For many of us in Western North Carolina, it’s Spring Break for our kids. No school for 9 days! Exciting and daunting. How do we keep our kids busy and having fun without breaking the bank? What if you can’t afford to go to the beach or Gatlinburg or pay for camp? This week, I’ll be sharing some advice for how to keep your kids having fun right here in Western North Carolina. “Budget” varies widely from family to family, so I’ll cover ideas that are completely free and some that have a small cost associated with them. Psst…if you don’t know about ZOOM Passes from the library, check this out.
Swannanoa, north carolina on a budget
I love my little small town of Swannanoa and despite what some might think, we do have things to do here! In fact, many residents have playfully started to say we are “swanna-somewhere” — a reclamation of the tired “swanna-nowhere” nickname.
Here are some ideas for how to explore Swannanoa on a budget:
@rundainwnc What else would you do in Swannanoa on a budget? What budget ideas do you have for your WNC town that we can share for others? Swannanoa on a Budget Ideas: 📕 Swannanoa Library and Park 🕹️Good Company Pizza Arcade 🧵Cherry Tree Beads 🥾Hiking near Warren Wilson 🧩 Blunt Pretzel, Short Sleeves Coffee, and Moments Coffee have kid’s games/activities 🌮La Bamba & Athens Grille Lunch Specials and Kid’s Menus 🛍️ Buckeye Antiques Mall 🍪Papaw’s Place for a special snack #swannanoa #blackmountain #asheville #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Swannanoa Library and Park (251 Stonewall Ave, Swannanoa, NC)
Tucked into the Grovemont Community in Swannanoa is a public library and park. This is one of my favorite library/park combinations in Buncombe County. The park has a playground, soccer field/green space, basketball court, and exercise stations.
Good Company Pizza Arcade (2334 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, NC)
Good Company Pizza in Swannanoa is a full restaurant and has an entire half dedicated to an arcade and gelato stand. The game room includes air hockey, arcade games, claw machines, etc. I have found the games to be reasonable/winnable – my kids had a great time! You can find my full review here.
@rundainwnc I can’t believe I’ve been driving all the way to North Asheville to do arcade and pizza with the kids when this is a mile from my house 😅 Thanks @Good Company Pizza! #828isgreat #swannanoa #blackmountain #asheville #westernnorthcarolina ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Cherry Tree Beads (202 Railroad St, Swannanoa, NC)
Does your family enjoy crafts? Cherry Tree Beads is a paradise of beads and string and all the accessories. To keep it budget, consider purchasing one or two strands or doing a fill your own bag of beads.
@rundainwnc I am an enabler. Let your crafty heart be full and check out @Cherry Tree Beads in Swannanoa! (Not local? They sell online, too.) While you’re at it, you can grab a coffee from Short Sleeves, a pretzel from Blunt Pretzel, some groceries from The Rite Buy, and pretty soon the hardware store will be opened up too. We are Swanna-somewhere, indeed ❤️ #swannanoa #asheville #westernnorthcarolina #828isgreat #crafty ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Hiking near Warren Wilson College
Unfortunately, Owen Park will remain closed for a number of years due to Hurricane Helene. However, there are several walking and hiking trails on the Warren Wilson College campus. You should be able to learn more on the AllTrails website or app.
Cafe & Kid’s Toys: Blunt Pretzel (120 Alexander Place, Swannanoa, NC), Short Sleeves Coffee (222 Whitson Ave, Swannanoa, NC), Moments Coffee (2304 US-70, Swannanoa, NC)
Many of our local coffee/food shops are kid-friendly. At Blunt Pretzel, there is a cart of board games. Short Sleeves Coffee has magnet tiles, books, and puzzles. Moments Coffee has a bookshelf, fire truck, and other small toys.
Lunch Special Spotlight: La Bamba & Athens Grille
There are many wonderful places to eat in Swannanoa! Two of my favorite budget options are La Bamba and Athens Grille. Both restaurants have daily lunch specials and kid menus.
@rundainwnc It’s rare to find a filling meal for $4.99 and it not be from a drive thru! If you’re looking for a budget meal in Swannanoa or a good cup of coffee and dessert, check out: La Bamba Restaurant 2298 US 70, Swannanoa Moments Coffee Bar and Eatery 2304 US 70, Swannanoa #swannanoa #blackmountain #asheville #828isgreat #wnc ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
@rundainwnc Have you been to Athens Grille in Swannanoa since they moved locations? Tonight was one of those nights that I needed to get the kids a quick meal and for my sanity something they would eat with no complaints. Athens Grille has Greek dishes and then also burgers, hot dogs, etc. 10/10 Sweet Tea! Spanakopita was crispyyyy! Happy kids! #swannanoa #blackmountain #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #asheville ♬ Nice and Easy – Louis Adrien
Buckeye Antiques Mall (90 Buckeye Access Rd, Swannanoa, NC)
Right off of Exit 59 is Buckeye Antiques Mall. This is a massive booth style antique and odds and ends store. Don’t forget to check out the back book room that also has some low discount items.
@rundainwnc What are your favorite antique stores in Western North Carolina? I could go antiquing every weekend forever and never get bored. #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #swannanoa #asheville #blackmountain ♬ Spring of peace – Heitor Tremblay
Special Snack: Papaw’s Place (2632 US-70, Swannanoa, NC)
Papaw’s Place is one of Swannanoa’s newest businesses. While it’s mainly a feed store, it’s also a fun spot for kids to get a bag of chips, candy, or an ice cream. It’s fun to see the old time decorations and big fireplace.
@rundainwnc Check out Swannanoa’s newest business – Papaw’s Place! This feed, produce, and local products shop is on 70 between Asheville and Black Mountain. #swannanoa #blackmountain #asheville #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
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