Asheville Vacations
Enjoy Asheville’s Natural Attractions
Named one of twelve must-see travel destinations in the world by Frommer’s travel guides, Asheville, North Carolina is all about location, location, location. Nestled in Western North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Asheville area astounds first-time visitors with its depth and diversity of year-round offerings.
What makes Asheville, North Carolina so popular? Variety. Whether it’s a family vacation, a romantic retreat or a weekend gathering of friends, there’s something for everyone in this sensational Southern city, and luxury vacation rental company Asheville Connections can help you find the perfect stay.
With the change in seasons come new reasons to visit Asheville, from the celebrated spring wildflowers, to summers spent ziplining above the treetops or fishing along mountain streams. In the fall, visitors flock to Western North Carolina for the awe-inspiring fall foliage, then enjoy a winter wonderland highlighted by skiing and evenings by the fire.
The Perfect Getaway
Many visitors to Asheville enjoy renting luxury mountain homes or cozy cabins to take in the mountain air, explore the nearby national parks or simply unplug from the rest of the world for awhile. From rustic to refined, Asheville’s cabin and vacation home rentals provide a relaxing retreat for family or friends.
Fishing in Lake Lure, exploring the NC Arboretum, Chimney Rock Park or the Smoky Mountains National Park, hiking the Appalachian Trail or getting back to nature in the Pisgah or Nantahala National Forests are all desirable diversions during an Asheville, NC vacation. Swimming, hiking, biking, canoeing, rafting and skiing are just some of the added seasonal adventures.
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll also discover the fabulous Folk Art Center with its diverse display of Western North Carolina arts and crafts. The Asheville area is home to more than 4,000 terrifically talents artisans and craftspeople. From beautiful blown glass to nature-inspired paintings, from handmade jewelry to hand-sewn quilts, you’ll find that perfect lasting memory of your Blue Ridge Parkway vacation.
Savor the City
In addition to its myriad of natural attractions, downtown Asheville shines just as bright. You may have to see it to believe it, but Asheville boasts more art deco architecture than any other Southeastern city outside of Miami. Take a stroll along the Asheville Urban Trail, a 1.7 mile self-guided walking tour among public art sculptures, and discover Asheville’s story while delighting in the downtown architecture. If you decide to stay closer to downtown Asheville during your visit, Asheville Connections offers the perfect downtown vacation rentals.
Asheville dances to the beat of a different drum and there’s no better example of the city’s vibrancy than the Friday night Pritchard Park drum circle, a downtown musical tradition for more than a decade. Asheville’s cornucopia of culture overflows with additional offerings including the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, the Asheville Lyric Opera, the Diana Wortham Theatre in the Pack Square Cultural District and the Asheville Art Museum just to name a few.
Paint the town by touring Asheville via trolley, ghost or historic district tour. There’s even a "Brews Cruise” which provides a sampling of the area’s best microbreweries. And when you’re hungry, local and fresh seasonal flavors abound. Whether you’re in the mood for Caribbean, French, Southern fare or something different entirely, Asheville is for foodies.
Look Homeward, Angel
Noted 20th century novelist, Thomas Wolfe, is a native son of Asheville. His boyhood home is now the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site. His legacy is also evident in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in the Asheville Civic Center. Author Charles Frazier is also an Asheville native, and for visitors and fans of the best-selling novel, it’s just a short drive to the real Cold Mountain.
Perhaps the most famous homeplace is Asheville’s Biltmore Estate, often referred to as "America’s largest home.” Complete on Christmas Eve in 1895, this 250-room dream domicile of George Vanderbilt is open for public tours. The 8,000-acre estate boasts its own winery, century-old gardens, an inn, plus on-site dining, shopping and entertainment venues.
The Big Events
Fabulous festivals highlight Asheville’s year-round appeal. There are just too many to name, but if you happen to be in town, check out the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival in January, the Bluegrass First Class Festival in February, the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade in March and the Biltmore Estate’s Festival of Flowers in April and May.
During the summer, celebrate Shakespeare with the Montford Players’ Shakespeare Festival (weekends June – September), the Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival in June, Bele Chere in July, and the Asheville Antiques Fair in August. Fall festivals include the Dirty Dancing festival in September (for fans of the movie which was filmed at Lake Lure), the Flat Rock Music Festival in late September and Oktoberfest in downtown Asheville. Spend Christmastime in the city and you’re sure to enjoy Asheville’s many holiday-inspired special events.
A Perfect Combination
It’s easy to see why Asheville, NC is a favorite vacation destination. It’s the perfect combination of getting away from it all and going out on the town. Whether it’s a family vacation, a relaxing retreat for friends or a romantic getaway you’re looking for, discover the natural attraction and Southern charm of Asheville, North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
For more information on luxury home or cabin rentals, vacation rentals near downtown Asheville or to browse all the Asheville area has to offer, see our complete list of NC cabin rentals and find Asheville Connections on Facebook.