From the 1950s through the 1980s, so-called “urban renewal” policies demolished many landmarks of Black culture in Asheville. In 2022, through the ingenuity and creativity of Black entrepreneurs, chefs, makers and artists, Asheville’s Black history and culture is being reclaimed in bold and exciting ways. Black Wall Street Brings Makers, Artists and Indie Entrepreneurs to the...
For nearly a century, Eagle and South Market streets in downtown Asheville were home to a vibrant cultural and commercial district for Black residents. Anchored by the YMI Cultural Center, one of the oldest Black cultural centers in the U.S., The Block was largely destroyed by urban renewal in the mid-20th century. Now, thanks to pioneering artists and entrepreneurs, The Block is once...
While very much a current movement, sustainability has a long history in Asheville — thanks, in part, to the minds behind Biltmore Estate. Dating back to its founding ideals, George Vanderbilt had a desire that Biltmore be a self-sustaining estate and a wish to preserve the surrounding beauty and nurture the land and its resources for years to come. America’s Largest Home also lay...
Renowned for its highly creative and collaborative food scene fueling national interest in Appalachian cuisine, Asheville food is undergoing a culinary transformation in 2022. From Hawaiian barbecue to French-Latin crepes, and from The South to South Africa, a new generation of gastronomic auteurs is expanding and diversifying Asheville’s famous food scene. Global Flavors Take Root in Small...
New exhibits, tours and trails showcase the well-established creative spirit that extends across the Asheville area, as well as under-the-radar experiences and narratives of nearby neighborhoods and towns. Masterpiece Art in Multisensory Form: Biltmore’s yearlong exhibition series — Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore — kicked off in November 2021 with...
Asheville’s back on the international stage with the return of a world-class tennis event whose new name aligns it with a global icon who has dedicated her life to fighting injustice, inequality and discrimination in all forms. The United States’ Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas (formerly the Fed Cup) will take place April 15-16, 2022, at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in...
According to a recent Booking.com survey, more than three-quarters of Americans say that travel is critical to their mental and emotional wellness. Fortunately, Asheville has been a self-care escape since long before that term was trending. For over a century, the fresh mountain air, crystal clear waterfalls and stunning natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains have drawn travelers looking to...
For thousands of years, the Cherokee thrived in ᏙᎩᏯᏍᏗ ( To Ki Ya Sdi ), “the place where they race,” or Asheville, as it is known today. Despite centuries of oppression, exploitation and genocide, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) remains a cornerstone of Western North Carolina culture. In 2022, several cultural initiatives will pull forward the often-overlooked...
Asheville has gained plenty of notice as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, lauded not only for its prime setting among some of the world’s oldest mountains, but also for the innovative people and businesses within the outdoor industry that call the area home. This year, the options for exploring the surrounding wilderness range from unexpected ways to take in the views (think, from a roadster...
Ever since Oscar Wong opened Highland Brewing in the basement of Barley’s Tap Room in 1994, the stage was set for Asheville’s rise as one of America’s top beer cities. With more breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S., it is no wonder Asheville is called “Beer City U.S.A.” In 2022, Asheville’s mature craft beverage community has clearly...
New Asheville lodging options in 2022 will reference Asheville’s rich and varied history and pay homage to the neighborhoods where they’re located. From century-old cottages on the Biltmore Estate to a trendy boutique in the middle of downtown, these new accommodations are more than places to lay your head at night – they are destinations in and of themselves. Historic Cottages...
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...
OPENING IN JUNE: A food hall with history opens in Asheville’s iconic Art Deco masterpiece S&W Building, considered one of architect Douglas Ellington’s most refined projects. Chef Meherwan Irani (Chai Pani Restaurant Group and James Beard-nominated chef) and Highland Brewing Company (Asheville’s oldest brewery run by Leah Wong Ashburn, a James Beard nominee)...
Asheville, where deep-seated bluegrass roots harmonize with new talent and innovative sounds, has been lauded as one of America’s top music cities. Here are two new ways to dive into the scene: Rabbit Rabbit in the South Slope district is a new outdoor event venue from Asheville Brewing Company and The Orange Peel, Asheville’s nationally known rock club that has hosted acts...
