Asheville
The “Paris of the South,” considered among the nation’s most desirable places to live, has been recognized countless times by magazines and websites for its many treasurers. With the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as a backdrop and an abundance of Beaux-Arts and Deco buildings standing sentinel over its bustling downtown, Asheville has been a favorite destination since the Roaring Twenties.
With its unique hippie vibe, this medium-sized city boasts a thriving music scene and arts community, independent shops, galleries, first-rate restaurants, and craft breweries. It even has its own version of Downton Abbey: the spectacular Biltmore House, one of the largest privately-owned homes in the world.
While it’s true that Asheville offers a lot within its borders, what lies beyond them is an adventure as well. The famous Blue Ridge Parkway passes right through the city and several state and national parks are mere minutes away, leading to miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, whitewater rafting, and a whole host of other outdoor activities.