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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.  

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...

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...

SUMMER ROAD TRIP: GO eTRAILBLAZING ON AMERICA'S FAVORITE SCENIC DRIVE

  • May 30, 2014

NEW INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY OFFERS TALES, TRAILS ITINERARIES & TRAVEL PACKAGES Media Contact: Dodie Stephens dstephens@exploreasheville.com 828.257.4959 | @AshevilleTravel High-Res Photos: More Info: Photo Downloads Asheville on Facebook Asheville on Twitter Press Room ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 30, 2014)—Test drive your road trip.  This summer millions of...

LAST-MINUTE TRIPS WITH YOUR VALENTINE TO THE HEART OF THE BLUE RIDGE

  • January 30, 2014

Romantic travel deals that are sure to impress Media Contact: Dodie Stephens dstephens@exploreasheville.com 828.257.4959 | @AshevilleTravel High-Res Photos: More Info: Photo Downloads Asheville on Facebook Asheville on Twitter Press Room ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 30, 2014)—It may seem impossible - getting a deal on a last-minute Valentine's Day gift that makes your special someone feel...

FALL FORECAST UPDATE: Brilliant Red Across Blue Ridge + Fall Color Goes Digital

  • October 3, 2013

A NEW VIEW OF FALL WITH A TECH TWIST:  3d ANIMATIONS, SATELLITE COLOR FLYOVERS AND TIME LAPSE SKYSCAPES Media Contact: Dodie Stephens dstephens@exploreasheville.com 828.257.4959 | @AshevilleTravel High-Res Photos: Online Resources: FallintheMountains.com Weekly Fall Color Report, starting September 13 Asheville Concierge’s “Fall Deal of the Day” Scenic Drives, Rides and...

Mountain food traditions, harvest adventures thrive in Appalachia

  • August 7, 2013

Regional foods shine in Asheville with culinary travel packages and fall recipes Quick Links: 6 Harvest Adventures | Packages & Deals | Recipes | Images Media Contact: Dodie Stephens (828) 257-4959 dstephens@exploreasheville.com High-Res Photos: More Info: News Releases RSS YouTube RSS Asheville on Facebook Asheville on Twitter Press Room ASHEVILLE, N.C. (August 7, 2013) — Top chefs and...

BEER-CATION: New breweries, tours & tastings draw craft beer fans to WNC

  • April 4, 2013

Asheville rocks North Carolina Beer Month with music video, vacation giveaway Quick Links: Video | Contest | Brew News | Images Media Contact: Dodie Stephens dstephens@exploreasheville.com 828.257.4959 | @AshevilleTravel High-Res Photos: More Info: News Releases RSS YouTube RSS Asheville on Facebook Asheville on Twitter Press Room ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Apr. 9, 2013) - Consumers continue to lift their...

Appalachian Spring Vacation Ideas

  • March 19, 2013

Asheville's Secret Gardens & Storybook Blooms Quick Links: Timelapse Video | Weekly Bloom Report | 8 Amazing Gardens | Packages & Deals | Images Media Contact: Dodie Stephens 828.257.4959 dstephens@exploreasheville.com High-Res Photos: Embed our timelapse video: More Info: News Releases RSS YouTube RSS Asheville on Facebook Asheville on Twitter Press Room ASHEVILLE, N.C. (March 19, 2013)...

Christmas Decorating Ideas from Biltmore and Best Holiday Recipes

  • November 30, 2012

Asheville, North Carolina offers Pinterest recipes and Christmas gift ideas for a uniquely homemade holiday Quick Links: Infographic | Pinterest Contest | Holiday Stats | Links | About | Images Media Contact: Cat Kessler ckessler@exploreasheville.com 828.258.6135 | @AshevilleTravel High-Res Photos: Share It: Tweet   More Info: News Releases RSS YouTube RSS Asheville on Facebook Asheville on...

Fall Colors Surge: Peak Foliage Coming Soon to Asheville, N.C.

  • October 17, 2012

Autumn Forecast Update: Weekly color report identifies best and brightest of fall season Media Contact: Dodie Stephens dstephens@exploreasheville.com 828.257.4959 | @AshevilleTravel HD Broll Footage: High-Res Photos: Online Resources: FallintheMountains.com Weekly Fall Color Report, starting September 13 Asheville Concierge’s “Fall Deal of the Day” Scenic Drives, Rides and...

Weather Experts Target Western N.C. as Best Bet for Fall Colors

  • August 21, 2012

Favorable Blue Ridge Mountain forecast encourages travelers to book early this fall season Media Contact: Dodie Stephens dstephens@exploreasheville.com 828.257.4959 | @AshevilleTravel High-Res Photos: Online Resources: FallintheMountains.com Weekly Fall Color Report, starting September 13 Asheville Concierge’s “Fall Deal of the Day” Scenic Drives, Rides and Hikes Fall tips...

