Your online resource for the Smoky Mountains
“Any Way You Like It”
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville is widely celebrated as the cultural heartbeat of Western North Carolina. Combining a cosmopolitan vibe with independent mountain charm, Asheville offers an eclectic blend of world-class dining, historic architecture, vibrant arts districts, and outdoor adventure.
Long before European settlers established the town in the 1790s (originally called Morristown), the Cherokee people held sway across these fertile river valleys for centuries. Following its official incorporation and naming in honor of Governor Samuel Ashe, the mountain community grew rapidly.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, George Vanderbilt selected Asheville as the site for his grand retreat, the Biltmore Estate, cementing the city's status as a luxury mountain haven. Although hit hard during the Great Depression, Asheville chose to preserve its historic Art Deco, Neoclassical, and Beaux-Arts architecture rather than demolish it. Today, downtown Asheville boasts one of the most complete collections of Art Deco buildings in the Southeast.
Known affectionately as "Foodtopia" and one of America's premier craft beer capitals, Asheville's culinary scene emphasizes farm-to-table freshness and creative flavors. Iconic spots like Tupelo Honey Cafe take traditional Southern soul food and elevate it with modern twists. Additionally, housing dozens of breweries per capita—including local staples like Highland Brewing, Wicked Weed, and Burial Beer Co.—has earned the city the title of "Beer City, USA."
Explore Downtown on Foot: Downtown Asheville is very walkable. Park in a municipal garage near Pack Square and spend the day exploring local galleries, bookstores, and street performers.
Book Biltmore Tickets in Advance: Access to the Biltmore House requires timed-entry reservations, especially during peak fall foliage season and the Christmas at Biltmore holidays.
Explore some of the top-rated points of interest across Asheville and the surrounding mountain valley: