Make Asheville NC Inns Your Base And Explore A Hidden Jewel

By Kimberly Walker


More and more travelers are discovering America's smaller cities. Many of these destinations are just compact enough not to be overwhelming but they still offer a great variety of things to do. They also tend to be much more affordable than more famous cities like New York or San Francisco. For the price of a basic hotel room in Manhattan, for instance, you can stay in one of the charming Asheville NC inns and explore one of America's hidden jewels.

Asheville lies where the Swannanoa River meets the French Broad River in the western part of North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Mountains are to the east of the city while the Great Smoky Mountains are to the west. Charlotte is about 130 miles southeast of this stunning little city while Atlanta is about 200 miles to the southwest.

Originally the area was in the homeland of the Cherokee people. The first settler families of European descent came here during the 1780s and by 1797, the town Asheville was named for Samuel Ashe, who was the North Carolina governor. In the late 1800s the sleepy little town started growing very fast because the railways brought industries such as textile mills to the area and soon it was a bustling little city.

Because most people couldn't afford new construction projects in the five decades after the Great Depression, much of yesteryear's Art Deco architecture has remained. This contributes to the city's charm but Asheville has also become a bit of a New Age and counterculture paradise. Today you'll find a host of art galleries, craft breweries, quirky shops and restaurants, theaters and live music venues to keep you occupied during your stay.

Its location near national forests and parks means that the charming city is a great destination for nature lovers and active travelers. Whether you want to go on a nature hike, ride a mountain bike, glide above the forest canopy or go fishing, you can do it within minutes from downtown. A great day trip is to drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or along the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the scenery.

There is always something going on in the charming North Carolina city and you won't have any problem finding an event or festival to your liking. For example, there are several food-themed festivals, including a popular one showcasing the region's craft beers. Mountain sports have their own springtime festival too and if you love the sounds of Appalachia, the local folk festivals will definitely have you tapping your feet.

Any time of the year is a great time to visit the region with its mild climate. Summers are humid and warm but not unbearably hot. In winter you may experience some snow but not nearly as much as destinations further north. In fall, the colors of the foliage rival those of New England but temperatures are much more pleasant.

Asheville has a regional airport with flight connections to several major cities. Coming in by road is a great option too, especially since the drive through the mountains is so scenic. You'll find plenty of lovely accommodation establishments, many of which are in historic Victorian mansions.




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