One Of The Most Underrated Cities Is In North Carolina

Summary

• Asheville has been a hidden gem of a tourist destination since the 1880s, blending culture, history, and natural beauty.
• Discover attractions like the Biltmore Estate, local breweries, art galleries, and outdoor adventures in Asheville, NC.
• Visit Asheville year-round, with peak seasons in spring and fall for optimal weather and stunning views of changing leaves.

Great tourist locations are often gauged by how many visitors come to them and how much money is spent while they are there. Oftentimes, the most popular places are bustling with people all hours of the day, and silence and peacefulness come at a premium. Because of this, those who are looking for a locale to travel to that has culture and beauty, but no overrated tourist attractions or claustrophobic crowds can find themselves struggling to find a new place to explore.

But fear not! There are still these hidden gems of places to travel where the destination itself is allowed to shine without being overrun with tourist traps. The Washington Post found many of these places reside outside the United States. However, there was one location that made the list of destinations to travel to that are not overrun with crowds and, for those familiar with it, it may not come as a surprise.

For those who are looking to stay domestic with their travel, one of the world’s most underrated cities is in North Carolina. A place that has managed to stay true to its roots while welcoming visitors from far and wide to enjoy all the activities the city has to offer, including a culinary scene, the beauty of the outdoors, and an up-and-coming music scene. That place, one of the best places to travel in the US, is Asheville.

Asheville Has Been An Underrated Tourist Destination Since The 1880s

Asheville has been a favorite, yet underrated tourist locale for over a century

While Asheville may not come to mind as a tourist destination for those who do not live on the East Coast, it has been a spot for many to come and play and enjoy the culture of the area since the 1880s.

Originally billed as a place for the wealthy to enjoy with the construction of the Battery Park Hotel, the rich and famous came via rail to enjoy the city and all that it had to offer. Some, including millionaire George Vanderbilt, not only visited but decided to call Asheville home with the construction of his Biltmore Estate.

It was as a result of the Biltmore Estate being opened to the public during The Depression as a way to bring tourism to the area that Asheville became a place to visit for the masses, not just the rich. Since that time, many have passed through the area to marvel at the Blue Ridge Mountains, enjoy the libations specific to the region, and the culture of Asheville that has transformed from that of the elite to that of artists to make Asheville the hidden gem of a city that it is today.

Attractions Worth Experiencing In Asheville

From the Biltmore Estate to local breweries, a local art scene, and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in Asheville

While the original Battery Park Hotel was demolished to make way for a newer hotel with the same name, the current Battery Park Hotel is still filled with history. Built in 1924, the current hotel is a far cry from the original Queen Anne-style hotel. It was built to allow more people to visit the area and increase tourism dollars, which it did.

The Biltmore Estate has remained open to the public in the years since the city asked the family to open the estate to create a draw for tourism. However, the Biltmore family has expanded beyond just allowing visitors to wander the grounds of the estate. Now, wine tasting, meals, and even staying as a guest on the estate grounds are part of the draw to the Biltmore.

While these connections to the past are important for Asheville, the current eclectic feel of Asheville offers so much more to visitors. From art exhibits to hikes through the mountains, enjoying local fare, and a bustling microbrewery scene, there is plenty to do in Asheville, and it’s one of many destinations that won’t break the bank.

Some of the best attractions to see while visiting the area include:

For those who are looking to partake in some of the best microbrew tastings in Asheville, there are plenty of spots to try. From IPAs to stouts and everything in between, there is something for everyone.

Some of the top-rated in the area, include:

There are, of course, plenty of other breweries as well as cider houses to try in the area. Just which ones and how many all depends on the duration of your stay in Asheville.

The Perfect Time Of Year To Visit Asheville

Asheville has activities to enjoy year-round

When it comes to visiting Asheville, there is a peak season for the area. That falls between April to June and October to November. This is because the weather is temperate in spring and early summer and the changing leaves in the fall. However, Asheville can be visited year-round with activities happening every season of the year.

• April to June: The blossoms are out in Asheville and the hiking trails have little to no snow on them. The weather jumps from the cold of winter into the warmth of the 70s, making for a great time to visit the Tar Heel State.
• July to August: Asheville is prone to humidity. However, with several festivals happening in the area, and plenty of places to cool off with a cold beverage, Asheville still draws the crowds.
• September to November: Those who visit Asheville during the fall do so because of the changing leaves. With the foliage turning every hue of red, orange, yellow, and green, Asheville’s landscape becomes a vision for the eyes that cannot be experienced any other time of the year.
• December to March: The quietest time in Asheville; the winter months usher in the cold and snow. But with holiday activities and festivals, complete with warm food and drinks local to the area, for those who want a quieter time in Asheville, this is the perfect time to visit.

Asheville is a gem of a location to visit hiding in plain sight, that has somehow managed to keep crowds from getting too large. Embracing the past and welcoming the future, visitors will be able to find culinary fare and activities to do unlike anywhere else.

Perhaps this is why Asheville has been able to remain such a popular tourist destination for over a century and likely will remain popular for decades to come.