Asheville NC Top Things to Do 2014

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.