All About Asheville

Downtown Asheville lit up at dusk.

Welcome to Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is where Southern charm meets bohemian spirit, where Appalachian tradition blends with cutting-edge cuisine, and where outdoor adventures are just minutes from a thriving downtown arts scene. This isn’t just another mountain town, it’s a cultural crossroads that has attracted everyone from Gilded Age industrialists to modern-day artists, craft brewers, and digital nomads seeking a life less ordinary.

Surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on Earth, Asheville offers a rare combination: sophisticated urban amenities wrapped in spectacular natural beauty. Whether you’re here to tour magnificent estates, hike to cascading waterfalls, sample craft beers from over 50 local breweries, or simply soak in the creative energy that permeates every street corner, Asheville rewards those who come with open minds and adventurous spirits.

The Asheville Story: From Frontier Town to Cultural Haven

Before it became the “Paris of the South,” Asheville was Cherokee territory for thousands of years. The city we know today was chartered in 1797, but it wasn’t until the arrival of the railroad in 1880 that Asheville began its transformation from frontier outpost to fashionable resort destination.

George Washington Vanderbilt II’s decision to build his 250-room Biltmore Estate here in 1895 put Asheville on the map for America’s wealthy elite. The city boomed through the 1920s, creating the remarkable collection of Art Deco architecture that still defines downtown today. The devastating Flood of 1916 Changed Biltmore Village and Family Lives Forever, reshaping the landscape and community in ways still visible today.

While the Great Depression hit Asheville particularly hard—the city didn’t pay off its debt until 1976—this economic freeze inadvertently preserved the architectural treasures that might otherwise have been demolished during urban renewal. These historic Cobblestones Spoke to Thomas Wolfe’s Soul, and they continue to tell Asheville’s story to every visitor who walks our downtown streets.

Asheville’s Neighborhoods

Downtown Asheville: The beating heart of the city, where you’ll find the majority of restaurants, shops, galleries, and nightlife. Enjoy a Walk through Asheville History on Urban Trail—this 1.7-mile walking tour weaves through downtown, featuring 30 stations that commemorate local history through sculpture, monuments, and architecture. Pack Square Park serves as the city’s living room, hosting festivals, drum circles, and impromptu performances.

South Slope: Once a industrial district, now the epicenter of Asheville’s craft beer scene. Over a dozen breweries cluster in these walkable blocks, many in repurposed warehouses that retain their industrial charm. This is ground zero for beer lovers.

River Arts District (RAD): Former industrial buildings along the French Broad River now house over 200 working artists’ studios. Watch glassblowers, potters, painters, and sculptors at work, then purchase one-of-a-kind pieces directly from the creators. The district also features riverside breweries, restaurants, and some of the city’s best graffiti art.

West Asheville: The “funky” neighborhood where locals shop, eat, and hang out. Haywood Road offers an eclectic mix of vintage stores, record shops, international restaurants, and dive bars. This is authentic, unpretentious Asheville at its best.

Biltmore Village: Originally built as a planned community for Biltmore Estate workers, this charming neighborhood features Tudor-style architecture housing upscale shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s the gateway to Biltmore Estate and maintains a refined, historical atmosphere.

Montford: Asheville’s oldest neighborhood boasts over 600 historic homes, from Victorian mansions to Craftsman bungalows. Take a self-guided walking tour to admire the architecture, or catch a free Shakespeare performance in Montford Park during summer.

North Asheville: A mix of residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and the University of North Carolina Asheville campus. More laid-back than downtown, with great local restaurants and easy access to hiking trails.

Craft Beverage Capital

Asheville’s reputation as Beer City USA is well-earned, and The Brew-Hoppers Guide to Asheville reveals why. Most people aren’t aware that Western North Carolina is the brewing capital of the Southeast. In fact, on just about any day of the year, one can select from nearly two hundred locally brewed craft beers. From dark rich porters and stouts to hoppy golden ales, there is something perfect for every beer drinker!

The craft beverage scene extends beyond beer. Local distilleries produce everything from moonshine to gin, often using regional ingredients like corn, apples, and botanicals foraged from the mountains. Cideries take advantage of Western North Carolina’s apple-growing heritage, creating complex ciders from heirloom varieties grown in historic orchards.

