Did you know that “Dog City, USA” is one of Asheville’s most prestigious titles? A quick Google search will show you that our city has been chosen multiple times as one of the friendliest towns in the United States. Of course, that level of care, service, and hospitality had to include being welcoming of man’s best friends: doggies! I couldn’t agree more with photographer and writer Roger Caras when he said, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” Traveling is not the same without them, and while some destinations are not suitable for their needs, Asheville is the perfect place for dogs to enjoy themselves…

Asheville is such an excellent place to set the mood for love. I’ve spent most of my time here as a single person, but I find myself falling in love daily with the mountains, the flowers, the leaves, the pale winter skies, and the wonderful community full of exciting businesses, art, and projects. I can’t imagine a better place to celebrate love in all its forms. Only you and your partner can decide when it’s the perfect time to ritualize your union, and there are places to get married in Asheville all year round. But, of course, there is a wedding season from May to November, with peaks in May…

Asheville in February is a transitional time between the winter and the spring. Hence, the weather can be very unpredictable. We have frigid days (some of the coldest days of the year can happen during February) and some days when nature teases us about the beautiful spring yet to come.  The daffodils, snow crocus, and winter aconite on the ground make it even more confusing (and pretty!). I love seeing the first splashes of color and the brighter shades of green. February is the month of Valentine’s Day, a celebration that’s thankfully turning into a day to celebrate love in all forms: friendships between humans, friendships between pets and humans,…

I love Asheville in December. Although I’m not a big holiday person (my motto is: every day is a holiday!), I do enjoy joyful activities and beautiful light displays. December is a great month to visit Asheville – it’s festive, there are many things to do, and the winter weather is gentle.  The average temperature is 50°F/31°F, but I’ve had a Christmas wearing a t-shirt and seeing a powerful thunderstorm and another magical white Christmas in 2020 (the year we needed to end the year with a beautiful surprise!). So, if you’re planning to visit Asheville in December, dress in layers. December means different things to different people. For some,…

I once read that “when someone falls in love with your flowers and not your roots, they don’t know what to do when winter comes” (Anonymous). Popular wisdom always encrypts some truth. Loving the seasons of the year and the seasons of your life is a crucial element to happiness! Asheville in January is very special and has a sweet intimacy. The introvert in me (I also have a very loud extrovert who shows up in spring!) loves the quieter streets of downtown, the less crowded restaurants, and the beautiful light in the winter afternoons.  If you want a less touristy and more authentic experience, January is one of the…

Asheville is glorious in the summer! There is so much to do, and the weather couldn’t be more perfect. It’s in the 60s in the morning and rarely goes up to the low/middle 80s during the day. A day with higher temperatures is not unheard of, but it’s rare! Also, there are plenty of opportunities to cool down by a river, a creek, or a waterfall, and you don’t have to go far to enjoy cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Hiking, enjoying the outdoors, and playing by the water are some of the best things to do in Asheville in summer. Asheville is a favorite destination for family vacations, and…

Are you wondering if coming to Asheville during Christmas is worth it? It absolutely is! There are many fun and festive things going on in Asheville throughout the entire month of December – including a ton of spectacular light displays!  Our famous local landmarks – the Biltmore Estate, the Omni Grove Park Inn, and the Grove Arcade – get all dressed up for the holidays. There are neighborhood and business district Christmas display competitions, walk-through and drive-through light shows, and many Christmas events for the entire family. I’ve compiled a list of the best places to see the Christmas lights in Asheville. Also, many events around Asheville made it onto…

Asheville is famous for many good things: the abundance of incredible farm-to-table food, the ever-expanding beer scene, the magnificent outdoors, the open-minded, health-conscious hippie vibe, and the many art galleries, studios, and shops.   The Downtown Asheville Art District has over 25 art galleries, including the Asheville Art Museum (the only one of its kind in Western North Carolina), excellent public art pieces, and a self-guided trail that follows sculptures around downtown. There is also an art stroll on the first Friday of the month between September and December.  The River Arts District (RAD) features over 200 studios and galleries in the different former industrial buildings by the French Broad River.…

There are so many ways to experience Asheville! We have a fabulous farm-to-table food scene, the great outdoors, and an amazing health and arts-oriented culture. Also, Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States (an average of 28.1 breweries per 100,000 residents and 100 local beers). You can come to Asheville and experience all of that or try different things on different visits. But Asheville also has a rich history.  Settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the land of the Cherokee Nation, Buncombe County was established in 1792 with a city called Morristown. It changed its name to Asheville in 1797, after North…