Travel Guide Asheville

Asheville is the most important city in the western part of the state. Located south of the Blue Ridge Mountains, at the crossroad of the broad French Swannanoa rivers, this is the cultural capital of the Appalachians. It is a university city and quite cosmopolitan, dynamic, and high place of music, gastronomy and beer. The city centre is very lively. The restaurants are like mushrooms, and there are plenty of shops, bars and places to listen to music. Here, bluegrass and Old-time music hold the top of the pavement and the number of musicians per square meter is impressive. Some large brick buildings suggest that the city has an industrial past. Today, a New Age atmosphere is emerging. Vintage shops, street shows and vegetarian restaurants are nestled in traditional, peasant and family style, characteristic of the Appalachians. The town is surrounded by mountains, and nature is never far away. By travelling a few miles by car, you can quickly find yourself surrounded by lush vegetation and many streams. It is very easy to leave randonner or to find a place to bathe.