Asheville

North Carolina

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Man standing on top of the mountain relaxing and enjoying beautiful summer mountain landscape. A panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains from the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Near Asheville.; Shutterstock ID 1907256715; your: Sloane Tucker; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: destination 1907256715

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Why visit Asheville

The undisputed ‘capital’ of the North Carolina mountains, Asheville is both a major tourist destination and one of the coolest small cities in the South. Cradled in a sweeping curve of the Blue Ridge Pkwy, it offers easy access to outdoor adventures of all kinds, while downtown's historic art-deco buildings hold stylish New Southern restaurants, decadent chocolate shops, and the homegrown microbreweries that explain the nickname 'Beer City.'

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Top places to visit in Asheville

Discover the best attractions in Asheville from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Travel Guides

Asheville travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Transportation

With a population just under 100,000, Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina. The city is tucked within the Blue Ridge Mountains and flanked by Pisgah National Forest, however, so its regional footprint is compact. 

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Free Things to Do

The collegial spirit of Asheville is maintained in part by the many free activities offered across town, from public art and live concerts to trail-filled parks and brewery tours.

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Best Neighborhoods

Asheville is the epicenter of urban fun in Western North Carolina. Here are the five neighborhoods you can't miss.

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Day Trips

Wondering where to spend a day exploring from your home base Asheville? These are our 18 favorites.

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