{"id":606,"date":"2025-07-11T08:24:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T08:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/?p=606"},"modified":"2026-07-11T09:40:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T09:40:29","slug":"foothills-watershed-opens-this-june-old-forts-newest-destination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/?p=606","title":{"rendered":"Foothills Watershed Opens This June: Old Fort\u2019s Newest Destination"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Where mountain trails meet riverside relaxation\u2014just minutes from downtown Old Fort and Black Mountain, NC<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This June, something special is opening its gates just downstream from Catawba Falls:\u00a0<strong>Foothills Watershed<\/strong>, a bold new addition to the Old Fort landscape that blends outdoor adventure, family-friendly fun, and elevated local food into one unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located just a few minutes from I-40 and downtown Old Fort, Foothills Watershed is more than a park\u2014it\u2019s a purpose-built community gathering place imagined by Casey and Amanda McKissick, the family behind local favorites&nbsp;<strong>Foothills Butcher Bar<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Foothills Grange<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>Hell or High Water<\/strong>. They\u2019ve teamed up with&nbsp;<strong>Mountain Top Shuttles<\/strong>&nbsp;founders&nbsp;<strong>Molly Morningglory and Jeremy Poore<\/strong>, two locals deeply rooted in the area\u2019s outdoor and arts scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFoothills Watershed is the space we always wished existed for our own family,\u201d says co-owner Casey McKissick. \u201cA spot to relax, eat well, and let the kids run wild.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Backyard Adventure \u2026..<em>Just a Little Bit Wilder<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spread across&nbsp;<strong>117 acres of private forest<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>1,600 feet of river frontage<\/strong>, Foothills Watershed is packed with features designed to delight every age and energy level:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mountain bike trails<\/strong>\u00a0for beginners and seasoned riders alike (yes, e-bikes welcome!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>An all-ages pump track<\/strong>\u00a0for biking, play, and skill-building<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A shady riverside lawn<\/strong>\u00a0for picnics, lounging, and lazy afternoons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Natural water features<\/strong>, including a pond and river access for wading and cooling off<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Live music and event space<\/strong>\u00a0for an always-changing experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bike, ebike, and gear rentals<\/strong>\u00a0on-site<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The park offers two pass options: the&nbsp;<strong>All Activities Pass<\/strong>&nbsp;(bike + water) and the&nbsp;<strong>Waterfront Pass<\/strong>&nbsp;(non-biking visitors). And if you\u2019re just here to enjoy a meal, a drink, or the vibes\u2014no pass required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Than Just a Menu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you\u2019d expect from the McKissick family, the food at Foothills Watershed is no afterthought. Guests can expect elevated, family-pleasing fare from a menu that blends reimagined favorites from Foothills Grange with something entirely new: a collaboration between\u00a0Culinary Director Eric Morris\u00a0and\u00a0Chef Luis Martinez\u00a0of\u00a0Tequio Foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Martinez, a native of Oaxaca, Mexico, brings his indigenous culinary heritage to the table, marrying bold, traditional flavors with the region\u2019s finest meats and local ingredients. It\u2019s food with purpose, crafted for the curious and the comfort-seekers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Space for Everyone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re here for a day of biking and splashing with the kids, a quiet afternoon under the trees, or a night of live music and great food, Foothills Watershed has a place for you. The team\u2019s guiding mission is clear: to create a space that feels like a natural extension of the community\u2014welcoming, dynamic, and grounded in a deep love of the land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOur goal is to create something that reflects the energy and diversity of Old Fort,\u201d says co-owner Molly Morningglory. \u201cThis is our hometown. We wanted to build a space for laughter, movement, and connection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Something\u2019s Brewing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Foothills Watershed opens, it will launch with a&nbsp;<strong>BYOB policy<\/strong>&nbsp;(cans only), and a lineup of curated non-alcoholic and infused drinks. But that\u2019s just the beginning. By&nbsp;<strong>late summer 2025<\/strong>, the team plans to debut its very own&nbsp;<strong>on-site brewery<\/strong>, developed in partnership with an under-the-radar Asheville brewing talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Come Have Your Watershed Moment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-4 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" data-id=\"612\" src=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/524963327_17926664175094629_3938880335669851222_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/524963327_17926664175094629_3938880335669851222_n.jpg 206w, https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/524963327_17926664175094629_3938880335669851222_n-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" data-id=\"613\" src=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/508333984_17921769744094629_8111113043418508654_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/508333984_17921769744094629_8111113043418508654_n.jpg 206w, https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/508333984_17921769744094629_8111113043418508654_n-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" data-id=\"614\" src=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/506044223_17921439312094629_5197411688012044890_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/506044223_17921439312094629_5197411688012044890_n.jpg 206w, https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/506044223_17921439312094629_5197411688012044890_n-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"615\" src=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/525527715_17926961718094629_2914948640629375126_n-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/525527715_17926961718094629_2914948640629375126_n-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/525527715_17926961718094629_2914948640629375126_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/525527715_17926961718094629_2914948640629375126_n-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/525527715_17926961718094629_2914948640629375126_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/525527715_17926961718094629_2914948640629375126_n.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready for your next local adventure? Follow along at&nbsp;<strong>@foothillswatershed<\/strong>&nbsp;on Instagram or visit&nbsp;<strong><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/foothillswatershed.com\/\">foothillswatershed.com<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;for updates on the opening date, passes, and events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foothills Watershed Quick Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>117 acres of private forest near Catawba Falls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bike trails, pump track, river and pond access<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elevated food and non-alcoholic drink offerings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upcoming on-site brewery (summer 2025)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BYOB (cans only) allowed for now<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rentals, lawn games, live music &amp; events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perfect for parties, family outings, and free-range <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-678217e6d3a46349124032050e7129cc wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Looking for more fun local events? Check out our<a href=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/?page_id=47\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"47\"> event calendar <\/a>and explore the best the region has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cffd24fabc12f672dda390b4debfbd73 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Visit, explore, and discover <a href=\"https:\/\/visitblackmountainnc.org\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/visitblackmountainnc.org\/\">Black Mountain<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/swannanoanc.org\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/swannanoanc.org\/\">Swannanoa<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/\">Old Fort<\/a>, NC, just a short drive from Asheville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Where mountain trails meet riverside relaxation\u2014just minutes from downtown Old Fort and Black Mountain, NC This June, something special is opening its gates just downstream from Catawba Falls:\u00a0Foothills Watershed, a bold new addition to the Old Fort landscape that blends outdoor adventure, family-friendly fun, and elevated local food into one unforgettable experience. Located just a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":607,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31,33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-explore","category-things-to-do"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=606"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/606\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":616,"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/606\/revisions\/616"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/607"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exploreoldfort.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}