Asheville experiences 212 days of sunshine a year, but there is more to this area than blue skies along the Blue Ridge and a clear and bright forecast. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce lists Asheville’s cost of living index as 100.5, right in step with the national average of 100. Plus, Asheville is known for its dynamic dining scene with craft breweries and local restaurants. Of the cities on Money.com’s list, Asheville was the destination with the highest number of bars and restaurants per capita.
With its natural beauty, affordable cost of living, vibrant dining and shopping, arts and culture, it is no wonder Asheville is a favorite among these national publications.
The North Carolina Arboretum is nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, the 434-acre campus offers access to one of the most beautiful and botanically rich natural settings in America, with 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails and engaging programs and exhibits for all ages. For up-to-date information, including their current hours and prices, call 828.665.2492 or visit ncarboretum.org.
Asheville provides the ideal springboard for a visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can head north and visit Mount Mitchell State Park, the tallest summit east of the Mississippi River. Or stick closer to home for the relatively short hike with a big panoramic payoff at Craggy Gardens Pinnacle. Or pack a lunch and walk to an overlook where you can take in the powerful beauty of one of Western North Carolina’s waterfalls.
Whether you like to hike, bike, fish, or paddle, you will find numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation given the city’s proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest.