There’s something about the air in Asheville.
Blessed with cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures, Asheville is perched 2,000 feet above North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Surrounded by a million acres of forest, outdoor adventures and big city life are equally balanced in this compact, friendly town.
Home to musicians and artists alike, street-corner trios and buskers are an integral part of Asheville’s cultural identity. Painters, potters and other artists set up shop in the River Arts District, and free spirits of all ilk show up for the Friday night drum circle in Pritchard Park.
Just a few minutes south of the downtown, George Vanderbilt was inspired to build his country home here in 1888. Completed in 1895, Vanderbilt’s vast French Renaissance chateau opened to the public in 1930. Today the 8,000 acre Biltmore Estate entrances visitors who wander from room to room to room- 250 of them in all- marveling at paintings by Renoir, 16th century tapestries, and endless other treasures.
A few minutes’ drive in a different direction from downtown, zip line riders can whoosh through the crisp mountain air, surrounded by 150-year-old oak trees, at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Amid the eleven zip lines, three sky bridges give adventurers time to slow down and take in the scenery – a mix of mountain majesty and urban splendor, with the Asheville skyline on the horizon. Expert guides keep riders safe and share history and trivia along the way.
For those who want to venture further, Asheville is an ideal gateway to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Several nearby access points lead to hiking trails, picnic areas and mountain overlooks. Plus, there are four entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park within 60 miles of downtown.
Let All Star Travel help you plan your trip to charming Asheville. Our customer service reps are standing by to help, and can steer you to great deals on rental cars, air fare, lodging and more. We pledge to make your trip outstanding; join our free travel club today and see the exclusive deals we have on offer. No matter where you go, reach out to All Star Travel for all your needs.