Asheville, North Carolina

If your ideal vacation combines hiking and bicycling during the day and drinking beers with new acquaintances at night, Asheville, North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, is undoubtedly the best spot to visit. Bikers should tackle the Blue Ridge Parkway, while hikers could visit the Craggy Gardens Pinnacle (a one-mile trek with spectacular vistas) or climb Mount Pisgah (nearly three miles round-trip). After a day in the mountains, treat yourself with a beer on the Funkatorium's dog-friendly patio.

You may enjoy the stunning sights from the road and its many pull-offs, or you can get a closer look by trekking through the surrounding farmland and the Southern Appalachian highlands. Some of North Carolina's most magnificent waterfalls may be seen in the mountains surrounding Asheville. If you're going during the summer, bring your swimming suit and water shoes so you may cool down in the cool waters.

Asheville's quirky, creative, and unique downtown area offers a pleasant, Bohemian air. The streets are lined with locally owned stores and boutiques, as well as a delectable assortment of restaurants and cafés. Street entertainers of various types, from mimes to musicians, are commonly seen. Feel welcome to participate in the usual drum circles that take place in Pritchard Park every Friday night and on additional nights as needed throughout the summer. If you don't want to participate, simply sit back and watch the show.

Location: Asheville, North Carolina, United States