Hidden Gems in the Blue Ridge: Montreat and Black Mountain's Artistic Soul
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just east of Asheville, Montreat and Black Mountain, North Carolina, are small towns with an outsized cultural footprint. Despite their modest year-round populations, these charming communities have quietly established themselves as two of the most significant artistic destinations in the American South, thanks to a rich legacy that continues to shape contemporary culture. Just a short drive from Charleston, they offer the perfect escape from intense summer heat while providing unique cultural experiences that capture the essence of North Carolina.
Montreat: A Mountain Sanctuary
In 1897, a group of clergy and lay leaders purchased 4,500 acres in the mountains of western North Carolina to build a Christian settlement that would later be named Montreat. In ensuing years, Billy Graham and his wife Ruth would call this mountain town home, spending their later years at the top of the mountain, with Billy commuting in and out via helicopter. Today, visitors can experience the divine beauty of Montreat's preserved woodland areas through peaceful mountain walks that offer both spiritual reflection and natural splendor.
Black Mountain's Revolutionary Artistic Legacy & Contemporary Art Scene
Black Mountain College cemented the town's artistic reputation during its groundbreaking run from 1933 to 1957. This experimental liberal arts institution attracted innovative minds like poet Charles Olson, composer John Cage, dancer Merce Cunningham, and visual artists Josef and Anni Albers.
The college pioneered an interdisciplinary approach that broke down barriers between art forms, creating a breeding ground for artistic innovation. Its most famous event, Theater Piece No. 1 (1952)—often cited as the first "happening"—featured Cage reading while Tudor played piano, Cunningham danced, and Rauschenberg displayed his White Paintings simultaneously.
Today's Black Mountain honors this experimental spirit with a vibrant contemporary arts community. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts hosts exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, while local galleries showcase regional artists inspired by both natural beauty and experimental heritage.
The creative energy extends far beyond visual arts. Local musicians skillfully blend Appalachian folk traditions with contemporary influences, and the annual LEAF Festival celebrates the region's diverse cultural traditions with performers and artisans from around the world.
Black Mountain also honors traditional Appalachian craftsmanship in pottery, woodworking, and textile arts, often with contemporary twists. At farmers markets and craft fairs, traditional Cherokee basket makers display their work alongside contemporary sculptors experimenting with recycled materials—reflecting a place where different artistic traditions meet and cross-pollinate in fascinating ways.
Natural Inspiration: Where Landscape Meets Art
The stunning natural setting of Montreat and Black Mountain cannot be separated from their cultural identity. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains provide both inspiration and context for the area's thriving artistic community. Many artists speak of how the changing seasons, morning mists, and dramatic mountain vistas influence their work, whether they're painters capturing the landscape directly or musicians finding rhythms in the sounds of mountain streams.
The towns' commitment to environmental preservation aligns perfectly with their artistic values, recognizing that the natural beauty attracting creative people must be protected for future generations. This environmental consciousness has become another vital thread in the area's cultural fabric, influencing everything from sustainable art practices to eco-friendly festivals.
