Always Adventurous Asheville

Third Stop: San Francisco of the South, The Land of the Sky, America’s Happiest City

As the names suggests, this town in the western region of North Carolina is certainly Affected, not to mention Affluent! This Attractive Area, bursting with Artisan creativity and Awe-inspiring Agriculture, keeps even the most seasoned traveler on her toes, and the Absolutely Absorbing nature Accents the Alluring downtown scene! I've already started to pack my bags!

1) Outdoor Adventures
There are so many different outdoor activities to do in Asheville that I couldn't limit it to just one! Being an outdoor enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover how many different activities you can participate in. There are 8 zip lining paths, some giving a dramatic view of the mountains and some that highlight the downtown city skyline. There is a variety of water activities, from swimming holes, to streams, lakes to whitewater rafting. They even feature six breathtaking waterfalls only a light hike away!

Looking Glass Falls & The Pisgah National Forest 

 If you're into a more intensive hiking experience, there is an overwhelming 31 trails varying in difficulty, although each have striking views of the mountains. If you want a more relaxing day, Asheville boasts of a whopping 15 parks! There is the classic state park, complete with playgrounds for children and fields for recreational sports, but if you're are feeling more rebellious, choose the skate park, equipped with a half pipe for the more intensive skaters. However, if you want a breath of fresh air from the dense trees, consider the "beach at the lake" park, complete with looming mountains in the distance, soft sand, and gentle lapping waves.

Parks, Community Centers, and Recreation Buildings in the area

If you and your significant other want a romantic evening, consider going to one of the two star gazing platforms! Since Asheville produces minimal light pollution, it is easy to see the expansive star formations. Just short drive into the surrounding mountains will allow you to connect with nature; with over 50 named peaks above 6,000 feet you will never feel more connected with the universe.


2) Foodtopia 
The downtown area, affectionately nicknamed "Foodtopia" by current Ashevillians, is filled with tasty restaurants with fabulous meals and a 'popping' nightlife. However, the most interesting feature of their cuisine is their "U-Pick" farms option. This allows you to choose between 9 farms where you can do exactly what the title entails- you pick the food you like and take it home to cook your own mouthwatering meal!

To make a weekend out of it, you can chose the forest option! In this more involved form of "U-Pick" where you spend the night in one out of the 9 bed and breakfasts available and spend your days in the nearby forest area where you search for food (mostly mushrooms), and take it back to the inn where they make dinner for you with what you bring back.

These activities aren't for anyone, but for those who are are interested in organic farming and knowing exactly where their food came from will relish this engaged activity!

3) Biltmore House
The last stop in our journey takes us to a historical landmark. The Biltmore House is America’s largest home and private estate. Nestled in the mountains, the grounds cover 8,000 acres of breathtaking scenery, encompassing 7 spacious gardens, a conservatory, a boat house, the Antler Hill Village & Winery, two inns, a private cottage, an equestrian center, and a lagoon- not to mention the crème de la crème; the enormous mansion itself!

Map of the grounds

I have a special place in my heart for romantic old-fashion, palace-like estates (you can blame every Disney Princess movie ever for that), and this one has stolen my heart.

Built in 1895, this massive building took 6 years to finish. In 1930, the house is opened to the public in the hopes of keeping the tourist industry alive in Asheville during the great depression. Then, during World War II, the estate was home to some of the most expensive paintings in America, held there for safekeeping. Now, the estate hosts tours, overnight quests, and most importantly, weddings (*swoon*). I may or may not have already started to plan my own special day. The expansive flower gardens and exquisite halls make for the picture perfect day, and you can finish off your wanderings with shopping in one of the 13 shops, or a wine tasting in the vineyard- all on the estate grounds. This is the absolute perfect destination for a hopeless romantic.