Asheville has something for everyone. It has been named one of the Best Places to Reinvent your Life, one of America's Top 25 Art Destinations, the Happiest City for Women, and one of the 50 Most Alive Places to Be. Men's Journal and Southern Living include Asheville in their lists of the top 10 best places to live. From its funky downtown scene, to its small town feel, to the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, Asheville offers quality of life to residents and visitors alike. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this small city boasts a spectacular skyline. People are drawn to Asheville's mild climate, which allows for outdoor activities year round, including hiking, biking and skiing. And a drive along scenic Blue Ridge Parkway ranks as one of the best ways to soak up unbeatable mountain views, especially when the fall foliage peaks in October.
Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina, and as the regional hub for business, arts, shopping and dining, it doesn't disappoint. Craft shows and music festivals are abundant throughout the year. Perhaps the most well-known is the annual Bele Chere Festival, a downtown street fair providing a showcase for artists and musicians. Independent businesses thrive in Asheville, where quirky shops, unique restaurants, and eclectic art galleries line the streets. The historic Biltmore Estate is the largest tourist destination in the area, with more than a million visitors each year.
Asheville's many neighboring towns, including Black Mountain, Lake Lure, Waynesville, Brevard and Hendersonville, are also popular destinations. Visitors enjoy exploring these quaint downtowns with local crafts, restaurants and antique shops. Chimney Rock, Boone, and the nearby Smokey Mountains abound with great camping sites, hiking trails, state and national parks.
With all Asheville has to offer, it's easy to come find your place in the mountains.
