Years ago local couple and parents of four kids, David and Marybeth Day, found themselves frustrated with the lack of clean and entertaining family-friendly activities in Asheville. At that time, their teenagers would joke about there being “nothing to do” in Asheville, especially when the weather wasn’t great. The six of them would often day trip over the mountains into Tennessee to ride go-carts and participate in some of the activities available. But why did they have to drive so far for fun when there was an opportunity to bring fun into Asheville? A whole depot full of fun!
David and Marybeth decided to create a business and put all of their favorite things under one roof near their home in Fairview. In 2014, Asheville’s Fun Depot opened its doors. The Day’s focus for the business was to be a family entertainment center that features mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, virtual reality, soft play area, anti-gravity ropes course, climbing wall, an arcade, and much more. Completely family-owned with zero corporate ties, the Depot is an inclusive safe space where families and friends alike can spend some fun quality time together.
With David’s favorite activity being go-carts, Asheville’s Fun Depot has two tracks. Marybeth loved playgrounds where her kids could play and use their imagination, so she came up with the adventure and toddler areas. The family fun center provides group rates, as well as a place for parties, and even offers food! Asheville Burger and Mug Shakes within the Depot offers burgers, tasty mug shakes, locally-sourced Hickory Nut Gap meat, and of course local craft beer for mom and dad!
Now, some of David and Marybeth’s kids are involved in the business, too. Daniel is the GM and runs the daily operations, and Angela helps out on a part-time basis.
Despite its growth over the years, it’s still the premier local, non-corporate, family-friendly, family-created and family-oriented business in Western North Carolina that was dreamed up on the dining room table 15 years ago.
Some of the Depot’s upcoming events include a Halloween celebration, Black Friday gift card promotion, and New Year’s Eve party. Learn more about Asheville’s Fun Depot and their upcoming events and specials by checking out their Dig Local profile.
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