Asheville earns its accolades, and a stroll through downtown reveals this mountain town’s appeal. Diners savor biscuits at Tupelo Honey. Music fans line up at the Orange Peel. Gourmands sip liquid truffles at French Broad Chocolate Lounge. And bless our hearts, we haven’t even mentioned the breweries. How many can one city hold?
Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is packed tight with indie stores, inviting galleries and farm-to-table eateries. Downtown is particularly fun, and its breezy energy turns convivial at night, with party buses and sidewalk buskers boosting the good-time vibe. The crowd? An appealing mix of hipsters, hippies and hikers, with a few preppies thrown in for balance.
The sprawling Biltmore Estate is the city’s marquee attraction. Completed in 1895 by shipping and railroad heir George Vanderbilt, the home is modeled after the grand castles of Europe. Further afield, hiking trails explore the peaks and waterfalls of the Blue Ridge Parkway. And how many breweries can one city hold? Eighteen, with more on the way.