“Any Way You Like It”
Asheville is one of the most exciting cities in the Smokies. Combining a very cosmopolitan feel with the beauty of the Smoky Mountains gives Asheville a different culture when it comes to shopping, dining and attractions. From the Grove Arcade shopping complex to the Biltmore Estate, the upscale look and flavor of Asheville lures thousands of people to the area each year.
Named after Governor Samuel Ashe, Asheville (originally called Morristown) was settled in the 1790s. Of course, before this point the Cherokee tribes had held sway in this area of North Carolina for generations. The European settlers found that they loved the valley that Asheville sits in and in the census of 1790 it is reported that over 1000 people lived in what would become Asheville. Through the years, Asheville has kept growing and adding to both the population and the economy.
Asheville has had a very colorful history. It was heavily involved in the Civil War. In the late 1800s it got a shot in the arm when George Vanderbilt built the magnificent Biltmore Estate which employed countless people. Even through the time of the Great Depression (Asheville was one of the hardest hit cities in the country by this disaster), Asheville fought back to establish itself as a cultural gem in the Smokies. By the turn of the 21st century, Asheville has established itself as not only a tourism driven city but also a strong economy based on the service and industrial fields.
Stats
- 83,393 population
- 2,134’ (average altitude)
- 35°34′48″N 82°33′21″W
- Buncombe County
- http://www.ci.asheville.nc.us/
Most Recent Posts
- Deerpark Restaurant - One of my favorite places to eat, when I visit the Biltmore Estate is the Deerpark Resturant. A trip to the Biltmore is not complete without good food and the Deerpark puts on a culinary show like you would not believe. A buffet like no other, the Deerpark is something wholly different for the person looking for … Continue reading "Deerpark Restaurant"
- Biltmore Estate - One of the most visited attractions on the North Carolina side of the Smokies is the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The largest private residence in the United States is located right in the heart of the Smokies and it is a wonder to view. From room upon room decorated as they would have been back in the … Continue reading "Biltmore Estate"
- Grove Arcade - The Grove Arcade is one of the most interesting shopping locations in Asheville, NC. Boutique shopping and galleries line the Grove Arcade building and the eateries bring some of the best food to the foodie scene in Western North Carolina. The Grove Arcade building also has a delightful history and this building that at one point was meant to … Continue reading "Grove Arcade"
- Asheville Tourists Baseball - Much like their counterparts on the Tennessee side of the Smokies (The Tennessee Smokies), the Asheville Tourists were the 2012 league champions in the Class A South Atlantic League. This championship team with the odd name supplies the people of Asheville and Western North Carolina with some of the finest baseball that you will ever … Continue reading "Asheville Tourists Baseball"
- Tupelo Honey Cafe - Fluent Flavor Spoken Here One of the premier restaurants in Asheville has recently expanded to the other side of the mountains. Tupelo Honey Cafe strives to take southern cuisine to the next level. They take the traditional and the extremely southern, you know soul food, and they turn it on ts head and put their … Continue reading "Tupelo Honey Cafe"
- Corn Mazes - What’s better than the fall colors cascading down the mountains as summer slowly turns into crisp autumn nights? I know what most of you were thinking and that’s nothing really, especially when you’re talking about fall. And that’s OK, but for some fall brings the outdoor fun of corn mazes in all different shapes and … Continue reading "Corn Mazes"
- North Carolina Arboretum - If you’re from Gatlinburg, or East Tennessee, you’ve likely made the short day trip over to Asheville, NC to eat, shop, visit Biltmore, etc. If you’re an outdoors-type person, or more specifically, if you’re into trees and plants, one place you should know about is the North Carolina Arboretum, if you don’t already. To become … Continue reading "North Carolina Arboretum"
- Grove Park Inn - One of the most recognized and historical hotels in the United States, the Grove Park Inn rests in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Asheville, North Carolina. Over the years it’s garnered such accreditations as being named to the National Register of Historic Places and features a world-renowned spa that vacationers flock to year round. Edwin … Continue reading "Grove Park Inn"
- Asheville Art Museum - In the heart of the metropolis that is Asheville, NC there is a bight spot of culture in the downtown area: The Asheville Art Museum. Right off Pack Square, the Asheville Art Museum is packed with art of every shape form and fashion. With a hugely popular permanent collection and traveling shows that change the … Continue reading "Asheville Art Museum"
- Asheville, NC - “Any Way You Like It” Asheville is one of the most exciting cities in the Smokies. Combining a very cosmopolitan feel with the beauty of the Smoky Mountains gives Asheville a different culture when it comes to shopping, dining and attractions. From the Grove Arcade shopping complex to the Biltmore Estate, the upscale look and … Continue reading "Asheville, NC"