More and more travelers are discovering America's smaller cities. Many of these destinations are just compact enough not to be overwhelming but they still offer a great variety of things to do. They also tend to be much more affordable than more famous cities like New York or San Francisco. For the price of a basic hotel room in Manhattan, for instance, you can stay in one of the charming Asheville NC inns and explore one of America's hidden jewels.
Asheville is just over 130 miles from Charlotte, which lies to the southeast, and a little more than 200 miles from Atlanta, which lies to the southwest. Located near North Carolina's western border, the small city is surrounded by mountains, with the Great Smoky Mountains in the west and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the east. The city lies at the point where the Swannanoa and French Broad Rivers meet.
The Cherokee were the first people who lived in the area while the first settlers of European origin moved in during the late eighteenth century. In 1797 the burgeoning town was named Asheville, after North Carolina's governor at the time, Samuel Ashe. The town remained quite small until the arrival of railway lines in the 1880s, which in turn brought textile mills and other industries to the area. The early twentieth century saw the settlement grow into a city but the Great Depression brought extreme economic hardship.
Because most people couldn't afford new construction projects in the five decades after the Great Depression, much of yesteryear's Art Deco architecture has remained. This contributes to the city's charm but Asheville has also become a bit of a New Age and counterculture paradise. Today you'll find a host of art galleries, craft breweries, quirky shops and restaurants, theaters and live music venues to keep you occupied during your stay.
If you prefer spending time in nature, you only have to go a few miles outside of the urban area to discover breathtaking countryside. There are hiking trails, biking routes, fishing spots and even canopy tours for an action-packed day. Otherwise, take a scenic drive through the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Asheville plays host to many different events and festivals during the year. The food, craft beer and arts festivals are very popular and sports enthusiasts also come from all over to attend the Mountain Sports Festival every May. The sounds of fiddles and banjos can be heard at any of a number of festivals showcasing the folk music of the Appalachian region.
Any time of the year is a great time to visit the region with its mild climate. Summers are humid and warm but not unbearably hot. In winter you may experience some snow but not nearly as much as destinations further north. In fall, the colors of the foliage rival those of New England but temperatures are much more pleasant.
Asheville has a small airport and there are flights from a number of major cities. You can also come in by car or bus, which has the added advantage that you get to enjoy the stunning scenery. Accommodation is plentiful and you'll find some wonderful inns located in historic old mansions full of Southern charm.
Asheville is just over 130 miles from Charlotte, which lies to the southeast, and a little more than 200 miles from Atlanta, which lies to the southwest. Located near North Carolina's western border, the small city is surrounded by mountains, with the Great Smoky Mountains in the west and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the east. The city lies at the point where the Swannanoa and French Broad Rivers meet.
The Cherokee were the first people who lived in the area while the first settlers of European origin moved in during the late eighteenth century. In 1797 the burgeoning town was named Asheville, after North Carolina's governor at the time, Samuel Ashe. The town remained quite small until the arrival of railway lines in the 1880s, which in turn brought textile mills and other industries to the area. The early twentieth century saw the settlement grow into a city but the Great Depression brought extreme economic hardship.
Because most people couldn't afford new construction projects in the five decades after the Great Depression, much of yesteryear's Art Deco architecture has remained. This contributes to the city's charm but Asheville has also become a bit of a New Age and counterculture paradise. Today you'll find a host of art galleries, craft breweries, quirky shops and restaurants, theaters and live music venues to keep you occupied during your stay.
If you prefer spending time in nature, you only have to go a few miles outside of the urban area to discover breathtaking countryside. There are hiking trails, biking routes, fishing spots and even canopy tours for an action-packed day. Otherwise, take a scenic drive through the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Asheville plays host to many different events and festivals during the year. The food, craft beer and arts festivals are very popular and sports enthusiasts also come from all over to attend the Mountain Sports Festival every May. The sounds of fiddles and banjos can be heard at any of a number of festivals showcasing the folk music of the Appalachian region.
Any time of the year is a great time to visit the region with its mild climate. Summers are humid and warm but not unbearably hot. In winter you may experience some snow but not nearly as much as destinations further north. In fall, the colors of the foliage rival those of New England but temperatures are much more pleasant.
Asheville has a small airport and there are flights from a number of major cities. You can also come in by car or bus, which has the added advantage that you get to enjoy the stunning scenery. Accommodation is plentiful and you'll find some wonderful inns located in historic old mansions full of Southern charm.
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