Asheville, North Carolina, is the Crowned Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Biltmore EstatesPhoto by Cody Dueitt on Unsplash

Asheville is a city in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It is located in the eastern central part of the state in the mountainous regions and has a somewhat cooler climate than other parts of the state. The city is serviced by air from Asheville Regional Airport and lies at the intersection of three interstate highways. Asheville, North Carolina, is one of our go-to spots in the summer as it is much cooler, even in August. Several years back, we were up there when I still ran, and I got some amazing but hilly runs done in the middle of summer.

Asheville, North CarolinaImage by Author

Asheville is an area rich in diverse cultures. From the inhabitants of the local mountain regions to the nearby Native American settlements, Asheville attracts a wide variety of tourists. Most notably, the downtown region has become a gathering place for artists, musicians, and crafts vendors from all over the country. Most weekends, you will find some sort of festival going on in one of the many parks located around the city. Late afternoons as the sun gets low behind the mountains to the west is prime time. Later it gets more crowded, but in the golden hour before sunset, the city and parks are at their finest.

The most famous landmark in Asheville is Biltmore Estate, a French Renaissance mansion which is the largest privately-owned home in the United States and can rival some of the old estates in Europe for scope and grandeur. The house and surrounding gardens are open to the public, and a guided tour of the house can easily take up half a day. This is definitely a destination not to be missed. One thing to know before you go is that photography in the house may not be permitted, so don't be disappointed when you arrive. Most rooms are so dark, it may be a moot point.

Blue Ridge MountainsImage by Author

The mountains themselves are a major attraction, and a drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is always a pleasant diversion. You can combine the drive to visit nearby attractions, such as the Cherokee Indian Reservation and the casinos in Cherokee, North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 500-mile scenic drive that wanders through the mountains from Virginia in the north to where it intersects with Highway 441 in the Cherokee Reservation. But don't plan on getting anywhere fast, though. For one thing, traffic on the Blue Ridge Parkway, by necessity, moves slowly. But mostly, you will be pulling off onto the frequent lookouts for the magnificent views.

Asheville has attracted a lot of international cuisine to the area, so finding good food is not a problem. While there, however, you should try some of the local food for some good southern cooking. There are many local eateries where the food is literally delivered from the farm to the table. One of our favorites is the Moose Cafe on Hwy 191 out I-40 east. After lunch, wander back to the WNC Farmers Market for fresh produce and mountain crafts. If you are looking for something a bit more high-end, there is plenty to choose from, and Asheville is actually home to several cooking schools teaching everything from southern cooking to international cuisine.

Blue Ridge MountainsImage by Author

There is plenty to attract the shopper to Asheville with its dozens of arts and crafts galleries, retail and antique stores, and specialty shops. If it's the arts you are looking for, you want to check the calendar for one of the many arts festivals which spring up year around. Some of these are at or near Biltmore Estate or Gardens so that you can combine two pleasures in one. But again, a visit to the local craft shops and farmer's markets is your best bet for good deals and local produce.

Asheville, North CarolinaImage by Author

If you are looking for a place to stay in Asheville, it is home to all the major chains, but there are plenty of local hotels and bed and breakfasts which can lend a bit more local color and charm. And be sure to bring the kids as Asheville has plenty of local attractions for the kid in all of us, from the Fun Depot to beaches at nearby Lake Lure.

Asheville, North CarolinaImage by Author

And for the adults, there are some very lovely Spas in the area to get pampered and relaxed. Meanwhile, check out any of the several championship golf courses in the area for a great game of golf in some fantastic scenery. We like to stay at the Rennaissance. It's just off the interstate for convenience and walking distance to everything downtown.

No matter what you like to do, Asheville has it all. And if you want a relaxing vacation in some of the world's best scenery, you can't beat Asheville.

Asheville, North CarolinaImage by Author

Follow me to see more articles like this.

...

Follow