Thrillist online magazine, which has previously named Asheville one of America’s most hipster cities and one of America’s best drinking cities — among others, has now created a list of each state’s most beautiful destination.
“Every state (and/or Commonwealth!) has its own version of beauty,” reads the intro to the post, “which is why we polled residents and tourism boards from each to determine what that one must-hit (and must-Instagram) spot is.”
And despite a wide range of choices in North Carolina — from our Atlantic beaches to our stunning waterfalls and breathtaking views, the food, drink and travel blog’s poll turned up one winning Western North Carolina location: Craggy Gardens.
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Craggy Gardens not only gives visitors and hikers a beautiful immediate view of the pinks, purples and whites of spring and summer blossoms — but also boasts some amazing mountaintop views of rolling, unspoiled landscape stretching to the horizon from every direction.
So, what do you think, Asheville? Does Craggy Gardens define N.C. beauty — or does another site come to mind?
Check out the rest of the list (and start planning your next road trip) here.
From Thrillist, about the N.C. pick:
Yes, there are some picturesque beaches on the Outer Banks, as well as lighthouses like the Cape Hatteras that are among the most visited in America. And the Smoky Mountains ain’t bad, either. But perhaps the single most scenic place in North Carolina is the gardens off the Blue Ridge Parkway, recognized by the state as a National Heritage Area. Here, wildflowers give way to exposed bald rocks and some of the most gorgeous mountain views in America.
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