Asheville: A Senior Summer Weekend Escape

USA Today selected Asheville a great place to enjoy a long weekend. Any why not?  Seniors, experience the Spirit of Asheville, the largest city in western North Carolina, with a population of just over 85,000.

Before the arrival of the Europeans, the land where Asheville now exists lay within the boundaries of the Cherokee Indian Nation. The history of Asheville, as a town, began in 1784.

Nicknamed, “The Land of the Sky,” Asheville is noted for its inviting climate and sheer natural beauty. Thousands of acres of national park land are swept with color in the fall. Winters sparkle with snow-capped mountains.

Some of the attractions and recreational activities include: Biltmore Estate and Winery, Thomas Wolfe Memorial, North Carolina Arboretum, Blue Ridge Parkway, WNC Nature Center, Asheville Community Theatre, art galleries, snow skiing, and professional baseball.

 Seniors Discover Art, Healing And Home

Asheville is a great place for a senior summer weekend visit, whether you’re seeking beautiful mountain scenery, contemporary art galleries, fine organic cuisine, outdoor adventures or a romantic getaway.

Known as an art colony, a healing resort and a home to notable statesmen and luminaries, Asheville is one of the most welcoming, vibrant cities in the country.

Asheville is a major hub of whitewater recreation, particularly whitewater kayaking, in the eastern US. And then there is Asheville Drum Circle. Don’t miss this favorite Asheville tradition. Anyone can participate by drumming, dancing or watching. It’s every Friday night (warm weather months) in Pritchard Park. Join folks of every age and description.

Bele Chere Festival is a free street festival held each summer. With 32 years under it’s belt, Bele Chere Festival has grown to become the largest and most rockin’ free street festival in the southeast.

 Seniors Enjoy Architectural Mix

The city’s rich architectural legacy, with its mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles, is the perfect backdrop to the energy that emanates from the locally owned-shops and galleries, distinctive restaurants and exciting entertainment venues.

The official North Carolina site focusing on Asheville will fill your itinerary with lots of cool things to see and do. Asheville is also home to the US National Climatic Data Center, the world’s largest active archive of weather data

.Your activity choices include strolling through downtown Asheville’s many art galleries, whitewater rafting on a clear mountain river, visiting craftspeople in their studios, hiking on one of 75 trails in the area, exploring some of the 100 antique shops, or just relaxing over a refreshing drink at one of many local coffeehouses or sidewalk cafés.

Grove Arcade in Downtown Asheville is one of North Carolina’s most historic buildings and features dozens of specialty shops, galleries and restaurants.

Asheville will fill any itinerary with many fun things to see and to experience. Put the city on your travel bucket list and enjoy it all.  jeb