Considered possibly the hippest small city in the southern section of the east coast, Asheville has established itself as one of the top places to visit in this part of the country. In fact, some sites have ranked Asheville as #1 among vacation getaway destinations. With more breweries (per capita) than pretty much anyplace else, a ton of outdoor activities and a very eclectic art scene, it’s no wonder more and more tourists are flocking to Asheville, NC.
Asheville is definitely considered a more “artsy” city. The streets feature vibrant colorful murals, and the Flat Iron Sculpture downtown is one you have to check out. For those starving to see some great art and Asheville culture, the place to visit is the River Arts District. There are numerous studios and galleries, and the district even has a Studio Stroll where you can talk to some of the local artists and see them at work!
Asheville is known for its craft breweries. In fact, it is the undisputed beer capital of the southeast. While there are a ton of brewery tours you can sign up for, many visitors really enjoy walking the Appalachian Ale Trail. Local breweries are open for sampling and for buying.
As Asheville is located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, as you can imagine there is no shortage of outdoor adventure here. Many visitors will spend the day hiking or biking the many trails just taking in the gorgeous scenery. While some will get a bit more adventurous and try canyoneering, ziplining or whitewater rafting among other exhilarating activities.
When you have good beer scene, you also have to have a great food scene as well—and Asheville delivers! The restaurant scene here without question is up and coming and starting to be increasingly recognized across the country. Numerous cultures are represented in the dishes, and many are James Beard award winners. The city’s Chow Chow event celebrates the city’s delicious Appalachian food.
Asheville's winter is cold, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to 50s Fahrenheit. While snowfall is possible, it's usually light and infrequent. Winter offers a quieter atmosphere, making it an ideal time to explore indoor attractions like the Biltmore Estate, the Asheville Art Museum, and the Folk Art Center. Visitors can also enjoy cozy evenings at local breweries, cafes, and restaurants, which often offer comfort foods and warm drinks.
Spring in Asheville brings milder temperatures, with highs in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. The city starts to bloom with colorful flowers and blossoming trees, making it a perfect time to explore the North Carolina Arboretum and enjoy outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Parkway. Spring is also a popular time for attending events like the Biltmore Blooms and the Asheville Herb Festival.
Asheville's summer is warm and pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit. It's a popular season for tourism, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Summer offers opportunities for hiking in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, tubing in the French Broad River, and attending outdoor concerts and festivals in downtown Asheville.
Fall in Asheville is spectacular, with temperatures cooling down to the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. The foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas turns into vibrant autumn colors, creating a picturesque setting. Fall is an excellent time for scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visiting apple orchards and pumpkin patches, and attending the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Grove Park Inn. The city's arts and cultural scene continue to thrive with various events and performances during this season.