North Carolina

Asheville

Destination Overview

Nestled among the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains and featuring a thriving arts and culinary scene, Asheville has only grown in popularity as a honeymoon destination. With only a tenth of the population of Charlotte to its east, there is a hidden gem quality to Asheville that makes it perhaps western North Carolina’s most desirable destination. Musicians and artists have been gathering in the city since the 19th century, and the seemingly infinite number of trails, parks, and botanical gardens makes it equally attractive to nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The city’s rich history is immediately apparent in its architecture, with Art Deco, Spanish Renaissance, and countless other styles blending together to create a stunning backdrop for a lively community. There are dozens of art galleries and museums in the city, and the flourishing River Arts District is a favorite for those looking to watch the art being created in real-time. Asheville’s love of the arts extends into its cuisine, where chefs have taken a foundation of Appalachian classics and introduced international elements for a culinary journey like no other. Beers enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the city has the most breweries per capita in the United States.

The towering Blue Ridge Mountains offer endless opportunities for an enchanting excursion. There are hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and biking, slopes for skiing and snowboarding, and rivers for water sports. For a more relaxing experience, enjoy the beauty of the local wildflowers, or go birding to see more than three hundred birds in their natural habitat. The area is home to acclaimed resorts and hotels, and the mountains offer idyllic campsites and cabin rentals for a unique escapade.

Regardless of the season, Asheville is always bursting at the seams with events and activities that make it ideal for a honeymoon or a lifetime.

About Asheville

At a Glance

Asheville is the rare American city where activities are in no short supply and a wonderful small-town vibe is still maintained. The downtown area is brimming with entertainment and impressive attractions, while the outskirts of the city provide innumerable spots for enjoying the area’s natural beauty.
The Blue Ridge Mountains serve as the canvas for Asheville, with peaks of nearly 6,000 feet providing a stunning sight while you’re enjoying the city. Activities include hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, birding, and zip-lining, just to name a few.
George Vanderbilt was one of the first high-profile individuals to call the city home in the late 19th century. Whether you stay at his Biltmore Estate or simply stop by for a visit, the largest private estate in the United States situated on 8,000 pristine acres is an unbelievable backdrop for perfect honeymoon photos.
150 restaurants and breweries are found within just five square miles in Asheville, making it an absolute dream for beer lovers and foodies. Taking one of the many established winery or brewery tours will help you make the most of your trip.
Asheville is one of the most artistic cities in North Carolina, with an impressive collection of art galleries, music venues, and art museums spread throughout.
Dozens of art, food, and music festivals are held throughout the year, and attending one is a great way to get the flavor of the local culture.

Honeymoon Hints

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s most beloved scenic drives. About half of the parkway’s 469 miles are around Asheville, and with a 45-mph speed limit, stopping to enjoy the magnificent vistas is both easy and encouraged.
The city is stunning throughout the year, but the sight of the fall foliage on the Blue Ridge Mountains will take your breath away. The foliage can be enjoyed from afar or up close with a scenic drive or guided hike.
Waterfalls are in no short supply around the Blue Ridge Mountains. In particular, Bridal Veil Falls, Moore Cove Falls, and Rainbow Falls are all worth the trip.
The highest peaks of the 2,190-mile-long Appalachian Trail are in North Carolina, which is a bucket list experience for hikers.
As the entire city is steeped in history, take a stroll on the Asheville Urban Trail to experience as much of it as possible. Be sure not to miss Thomas Wolfe’s boyhood home.

Travel Tips

GETTING THERE: The Asheville Regional Airport is a small airport with several dozen daily flights and about two dozen nonstop destinations. Hundreds of additional flights are available about 90 miles away at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Driving to Asheville is quick and easy thanks to a network of highways that includes Route 70.
GETTING AROUND: Downtown Asheville is particularly pedestrian-friendly, with the most popular neighborhoods being tightly packed together. Daily trolley tours are ideal for exploring the city and reaching some of the outer districts. The city also has public bus service as well as a plentiful supply of Uber and Lyft drivers.
WHEN TO GO: Thanks to activities for all seasons, it’s always the right time for a trip to Asheville. The city boasts a terrific assortment of parks and botanical gardens that are truly spectacular in the warmer months, and the French Broad River is an ideal spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The fall foliage is absolutely spectacular thanks to the city’s plentiful trees and surrounding mountains. Mild winters mean that most outdoor activities are available year-round, though skiers, snowboarders, and snowtubers will want to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains during the winter. The summer is peak travel season for the city.
WEATHER: The city is well known for its mild temperatures year-round, with summer temperatures tending to remain in the 80s and winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Snowfall is also rather uncommon with a yearly average of only 12 inches.