Based on content accessed
by one million readers, RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide has
released its Top 20 Things to See & Do during romantic getaways to
Asheville and the western North Carolina mountains:
1. Biltmore House:
The estate includes America's largest castle and most-visited winery, along
with grand gardens. It’s the perfect spot to experience the “Downton Abbey”
lifestyle.
2. Blue
Ridge Parkway: One of the most scenic drives in the country features
breathtaking mountain views, hiking, museums, camping and picnic spots.
3. Waterfalls:
Of the hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, most are located in state and
federal parks with no admission fee. See our Top 40 Waterfalls.
4. Hikes:
The best way to appreciate the outdoor splendor is hiking one of the hundreds
of trails, ranging from multi-day treks on the Appalachian Trail to short
strolls in Nantahala National Forest. See our Top 100 Hikes.
5. Downtown
Asheville: In addition to browsing 200+ local stores, boutiques and art
galleries, visitors love the street performers and Friday night drum circle.
6. Accommodations:
Elegant bed and breakfasts, hip hotels and secluded log cabin rentals provide
the perfect romantic getaway with options for all tastes.
7. Fall
Color: Each autumn, the spectacular leaf color show in the Blue Ridge Mountains
is the favorite time of year for visitors.
8. Restaurants:
The Asheville culinary scene has exploded with farm-to-table restaurants with
local food and world-class chefs.
9. DuPont
State Forest: There is no admission fee to enjoy the hundreds of miles of
hiking and biking trails to several waterfalls.
10. Sliding
Rock: This natural waterslide, located in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard
and Looking Glass Falls, is the top summer spot to stay cool.
11. Events: Each
week, there are street festivals, concerts, plays, art tours and other events
in and near Asheville, and many of them are free.
12. Mt
Mitchell: The highest mountain in the eastern United States has a road to the
top for panoramic views from the observation deck.
13. Great
Smoky Mountains: This International Biosphere Reserve is home to rugged
mountains, historic buildings, and 100,000 different types of plants and
animals.
14. The Hunger
Games: Film locations for the blockbuster movie include a ghost town and
waterfalls.
15. Graveyard
Fields: This mile-high meadow on the Blue Ridge Parkway has trails and
waterfalls.
16. Beer:
Asheville’s title of “Beer City USA” is well earned with 20 craft breweries in
western North Carolina.
17. Zip Lines:
Canopy tours zip visitors through the mountain forests, over rivers and across
valleys.
18. Chimney
Rock Park: This famous rock formation in Hickory Nut Gorge overlooking Lake
Lure provides mountain views, great hiking and a 400-foot waterfall.
19. Art:
Hundreds of galleries and artist studios feature many art festivals, shows and
tours.
20. Linville
Falls: The most photographed waterfall in North Carolina cascades into Linville
Gorge.
For more information, go to the 600-page online Asheville
travel guide at www.RomanticAsheville.com.
