In between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smokey Mountains, the city of Asheville, North Carolina has one of the most scenic and visually stimulating landscapes in the country. The scenery is beautiful at all times of the year; making it a great place to visit summer, spring, fall, or winter. Asheville has become known for its local hippies, new age movements, artsy folk, vegetarians, granola munching outdoorsman, and liberals in general.

However, it is also a very popular place to retire because of the areas amazing beauty, and a destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. The atmosphere in the city can be felt immediately. It is one of the happiest, accepting, and creativity locations in the southeast. Even for those who are not the most extreme hippies or new age followers, there is a wide variety of things to see and do during a stay in Asheville.

Getting There:

The Asheville Regional Airport, located about twenty minutes from downtown, receives flights from a few select cities. Traveling by car to Asheville has its benefits, however. The mountainous scenery and curving roads make the drive to Asheville an experience to enjoy all in its own.

The Biltmore Estate:

One of the most popular reasons many people visit Asheville is to tour the breathtaking Biltmore Estate, also called the “castle on the hill”. As the name infers, this is a chateau-style mansion built in the 1800’s, which is the largest privately owned home in the entire world. The estate includes gardens, a vineyard, hiking trails, waterfalls, and an equestrian center.  Admission is $33-$59 for adults. The Biltmore Estate is just one incredible example of the Art Deco architecture found in Asheville. Outside the estate is the Biltmore Village, which is a village of picturesque stores, shops, and restaurants.

Trip Planning

When planning a trip to the laid back and inviting city of Asheville, North Carolina, be sure to bring your hiking and mountain climbing attire, your open attitude, and soak in the amazing topography of the surrounding areas. It is a truly unique city of the Southeast with a thriving artistic movement. Whether you plan to backpack through the Blue Ridge Mountains, go for a light hike, tour the Biltmore, or shop and go out to eat, there is something to please every traveler in Asheville.