a community park and 30 acres preserved green space.

THE RAMBLE AT BILTMORE FOREST

Residents of the Ramble Biltmore Forest have the pleasure of calling the Ducker Mountain area home.  Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy living here.  The luxury homes stretch across 1,000 acres of land.  Developers paid extra attention to carefully preserving the beauty of the surrounding Biltmore Forest. Amenities include a 24 hour manned gated entrance, living well fitness center, outdoor saline swimming pool, community parks, Bow Bridge, Dingle Creek, and a hiking and biking trail system.

There are numerous other features that put North Carolina mountain communities high on the list of retirees and Baby Boomers looking to relocate. Come enjoy the Asheville Goombay Festival and explore some of the best neighborhoods in Asheville.