(Image Source: Kolin Toney via Flickr and CC 2.0)
Asheville, North Carolina is a large city that was once part of the Cherokee nation. Due its’ mild climate and close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the town continues to be a popular vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts to this day. Natural features in the area that may interest guests include the photogenic Chimney Rock, which was a filming location for the movie Last of the Mohicans, and the natural waterslide at Sliding Rock, where the icy waters are a great way to beat the heat on particularly warm summer days.
Hiking, canoeing, white water rafting, kayaking, caving, panning for gold, swimming, and zip-lining are all among the many outdoor activities that guests can participate in at this location. In the winter time, Asheville visitors may also want to check out the nearby ski resorts instead of taking their chances on the water. With some exceptions, the aforementioned pastimes can be costly and travelers will want to plan their budgets accordingly. However, cruising around on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway will only cost you the current price of gas. Travelers should nonetheless keep in mind that the parkway’s twisting, narrow roads are not much fun for people that get carsick or that are afraid of heights.
Biltmore Gardens
(Image Source: Chris Short via Flickr and CC 2.0)
Anyone tired of the wilderness or those that just don’t care for it in the first place should definitely check out the Biltmore House outside of Asheville. Although basic adult admission prices can run $55 or more, this is a spot where travelers can easily spend a full day taking in the palatial house, the extensive gardens, the winery, and the local village. There are several onsite restaurants so that guests don’t have to leave the premises in order to get a tasty meal. Other ways to pass the time at the Biltmore include horseback riding and searching for souvenirs in the gift stores. Of course, shoppers will find plenty of places to indulge in their favorite hobby in downtown Asheville but the nearby city of Waynesville also has a good collection of stores with the Dog Bakery and the Mast General Store both being perennial favorites.
Asheville itself is also home to a number of small breweries, many of which are highlighted by the numerous Beer Tours that take place in town. Travelers that are more interested in foraging in the wilderness for their food should check out the No Taste Like Home tours that take place from 9:30 to about 12:30 on select days. The price is $75 for adults but discounts are available for children. The cost includes not only the forging excursion but also an appetizer made from your findings at a local eating establishment. However, if neither event appeals to your taste buds, there are over 650 restaurants listed on Trip Advisor to try when you’re in town. In fact, all of the 40 eateries listed on Yelp for Asheville had a rating that was higher than 4 stars so it is very unlikely that you’ll go wrong when dining out here.
(Image Source: Will Thomas via Flickr and CC 2.0)
Sources: Wikipedia, Trip Advisor; Biltmore House; No Taste Like Home; Yelp; personal experience
