Asheville, North Carolina is an old Southern town with roots dating back to 1784. The city’s long history includes Civil War battles, the beginning of the Southern Railway, and The Great Depression. Asheville was the first town in North Carolina to introduce electric street cars, and still claims the largest number of original Art Deco buildings left in the United States today.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the climate is typical of most Southeastern states. Days are warm and humid in the summer and moderate-to-cold in the winter. The mountain range helps to keep the summers from getting as hot as other nearby states. The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to the Shenandoah National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail.
You can board the Great Smokey Mountains railroad for a scenic tour through the mountains. Outdoor activities are endless including hiking, camping, swimming, bicycling and kayaking. Asheville is home to some of the top whitewater kayakers in the world and others travel from all over the country to ride these rapids. If you like adventure and whitewater kayaking, Asheville is listed as one of the five top cities in the country for this sport.
Asheville has several historic districts with old Victorian houses, beautiful gardens and trendy boutiques. The Montford Historic District showcases beautiful Victorian, Queen Anne and Colonial Revival houses with strict guidelines for original materials. There are several authentic Victorian bed and breakfasts with rich amenities in this area. Thomas Wolfe, the famous American author, was born and buried in this historic district. Biltmore Village is the entrance to the renowned Biltmore Estate built by George Vanderbilt in 1890. You can stroll down tree-lined streets with quaint restaurants and bargain shops before you tour the breathtaking Biltmore Estate.
Art and culture is prominent everywhere in Asheville. You can take a tour of the city on Asheville’s historic trolleys or take a walking tour on the Asheville Urban Trail. Visit Pack Place Arts and Science Center, home of Asheville’s Art Museum or the Oconaluftee Indian Village with Native American guides in full Cherokee costumes. Asheville is a a major beer brewing area offering tours of numerous breweries that serve over 50 kinds of locally brewed dark and golden ale beers. Street festivals with local musicians and craft fairs happen often in Asheville to promote a sense of community. Whether you are looking for gourmet food and wine, casual dining or fun-filled night life, Asheville offers all of them.
Asheville is a city that offers something for everyone. There are always promotional packages and deals available for popular sightseeing venues and events in the city. In addition to well-known hotels, there are smaller bed and breakfasts offering quaint and quiet surroundings. There are travel deals and bargain packages throughout the year to make your visit to Asheville an affordable and memorable trip.
