Bele Chere Street Festival in Asheville 2012
Every summer during the last full weekend in July, the mountain city of Asheville celebrates art, music, and food, with a festival called Bele Chere, French for “Beautiful Gathering”. The three day event closes all streets in the downtown district, and features tents of national artists and local musicians performing on four stages.
Food and “beverage” booths are everywhere, and street performers draw larger crowds than some of the stages.
The busiest time is Saturday evening after 7 p.m. when the sun is low, and the breezes are cooler. Of course, the people watching is always the prime attraction.
Asheville’s early 20th century architecture is also on display. With no traffic, the strollers can stop and admire the collection of Beaux Arts, Art Deco, and American Craftsman buildings that line the steep streets.
Upon leaving, a drive up Sunset Mountain gives one the perfect view of the city below. At 2,300 feet, Asheville has the highest elevation of any “city” east of Denver.
Coming back down Sunset Mountain you will come upon the breathtaking architecture of the historic Grove Park Inn Hotel and Spa. A trip to Asheville is not complete without a visit to this American Craftsman wonder.
There’s no place like the Blue Ridge city of Asheville, North Carolina, and if you’re not careful, you might want to stay forever.
Living in The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina- A Blog 
Nice.
Thanks Nancy. Living in these mountains is a dream come true! Vann
Looks like it would be so much fun being there, enjoying the music & art and of course “people watching” Thanks for sharing your trip with us, we can dream along with you Lo e ya
Beautiful! And the festival looks like so much fun. I would love to live somewhere like this….the city smoke of london doesn’t even compare!
I’ve always wanted to attend Bele Chere, but I’m never up in Asheville at that time. Someday…although it sure looks crowded! 🙂