"Asheville, North Carolina" Asheville by tatyanap

I went to Asheville in May of 1997 for my cousin's wedding. Go to this link to see a live camera view: http://www.live-photo.com/

Asheville is located in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It is nestled in the mountains where the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains meet 2,340 feet above sea level.

The City of Asheville was incorporated in 1797. It is located at the junctions of interstates 26 & 40.

Blue Ridge Parkway passes through Asheville with 5 entrances in the immediate Asheville area.

The Asheville area enjoys a rich craft and folk heritage. Culturally, Asheville offers many opportunities and participation in the fine rrts of painting, dance, theatre, and music, as well as mountain crafts.

Downtown Asheville is one of those rare cities where you feel comfortable walking around, and for more than one reason. With one of the best collections of art deco architecture in the country, antique stores galore, art galleries and boutiques, and a diverse selection of downtowners, you'll never want to leave. Asheville has a downtown with a broad character and its architecture sets a romantic European mood that you want find the likes of anywhere else in the state. The sparkling, stylized details found in Asheville's early art deco and gothic buildings echo the pre-depression heyday of the 1920's. While enjoying the views and architecture in downtown Asheville don't forget to visit one of the 100 retail shops where you can buy local goods and crafts as well as unique treasures from around the world. Both moderate and upscale restaurants can be found throughout downtown offering every kind of cuisine imaginable from Italian and Cajun to vegetarian. Those who prefer the outdoor cafe or coffee house setting will also find themselves at home at the many cafes spread throughout downtown, each with its own particular brand of local art, music and charm.

There is something to do every day of the week in downtown Asheville. Visit the home of one of Asheville's famous sons, writer Thomas Wolfe, or browse through an art gallery on Biltmore Avenue. Have a look inside the historic St. Lawrence Basilica with one of the few self-supporting domes in the country - the doors are always open. Or, have an espresso and watch the city pass by until evening falls. Then head down to the Community Theater or Diana Wortham Theater for a play, a symphony or a modern dance performance. If you're into old time blues or rock n' roll check out one of downtown's many clubs or bars. Don't forget the Craft Fair or the poetry reading at the bookstore.

The people are friendly. Entangled in the diversity of architecture are Asheville's people, from artists and musicians to corporate executives, merchants and entrepreneurs. Some say that parking can be a problem, but a few quarters in a parking meter and a short walk to a secure parking deck is a small price to pay for a city made of stone, marble, granite, reaching towards the sky.

http://asheville-nc.com/statistics.html