Arts & Culture: Creativity in Every Corner

Asheville’s creative spirit manifests everywhere. The Folk Art Center stands as a testament to the region’s rich craft heritage, located conveniently on the Blue Ridge Parkway just east of Asheville. This home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild represents some of the finest craftspeople in the country.

Through the Folk Art Center Programs, guild members generously share their knowledge of crafts and Appalachian culture with the public through free educational events that take place year-round. These demonstrations offer visitors a chance to witness traditional crafts being created using time-honored techniques.

The River Arts District houses one of the largest working artist communities in the nation, where you can watch creators at work and purchase directly from their studios. Downtown galleries showcase everything from traditional Appalachian crafts to cutting-edge contemporary art.

Shopping: From Handmade to High-End

Forget chain stores. Asheville shopping is all about independent retailers, local makers, and one-of-a-kind finds. Downtown’s Lexington Avenue features boutiques selling everything from designer clothing to crystals, while Wall Street hosts antique shops and vintage stores.

The Grove Arcade, a 1920s public market restored to its former glory, houses local shops, restaurants, and galleries under one spectacular roof. Biltmore Village offers upscale shopping in a historic setting, while West Asheville’s Haywood Road provides the best vintage and thrift shopping in the region.

Visit our Asheville Shopping Guide for more information on local shops and artisans.

Planning Your Asheville Adventure

Getting Here and Getting Around

By Air: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) offers non-stop flights to major hubs including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, and seasonal direct flights to other cities. The airport is just 15 minutes from downtown.

By Car: Intersected by I-40 and I-26, Asheville is within a day’s drive of half the U.S. population. Atlanta is 3.5 hours south, Charlotte 2 hours east, and Knoxville 2 hours west.

Getting Around: While downtown is walkable and the city has a bus system, a car is recommended for exploring the greater area. Ride-sharing services operate throughout the city, and several companies offer brewery tours, hiking shuttles, and guided excursions.

When to Visit

Spring (March-May): Wildflowers blanket mountain meadows, waterfalls run full with snowmelt, and mild temperatures make for perfect hiking weather. Popular gardens reach peak bloom, and restaurants debut spring menus featuring ramps, morel mushrooms, and other foraged ingredients.

Summer (June-August): While valley temperatures can reach the 80s, mountain elevations offer cool relief. This is prime time for tubing the French Broad River, attending outdoor concerts, and enjoying festivals nearly every weekend. Fireflies create magical evening displays, and mountain laurel and rhododendron paint the mountains pink and white.

Fall (September-November): Legendary autumn colors draw leaf-peepers from around the world. The Blue Ridge Parkway becomes a ribbon of gold and crimson, apple orchards open for picking, and crisp air makes for ideal hiking conditions. Book accommodations well in advance for October, peak leaf season.

Winter (December-February): Mild winters (average high of 47°F) mean you can hike year-round, though higher elevations receive snow. The Biltmore Estate decorates lavishly for the holidays, downtown twinkles with lights, and cozy breweries and restaurants offer refuge on chilly days. Nearby ski resorts provide winter sports just 45 minutes away.

Where to Stay

Asheville offers accommodations for every taste and budget:

  • Historic Hotels: Downtown’s hotels include restored Art Deco gems and modern boutique properties.
  • Bed & Breakfasts: Dozens of B&Bs occupy historic homes throughout Asheville’s neighborhoods, offering personalized service and local insights.
  • Camping: Numerous campgrounds and RV parks surround Asheville, from primitive sites to full-service resorts.
  • Unique Stays: Treehouses, yurts, vintage Airstreams, and tiny houses offer memorable accommodation experiences.

Living Like a Local

Want to experience Asheville beyond the tourist attractions? Here’s how locals spend their time:

  • Start weekend mornings at a farmers market (we have several)
  • Grab coffee from a local roaster, not a chain
  • Hike early to beat crowds (and heat in summer)
  • Know that Friday night drum circles are more for tourists—find live music in smaller venues
  • Understand that “Asheville time” means things move at a relaxed pace
  • Respect the environment—pack out what you pack in
  • Tip well—service industry workers are the heart of this tourist town

Asheville After Hurricane Helene

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented flooding to Western North Carolina, causing significant damage to some areas while leaving others untouched. The community’s response exemplified Asheville’s spirit: neighbors helping neighbors, businesses supporting businesses, and artists creating benefit events.

