Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina (WNC, as it is referred to locally) with a greater area population of 175,000. The city is known for its mountain beauty, mild weather, quality of life and friendly people Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains with nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Asheville rests at an altitude of 2300' feet and is nestled between more than 100 mountain peaks above 5,000' feet. Within view is Mt. Mitchell the Highest point East of the Mississippi River.

Asheville has a diverse base of business and industry. Tourism and outdoor recreation leads the way with industrial manufacturing close behind. Many forturne 500 companies have plants locate in the area. The greater Asheville area offers a stimulating business climate for both entrepreneurs and nationally based enterprises.

Asheville is consistently rated in National surveys and publications as being one of the best places to live in America. It is a regional center for activities in the 15 county area the makes up Western North Carolina. Outdoor recreation is enjoyed by over 11million visitors passing through the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs through Asheville. Hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, fishing, boating, biking and sight-seeing are favorite activities.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America's great "natural" treasures. The Parkway is of human construction, but the reason for it's existence, the natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains, have inspired generations of Native Americans, Spanish Conquistadors, Frontiersmen, Settlers and today's conquering Tourists from all countries.

Over 255 of the 469 mile length of the Parkway runs through North Carolina as it follows the southern Appalachian range from Shenanandoah National Park in Virgina to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina. Two of its highest points are reached on either side of Asheville: At Mt. Pisgah (5,721 ft.) to the west and Mt. Mitchell (6,684 ft) to the east. The Parkway is the best free amusement ride in America!

There are six entrances accessible from the greater Asheville area. Over 11 million visitors a year pass through the Asheville area on the Blue Ridge. A portion of it is used by locals as a commuter highway run around the SE end of Asheville. Avid walkers runners and bicyclist are seen using it everyday of the year as part of their fitness regime. It is an important part in the life of this active community.

Asheville sits right in the middle of the two arms of the 495,000 acre Pisgah National Forest. To the east it includes Mt. Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain and the Linville Gorge. To the west, the Shining Rock Wilderness and Cradle of Forestry in America. The Appalachian Trail runs through a northern finger of the forest north of Asheville and on down toward Great Smoky Mountain National Park to the west.All of this is very accessible for all manner of outdoor activities like touring, hiking, rafting, fishing and camping. For local residents, it just great knowing that it's all within a 5 to 30 minute drive of downtown Asheville.

The Biltmore House

Built by George Vanderbilt, the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, and still in the family, the Biltmore House is America's largest private residence. Surrounded by 7,500 acres, the French renaissance style mansion is open for tours year round. There is anextensive art collection and it is furnished with much original furniture from the end of the last century. 35 acres of gardens designed by the planner of New York's Central Park, Frederick Olmsted, includes both interior and exterior gardens, an Italian garden, a rose garden and an English garden.

Plan on an entire day for visiting. Two are best. Substantial admission required, but worth it! There are hotels just outside the entrance gate near quaint Biltmore Village and its fine shops.

Thomas Wolfe Home

The boyhood home of the author Thomas Wolfe, ("Look Homeward, Angel") is furnished with family posessions and open for tours (appx. 30 min.). A number of special events take place each year. Small admission fee.

Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is the first place where area children meet the animals they have read about. Deers, bears, cougars, wolf, racoons, birds and even farm animals are there for all to learn about. Exhibits on area poisonous snakes ar e worth absorbing. An aviary, self-guided nature trail and petting zoo make this a great place for the family. Small admission fee.

National Forests

The Folk Art Center is right on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 382, east of Asheville. Quality mountain crafts in ceramic, glass, fabric and wood are on exhibit. A super craft shop with all sorts of hand crafted items will tempt you. Free admission.

The Asheville Tourists

Not the Tourists you're thinking about. This is Asheville's baseball team, a farm team of the Colorado Rockies. A summer evening spent with the Tourists never fails to entertain. We'd rather have the Tourists than the Major League guys! McCormick Field is the place to go, especially since it has been renovated.

Downtown Asheville

We've put this on our "attractions" list because you won't find anything like it anywhere else! You absolutely must check out Wall Street and Lexington Avenue in Asheville. Take a break from the usual mall type of merchandising. Lexington has some of the best antique shops around. These are the type of stores where there's so much to see that total immersion in the inventory can pay off. Wall street has some very unusual shops for gifts and area crafts. You can park in one spot and walk both of them in a couple of hours or less. To complete your adventure, be sure to take a refreshment or lunch at one of the many small cafes along the way. It's a side trip you won't forget!

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