Throughout the year, Asheville presents a multitude of diversions for its residents and the six million visitors it welcomes annually. Whether it's the varied attractions of the city, its large art community, or the vast array of recreational offerings presented by the surrounding mountains, it's no wonder why Asheville is often referred to as a top travel destination and a great place to reside.

A leisurely stroll through cobblestone lanes and tree-lined streets reveals curious sculptures and architectural musings. Traditional music adds a soundtrack to a sunny street festival. Then, when the lights go down, cool jazz emerges to greet the night.

On the mountainsides of the surrounding Pisgah National Forest, a network of trails reveals adventure around each enticing turn. Hikers, bikers, anglers and golfers seize the day, while telescopic dreamers find enlightenment in the midnight skies.

Asheville Awards & Accolades

• Best Southern Town
  Outside Magazine, August 2007
• 7 of Top U.S. Cities to live in
  Frommer's Cities Ranked and Rated, May 2007
• Ranked #24 of 200 Best Places for Business and Careers
  Forbes, April 2007
• #1 of the Top 100 Places to Live
  Relocate-America, April 2007
• 2 of the Top 10 Easy Spring Weekend Getaways
  MSNBC, April 2007
• 3 of the Top 10 Up-and-Coming Travel Destinations
  VirtualTourist, Spring 2007
• Two of America's Top 25 Small Town Arts Destinations
  AmericanStyle, Summer 2006
• One of the Five Best Places to Retire
  Money Adviser, Consumer Reports, September 2005
• 19 of Top 25 Most Secure U.S. Places to Live
  Farmers Insurance Group, June 2005
• 11 of 50 Best Places To Live
  Men's Journal, April 2005
• One of Ten Great Adventure Towns
  National Geographic ADVENTURE Magazine, September 2004
• One of "Five Cities That Are Special"
  USA TODAY, July 2004
• Top Ten Towns for a Second-Home Investment
  MSN Money, October 2003