The 10 Most Interesting Facts about Asheville

Asheville, located in western North Carolina, is a city full of surprises, charm, and uniqueness. The city boasts a rich history, beautiful architecture, and an abundance of natural beauty with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as its backdrop. Here are 10 of the most interesting facts about Asheville:

1. Named after Governor Samuel Ashe

Asheville was named after Samuel Ashe, the Governor of North Carolina from 1795 to 1798. It was formerly known as Morristown, but its name was changed in 1797 when it was incorporated as a town.

2. An Art Lover’s Paradise

The city is known for being an art lover’s paradise. Asheville is home to over 200 artists with many galleries and studios located in the downtown area. The Asheville Art Museum and the River Arts District are the two main art hubs of the city.

3. Birthplace of Forestry Education

Asheville was the birthplace of forestry education in the United States. The Biltmore Forest School, established in 1898 by George Vanderbilt, was the first school in North America to offer formal education in forestry.

4. America’s Largest Home

The Biltmore Estate, with its 178,926 square feet of floor space, is America’s largest home. The estate was built by George Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895 and features 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.

5. One of the Happiest Cities in the US

According to a Gallup-Sharecare survey, Asheville is one of the happiest cities in the United States. The survey assessed residents’ overall sense of well-being by evaluating factors such as purpose, social support, financial security, community, and physical health.

6. Film Location for “The Hunger Games”

Several scenes from the hit movie “The Hunger Games” were filmed in and around Asheville. The arena scenes were shot in a hangar at the North Carolina Arboretum, while the Reaping scenes were filmed in Henry River Mill Village, a historic district just outside of the city.

7. Legendary Craft Beer Scene

Asheville has become known as “Beer City USA” due to its impressive craft beer scene. The city has over 50 breweries and is home to the Beer City Festival, which celebrates the city’s brewing culture with local food, live music, and, of course, plenty of beer.

8. Largest Private Residence in the US

The Biltmore Estate is not only America’s largest home but it’s also the largest private residence in the US. The estate covers 8,000 acres with gardens, a winery, a village, and even a working farm.

9. Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic drive that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, passes through Asheville. The city is located near the southern end of the parkway and offers many scenic overlooks and hiking trails.

10. Ghostly Encounters

Asheville is rumored to be one of the most haunted cities in America. Many people claim to have had paranormal experiences in Asheville, with many of the spookiest places being old buildings and hotels. The most well-known haunted spot in Asheville is The Omni Grove Park Inn, which has been said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who fell to her death from the hotel’s fifth floor.

In conclusion, Asheville has a lot to offer both visitors and residents alike, from its rich history to its vast art scene, impressive architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings. If you’re looking for a place to explore that’s full of charm and quirkiness, then Asheville should definitely be at the top of your list.

A Comprehensive Insider’s Guide to Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, is an ideal destination for travelers who are looking for an authentic small-town vibe with unique attractions and a fascinating history. The city is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning architecture, natural beauty, and distinct food and drink scene. This insider’s guide will highlight some of the best things to do, see, and taste in Asheville.

Local Attractions

Asheville has something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to unique museums and historical landmarks. Some of the top local attractions to include in your itinerary are:

– The Biltmore Estate: This historic home, built by the Vanderbilt family, is an architectural masterpiece and a must-see attraction in Asheville. You can tour the mansion, stroll through the gardens, and taste local wines at the estate’s winery.
– The Blue Ridge Parkway: This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. You can stop at various overlooks, hike trails, or visit historic sites.
– The Asheville Art Museum: This museum showcases contemporary art from the region and provides a unique perspective of the city’s cultural scene.
– The Folk Art Center: This center celebrates traditional and contemporary crafts by local artists. You can watch craft demonstrations and purchase unique pieces to take home.
– The River Arts District: This neighborhood is known for its thriving arts community, where you can witness artists at work and purchase art and crafts directly from the artists.

Dining Spots

Asheville is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of dining options to suit any taste or budget. Some of the best dining spots include:

– Curate: This Spanish tapas restaurant is a local favorite and has been named one of the best restaurants in America by several food publications.
– The Admiral: This creative and innovative restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with rustic and refined dishes.
– The Early Girl Eatery: This breakfast and brunch spot is known for its locally sourced ingredients and Southern homestyle cooking.
– White Duck Taco Shop: This local taco chain offers unique and creative taco combinations, including vegetarian and vegan options.
– Biscuit Head: This breakfast spot is known for its huge, flaky biscuits and hearty Southern-style breakfasts.

Cultural Experiences

Asheville is a city rich in history, art, and music. You can experience the city’s culture in many ways, such as:

– Asheville Symphony Orchestra: This professional orchestra performs year-round and presents classical and contemporary works.
– The Orange Peel: This music venue is a local favorite and has been named one of the top five music venues in America by Rolling Stone magazine.
– The Thomas Wolfe Memorial: This historic site was the childhood home of the famous writer Thomas Wolfe and provides a glimpse into the writer’s life and work.
– The YMI Cultural Center: This center celebrates the cultural heritage of African Americans in the region and provides educational and social programs.
– The Asheville Drum Circle: This weekly event brings musicians and dancers together for a free community drumming experience.

Local History

Asheville is known for its rich historical heritage and unique architectural landmarks. Some of the best historical sites to visit are:

– The Grove Park Inn: This historic inn was built in 1913 and has hosted several famous guests, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and President Obama.
– The Basilica of Saint Lawrence: This cathedral is a breathtaking example of Spanish Renaissance architecture and was completed in 1909.
– The Smith-McDowell House: This historic home was built in 1840 and is the oldest surviving house in Asheville. You can tour the home and learn about the region’s history.
– Pack Square: This public square is the heart of downtown Asheville and is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Asheville City Hall and the Vance Monument.
– The Appalachian Trail Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,100-mile trail that runs from Georgia to Maine.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For travelers who want to explore beyond the usual tourist sites, consider these off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

– The WNC Farmers Market: This market offers a unique and fresh perspective on the region’s agriculture, including some of the best locally grown produce and homemade crafts.
– The Asheville Pinball Museum: This museum is the perfect destination for those who love arcade games and vintage pinball machines.
– The North Carolina Arboretum: This beautiful garden area offers hiking trails, bike paths, and educational programs.
– The French Broad River: This river offers various water sports activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing.
– The Biltmore Village: This charming historic district is a great place to walk around, shop for souvenirs, and try local beers and wines.

Asheville, North Carolina, is a hidden gem in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers breathtaking natural sceneries, vibrant culture, unique dining options, and a fascinating history. With this insider’s guide, you are now ready to explore Asheville like a local and discover all that this incredible city has to offer.