Asheville, North Carolina - Paris of the South

Asheville is one of the Southeast’s most popular tourist destinations. This "Paris of the South," has also been described as the "San Francisco of the East," "New Age Mecca," and "Land of the Sky." Money magazine has called Asheville one of the "Best Places to Retire," and AARP cites it as one of the "Best Places to Reinvent Your Life." Self magazine proclaims Asheville as America’s "Happiest City." PETA lists Asheville as "America's Best Vegetarian-Friendly Small City." From its many titles alone, one can easily see that Asheville is the place to go to see diversity in action.

Asheville is nationally renowned for its unique architecture, especially downtown and around the Biltmore Estate. The city suffered greatly during the Great Depression, and consequently little development happened during the time. This actually had a positive effect, as the city's famous Art Deco Architecture of the Roaring 20's was saved from destruction. Therefore, today, Asheville boasts the nations most complete collection of Art Deco structures. Other architectural styles, of course, are present in abundance throughout the city; from the Neo-Gothic Jackson Building "Skyscraper" to the Modern BB&T Tower.

Downtown Asheville

Walking around in downtown Asheville is a pleasure. Artists and street musicians converge with tourists and locals for vibrancy rarely found in a city of this size. It has a great collection of art deco architecture, antique stores, art galleries, and boutiques framed by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding the city. Those who prefer the outdoor cafe or coffee house setting will enjoy its many cafes. The people are friendly. Asheville's people range from artists and musicians to corporate executives, merchants and entrepreneurs. It is easy to park on the street or on a parking deck, then stroll through the streets.

There is something to do every day of the week in downtown Asheville. You can visit the home of one of Asheville's famous sons, writer Thomas Wolfe, or browse through an art gallery on Biltmore Avenue. Look inside the historic St. Lawrence Basilica. Head down to the Asheville Community Theater, North Carolina Stage Company, Asheville Art Center or Diana Wortham Theater for a play, a symphony or a modern dance performance. For old time blues, rock n' roll or the latest indie bands, check out one of downtown's many clubs or bars. Many of the best independent Restaurants and Brewery/Pubs in Western North Carolina make their home here, so be prepared for some incredible dining experiences. Asheville’s Urban Trail, an entertaining, informative, and artistic walk through Asheville history, is 1.7-miles of architecture and memories from earlier times in this engaging mountain city. Started in 1991 by a group of dedicated volunteers who were determined to put downtown Asheville’s best foot forward, the Urban Trail has evolved into a fairly complete walking tour of Asheville’s historic and present day world.

Downtown Asheville festivals are among the most popular in the U.S., including the largest free street festival in the Southeast, one of the nation's best craft fairs, an outdoor sports festival and numerous music and beer festivals throughout the entire year.

Bele Chere - For three days each year, always the last full weekend in July, the central downtown area is barricaded against vehicular traffic and the largest free street festival in the Southeast holds court in Asheville. Festival goers from across the country come to celebrate our mountains, our bustling downtown area, our diverse cultures, and the festival that brings it all together once a year.

Shindig on the Green - On Saturdays through the summer, bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the beautiful music and dance traditions of Southern Appalachia on a summer evening in the mountains.

Family vacations in Asheville are unique and exciting for all ages, whether you want a getaway with the kids or a multi-generational destination family reunion. From a health and science themed children's museum to outdoor adventures to funky boutique toy stores, Asheville is the ideal family vacation destination. Healthy hikes, mountain biking and mountain swimming holes are a blast for the entire family. Asheville's seasons are a palette of colors and experiences, ranging from the enchanting holidays and spring mountains bursting with color to the outdoor adventures of summertime and the breathtaking colors of fall.

For the outdoor enthusiasts there are many activities to enjoy all throughout the year. There is the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Biltmore Estate, Pisgah National Forest, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Bent Creek, UNCA Botanical Gardens, Davidson River, Graveyard Fields, the French Broad River, Appalachian Trail, Mt. Mitchell, the Arboretum, and the famous Mountain to Sea Trail that starts here in Asheville.

The Biltmore Estate

One of the area major destinations. A French Renaissance-inspired chateau; with over 250 rooms, it is the largest single family home in the U.S. and the largest privately-owned house in the world, just a few minutes south of downtown city should be on any visitor's itinerary. Basic admission includes access to the fabulous gardens, stables, expansive hiking trails, winery and self-guided house tour.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Some of the most beautiful (and abundant) waterfalls can be reached via the Blue Ridge Parkway, just pull your car over on any Parkway overlook and there will most likely be a trail nearby. Popular spots include Mount Pisgah (15 miles south on the Parkway), Graveyard Fields (25 miles south on the Parkway), Craggy Gardens (24 miles north on the Parkway), and Mount Mitchell, the eastern United States highest mountain (35 miles/1 hour drive north on the Parkway).

Biltmore Village

Just South of Asheville's downtown, and right outside the gates of the Biltmore Estate is the quaint village built around the 1890's called Biltmore Village. It is easily accessed from I-40 (Exit 50). A number of small independently owned retail stores which have carved out specialty niches can be found intermingled with restaurants beneath the shade of the tree-lined streets.

River Arts District

Wrapped along the river, and visible from the bridge over the French Broad River (i.e. from I-240 or Patton Ave.) is an enclave of Art Studios, Galleries, and restaurants.

The Grove Park Inn

Probably the most famous hotel in Western North Carolina, and has housed countless famous guests since opening in 1913. A few years ago an amazing spa was added to the Inn. It has several delicious restaurants and comfortable rooms. It's one of the pricier Asheville options, but for good reason. You could spend hours exploring the hotel and still not see everything. Any Asheville season is the right time to visit this beautiful property. Even if you can't afford to stay here, stop by the bar and lounge right through the front entrance for a cocktail or, in the winter, some delicious hot cocoa by the roaring fireplace. Wander outside for some of the finest views in Asheville.

It’s hard to believe that Asheville could offer so much for it’s size, you will believe it when you visit though…explore Asheville today!