While recovery continues in affected areas, most of Asheville is fully operational and eager to welcome visitors. Tourism is vital to our economy, and your visit directly supports local recovery efforts. Check current conditions for specific attractions, and know that Asheville’s resilient spirit shines brighter than ever.

Beyond Asheville: Day Trips and Excursions

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 90 minutes west, America’s most-visited national park
  • Pisgah National Forest: Surrounding Asheville with 500,000 acres of public land
  • Chimney Rock State Park: Iconic 315-foot granite monolith with spectacular views
  • Hot Springs: Natural thermal pools where the Appalachian Trail meets the French Broad River
  • Black Mountain: Charming small town with galleries, antiques, and the famous Red Rocker Inn
  • Brevard: “Land of Waterfalls” and home to the Brevard Music Festival
  • Grandfather Mountain: Mile-high swinging bridge and wildlife habitats

Asheville History, Stories, and Tidbits

Treasured Waterfalls, Mountain Scenery the Reward of Scenic Drive through Gorge
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, many visitors to Western North Carolina find themselves drawn to any number of the region’s pristine waterfalls for the visual entertainment and cooling respite that they offer from the day’s heat. But some of these popular spots require a bit more hiking, climbing, and crawling over rocks, boulders, and trails than some folks are willing or able to do. More details…

Botanical Gardens of Asheville a Natural Reflection of Southern Appalachian Mountains
The Botanical Gardens of Asheville, located on a lovely ten-acre site next to the UNC-Asheville campus on Weaver Boulevard, is a haven of sorts for more than 700 plant species that are native to this diverse ecosystem we call home – the southern Appalachian Mountains. For the many people who visit or volunteer their time in these delightful gardens, it is a haven indeed, offering solitude, serenity, and a chance to reconnect with the natural world that surrounds us all. More details…

Wild Turkey Flock Finds Asheville To Its Taste; Pays Recent Visit to Historic Manor Inn Apartments
Veritable traffic stoppers, and the topic of much conversation around the office, a rather large flock of wild turkeys has decided, like so many others, that Asheville is the place for them. A somewhat unlikely choice, given that wild turkeys tend to gravitate toward more rural and less populated areas in which to reside, Asheville has embraced its wayward flock. More details…

A Hike to the Top of Mount Pisgah and Dinner at the Pisgah Inn…. a Great Combo
Should you wake up some Saturday or Sunday morning, hear the weather forecast for beautiful skies, realize you have nothing on your schedule for the day, and want an invigorating outdoor activity to fill those wonderful “no-work” hours, try spending a day on the Blue Ridge Parkway hiking to the top of Mount Pisgah and follow it up with dinner at the Pisgah Inn. More details…

Mountain Biking Trails Abound in Pisgah Ranger District in Pisgah National Forest
Fall in Western North Carolina is unrivalled in its beauty. The leaves on our trees gradually change from bright summer green to shades of red, purple, gold, orange, and rust, and the underbrush is filled with endless wild plants which produce brilliant pink, purple, and golden flowers. There is no better place to revel in all this beauty than a forest in the Western North Carolina mountains, and an exhilarating mountain bike ride is a perfect way to celebrate fall’s palate. More details…

Large Stands of Old Growth Forests Found in Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest
A survey, coordinated by the WNC Alliance, and with the assistance of the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition and the North Carolina chapter of the Sierra Club, has documented 77, 418 acres of delineated old growth forests. This increases the previously recorded acres of old growth forests by over 400%. The two national forests total more that 1.1 million acres of public forests. More details…

Mountain Waterfalls a Beautiful Draw for the Mountains
One of a number of natural beauties for outdoor adventurers and families alike, is to head to one of many area waterfalls. Hiking to the sites is a terrific way to get a little exercise, breathe some fresh mountain air, and spend some time with family and friends. In fact, this is just the type of outing of which memories are made. More details…

Green Living and Sustainability

What You Need to Know About Recycling is essential for visitors and residents alike. Good recycling involves capturing all the recyclables you can, preparing them properly, and placing them into the correct containers. Remove and discard caps and lids before you recycle plastic and glass containers!

Asheville.com Helps to Make Asheville Greener — and this commitment to environmental stewardship runs throughout our community. Asheville has always been green. Late winter and spring rains in the mountains that embrace Asheville inevitably reawaken for another season the countless species of flowers, shrubs, and trees that have called these mountains home for centuries.