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
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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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Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Planning Tools

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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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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…

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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…

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Articles

Latest stories from Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina USA - October 12, 2013: Young street performer playing rock music with an electric guitar in the historic downtown district of this small southern town.; Shutterstock ID 1753512647; your: Claire Naylor; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online ed; full: Asheville time to visit

Festivals & Events

The best times to visit Asheville: a year-round guide to what's happening in "Beer City"

May 26, 2022 • 8 min read

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Get to the heart of Asheville with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

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Asheville and beyond