News Releases

Recent Asheville Press Releases

Explore our press kit materials, Asheville Travel Blog and social channels for additional news, insight and inspiration. Or, connect with us directly. The PR team is always glad to brainstorm story ideas, site visits and Asheville adventures. Photo and b-roll footage requests are welcome. Email the PR team at media@exploreasheville.com.  

The New Salon: A Contemporary View

Season of Renewal: Award-Winning Classics and Unconventional Debuts Welcome Spring and Summer Travel

  • March 7, 2024

The Asheville Art Museum’s The New Salon: A Contemporary View features an eclectic mix of artists, including Lori Nelson. Credit: Lori Nelson, courtesy of Mortal Machine Gallery    ASHEVILLE, NC (March 6, 2024) – Asheville draws visitors in this spring and summer to recharge through enriching experiences that merge new and timeless traditions in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As...

From L to R: Matthew Bacoate, Jr., Catherine Mitchell, Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore, Buncombe County Commissioner Al Whitesides and others in front of an Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail panel.

Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail Brings Focus to Black History in the Blue Ridge Mountains

  • February 8, 2024

ASHEVILLE, NC (Feb. 5, 2024) – For the first time, Asheville’s Black heritage and culture is on permanent display around the city through a new walking trail. Unveiled in December 2023, the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail is the first of its kind in Western North Carolina and one of a few Black heritage trails in the 13-state Appalachian region. It marks a significant milestone...

New, eye-catching lodging options with meeting space await groups in Asheville in 2024, including The Flat Iron Hotel downtown.

Elevating Connection in 2024: Asheville’s Meetings Landscape

  • January 11, 2024

Elevating Connection in 2024: Asheville’s Meetings Landscape Offers New Sustainable, Inclusive and Inspired Experiences Asheville’s Black Cultural Heritage Trail, dazzling glass art installations, spacious meeting hotels and unique adaptive reuse projects help set the stage for impactful meetings ASHEVILLE, NC (Jan. 8, 2023) – As meeting attendees increasingly desire more...

Guests get lost in an imagined utopian world at Krafthouse, an immersive art installation at the Center for Craft in September. (Credit: Center for Craft)

Visitors Go Deeper in 2024: Asheville Abounds With Adventure for Culture-Seekers

  • November 9, 2023

ASHEVILLE, NC (Nov. 8, 2023) – The desire to connect with local cultures and communities is one of the biggest trends driving travel decisions in 2024. Asheville meets the moment with new opportunities to explore the region’s deeply-rooted traditions and heritage – reinvigorated and transformed by modern and diverse perspectives. Local artists call this creative movement...

Filmed at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C., Lucy Hardgrove (played by Bethany Joy Lenz) ponders a time-traveling hourglass in “A Biltmore Christmas,” premiering Nov. 26 on Hallmark Channel. Image Credit: 2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer David Scott Holloway.

Asheville Lights Up with Hallmark Magic This Christmas

  • October 26, 2023

Asheville, N.C. (October 26, 2023) – Movie-worthy settings and one-of-a-kind traditions transport visitors to another world in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains this holiday season. The grandeur of Biltmore making its Hallmark Channel debut and the sweet creations of the 31 st Annual National Gingerbread Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn ignite the festive spirit for travelers...

Latin X

This Small Southern City Boasts Big Latinx Pride

  • October 9, 2023

Asheville, NC - The Latinx community is the fastest-growing demographic in the Asheville region, including more than 20 Latin American cultures represented. This Hispanic Heritage Month, and all year long, is an opportunity to recognize, honor, and celebrate the many contributions of the Latinx/Hispanic community.   Here are a few recommendations for new and notable ways to celebrate...

Color Forecast 2023

Fall in Asheville: Color Forecast 2023

  • September 7, 2023

Asheville, NC (Sep. 7, 2023) – While summer gently fades away, Asheville, North Carolina, prepares to unveil its annual masterpiece of nature: the breathtaking fall color leaf change. The biodiversity of tree species in the Blue Ridge Mountains ensures a visual symphony of crimson, gold, and amber hues, while variations in elevation grant leaf-peepers one of the longest fall color seasons in...

