Asheville

Asheville, a prominent gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and other Appalachian highlights, serves as a vital tourist destination in North Carolina. The local community has earned recognition throughout the state for its artistic character, demonstrated by the abundance of art galleries, museums, and workshops throughout the city. Moreover, Asheville hosts numerous festivals throughout the year that merit attention.

Between Asheville’s splendid natural setting in the southern Appalachians and its funky, artsy culture rich in both hand-thrown pottery and hand-crafted beers, it’s no wonder that Asheville attracts millions of travelers each year. However, perched 2134ft up in the Appalachian Mountains, it’s important to find the optimal times for visiting—whether you’re hoping to take advantage of outdoor activities like those in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest, or exploring indoor attractions such as the Biltmore Estate and

Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Asheville is in the fortunate position of being within a two-hour drive of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the eastern United States.

With a population of just under 100,000, Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina. Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordered by Pisgah National Forest, its regional footprint remains compact.

For decades, tourists came to Asheville to marvel at the spectacular Biltmore Estate while largely ignoring the rest of the city. Nowadays, Asheville has emerged as one of the hottest travel destinations in the Southeast. A thriving arts and culture scene attracts visitors, complemented by newly renovated neighborhoods that feature design studios, trendy restaurants, and the nation’s largest concentration of microbreweries.

Planning a trip to Asheville, North Carolina? Here’s everything you need to know, including the best things to do, when to go, and where to stay.