10 Reasons to Put Asheville On Your Travel Bucket List

Need a little vacation from your daily grind? Our luxurious Asheville rentals certainly offer plenty of amenities, but maybe you need a few other reasons to visit the Asheville area. Fortunately, we’ve put together the top 10 reasons to visit Asheville in case you aren’t convinced!

10 – Hiking – Thanks to the Appalachian mountains, Asheville boasts some seriously exceptional hiking. The fresh mountain air is only a short drive away, as well as all the spectacular lookouts along the way. Amazingly, we have 3,000+  miles of free public hiking trails near Asheville, including 1,600 miles in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, 850 miles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and many more along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in the state parks and forests. Checkout our list of the best hikes in Asheville here: https://www.upstreamway.com/things-to-do/

9 – Rafting – With six Rivers for rafting nearby in the Western North Carolina mountains, it is no wonder Asheville was listed as one of the “Top 10 Whitewater Towns.” From beginners to experts, class 1 to class three rapids (and higher), Asheville has a river for any skill level looking to paddle. Not sure if white water rafting is for you? Many companies offer other, less adventurous outdoor options such as canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and good old fashioned floating. Romantic Asheville put together a comprehensive whitewater rafting list, check it out here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/rafting.htm

8 – Golf – The scenic mountain views of Western North Carolina are like no other. Add a golf course to these views, plus pleasant year round weather and you have a golfers heaven. If you love a good view on the course, you must checkout Cherokee Valley Golf Club and The Black Mountain Golf Club – you won’t be sorry. For a special experience, you must play the course at the Grove Park. The views are spectacular and you can enjoy a cocktail on the terrace to celebrate your good game. Checkout our list of the best golf courses in Asheville here:  https://www.upstreamway.com/things-to-do/

7 – Get Married – The Asheville area is a great place to tie the knot. Not only are the Blue Ridge mountains an amazing backdrop for any wedding but the sheer amount of artists, chefs and creative planners are abundant. Whether you are looking to have a large wedding or elope with family and friends you won’t have to look far to find exactly what fits your needs. Still aren’t convinced? Explore Asheville compiled a compelling list on why Asheville is the perfect wedding destination, check it out here: https://www.exploreasheville.com/weddings/top-7-reasons-why-asheville-is-the-perfect-wedding-destination/

6 – Leaf Season – The fall is the most magical time in the mountains! Did you know the Blue Ridge Mountains have the longest leaf season in the country? This makes it the perfect time to visit Asheville and enjoy the array of colors in foliage during this transitional period. Fall is also the busiest time of year so make sure to book in advance. Romantic Asheville does a yearly foliage timeline which can give you a good idea on when you should visit. Check out the fall color forecast here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/fall.htm

5 – Bachelorette Party – Asheville aka beer city has become the new mecca for bachelor and bachelorette parties. This city is full of delicious eats, fun activities and of course all of the libations your heart desires. This mountain city is easily accessible by car or plane and offers tons of lodging options super close to downtown. Lucky for you I put together a guide which highlights my favorite things to do, places to eat and bars to drink at, check it out here: Asheville Bachelorette Party Guide.

4 – Yoga – Visitors not only come to Asheville for the amazing beer, great eats and beautiful nature but the YOGA. Asheville’s vibrant vibe has brought tons of eclectic visionaries, many of whom who have decided to make Asheville home to share their craft. Whatever variation of yoga you are searching for, you will be able to find it in Asheville. It is never too late or too early to find your niche in the yoga community. AVL today made this awesome guide to help yogis find their perfect studio, check it out here: https://avltoday.6amcity.com/yoga-studios-avl/

3 – Breweries – Boasting more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city, it is no surprise that Asheville has been named the “Beer City” since 2009. Asheville has roughly 30 breweries all of which have a unique atmosphere, vibe and of course, beer! But the big question is, where to begin? Luckily, The Thrillist came up with an article that outlines the essential breweries to visit in Asheville, check it out here: https://www.thrillist.com/drink/charlotte/best-asheville-breweries

2 – The Biltmore Estate – Want a once in a lifetime experience? Explore the Vanderbilt’s world famous home and grounds. It is the largest privately owned mansion in the United States.. you won’t regret shelling out some dough to view this architectural piece of history. Don’t forget to stop by the winery to sip on some of Asheville’s best wine. While there, grab lunch and walk around the shops at Antler Hill Village. For more information, check out the Biltmore’s website here: https://www.biltmore.com/

1 – Great Food Scene – For a small town, Asheville has a huge amount of top notch chefs cooking up high quality, locally sourced food. There is something for everyone in this mountain town.. from bbq and burger joints to amazing vegetarian fare. The brunch scene can hold its own and the dishes being served at the local breweries are exceptional. Local blogger Sommer Collier compiled a comprehensive list of the local favorites, check it out here: https://www.aspicyperspective.com/asheville-restaurants/