Mural

Part of the Art: Explore Peak Color in Asheville’s Art and Nature

  • August 23, 2023

Asheville, NC (Aug. 21, 2023) – A world of color awaits travelers to Asheville now through fall, both natural and human-made. In addition to nature’s symphony of crimson and gold hues, this season offers art experiences that invite visitors into painted landscapes and imagined worlds. When the day's adventures are over, guests can rest their heads at an artfully designed boutique...

The Orange Peel is one of several Asheville music venues that will participate in the inaugural AVL Fest that kicks off August 3.

SAVOR SUMMER WITH A LAST-MINUTE TRIP TO ASHEVILLE

  • June 12, 2023

ASHEVILLE, NC (June 5, 2023) – The unofficial start of the summer is here, but it’s not too late for the 85% of Americans who say they intend to travel this season. The average traveler is booking just three weeks out. For a spontaneous road trip or nonstop flight from 26 unique destinations, including just-added routes from Denver and Phoenix, Asheville, NC, meets the season with...

Spring/Summer

Spring Blooms and Summer Adventures in Asheville

  • March 28, 2023

ASHEVILLE, NC (March 23, 2023) – As warmer temperatures bring wildflower blooms and vivid greens to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the arrival of spring weather in Asheville, North Carolina means it’s time to get out and explore. The spring season breathes new life into the expansive meadows and lush mountainsides, as well as the city, welcoming a fresh lineup of upbeat festivals and events...

Mirror Hotel

Unforgettable Openings Make Asheville a Top Bucket List Destination in 2023

  • December 16, 2022

Forward-Thinking Food Culture, Design-Centric Hotels and Captivating Cultural Experiences Promise a Creative Renaissance in the New Year ASHEVILLE, NC (Dec. 16, 2022) – 2023 is set to be a standout year for the deeply rooted yet ever evolving mountain city of Asheville, North Carolina with the coming of several highly-anticipated restaurants led by James Beard-nominated chefs, design-forward...

Christmas at Biltmore during twilight. Credit: The Biltmore Company

‘Tis the Season in the Blue Ridge Mountains: Asheville Shines Bright with Classic Holiday Traditions

  • November 10, 2022

‘Tis the Season in the Blue Ridge Mountains: Asheville Shines Bright with Classic Holiday Traditions and Fresh Festivities   ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 8, 2022) – Historic holiday celebrations, extravagant light displays, festive events, and specialty pop-up markets infuse yuletide magic throughout Asheville, N.C. Visitors and locals come together this season to celebrate with...

Jared Wheatley, photo credit: Sarah Hoski

Intertribal Artists Descend on Asheville for Indigenous Walls Project Event

  • November 3, 2022

The Intertribal Graffiti Jam: A first-of-its-kind event in the United States       Jared Wheatley, a Cherokee Nation citizen, artist, and Asheville business owner started the Indigenous Walls Project as a way to get people to focus on the land with the ultimate goal of bringing back land to every tribal nation. Photo Credit: Sarah Hoski   At the intersection of Urban Native...

Asheville (Fall)

What’s New in Fall 2022 in Asheville, NC

  • October 31, 2022

What’s new with the hue in Asheville, North Carolina? As the heat settles and cooler days prevail, the peak season of Asheville’s tree top color schemes will be bountiful. The Blue Ridge Mountains have long been home to leaf peeping afficionados; and vacationers swarming to witness the change of leaves. With sweeping mountain views and panoramic cityscapes, Asheville wears her palette...

Mountain Vista at Sunset

WHAT’S NEW IN 2022

  • December 16, 2021

What’s New in 2022: At-A-Glance Guide 22 Transformational Stories, Culture Adventures & Self-Care Escapes for Blue Ridge Travelers in 2022 Below is an at-a-glance look at 22 (and then some!) transformational travel stories for the year ahead. Beyond the “what’s new” factor are the ever-inspiring histories, untold stories and trailblazers leading the way in the lively...

Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide

  • November 12, 2021

Handmade Holiday: A Gift Guide from Asheville Makers Looking for the perfect holiday gift idea, stocking stuffer or present for a loved one? We've got your holiday shopping covered!

Asheville Christmas Skyline

Iconic Holiday Traditions Return In-Person

  • October 28, 2021

Iconic Holiday Traditions Return In-Person Asheville’s most cherished holiday events are back IRL in 2021 and ready to dazzle visitors in-person once again. Christmas at Biltmore, Plus a Multi-Sensory Art Exhibit: Biltmore Estate, America’s Largest Home, opened for the Vanderbilt family on Christmas Day in 1895. More than a century later, Biltmore continues to astound with its 35-foot...

Asheville Blue Ridge Mountains Fall

FALL COLOR FORECAST 2021

  • September 2, 2021

A COLORFUL SEASON AHEAD FOR THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS + ECO-FRIENDLY OFFERINGS + ASHEVILLE TRAVEL NEWS With more than 100 deciduous (leaf-shedding) tree species, coupled with a wide range of elevations and a temperate climate where warm days and cool nights are possible, Southern Appalachia experiences one of the most colorful and long-lasting leaf seasons in the country. This year, biologists in...

Wellness in Asheville

Self-Care Escapes and Curated Wellness Travel Experiences in Asheville

  • April 6, 2021

Asheville’s reputation as a wellness destination dates back centuries with the region’s climate and altitude making it an ideal location for the health-conscious traveler looking to recuperate and heal. Today, wellness offerings for travelers have adapted during the pandemic, providing visitors with safe ways to explore, unwind and reboot, whether they are beginning a yoga practice,...

Asheville Skyline

EXPLORE ASHEVILLE CVB RELEASES NEW TOOLKIT FOR MEETING SAFELY & VIRTUAL PLANNING

  • March 25, 2021

Case Studies From Recent In-Person Events + Virtual FAM Experience + New Group Offerings Looking to ease the minds of meeting planners making their way through these challenging times and alleviate some of the uncertainty, the Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau has unveiled a brand-new and robust Meeting Planner Toolkit complete with case studies from recent in-person meetings,...

What's New in 2021 Collage Photo

WHAT’S NEW IN 2021: THE PEOPLE, STORIES & HISTORIES BEHIND ASHEVILLE’S NEWEST TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

  • February 2, 2021

Heritage, artistic triumphs, inspired perspectives, justice around the table and music with meaning color the landscape of new travel experiences heading through 2021 in Asheville, N.C. Below is a roundup of stories and experiences connecting travelers to new and inspiring Blue Ridge Mountain adventures in the year ahead. Overview: Musicians and chefs pulling segregation-era history forward; a...

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

HOLIDAYS IN THE MOUNTAINS: NATIONAL TRADITIONS GET NEW LIFE IN ASHEVILLE

  • October 29, 2020

~Biltmore Celebrates a Landmark Holiday, Gingerbread Goes Virtual, Santa Practices Rock Climbing + Gift Guide Highlights Maker Culture~ Time-honored traditions, milestone celebrations and surprising feats of Christmas magic bring some much-needed sparkle to 2020 through the holiday season in Asheville, N.C. Travelers (and armchair travelers alike) will enjoy tech-enhanced experiences and socially...

Winter Sunrise

A HANDMADE HOLIDAY: ASHEVILLE GIFT GUIDE 2020

  • October 21, 2020

~ Custom Leather Accessories, Artisan Foods, Sustainable Outdoor Gear, Plant-Based Skincare and Cocktail Kits + Local Maker Spotlights ~ Visit Holiday Gift Guide In a Blue Ridge Mountain city whose inspiring backdrop has long influenced creatives and entrepreneurs to live their dreams, the maker culture in Asheville, N.C., continues to generate some top-notch products tied to most every facet of...

