Choose Asheville NC Inns And Experience A Different Side Of America

By Kimberly Walker


There are plenty of American cities that have all the excitement of the Big Apple but are friendlier. They're cheaper too. Before you spend your hard-earned money on a gritty Manhattan hotel room, you may want to get a much more charming room in one of the lovely Asheville NC inns and use this as a base from which to explore a true American gem.

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.

The first inhabitants of the area were of the Cherokee nation. In the 1780s, people of European ancestry started settling here too and the town of Asheville was named in 1797. It got its name from Samuel Ashe, who was governor of North Carolina in those days. When the railways reached the little town in the last two decades of the 19th century, bringing industry with them, the local population rapidly increased.

After the Great Depression, it took about half a century for the city to recover economically. The lack of new construction projects meant that many Art Deco constructions have survived to this day and have become a major draw. Today's city is one known for the way it has embraced New Age philosophies and an independent spirit, as seen in the many craft breweries, art galleries, theaters, spas and music venues.

If you prefer spending time in nature, you only have to go a few miles outside of the urban area to discover breathtaking countryside. There are hiking trails, biking routes, fishing spots and even canopy tours for an action-packed day. Otherwise, take a scenic drive through the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The friendly city hosts a variety of events throughout the year. These include music festivals where you can enjoy the sounds of the Southern Appalachian region, complete with banjos and fiddles. Arts festivals are popular too and in May there is a festival of mountain sports. For foodies there are festivals celebrating everything from organic produce to craft beer and herbs.

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.

You can fly in from several larger cities, since Asheville has its own airport. However, it's well worth considering driving or taking the bus so you can appreciate the beautiful mountain scenery. Once you've arrived, you'll find a variety of accommodation options, including lovely mansions from the Victorian era that have been converted into inns.




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