We think you’ll dig these photos of Asheville from the Chasing Carolina blog

Posted on by Mackensy Lunsford

Local photographer Melanie Cantrell captured truly beautiful scenes of downtown Asheville at night. (Visit her blog here to see the full set.)

Here is an excerpt from the blog entry:

“I love living in Asheville North Carolina. The Surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains provide unmatched natural beauty while the superb architecture of the many historic buildings range from simple and primitive to stunning Art Deco and sturdy Arts and Crafts. The extravagant Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned home in America. The French Chateau inspired mansion is just as beautiful today as the day that George Vanderbilt moved into it back in 1889. Nearby, the Grove Park Inn can be seen from miles away, built from huge boulders and crowned with red tiles for the roof, the rustic lodge is reminiscent of lodges in our Western National Parks.

The Blue Ridge Parkway hugs Asheville’s ridge tops like a warm embrace; a short drive north will take you to Mount Mitchell State Park and the highest elevations East of the Mississippi. A similar drive south delivers you to the heart of the Cherokee Nation and the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is plenty of hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping to be had along the way.

… And the food … oh, my the amazing food! No matter what you are in the mood for, Asheville has restaurants with top notch service and cuisine.  For dessert be sure to check out decadent truffles and drinks from the French Broad Chocolate Lounge; there’s always a line on the weekends.  Old Europe has amazing cakes and tarts, and The Chocolate Fetish has melt in your mouth bon-bons.”

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