Asheville: A Vacationer’s Mecca in North Carolina

Anyone who wishes to visit Asheville will be interested in the many distinctions the city has been earning, including ‘the happiest city for women, ‘the best place to reinvent your life,’ and the wackier ‘new freak capital of the U.S.’  Another unique feature that the city offers to visitors are the ghost tours in certain haunted spots in Asheville. Among the top tours are the ones provided by Haunted Asheville and Ghost Hunters of Asheville.  The tours are known to provide the ultimate thrill to people who join them as they are taken to the old mansions and manors where stories of ghost sightings have been passed from one generation to another.  Aside from trips to huge Victorian-era homes with stories of ghosts roaming around, the tours often take visitors to the Riverside Cemetery, an old and spooky site just near the center of Asheville.

Just seven miles away from the city center is the North Carolina Arboretum. The arboretum is famous for its bonsai exhibit.  It is also known for attracting hundreds of gardeners and plant-lovers from all over the country because of its wide variety of flora.  Another option would be the Botanical Gardens.  Asheville also has many historical sites that are worth seeing.  Near the center is the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.  Visiting this is entertaining as one is provided the chance to read excerpts from Wolfe’s works.  The Smith-McDowell House Museum is another important destination for students of history.

The healthiest way of seeing Asheville is not by riding in a car but by walking from one popular site to another.  Unlike the major urban hubs, this city is still fortunate enough not to be affected by air pollution.  Visitors are encouraged through the Urban Trail, 1.7-mile trail that passes by the city’s top tourist destinations.    During the walk, visitors also pass by the size 13 shoes made of bronze dedicated to Thomas Wolfe.

Asheville is known for its many arts, crafts, galleries and theaters. Another way to see the city would be to take the Grayline Trolley Tours.  The Biltmore Estate is the major draw and many events are associated with it. The Blue Ridge Parkway also offers everything from secluded waterfalls and mountain vistas to the Folk Art Center and Craggy Pinnacle Trail with panoramic views.

Whitewter rafting is extremely popular in this beautiful area and companies include Huck finn Rafting,  the French Broad River Whitewater Rafting and the Blue Heron White Water Rafting. There are mountain adventure guides and even the Brown Dog Adventure Tour. In other words there is something wonderful to do for every kind of person in your family or group.

Restaurants:  A few restaurants to consider are Bistro 1896 for American Cuisine,  Bouchon – French Comfort, Tupelo Honey Cafe for Nouveau Southern cuisine,  and for vegetarian choices try Laughing Seed

North Carolina certainly has many beautiful sites to offer to any visitor or tourist. Not being able to see Asheville may be considered as missing half of the beauty of the state.  Because of this, people who are planning to come to North Carolina for a getaway or a vacations should make Asheville  their first stop.