Monday on the Map: Asheville, NC.
There’s something about southern charm you don’t find in a big city. Maybe it’s the small town feeling or the level of friendliness. It’s something you find in North Carolina. [For me, it was summer trips to visit my sister who went to Warren Wilson College. Down 75, past Colonol Sanders’ birthplace and farms and through mountains, you end up in Asheville.]
_______________
Where on the map? North Carolina, right past the mountains in the south.
What’s going on there? It’s a young, buzzing town in North Carolina– it’s a small town feeling with big dreams. It’s not Manhattan or Chicago, but it’s an artsy, liberal place surrounded by mountains. You can walk in the town or take the bus to the farms and mountains in the area. It’s a place for hiking, biking, and exploring, but also a place for business. Also, the architecture is worth glancing at too.
Without a car? Biking is acceptable for locals, but biking up mountains isn’t the easiest. You can bring your bike on the Asheville Transit, your best alternative form of transportation. If you’re just in the metropolitan part of Asheville, walk. The weather is bound to be beautiful.
What to eat? You’ll find the most variety of food in this town than any other in the south. The ethnic variety is impressive for North Carolina. Sounds too exotic? Try Carmel’s Restaurant and Bar, American fare, with exquisite salads and pizzas. If it’s sunny, eat outside, the patio dining makes a memorable experience. Craving pizza? Head to the Mellow Mushroom on Broadway, where the toppings are endless and creative. When you’re there, trying just one pizza isn’t satisfying. You’ll beg your friends to choose a different, so you can share. For dessert? There are chocolate shops and candy stores all over Asheville. The city’s flavors are definitely more far than few, so trying more than one dining option is reccomended.
What else? The city is famous for being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is the largest home in America, with 250 rooms in this French-renaissance styled building. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, it is still owned by the family. The colorful gardens are just one reason this site became a big tourist attraction. There are 75 acres of land, with a winery and an inn. Rates? They start at $334 for upcoming weekends. 
What’s the worst that could happen? Don’t miss Black Mountain. This area falls in the black mountain range of the Blue Mountains, with an even more artsy and liberal feel than Asheville. With eclectic shops and food, the town is a seasonal tourist destination, and an additional stop after Asheville. It is also home to the Swannanoa Valley Museum and the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. Stop in at the Dripolator on your visit too, for a good cup of coffee.
Journeys Through the City 