About Asheville
Surrounded by the purplish peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountain range, which stretches as far as the eye can see, Asheville is the quintessential mountain city, offering convenient jaunts into the wilderness. Mother Nature isn't the only one who has bestowed gifts upon Asheville, however. The largest city in western North Carolina also brims with culture, including a rich architectural landscape, made all the more enjoyable to explore by hard-to-beat weather.
A City for All Seasons
Reassuringly named one of "America's Safest Weather Cities" by the Weather Channel, Asheville proves this distinction with four recognizable seasons and mild extremes. The hottest month is July, when temperatures climb as high—but rarely far above—80 degrees. Temperatures bottom out in January, which sees an average of 4.6 inches of snow—the highest of any month. Don't expect much of the white stuff, however. While the surrounding areas receive enough snowfall to make ski resorts viable, flurries in Asheville rarely exceed 16.2 inches in a year.
Architecture Meets Appalachia
Built in the 1890s, the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt's French Renaissance fantasy, is Asheville's must-see attraction. With 250 rooms, it's the biggest private residence in the country. Highlights include gardens designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame, and paintings by Renoir. Asheville's Art Deco-rich downtown area is home to Colburn Earth Science Museum, acclaimed for its gem and mineral collection, and the Asheville Art Museum. For those with a literary bent, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial housed in the novelist's Victorian childhood home, displays personal items. Asheville's Basilica of Saint Lawrence is where you'll see the largest unsupported tile dome in the country. Outdoor adventure also isn’t far. The Appalachian Trail and the North Carolina Arboretum, located within Pisgah National Forest, headline the area's outdoor attractions.
Health and Education First
Health care is among the most dominant industries in the Asheville metropolitan area, with the joint health services and private education sector accounting for the largest percentage—around a third—of all jobs. Each year, upwards of 9 million people choose Asheville as their destination, which makes tourism the third largest employer in the region. Some 96 percent of Asheville companies have 50 employees or fewer, making small businesses another vital component of the city's economy.
Arriving in Asheville
If you have the opportunity to drive to Asheville via the Blue Ridge Parkway, do so; the most scenic route to the city winds through stunning Appalachian landscapes. You can also access Asheville from several highways, including Interstate Highways 26, 40 and 240, as well as U.S. Highways 19/23, 25, 25A, 70 and 74. For air travel, Asheville Regional Airport, a 10-minute drive from downtown, is serviced by four airlines—Allegiant, American, Delta and United—that offer nonstop flights between major hubs, including Atlanta and Chicago.