Asheville, NC

Asheville is a city in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. It has a thriving artistic culture and old buildings, such as the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence. The huge 19th-century Biltmore mansion has works by artists such as Renoir. The Downtown Art District is densely packed with galleries and museums, while disused manufacturing buildings in the neighboring River Arts District host artists' studios.

A charming alpine village. Hipster paradise. America's Beer City. University Town, Bluegrass Country. destination for foodies. It's tough to categorize Asheville in a single word. The community is an unexpected jewel in western North Carolina, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, with a strong arts culture that blends with Southern traditions and stunning surroundings. It's safe to assume that whatever your hobbies are, Asheville offers something for you.

While history lovers lose themselves on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, epicureans may sample from a gourmet buffet and put their taste buds to the test at one of the city's many breweries. Adventure seekers may go full-throttle hiking, biking, zip lining, or whitewater rafting in one of the various parks and woods, while culture hunters can walk around the River Arts District. Asheville combines these traits to create something entirely its own, with an identity that is always changing while remaining faithful to its roots.

The Best Hotels in Asheville, NC:

• The Omni Grove Park Inn
• Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Autograph Collection
• The Inn on Biltmore Estate

The Best Things to Do in Asheville, NC:

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Pisgah National Forest,
• Craggy Gardens

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Places to Visit in October
• 1 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• 1 in Best Fall Vacations
  

Rating:

• 1 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South