Downtown Asheville / Photo: Jared Kay

Asheville Accolades

Downtown Asheville

Accolades

Asheville Recognition

Asheville has been recognized for its splendors by dozens of magazines, websites and publications in recent years. Accolades range from the designation by Frommer's as one of a dozen top travel destinations in the world to recognition for the Asheville area arts community, outdoor adventures, cuisine, organic and vegetarian eats, and much more.

In the news

Recent Asheville Accolades

Thunder Struck Ridge / Photo: Jared Kay

Frommer's Best Places to Go in 2026

Pauline Frommer - October 30, 2025

Frommer’s editors and contributors from around the globe have chosen places that you might not have otherwise considered for your own adventure through 2026.

Read at Frommers.com
Two people walking in Pack Square in downtown Asheville

Asheville Named Reader's Digest Nicest Place in America for 2025

Reader's Digest - September 26, 2025

When Hurricane Helene hit, Asheville, North Carolina, banded together—and became 2025’s Nicest Place in America.

Read at rd.com
A mountain road near Asheville in fall / Photo: Reggie Tidwell

This Scenic City Was Just Officially Named The Most Affordable Fall Foliage Destination In The U.S.

Southern Living - August 27, 2025

The Blue Ridge city of Asheville, North Carolina, was just named the most affordable fall-foliage destination to travel to in the U.S.

Read at SouthernLiving.com
Downtown Asheville Skyline | Photo: Andre Daugherty

Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Best Cities in the U.S.

Travel + Leisure - July 8, 2025

Asheville has once again captured the hearts of travelers, earning the No. 9 spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2025 list of Best Cities in the United States. Voted on by readers who recognize places with a strong sense of character, Asheville’s inclusion is a testament to its creative energy, resilient spirit, and the people who make this place unforgettable.

Read at TravelAndLeisure.com
50 Things to Do in Asheville, NC

‘These mountains are still here.’ Asheville is ready for your visit

CNN Travel - June 26, 2025

Asheville is No. 3 in CNN's list of America's Best Towns to Visit 2025 thanks to its mountain setting and the resilience seen in its food, beverage and arts scenes.

Read at CNN.com
Good Hot Fish chef preparing food Asheville NC

Asheville Chef Ashleigh Shanti Brings Home a James Beard Award

Eater - June 16, 2025

The Good Hot Fish chef wins for her cookbook Our South: Black Food Through My Lens

Read at Eater.com
Cocktail at Bar in Asheville / Photo: Savannah Bockus

The Best Bars in America 2025

Esquire - June 9, 2025

Asheville's Crucible made Esquire's 2025 list of the best bars in America.

Read at Esquire.com
Steep Canyon Rangers Community Concert / Photo: Fiasco Media

Asheville named to Best Music City list in The 2025 Rolling Stone Travel Awards

Rolling Stone - June 9, 2025

Hurricane Helene’s floods may have knocked this North Carolina mountain town back on its heels, but Asheville’s music scene is resilient. Bands and fans alike have since returned to breweries’ beer gardens and traditional venues across town to hear artists from all genres. Above all else, catch a show at venerable club the Orange Peel.

Read at RollingStone.com
William Dissen / The Market Place

Asheville named to The Travel Green List 2025

Wanderlust Travel Magazine - May 27, 2025

Wanderlust's third annual celebration of sustainability in travel looks at 50 destinations that show travel can be a force for good

Read in Wanderlust Travel Magazine
Couple at Potential New Boyfriend

The 20 Best New Restaurants In The South, According To Our Editors

Southern Living - May 26, 2025

Asheville's Good Hot Fish, Luminosa and Potential New Boyfriend make Southern Living's list of The 20 Best New Restaurants In The South

Read at SouthernLiving.com
New Asheville Lodging Asheville NC

Best places to travel in 2025

BBC - May 26, 2025

Where to go in the US for an enriching family trip

#7: Asheville, North Carolina

Read at BBC.com
Good Hot Fish

The 16 Most Underrated Summer Travel Destinations in the U.S.

Cosmopolitan - April 25, 2025

#10: Let your inner southerner out in Asheville, North Carolina

Read at Cosmopolitan.com
The Radical Hotel in the River Arts District

Asheville's The Radical Named to The Worlds Greatest Places of 2025 List

Time - March 13, 2025

The Radical—in a refurbished 1920s cereal factory, with a self-described “posh punk” attitude and decor, from the eclectic lobby with sofas of all shades to the bohemian rooms with patterned headboards and fringed lamps—is now providing gallery space for the displaced Radical Arts District Artists (RADA) members. 

Read at Time.com
Burial Beer Co. South Slope Tap Room / Photo: Jared Kay

Discover the Hoppiest Havens: 10 Best Beer Cities in the US

USA Today - March 5, 2025

Asheville listed as #7 Best Beer Cities

These locations across the United States have been nominated by an expert panel and voted by our readers as the 10 best beer cities for hosting the most outstanding beer scenes in the nation. That means stellar collections of established and up-and-coming breweries, beer bars, brewpubs, beer festivals, and even thriving homebrewing communities where a novice brewer can get their foot in the door. 

Read at USAToday.com
Downtown Asheville skyline / Photo: Reggie Tidwell

Asheville Named One of the "52 Places to Go in 2025"

New York Times - January 6, 2025

Asheville’s resilient spirit and ever-evolving cultural landscape have earned it an esteemed spot on The New York Times' prestigious “52 Places to Go in 2025” list. Recognized for its vibrant recovery and enduring creativity, our Blue Ridge Mountain town continues to inspire visitors with its blend of history, art and heart.

Read at NYTimes.com