When you think of Asheville and Western North Carolina, it’s often the region’s majestic mountains that come to mind. The Blue Ridge beckons with its wonderful hiking, biking and active sightseeing opportunities, but for those with limited mobility, sightseeing in Western N.C. can feel daunting. Here are some ways to take in all that mountainous beauty, minus the mobility obstacles, and get the most out of Asheville and the surrounding region.
Explore flat, paved greenways
In the last few years, Asheville has begun implementing a paved greenway network that winds throughout the area, and will eventually connect to form an uninterrupted, miles-long link between major parts of the city. Huge stretches of the greenway network boast flat, smoothly paved surfaces, running adjacent to the French Broad River, Reed Creek, Swannanoa River, and other scenic backdrops. Convenient parking lots dot the network, making it easy to access the greenways and safely enjoy the outdoors.
Take an Asheville bus tour
Asheville is home to an array of bus and trolley tours, both informational and entertaining. Hitting such popular neighborhoods as River Arts District, Montford, Biltmore Village and, of course, downtown Asheville, these companies give riders an ideal way to see the city from the climate-controlled comfort of a bus seat. Hop-on-hop-off options mean you can easily immerse in the areas that interest you, without having to find a way to get there from a far-flung parking lot. Many of the bus tours are wheelchair accessible.
There are also smaller, private driving tours that take passengers high into the mountains, many on the Blue Ridge Parkway, passing waterfalls, cliffs and breathtaking views along the way. Such guided tours offer an easily accessible front-row seat to some of the most scenic spots the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer.
Soak in Asheville’s scenic landmarks
No time spent in Asheville is complete without a visit to the iconic landmarks for which the city is famed. Biltmore House and Gardens – the crown jewel of the city – has made it easy to enjoy the grandeur of the grounds and house, and the expansive views of the surrounding region, even for those with limited mobility. Biltmore offers ADA shuttles that run between parking lots, the house and the gardens. Wheelchair accessibility is available to most parts of the house and gardens, providing an enjoyable experience for all.
The Omni Grove Park Inn is another landmark that offers a completely accessible scenic experience for visitors. A looping lot provides front-door access to the grand lobby, replete with plenty of seating to take in the mountain-lodge ambiance. Or continue through the lobby and out onto the back terrace restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy mountain views for miles – no hiking, or even stairs, necessary!
Ready to call Asheville home? To learn more about real estate in Asheville and Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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