Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, an artist, a beer lover, a history buff or a shopper, you can count on having a great time when you visit Asheville, NC. I’ve called Asheville home for over 27 years. I can’t help but share just a little bit about this place.
Asheville is a great place to live and to visit. There really is something for everyone here.
The Mountains
The setting is gorgeous. There are numerous points around town to access the Blue Ridge Parkway if want a scenic drive. There, you will find plenty of overlooks where you can stop and pause and take in the views and a few quiet moments. Numerous trailheads can also be found along the Parkway, if you’re up for a hike. If you’ve got more time or are heading toward Grandfather Mountain or the Boone area you can the cross the Linn Cove Viaduct . Completed in 1987 it was the final piece of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be completed. And it is spectacular.
Craft Brew
You may have heard Asheville is a craft brew mecca. There are so many breweries popping up around the area that this local can’t keep up with all of them. But do try to visit at least a couple when you come. New Belgium is in town, close to the River Arts District on the French Broad River. You can sample their beers in the tasting room or take a factory tour. They don’t have a restaurant but there are food trucks on site. Their Voodoo Ranger IPA is sort of a staple in my house. Downtown Asheville is home to countless craft breweries. The area known as “The South Slope” is home to Green Man Brewery, Hi-Wire Brewery and taproom and Burial Beer Co. and taproom just to name a few. You can take a walking brewery tour with the experts at BREW-ed.
If you really want to be entertained check out the LaZoom Bus Tours downtown. They have different options depending on your interest (and age), like the City Comedy Tour and the after dark Haunted Comedy Tour. Look for the big purple bus (or the nun).
The History
If you want to learn a little bit about the history of Asheville and you’re up for a stroll I highly recommend the Asheville Urban Trail. It’s a self-guided walking tour of the downtown area with 30 different “stations” of sculpture and information about a time in Asheville’s storied past. Pause anytime you like for a quick brew or a bite to eat. You can learn more about that on the website linked here.
There are also architectural tours. It’s less well known that Asheville is home to a collection of stunning Art Deco architecture. Below are two examples of architect Douglas Ellington’s Art Deco style designed buildings. You can read more about the history of Asheville and its architecture on Romantic Asheville.
Asheville High School 
Asheville City Hall
Visit Asheville
If you haven’t visited Asheville recently make plans to come back! There’s always a new restaurant or brewery opening. Stay in one of the new hotels downtown when you come. You won’t have to worry about hunting for a parking space on your adventures because all the breweries, history, amazing food and shopping you could ask for are within walking distance. Centrally located downtown hotels include, The Aloft, The Foundry Hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott and the Hilton Garden Inn to name a few.
In Part II of …Visit Asheville I will share a few of a local’s favorite places to eat and to shop.
Questions or thoughts? Leave a comment below.
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