Asheville
Asheville
is more than just a small Southern city nestled away in the North Carolina mountains. It is an area that is immersed in natural beauty, embraced by the nurturing majesty of two ancient arms of the Appalachian Mountain Range- the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. Some might even say that Asheville is a state of mind, a place to where people seem magically drawn. If you're looking to settle in an area known for rugged mountain scenery with unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, a thriving, cultivated downtown, and a socially and environmentally aware collective conscience, Asheville is your utopia.
Over the years, Asheville has been recognized in numerous top ten lists and feature articles. Recently designated by Frommer's as one of the world's top travel destinations for 2007, Asheville is continuously heralded for its countless splendors. Each year, the city receives awards and recognition for outdoor adventure opportunities, local arts, cuisine, architecture, organic and vegetarian food, historical and environmental preservation, and Southern charm. Most importantly, Asheville is lauded again and again as an excellent place to live and retire.
A Brief History of Asheville
Before the arrival of adequate mountain transportation, the Asheville area consisted of Indian trails and crossroads for early frontiersmen. In 1797, Asheville was officially incorporated and named in honor of North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe.
In 1880, the arrival of the railroads brought new visitors and settlers to these mountains. One such settler was George Vanderbilt, who purchased 120,000 acres in one of the most scenic locations in the valley. There he began construction of what was to be his summer home, with the help of architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscaper Richard Law Olmstead. The Biltmore Estate is, to this day, the largest home in America, and one that is visited daily by thousands of tourists who are awe-struck by the expanse and elegance of this most regal structure.
As the unique beauty of the area became more and more apparent to new arrivals, Asheville became a destination for relaxation and self-discovery. The beautiful mountain scenery created the perfect backdrop for this resort town, which is known as a Mecca for both outdoor enthusiasts and those committed to natural health and wellness.
The Roaring 20s saw a boom era in Asheville history as the development of new residential and commercial areas were underway. New edifices such as the Jackson Building, the City Building, Buncombe Courthouse, and the Grove Arcade were products of the development boom. These buildings, along with the quaint "mom and pop" shops that dotted the town's landscape, made for a perfect representation of the typical American boomtown.
During the Great Depression, Roosevelt's New Deal brought two magnificent additions to this area: the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The contributions of visionaries, philanthropists, and other creative minds who have been subject to the power and majesty of the area have helped Asheville bridge its past to its future.
Area Resources
Explore Asheville
Explore Asheville
The Official North Carolina tourism site
Asheville Downtown Association
A voice of the downtown community that promotes and supports quality economic, cultural and residential development of downtown Asheville.
Asheville Urban Trail
The Asheville Urban Trail is an art museum without walls, a walk through time, an opportunity to examine the rich architecture, to enjoy neighborhoods and learn about the people and events that have given Asheville its distinctive flair.
Bele Chere Festival
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.
Asheville.com
GoAsheville.com
Area Attractions
Biltmore Estate
Let Biltmore inspire you with their breathtaking Biltmore House, impeccable gardens, award-winning winery, and interpretive River Bend Farm.
Grove Park Inn & Spa
Since it's opening in 1913, The Grove Park Inn Resort ( & Spa) has remained a place dedicated to providing its guests with comfort — and genuine delight.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular units of the National Park System.
North Carolina Arboretum
A 434-acre site nestled in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the United States.
Chimney Rock Park
25 miles southeast of Asheville, Chimney Rock offers spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, and a variety of special events.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Asheville Tourists Baseball
Carl Sandburg Home
National Forests in WNC
Botanical Gardens of Asheville
Adventure in NC’s Blue Ridge Mountains
Mountain Adventure Guides
Rafting, rock-climbing, camps and more.
Hike WNC
On-line hiking guidebook for the Mountain region of North Carolina.
Mountain Bike WNC
On-line off-road biking guidebook for the Mountain region of North Carolina.
Hunter Banks Company
The Hunter Banks Company is a full service fly shop offering professionally guided float and wade trips for trout in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
North Carolina Outward Bound School
Sugar Mountain Ski Resort
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
Ski Wolf Laurel
Ski Beech
Cataloochee Ski Area
Lodging
Asheville.com Guide to B&Bs
Asheville Bed & Breakfast Guide
Asheville Lodgin
Asheville Lodging Guide
Arts & Entertainment
Asheville Art Museum
The Asheville Art Museum presents exhibitions and programs based on its permanent collection of 20th and 21st century art. Any visit will also include experiences with works of significance to Western North Carolina’s cultural heritage including Studio Craft, Black Mountain College and Cherokee artists.
The Orange Peel
The Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club of Asheville, North Carolina is the nation's premiere Live Music Hall and Concert Venue featuring the very best in live music and cultural arts.
Folk Art Center
The Folk Art Center, located just east of the heart of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 382, is a center for one-of-a-kind, handmade crafts that are a part of the very fiber of the mountains.
The Asheville Symphony
The Asheville Symphony Orchestra performs and promotes symphonic music for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the people of Western North Carolina.
Diana Wortham Theatre
The Theatre offers live performances of music, theatre and dance throughout the year by nationally touring artists as well as professional and avocational regional arts groups.
Asheville Downtown Art Galleries
The Asheville Downtown Gallery Association has more than thirty downtown galleries listed on their Downtown Gallery Guide with a map.
Asheville Community Theatre
Flat Rock Playhouse
Brevard Music
Downtown after 5
Fine Arts Theatre
www.southernhighlandguild.org
Shopping
Historic Biltmore Village
Asheville Mall
Grove Arcade Public Market
Downtown Asheville
Woolworth Walk
Golf
Asheville Municipal Golf Course
Broadmoor Golf
Reems Creek Golf
Dining
Asheville Independent Restaurants
www.restaurantsinasheville.com
www.planetbnb.com
Medical
Mission Hospitals
Park Ridge Hospital
Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care
CarePartners