Asheville’s colorful art-and-warehouse neighborhood along the French Broad River, the River Arts District (RAD), is coming into a new era as a walkable riverfront destination and entertainment district that fully embraces its scenic location along one of the oldest rivers in the world. A longer, improved greenway system with art-infused pedestrian connectivity offers visitors a new...
A historic Black-owned tourist court and dining room from the segregation-era South is getting new life as a musician rehearsal space and soul food kitchen. Nationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, recording artist Claude Coleman Jr. (30-year drummer for the alternative rock band Ween) and lifelong musician and producer Brett Spivey are behind the effort to restore this...
In addition to all the holiday activities Asheville offers, many hotels craft seasonal packages to enhance the Asheville experience. For seasonal hotel packages and deals, visit: https://www.exploreasheville.com/packages-deals/seasonal/. As the weather gets cooler, enjoy s’mores on the terrace of Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast with their Fire up the S’mores package. The package...
With an inspiring backdrop that has long influenced creatives and entrepreneurs, working studios, artist galleries and colorful boutiques featuring locally made wares can be found in nearly every corner of Asheville. Merry Markets: Plan ahead for special markets like the North Carolina Glass Center’s Annual Seconds Sale (Dec. 2-16), CURVE Studios Holiday Market (Dec. 12) and...
There are a variety of ways to celebrate the holidays in and around Asheville, both in the city and in its neighboring towns. Brand new in the South Slope, Rabbit Rabbit, an outdoor venue created by the Orange Peel and Asheville Brewing Company, will transform its outdoor space into a Winter Wonderland from November to January. Stop in to enjoy holiday lights and exhibits as well as themed...
Santa returns to Chimney Rock State Park this year for a Christmas Eve practice run. On Dec. 5 and 12, Santa will rappel down the 315-foot Chimney Rock, a 535-million-year-old monolith, to prepare for clambering down chimneys around the world. Festivities will be held outdoors, and guests can stop into the Sky Lounge for hot cocoa and Christmas cookies. Also, local poet Eddie Cabbage will...
Take a dreamy ride through the enchanted forests of The North Carolina Arboretum, where the grounds were inspired by designs from the famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Winter Lights (Nov. 20 through Jan. 10, 2021) has evolved its 2020 visitor experience to ensure the safety of its guests. Guests will drive through a sparkling, mile-long stretch of lights designed to showcase...
The Vanderbilt family opened the doors of Biltmore House for the first time on Christmas Eve in 1895. Take a step back in time to where it all began and celebrate Biltmore’s 125 th anniversary with “An 1895 Christmas,” which takes inspiration from oral histories, newspaper articles, letters and menu books in the estate’s archives for décor that echoes the very...
Since 1992, the Omni Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread House Competition has grown into one of the nation’s most celebrated holiday competition events. This year, the event is prioritizing safety by hosting a virtual contest. While there won’t be a physical display of the winners this year, gingerbread fans will enjoy whimsical creations like sugar-spun landscapes and...
For those wanting a night in, Asheville businesses are also offering gourmet meal kits and quirky rental options. New to-go options perfect for travelers with safety and flexibility in mind: Ashley Capps, a 2019 James Beard semifinalist for “Outstanding Pastry Chef,” has started New Stock, a weekly, curated box-meal pickup and delivery service, perfect for an extended rental...
Winter is generally a time to book reservations that can be hard to come by spring through fall. This year, restaurants are facing the uncertainty of the pandemic and working with community leaders to sustain and extend outdoor dining options. A handful of new endeavors are also popping up. The “Asheville Shares Space” initiative that includes temporary “parklets”...
The off-season offers the best travel rates of the year with the added bonus of having natural attractions and cultural offerings all to yourself. Cozy travel packages include wellness opportunities and other winter adventures. Find more at ExploreAsheville.com/deals. Perfect for a rejuvenating getaway, the Peak Relaxation Package at the Foundry Hotel Asheville includes a welcome cocktail...
Deep-seated bluegrass roots harmonize with new talent and innovative sounds in Asheville. In winter, many nationally traveling local bands come home to the region to play shows and pop in to jam sessions. While things look different this year, some venues are expanding their offerings outdoors to keep the soul of the city beating. The South Slope district’s brand-new outdoor event...
