Have you ever wanted to throw an axe? Well, now is your chance! Asheville is home to “Axeville”, an axe throwing club where you can learn, or practice your skill, throwing an axe (or hatchets, their smaller counterparts) at wooden targets. Axeville’s location is only four miles from Applewood Manor. I should add, in addition to throwing axes, they also serve some of the best local craft beers, ciders and wine that Beer City, USA has to offer.
It seems that beer and axe throwing, like beer and darts, just naturally go together. However, don’t think it is just for fun! It is a real sport—throwers are serious even with Olympic aspirations. The International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) holds an annual championship with standardized rules and regulations. It is fun, however, and like bowling, there are both recreational and professional leagues.
Newcomers to axe throwing are always welcome at Axeville. Coaches are on hand to teach you how to throw and explain the formal rules of the game. How hard is it? Actually, in as little as 15 minutes, you can learn the basics and start competing with friends with Axeville coaches guiding you through the axe throwing experience from first throw to final score. Their coaches are also there to ensure the safety of the participants and guests. Nevertheless, as you would expect, the venue is adult only. You have to be at least eighteen.
The Axeville Club is located at 99 New Leicester Hwy. Monday through Thursday are reserved for private parties and league play, but the club welcomes anyone on Fridays from 4:30pm to 10:30 pm, Saturdays from 12:15pm to 10:30pm and Sundays from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. They set up a satellite location inside the Brewery Taproom in Biltmore Village on Fridays from 4:00pm to 9:00pm and on Saturdays from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. You can book a throwing session online by going to https://www.throwaxeville.com/ although they do accept walk-ins, subject to availability.
Once you have learned the sport, you will discover that there are similar clubs in almost every city in the U.S.