Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville is a colorful haven of a city where natural beauty, outstanding eats, a dynamic art scene, and plenty of craft beer collide and set the pace for an extraordinary holiday getaway.
Before you venture out, stop by on Wall Street. With a dim interior and glimmering lights strung from the ceiling, this coffee shop exudes coziness, and on a cool fall or winter morning, there is nothing more welcoming. Their coffee is equally as cozy with classics such as perfectly swirled lattes and piping hot cappuccinos. They’ve also been known to crank out a few festive holiday drinks during the season, which always please. After you’re officially awake, spend the early morning taking a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 469-mile road sweeps the Blue Ridge Mountains from Virginia to North Carolina, and the stretch through Asheville features miles of gorgeous lookouts and hiking trails for all skill levels. For a short and easy trek that offers panoramic mountain views, choose the one-mile path to Craggy Pinnacle at Craggy Gardens. The more adventurous hikers will find miles and miles of climbing trails alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway where you can spend just a few hours or an entire day. After you’ve gotten your nature fix, it’s time