Winter Landscape Photo

MILD WINTER AHEAD: FRESH BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES IN ASHEVILLE

  • October 20, 2020

~ Scenic Serenity, Cozy Wellness + Major Art and Music News ~ This year, weather experts are predicting a warmer winter for the Southeast U.S., possibly bringing more opportunities to enjoy Asheville’s walkable downtown, dine at outdoor patios or in a city “parklet” and to social distance and refresh on a nearby mountainside. Often underrated, winter in Asheville is a bit of a...

skyline

FINDING CREATIVE WAYS TO KEEP ASHEVILLE TOP OF MIND FOR MEETING PLANNERS

  • September 28, 2020

Virtual 3D Site Tours (With Aerial Drone Footage!) + “Mug Moments” Featuring Hotel Partners + Meet Safe Pledge Quickly adapting to the “new normal” as the COVID-19 pandemic halted meetings, conferences and travel across the globe, the Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau has released a series of virtual tools to help support both meeting planners and local...

Fall Outlook

LINGER LONGER OUTSIDE IN FALL 2020

  • August 25, 2020

ASHEVILLE TRAVEL NEWS + WHAT A WARMER AUTUMN MEANS FOR FALL ROAD TRIPPERS Travelers may be able to linger outside a little longer in fall 2020. Weather experts predict that fall color will develop later this year and temperatures will be warmer early in the season due to La Niña, an ocean-atmosphere phenomenon that impacts weather around the globe. Road trippers seeking open spaces, fresh...

Summer Blue Ridge Parkway

OPEN SPACES & SCENIC MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES AS THE SUMMER SEASON KICKS OFF

  • May 22, 2020

Asheville, N.C. resources for safety-first summer travel in the Blue Ridge Mountains ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 22, 2020)—North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper's office announced this week its order to lift stay-at-home travel restrictions ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer season. Asheville-area businesses have stepped up to protect workers and guests with...

business updates

Together In Spirit: Stories of Creative Community Resilience and New Resources for At Home Travel

  • April 29, 2020

  ASHEVILLE, N.C. (April 29, 2020) – NEW RESOURCE: Inspiring, immersive content and ways to support our still-vibrant community are being collected and shared via Explore Asheville's new Together in Spirit microsite. For example, the Community Spirit section illuminates Asheville's creative resilience and provides paths for support, while the Virtual Asheville section...

Spring Vista

A virtual escape for restless, homebound souls from Asheville, N.C.

  • March 26, 2020

  ASHEVILLE, N.C. (March 26, 2020) – The world has hit pause on travel (and an ever-growing number of shared human experiences). Like you, Asheville and other destinations are trying to find our way through these strange days in the wake of COVID-19. In addition to supporting our community, we have curated a virtual escape with restless, homebound souls in mind. From virtual hikes in...

Downtown Skyline_Credit ExploreAsheville.com

CREATIVITY, CRAFT & FRESH CULTURE: WHAT YOU CAN’T MISS IN ASHEVILLE IN 2020

  • November 15, 2019

~ New Art Museum Illuminates Appalachia, National Craft Hub Puts Makers in Focus, Global Arts Center Anchors The Block, James Beard Noms Team Up for Art Deco Food Hall, Vinyl Record Plant Opens with Music Café + Artistic Hotel Amenities ~ ASHEVILLE, NC (Nov. 14, 2019) – Blue Ridge Mountain legacies of craft and creativity take the spotlight in 2020 as Asheville, N.C., marks four major...

Holiday Lights Downtown

A BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY: TRADITIONS, BOTH NEW AND OLD, SHINE BRIGHT IN ASHEVILLE

  • October 24, 2019

~ Christmas (and “Downton Abbey”!) Come to Biltmore, Instagram-Worthy Lights in a Winter Wonderland, A Bucket-List-Worthy Gingerbread Display, Santa Does a Trial Run + Seasonal Shopping Made Easy ~ ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 24, 2019) – Festive holiday happenings and all things merry and bright abound in Asheville, N.C. Each year, beloved longtime traditions and fresh offerings...