Heal your soul in Asheville’s century-old wellness culture by tapping into offerings like mountainside hot tubs, a subterranean spa with hydrotherapy waterfalls, a Chinese medicine tearoom, salt caves, forest bathing and sound-healing sessions. Looking for inspiration? Stroll through Asheville’s arts district or take a winter hike to a panoramic mountain view. Multiple trailhead...
For those interested in local culture with a mountain backdrop, the Asheville area has a number of walkable neighborhoods and districts worth exploring. Bring your mask for sidewalk safety and explore these new neighborhood POIs on foot. Asheville’s colorful art and warehouse district along the French Broad River, the River Arts District, is coming into a new era as a...
Asheville’s eclectic style and reverence for nature are apparent across its diverse accommodation options—travelers have their pick of mountainside resorts with Blue Ridge views, historic bed-and-breakfast inns with modern amenities, family-friendly resorts with attached adventure and luxurious downtown hotels with award-winning dining. Here are some new experiences this fall....
TRACK LEAF COLOR PROGRESSION (+ NEW ASHEVILLE HIKE FINDER ALEXA SKILL) Visit ExploreAsheville.com/fall for weekly color reports utilizing up-to-date information from area parks, leaf experts and attractions, as well as an animated color-progression map of peaking fall leaves that pinpoints when and where the best color is occurring. New this year, the Asheville Hike Finder is now available...
Leading yoga, meditation and hiking experiences in the mountains surrounding Asheville, Namaste in Nature is known for their (public and private) tours designed for folks wanting a deeper connection with the nature around them. Offerings include mountaintop yoga, waterfall hikes, a “Sunset and Full Moon Yoga Hike” and the NEW “Family / Beginner / Warmup Waterfall Yoga...
With picturesque overlooks, rolling mountain balds and trails leading to calming waterfalls, Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains are picnic country (check out this list of super scenic picnic spots). For those wanting a night in, Asheville businesses are also offering gourmet meal kits and quirky rental options. New to-go options perfect for travelers with safety and flexibility in mind:...
Despite the coronavirus' impact on the industry, some new Asheville restaurants and culinary offerings are still forging ahead. A food hall with history opens as Asheville’s iconic Art Deco masterpiece S&W Building, considered one of architect Douglas Ellington’s most refined projects, gets new life. Chef Meherwan Irani (Chai Pani Restaurant Group and James...
Open Meadows, a Dog Park Bar and Rooftop Sips: With 50 breweries and counting in the Asheville area, there are plenty of opportunities to imbibe outdoors. Highland Brewing Company has reopened its meadow with picnic tables, designated seating circles (bring your blanket!) and volleyball courts. The brewery sits on a 40-acre property that includes nature trails. Farmhouse brewery Turgua...
SoundSpace@Rabbit’s: A historic Black-owned tourist court and dining room from the segregation-era South is getting new life as a musician rehearsal space and soul food kitchen. Nationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, recording artist Claude Coleman Jr. (30-year drummer for the alternative rock band Ween) and lifelong musician and producer Brett Spivey are behind the...
Alternative Lodging: Glamping, Retro Resorts, Motor Courts & Restful Retreats Asheville’s eclectic style and reverence for nature are apparent across its diverse accommodation options—travelers have their pick of mountainside resorts with Blue Ridge views, historic bed-and-breakfast inns with modern amenities, family-friendly resorts with attached adventure and luxurious downtown...
Asheville’s culinary scene offers unique al fresco food and beverage options perfect for practicing social distancing. Gourmet Picnics, Provisions & Pop-Up Bodegas: Asheville’s award-winning indie restaurant scene has evolved with increased safety and flexibility for travelers. While restaurants slowly open with safety in mind, one trend that is here to stay is the increased...
Wellness traditions run deep in the Blue Ridge. The crisp mountain air, cool streams and nearby natural hot springs are long believed to make the area one of healing, relaxation and retreat. Home to the southeast’s oldest herbalism school, myriad tea rooms, salt caves, massaging waterfalls, spas with mountain views and endless natural offerings, Asheville is a draw for anyone looking to...
Surrounded by the highest peaks in the East, the Asheville region experiences one of the longest and most vibrant leaf seasons in the world. Those million acres of forest and protected lands surrounding the city make for the perfect fall adventure that offers space and sanctuary. See Fall Color from a Mountaintop or Sunrise SUP: Asheville has plenty of guided outdoor activities that provide the...