Movie Fans Get Hungry for the Hunger Games

  • February 23, 2012

Asheville Travel Packages: Survival Skills, Celebrity Suites Star Stalking In Brief: The Hunger Games was filmed in the Blue Ridge Mountains around the Asheville area. The young celebrity cast stayed in Asheville during filming and spent their free time enjoying many of the things to do. Visitors can have their own celebrity experience with a Hunger Games travel package. Share It: Mov...

B-Boy Santa Invades Asheville & Gives Away Grand Vacation

  • December 1, 2011

In Brief: Bboy Santa has invaded Asheville and inspired a holiday vacation giveaway. In Asheville's holiday video, Dancing Santa shows off his break-dancing moves at iconic Asheville locations. The holiday season in Asheville is filled with festive events and performances. Go to DancingSantaAsheville.com and enter to win. Visit our gallery to download photos of Bboy Santa. Share It: Tweet...

Asheville's Top Tourism Official Resigns to Take Job in Tampa

  • October 21, 2011

ASHEVILLE, NC (October 21, 2011) - Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Executive Vice President and Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Executive Director Kelly Miller resigned today to accept the position of president and CEO at Tampa Bay & Company, the official tourism promotion agency for that region. Miller has been with the CVB, a department of the Asheville...

Fall Color Wars: Forecasts Fuel Friendly/Colorful Competition

  • September 6, 2011

ASHEVILLE, NC (Sept. 6, 2011)-Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While a traveler's favorite fall color destination may be based on personal preference or sentimental connection, biologists and foliage experts in Western North Carolina are making the case that 2011 could put the Blue Ridge Mountains at the top of the (leaf) pile. Expert predictions are in agreement that environmental...

Asheville Woman Breaks Appalachian Trail Speed Record

  • August 10, 2011

With 2,180 miles stretching across 14 states, a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail is daunting for anyone to attempt. For Asheville resident Jennifer Pharr Davis it was a calling. However that calling wasn't just to hike the entire trail, but to break the record for speed set in 2005, and that's just what she did. To top it off she surpassed not only the women's record, but the men's as well....

Asheville CVB Achieves Destination Marketing Accreditation

  • July 13, 2011

ASHEVILLE (July 13, 2011) - The Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) announced today that it has been awarded official accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). The ACVB joins the ranks of 130 distinguished destination marketing organizations in the U.S., Canada and Europe in achieving the destination marketing industry's most prestigious...

The Omni Grove Park Inn is Now Pet Friendly

  • July 12, 2011

The Omni Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Pets ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA (July 12, 2011) - The Omni Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is now accepting guests of the four-legged variety for the first time in its almost 100 year history. A new section of "pet-friendly" rooms in the Vanderbilt Wing of the Resort will come with a special turndown amenity. The Inn is...

Gas Woes Prompt Big Deals on Summer Travel

  • May 17, 2011

ASHEVILLE (May 17, 2011) - Believe it or not, gas price drama may actually be good news for stateside travelers looking to score deals on summer vacations. With industry analysts split over gas predictions, destinations and attractions are offering gas cards, travel packages and deals-a-plenty to attract the 80 percent of consumers who still plan to take a summer vacation despite gas prices...

Announcing Foodtopia for the People

  • April 1, 2011

ATLANTA (April 1, 2010)-Atlanta foodies...start your taste buds! This April, Asheville is packing up its culinary and craft beer culture and heading to the big city. Foodtopia for the People will offer Atlantans chances to win more than 600 tasty prizes, including five culinary getaways to the mountains.   Meet the Foodtopians Asheville will announce five grand prize vacation winners at the...

Asheville Moves Mountains for Atlanta

  • February 23, 2011

ATLANTA, Ga. (Feb. 23, 2011)-Asheville's edgy mountain culture is moving to the big city. Every day for 30 days in March, Atlantans will experience the sights, sounds and flavors of an Asheville vacation during (30) Days of Asheville. No need for Groupon-we're talking FREE events, goodies and surprises...from Asheville, with love. (30) Days of Asheville is a full month of events to tempt...

Blue Ridge Mountain & Asheville forecasts offer fierce competition for America’s Best Fall Color Show

  • September 14, 2010

In the tricky business that is forecasting the whims of Mother Nature, it is rare that experts agree as they make fall color predictions. This year, biologists and naturalists in Western North Carolina and the Asheville area are singing the same tune:  Seasonal weather patterns and early climate indicators may trigger the most colorful leaf season in years. Good News for Colorful Fall...

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