Asheville at Dusk

ASHEVILLE WINTER NEWS: SURPRISINGLY COZY AND REFRESHING OFF-SEASON ADVENTURES IN THE BLUE RIDGE

  • October 15, 2019

~ S’more flights, mountaintop yoga under the winter sun, new downtown hotel and art hubs with long-range views and “Downton Abbey” at Biltmore ~ ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 15, 2019)—Often overlooked and underrated, winter in Asheville, N.C., is a bit of a secret in a Blue Ridge Mountain city world-famous for fall color and lush summer adventure. Mostly moderate winter weather...

Fall 2019 Release Photo

NEW, ICONIC & SURPRISING FALL ADVENTURES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF ASHEVILLE, N.C.

  • August 15, 2019

  ASHEVILLE, NC (August 15, 2019) — Asheville, North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains – known for one of the longest and most colorful fall foliage seasons in the world – offer a mix of surprising adventures this autumn including a new food-centric downtown hotel, Downton Abbey costumes and life-sized set recreations at Biltmore, rooftop dining atop the...

Patio Dining at Smoky Park Supper Club

On The Rise: Asheville's Modern Appalachian Culinary Scene

  • April 23, 2019

ASHEVILLE, NC (April 23, 2019) – Appalachian food was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but today Asheville, North Carolina food folk are claiming, examining and elevating their culinary roots in new and creative ways. Bagels using sorghum syrup and Southern flour, a gourmet twist on the regional-favorite Moon Pie, a restaurant honoring African-American influence on the area’s cuisine...

Asheville Skyline

What You Can't Miss in Asheville in 2019

  • November 28, 2018

~ New Downtown Hotels Celebrating Asheville’s History and Architecture, Whitewater SUP Tours, Yoga Hikes, A Chocolate Factory/Museum & A Chef-Led Signature Culinary Event Celebrating Appalachia ~ ASHEVILLE, NC (November 28, 2018) — Cultural experiences expand in every direction across a vibrant Blue Ridge Mountain city. Food-centric hotels, James Beard chef news, a beverage boom...

Cozy Winter on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Capital of Cozy: New and Unexpected Winter Adventures in Asheville

  • October 29, 2018

~ Scenic rooftop fireplaces, Appalachian culinary traditions, soul-warming spirits, cozy cultural experiences and why winter is the season to experience Asheville’s emerging music scene ~ ASHEVILLE, N.C. (October 29, 2018) — Often overlooked and underrated, winter in Asheville is a bit of a secret in a Blue Ridge Mountain city world-famous for fall color and lush summer adventure....

Asheville Fall Skyline

Blue Ridge Fall Color Report 2018 + New Autumn Adventures in Asheville

  • August 21, 2018

~ New tours at Biltmore & beyond, James Beard-chef ventures, craft spirit collaborations and fresh ways to experience one of the world’s longest fall color seasons ~ ASHEVILLE, N.C. (August 21, 2018) — Asheville, N.C., and the Blue Ridge Mountains – an area known for one of the longest and most colorful fall foliage seasons in the world – head into autumn with fresh...

Couple Hiking

Asheville Adventure Primer: New Ways to Explore a Top Outdoor Destination This Summer and Fall

  • June 21, 2018

~ New Trails for the Avid Hiker, Electric Adventure Vehicle Tours at Biltmore, Yoga While You SUP (or Have a Beer!), Perfect Picnic Places, New Riverside Hangouts ~ ASHEVILLE, NC (June ­­­­­­19, 2018) — Colorful outdoor hangouts along one of the oldest rivers in the world; new off-road adventures at Biltmore; whitewater surfing on your belly; new hiking trails with...

