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Asheville

North Carolina

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Man standing on top of the mountain relaxing and enjoying beautiful summer mountain landscape. A panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains from the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Near Asheville.; Shutterstock ID 1907256715; your: Sloane Tucker; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: destination 1907256715

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Overview

The undisputed ‘capital’ of the North Carolina mountains, Asheville is both a major tourist destination and one of the coolest small cities in the South. Cradled in a sweeping curve of the Blue Ridge Pkwy, it offers easy access to outdoor adventures of all kinds, while downtown's historic art-deco buildings hold stylish New Southern restaurants, decadent chocolate shops, and the homegrown microbreweries that explain the nickname 'Beer City.'

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Time to Visit

This month-by-month guide to what's happening in Asheville, perched high up in the Appalachian mountains, can help you plan your trip.

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Transportation

With a population just under 100,000, Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina. The city is tucked within the Blue Ridge Mountains and flanked…

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Free Things to Do

The collegial spirit of Asheville is maintained in part by the many free activities offered across town, from public art and live concerts to trail-filled…

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Best Neighborhoods

Asheville is the epicenter of urban fun in Western North Carolina. Here are the five neighborhoods you can't miss.

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Day Trips

Wondering where to spend a day exploring from your home base Asheville? These are our 18 favorites.

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