Condé Nast has named Asheville number seven in a list of the top ten friendliest U.S. cities. It is no secret that Asheville is gaining more national attention than ever before. Movies are being filmed here, restaurants are inspiring the nation, and more hotels are moving in. Asheville is growing by popular demand. The desirable local atmosphere and laid back lifestyle is something to reckon with, and this impromptu city has something to offer for everyone.
1. Foodie Heaven - If you love food, there is no doubt that Asheville will rank in your top ten cities to visit. Talented chefs adorn this town, and coffee and sweet treats are not hard to come by either. Everything from the highly acclaimed French Broad Chocolate Lounge to James Beard winning chefs, this town has it all. This is a town where favorites are hard to come by, as there will be more than you can count on all ten fingers. However here are a few suggestions:
- The Marketplace Restaurant
- Rhubarb
- White Duck Taco
- Double Decker Coffee
- Ambrozia
- King James
- Sunnyside Cafe
- Hole
- and the list goes on....
2. Outdoor Playground - Miles of green rolling mountains floating in the clouds suggest an endless outdoor paradise, including mountain biking, hiking, swimming holes, kayaking, rafting, camping, and more. Asheville offers mountain trails within city limits and serene lakes and rivers within a short driving distance, making it a one stop destination for any outdoor enthusiast. The lush mountains are breathtaking and can renew anyone’s spirit daily. A few outdoor suggestions, but not limited to include:
- Biking in Bent Creek
- Floating the French Broad River in the summer
- Lake Junaluska (great for camping, paddle boards, kayaks, and more)
- Lake Lure (you can rent boats for the day here)
- Hiking Chimney Rock or the Dupont Forest (think Hunger Games)
- Guided Fly Fishing Tours
3. Built on History - America’s largest home, the Biltmore House, is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau built by George Vanderbilt in 1895. It’s history dates back to 1889 at the beginning of construction. Once a family residence filled with lavish parties, now open to the public for tours, this one-of-a-kind marvel inspires concepts of what could be. George Vanderbilt put Asheville on the map, and the family has kept the heritage and tradition alive with their commitment to give back and push further development in and around Asheville. Ideas for your Biltmore visit:
Tour the Biltmore House
- Try Cedric’s Beer in Antler Village or get ice cream with the kiddos
- Tour the Biltmore Winery
- Take in a summer concert (there are no better views for a concert anywhere - hands down)
- Horseback Riding at the Estate
- Rooftop Wine Social
- Dinner in Antler Village
4. Beer City U.S.A. - Asheville has the most micro-breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S. If you live here, you have become spoiled and refuse to drink PBR, Budweiser, or Coors Light. It is just not acceptable to do so. With so many local brews, you could spend a week trying new beer in Asheville. With brew tours and so many local drafts on tap, this city is a beer lovers dream. Wicked Weed has made a big impact on the beer scene, while the founding father Highland Brewing continues to make a splash nationally. Sierra Nevada has opened a new brewery here, and the facility is simply amazing. The beer scene is as large as the food scene, complimenting each other perfectly. Places to try some local brew:
- Wicked Weed
- Asheville Brewing Company (their pizza is good too!)
- Barley’s Tap Room
- Thirsty Monk (they also have a speak easy called Top of the Monk)
- The Wedge
We could go on forever about Asheville, however this gives you a quick taste of why people are drawn to this impromptu mountain town.
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