Discovering Asheville, North Carolina

A Relaxing Mountain Getaway

by Brandon McCarrick Located in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina is a destina- tion where the people are friendly and time seems to float by like the cool mountain air. It’s home to one of America’s architectural wonders, and people from all over the world come to enjoy its sights. Art museums, galleries, and cultural festivals also add to this mountain locale’s lively atmosphere. Self magazine has called Asheville America’s “Hap- piest City” and Money magazine claims it is one of the “Best Places to Retire.” One notable Asheville retiree was George Vanderbilt, one of the richest men of the Gilded Age. Enchanted by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the thick forests of western North Carolina, he built an estate here in 1895, which is the largest private residence in the country and attracts a million visitors every year. Designed after France’s Loire Valley cha- teaux, the Biltmore House sits on 8,000 acres and boasts 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, and a bowling alley.

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One Response to “Discovering Asheville, North Carolina”

1. Evelyn says:

   March 6, 2010 at 11:01 am

   Sounds wonderful! Um, what kind of cultural festivals? Indian? Old colonial American? I’m curious!