North Carolina's mountain gem is the city of Asheville. This is truly a city loaded with natural beauty. Mountains are central the region, including the famous Cold Mountain. Don't expect any big city charms here! Asheville is all small-town folk city where nature prevails and mythic folk dances rule the nights.

Everything here has to do with Mother Earth, from the artisan pottery of Biltmore House, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Grove Park Inn's luxurious spa.

The great outdoors can be experienced all around Asheville. Whether you want to hike the mountains or simply gander at the beautiful hillside wildflowers, these grandiose peaks are no sight for sore eyes! Skiing is another huge thing here once winter coats the upper mountains with blankets of light, fluffy snow.

Throughout the year you can enjoy rich cultural heritages at local art galleries and performance centers. Downtown Asheville is a nexus of quirkly boutiques and fine dining. Are you a festival-goer at heart? Asheville also hosts a large number of annual festivals celebrating everything that the city holds dear.

Whether you prefer a day out on the links or a night sampling its various nightclubs, Asheville has something for the whole family.