If you have a love of nature, you will love visiting the Botanical Gardens in Asheville. The area is especially beautiful during the spring and summer months. Also in downtown Asheville, you can check out the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, located in a historic house where the author spent his childhood. His novel, Look Homeward, Angel, was set here.
Asheville is a tributary of the Broad River
The French Broad River, which begins as a small stream in the mountains of North Carolina, runs 200 miles south to Knoxville, Tennessee. It is the third-oldest river in the world, formed 300 million years ago. It flows through Asheville and the surrounding national forests and offers many opportunities for recreation.
It was once contaminated with automobile parts, appliances, and dead animals. In the 1800s, the river was used as a drover’s road connecting Tennessee with South Carolina. As a result, many small communities grew up along the river, eventually becoming towns. However, as the railroad built, many of these communities were abandoned.
The French Broad River begins near Rosman, North Carolina, and flows northwest through Transylvania, Henderson, and Buncombe counties. It joins the Holston River near Knoxville and flows into the Tennessee River. The French Broad also contains the Douglas Dam and Reservoir, which is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Asheville is located on the French Broad, and its downstream tributaries include the Swannanoa, Broad, and French Fork.
The French Broad River was originally known as the Broad River by English settlers, but it was also known by Native Americans. The Cherokee called the river Poelico in the mountains, Agiqua upriver, and Tahkeeosteh downstream. The Broad River marked the eastern boundary of the Cherokee homeland, which included the present-day state of South Carolina.
It’s a popular jumping-off point for whitewater rafting tours
Ashville, North Carolina, is a popular jumping-off point for several whitewater rafting tours. You can take a half-day or a full-day trip from this popular mountain town. Rafting on the Nantahala River is the most popular activity, and the rapids are usually between Class II and III. There are also calm water sections of the river. The Nantahala is 1.5 hours from Asheville. Another popular whitewater rafting river is the Pigeon River, which is 50 miles from Asheville. You can choose from a half-day or a full-day trip, and no experience is necessary.
If you’re looking for a longer adventure, you can combine a class III-IV rapids tour with an Upper Ocoee trip. These two trips are ideal for families. Both trips feature six-hour adventures and feature big hydraulics and waves.
If you want to go for a more adventurous and challenging trip, try rafting along the rivers near the Blue Ridge Parkway. These rivers feature class III-IV rapids that are perfect for rafting, so there is something for everyone. There are even family-friendly floats, like the Watauga River, and more extreme trips on the Nolichucky River.
Depending on your skill level and previous experience, you can choose the class of rapids that are right for you. If you’re new to whitewater rafting, you may want to start with Class II rapids, which are relatively easy and have few obstacles. They’re perfect for beginners and young families.
It’s home to the largest privately-owned home in the United States
In Ashville, North Carolina, you can visit the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in the United States. This incredible mansion was constructed in the late 19th century by a prominent American businessman. Today, the Biltmore is a popular tourist attraction. The estate is home to an important collection of early American arts and crafts, which are displayed in the home’s 175 period-rooms. In addition, the property includes 1,000 acres of naturalistic gardens.
The Vanderbilts preserved the sprawling mansion in Asheville, North Carolina. The property is located in the midst of idyllic mountains and features an ornate chateau-style mansion. It features lush trees lining its two sides and an elaborate garden designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York. The home has five generations of Vanderbilt descendants, and is one of the largest privately owned homes in the country.
The Biltmore estate is America’s largest privately owned home, and is a National Historic Landmark. Its incredible size is the result of the combined efforts of Vanderbilt, Hunt, and Olmsted. It is also home to one of the most complete collections of azaleas in the country. The estate also has a state-of-the-art winery and many dining and shopping opportunities.
The Vanderbilt mansion was originally built as a country home for George Vanderbilt, who had a large fortune and a great vision. He had the dream of building a large estate that could support itself, while also providing an aristocratic lifestyle for his family. The Vanderbilt home was completed in six years and included 250 rooms and a 10,000-volume library. The estate also featured an extensive art collection.
It has a growing craft beer scene
In the last few years, the craft beer scene has blossomed in Asheville. The city’s craft beer industry started with Oscar Wong, a visionary entrepreneur who was obsessed with good beer. He started Highland Brewing Company in 1994 and now employs more than 60 people and distributes more than 50,000 barrels a year to nine eastern states. Wong has been called the “Godfather of the craft beer industry” in Western North Carolina.
Asheville has more craft breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S. The city has over 20 breweries and pours nearly 200 local craft beers a day. These breweries range from microbreweries such as The Wedge to larger breweries such as Wicked Weed Brewing. The brews range from award-winning IPAs to sour ales.
Craft beer is a growing part of Asheville’s culinary scene and there are many places to sample it. There are several breweries to choose from, but two stand out in particular. Riverside Rhapsody Brewing Company, 10 minutes outside of the city, specializes in Belgian ales and IPAS. The taproom features a variety of craft beers and even offers dog-friendly seating.
Despite its small size, Asheville is a major tourism generator in the state. More than 10 million visitors visit the area each year. Craft beer is quickly becoming a top priority for visitors. The city’s brewing culture and culinary culture have merged to create a beer culture that is uniquely Asheville. Asheville is home to more breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S., and the craft beer scene has only exploded in the past decade.
A growing craft beer scene has prompted Sierra Nevada to expand operations in Ashville. The company plans to create a facility that will house a total of 100,000 visitors per year. Sierra Nevada’s owner, Jeff Smith, has promised that the brewery will be “fairly treated” by local residents.
It has a thriving arts scene
Whether you’re a collector or just a curious art lover, ASHEVILLE is home to a vibrant arts scene. Downtown galleries, such as Morgan Gallery, showcase works by emerging and established artists alike. A media lab and asheville darkroom are also on-site. In addition, Thom Robinson/Ray Griffin gallery space is located on the same block.
The arts scene is growing and changing all the time, and is increasingly diverse. For example, the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, a two-year-old arts space, will combine two downtown galleries, bringing a variety of work to the town. Momentum Gallery, another downtown gallery, will relocate to a new 15,000-square-foot space on Broadway.
The River Arts District hosts a semi-annual Studio Stroll, which is like a giant open house. This is a great way to chat with artists and learn how they work. You can also get your hands dirty during workshops, or participate in expert-led classes. Art Walks are also held on the first Friday of every month in Downtown Asheville.
Asheville has a vibrant arts scene thanks to its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city’s history as an artists’ enclave is evident in its progressive art scene. The Asheville Art Museum, which recently reopened after a $24 million expansion, is another example of its thriving arts scene.
During the months of July and August, there are many events celebrating the arts in Asheville. First Fridays, feature art shows, performances, and panel discussions. And there are also well-judged craft shows in the Black Mountain and Weaverville area.