About Asheville

Known as an art colony, a healing resort and a home to notable luminaries, statesmen and bohemians, Asheville is one of the most welcoming, vibrant cities in America.

Asheville: Edgy, Artsy & Inviting

Asheville is that type of unique, special place that lingers sweetly in your mind and memories for years to come. The city's rich architectural legacy with its mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles is the perfect retro-urban backdrop to the edgy energy that emanates from the locally owned-shops and art galleries, distinctive restaurants and exciting entertainment venues.

A bastion of cutting-edge art and technology in the Blue Ridge, the city also prides itself on its fascinating Appalachian past and celebrates this culture with annual events such as Shindig on the Green. While many cities underwent major overhauls in past decades, Asheville's historic and architecturally diverse downtown remains beautifully preserved.

There's something special about Asheville, and the world is just beginning to discover it. This thriving mountain city features a funky and eclectic downtown, 30-plus art galleries downtown alone, a burgeoning culinary scene, a thriving live music scene and, of course, the awe-inspiring scenery of the Appalachian Mountains.

Asheville is the ultimate playground, with a wide diversity of outdoor adventures and the ideal destination for an active and healthy getaway.

Discover

Best Spring Hikes in Asheville, N.C.

by Jason Tarr

As the mountains green up with the coming of spring, the new season also brings a burst of color to the trails in and around Asheville. Hundreds of types of wildflowers line the paths that lead to stunning vistas and thundering waterfalls. These … read more
Asheville's Wildflower Bloom Schedule

by Asheville Insider

The landscape of the southern Appalachians, the oldest mountains in the world, is rich in biodiversity, offering you an opportunity to discover flora not found anywhere else in the world. In Asheville, seasonal favorites like trillium, tulips, … read more
Best Gardens to Visit in Asheville

by Nan Chase

Asheville, North Carolina's scenic natural landscape is a mecca for all things green, with its favorable climate and diverse citizens instilled with a passion and respect for the land. From elegant grand estates to fun-meets-funky, this … read more
8 Great Asheville Tours for Spring

by Cat Kessler

For first-time visitors, or for seasoned travelers looking to dive a bit deeper, city tours can be a great way to get to know Asheville. And like everything else, many of Asheville's city tours are just a little bit different. Check out these … read more
Seven Spots for Beautiful Blooms

by Mark File

The lush forests and temperate weather of Asheville's mountains create a mind-boggling kaleidoscope of flowering plants. And many of them cannot be found anywhere else in the world! Here are some of my favorite spots for eye-popping blossoming … read more
A Sense of Place: Frederick Law Olmsted’s Legendary Landscapes

by Janet Moore

He designed New York’s Central Park and Prospect Park; the city of Pinehurst, North Carolina, the landscape surrounding the U.S. Capitol. He pioneered not only landscape architecture but also conservation in America, and there are few places … read more