On the Monday after we arrived in Asheville, Andrew took a little time to himself and I headed to check out the Western North Carolina Nature Center (check out the live otter cam on their site!) with the boys. It was a bit overcast and drizzly that morning, so the choice was a deliberate one; there is a nice indoor area with a small river creatures room including snakes and salamanders and a little log tunnel the boys enjoyed playing in. But the rain held out, so we headed outdoors to explore. 
This center is dedicated to conservation of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and all its biodiversity. And such a beautiful place it is! There are black bears, red wolves and gray wolves, foxes, river otters, raccoons and skunks and vultures, owls, hawks, and wild cats, deer and coyotes, among others. The boys particularly enjoyed the goats, even though we see those guys all the time in St. Louis. Go figure!
There is a really nice board path which winds around in the woods amidst all the animals, then a paved path that leads to two climbing structures in Arachnid Adventure, which includes many hidden giant black spiders in the immediate area. Also there is a small hiking trail through the woods which is covered in thousands of acorns that are perfect for little collecting hands. My bag was mysteriously full of them by the end of the day! 
It was quiet and peaceful, and I imagine you could make a whole day out of visiting this place.
P.s. — There’s a vending machine of Appalachian stuffed animals… don’t blame me if you get sucked into that one, I sure did!
REAL giant black spiders??!