Lexington Avenue Glassworks

Asheville's Summer of Glass Features Chihuly at Biltmore, VIP Tours + Hands-on Experiences

  • April 19, 2018

Six-month celebration of glass art and deep creative roots at America’s Largest Home and across the Blue Ridge ASHEVILLE, NC (April 19, 2018) — Inspired by an upcoming Chihuly exhibition at Biltmore and the region’s direct connections to the American roots of studio glass art, Western North Carolina glass artists and studios have created Asheville’s Summer of Glass, an...

Tanbark Overlook

What You Can't Miss In Asheville In 2018

  • December 20, 2017

~ New Hotels for the Culinary Traveler, Major Exhibitions at Biltmore, Art Immersions with Food & Beer, New Trails, Food Hubs & Adventure Spa Pop-Ups ~ ASHEVILLE, NC (December 19, 2017) — An icon gets an update in Asheville’s Art Deco skyline; Chihuly at Biltmore + Asheville’s Summer of Glass; major international sporting events; and new hikes with extreme views and...

Asheville Skyline at Holidays

Asheville Holiday News: More Lights at Biltmore, Snowflake Selfies + 25 Years of Gingerbread

  • November 15, 2017

~ Holiday travel deals and festive ways to play, indulge and get away from it all at www.ExploreAsheville.com/holidays.~ ASHEVILLE, NC (November 15, 2017) — Snap a Giant #SnowflakeSelfie Asheville’s busy downtown sidewalks are dressed in holiday style, thanks to Winter Lights Downtown in Pack Square, with double the number of lights this year. NEW! A 10-foot gilded purple...

Cropped Asheville Fall Color

Blue Ridge Fall Color Forecast: Ideal Conditions for "Vibrant 2017" + Big Fall News in Asheville

  • August 24, 2017

~ New ways to see the leaves change, interactive 360-degree views and weekly color reports at FallintheMountains.com ~ ASHEVILLE, N.C. (August 24, 2017) — Biologists and NOAA weather experts are citing ideal conditions for a healthy and bright 2017 fall color show across the Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville, an area known for one of the longest and most colorful fall foliage seasons in the...

Montford Rooftop Bar

What You Can't Miss in Asheville in 2017

  • December 13, 2016

~ Hidden Histories in Arts & Crafts, New Hotels and Rooftop Spaces + A Brewery Linked to Blue Ridge Parkway History ~ ASHEVILLE, NC (December 13, 2016) — New hotels, a major exhibit at Biltmore, whitewater sports you’ve never heard of and a brewery with ties to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville, North Carolina is alive with new adventures (and special savings and travel packages)...

7 Blue Ridge Blockbusters: Asheville Is Hollywood Hot in 2015

  • February 20, 2015

From hiking trails to historic homes to hilarious heists ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 20, 2015) – With awards season underway, a spotlight is cast on the Asheville area and its numerous 2015 connections to the silver and small screens.  Playing the role of story muse, film backdrop and celebrity playground, Western North Carolina offers adventures and immersive travel experiences for film...

Want Over-The-Top Romance? 10 Stops on an Aphrodisiac Tour of Asheville

  • January 28, 2015

Romantic adventures and travel deals for a Valentine's Weekend getaway ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 28, 2015)—Amp up Valentine's Day Weekend with world class romance. Recently named one of the world's top destinations in 2015 by Frommer's, Asheville offers over-the-top romantic experiences with an expansive Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop. Make your own engagement ring, play royal at...

2014 BLUE RIDGE FALL COLOR FORECAST: Why RED is a big deal this year

  • September 10, 2014

Plus: Asheville Travel Packages, Weekly Color Reports & The Science Behind Fall Color ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 10, 2014)—Landscape in red: Biologists and weather experts report that fall color forecast factors may align for an electric pop of red foliage amid the Blue Ridge Mountain autumnal spectrum. Why is red, in particular, such a big deal? 3D technology, satellite flyovers and time...