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HOURS & DIRECTIONS
2025 ​​SPRING SEASON:
March 5 - June 29
Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays: 9am-5pm
Saturdays & Sundays: 9am-4pm
Mondays & Tuesdays: CLOSED
DIRECTIONS
Painters Greenhouse is just off the beaten path in Old Fort, NC. A gorgeous mountain drive, centrally located about 30 miles from Asheville, Lake Lure, and Morganton.​
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FROM BLACK MOUNTAIN, ASHEVILLE, & MORGANTON
Take I-40 to Exit 73. Travel south 2.5 miles on Bat Cave Rd. and turn right on Pine Cove Rd. (at the yellow Painters Greenhouse sign). Continue another 2.5 miles, and turn left on Roy Moore Rd. Customer parking is immediately on the left.
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FROM LAKE LURE
Take NC 9 north. Turn right onto Old Fort Rd. and follow 4.7 miles, passing the Gateway Mountain entrance. (The road is called Bat Cave Rd. after the Gateway entrance.) Continue 3.9 miles and make a sharp left onto Roy Moore Rd (at the Painters Greenhouse sign). Continue on Roy Moore, straight through the intersection by the church, for approximately 1 mile. You will see the greenhouse on the right. Pass the employee back parking lot and continue to the second lot and main entrance for customers.
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FROM THE SPRUCE PINE AREA
Take 80/221/226 south to US 70 W. Turn right on US 70 W and follow into Old Fort. Turn left at Catawba/Main Street. Continue straight for 2.5 miles on Bat Cave Rd. and turn right onto Pine Cove Rd. (at the yellow Painters Greenhouse sign). Continue another 2.5 miles, and turn left onto Roy Moore Rd. Customer parking is immediately on the left.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT
Enjoy these area attractions alongside your visit to Painters Greenhouse
TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF NATURE
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in WNC and a perfect hike for people of all ages and abilities. Parts of the trail are all-terrain wheelchair accessible and further along, the stairs to the upper falls will challenge even the most fit hikers! Note that the main oop trail is open, but the upper viewing platform and wildflower trail are under repairs after Helene.
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Whether you are an avid mountain biker, hiker, trail runner, or equestrian user, these trails have something for everybody. There are Helene-related repairs as well as trail expansions underway, but plenty of lovely hiking and biking trails are currently open. Visit their website for up-to-date info.
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Explore the beauty of our native aquatic species! Most of us don't think of snorkeling in our local streams or lakes, but there is a huge diversity of fascinating and colorful fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects and more to be discovered!
REFUEL AFTER A BUSY DAY SHOPPING FOR PLANTS
Old Fort is thriving, with new businesses and restaurants popping up all the time! After a long day of plant shopping refuel at some of our favorite local spots:
REOPENING SOON! Grab a pint at the newest brewery in Old Fort, featuring Whaley-grown and locally sourced herbs, flowers, spices, and fruits in their brews.
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Swing by this Old Fort staple for a tasty sandwich or salad and relax with a cold beer along the river! Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner - check website for hours.​
DIG INTO HISTORY & GET YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING
Hurricane Helene decimated the lovely home that housed the museum's offices, but work is underway to repair the historical museum, log cabins and grounds. While they work to restore this town gem, discover the history of WNC at their temporary location, 78-c Catawba Avenue. Admission is free!
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This is do-not-miss! The original location and most of the artwork within was seriously damaged by Helene flooding, but residents and artisans came together to quickly rebuild and reopen across the street. The larger space has allowed for even more talented artists to join, and the gallery also offers an amazing variety of classes- truly something for everyone to get inspired!
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Contemporary art gallery and community event space. NANU intentionally focuses on exhibiting the diverse artists of McDowell County, Western North Carolina, and the greater US Southeastern region, highlighting the breadth and richness of the work in and of this place.