With the premiere of The Hunger Games, which was filmed here, the charming North Carolina city of Asheville is gaining new attention and new visitors year after year. The city consistently receives accolades for its quality of life, including the ‘Best City in America for Locavores’ by The Daily Meal, the ‘Happiest City of America’ by Self Magazine, the ‘Best Southern Town’ in Outside Magazine, and last but not least, the ‘Most Beautiful Place in America’ by Good Morning America.
Known for its thriving live music scene, diverse outdoor adventures, inviting downtown with lazy cafes and buzzing bistros, and numerous historic and architectural attractions, plus unique shopping opportunities, Asheville is a destination ideal for family fun, romantic escapes and nightlife. Wine and beer connoisseurs will find plenty to love in Asheville, too, as the region’s wine and beer production is booming, with Beer City Festival in June and the Asheville Wine & Food Festival hitting the town in August.
Planning an eventful vacation in Asheville will not take much effort from traveler, as the city is truly blessed with many things to see and do. However, if you are short of time and want to experience the best the city has to offer, here are some ideas that will make your trip one to remember for a long time.
Biltmore Estate
Asheville area’s most popular attraction, the awe-inspiring Biltmore Estate is a must for anyone visiting this wonderful getaway. The property of George W. Vanderbilt, the 8000-acre Biltmore Estate combines 75-acres of spectacularly beautiful gardens, famous for their amazing flower blooms; the nation’s most visited winery, superb shopping and dining options, 4-star lodging, as well as hiking and biking trails and other outdoors for a vacation of a lifetime.
The centerpiece of the Estate is the massive 250-room French chateau-inspired home, which has served as a filming location for many movies, including Hannibal, Richie Rich and 1980’s Private Eyes, starring Tim Conway and Don Knotts.
Downtown Asheville
A rare place, where artists and street musicians converge with tourists and locals, downtown Asheville offers visitors a wide range of experiences, with more than 30-plus galleries, 50-plus open-air cafes and restaurants, as well as attractions showcasing the history of the city. Downtown Asheville is also a shopper’s paradise, with its eclectic collection of 200-plus shops, where visitors can find everything from collectibles and antiques to the latest in fashion and crafts. Vibrant and exciting, downtown Asheville is an ideal getaway for good food, engaging conversation, interesting atmosphere and unique entertainment sure to make your trip special.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Family holidaymakers and nature lovers will surely appreciate excursions with Asheville’s Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, through the mountains along Nantahala and Tuckasegree Rivers, across valleys and through tunnels. During the four and a half hour excursion, you will experience the fascinating Nantahala Gorge and go back the historic Bryson City depot.
Asheville Mall
Checking out the city’s best attractions is, of course, a good idea. But no trip to Asheville is complete without visiting the famous Asheville Mall, a huge shopping venue with more than 120 specialty stores and national retailers, including Old Navy, Gap, JC Penny, Eddie Bauer and Victoria’s Secret, as well as restaurants and entertainment options. The mall is found on Tunnel Road on the southeast side of Asheville, and is an experience not to be missed.
Surrounded by thousands of acres of majestic mountains, plateaus, rolling valleys and fascinating coves, Asheville is overflowing with things to see and do and welcomes locals and international travelers to have wonderful holidays.
