Since being named the “new freak capital of the U.S.” by Rolling Stone 14 years ago, Asheville has arguably only gotten weirder. And on Sept. 1, Travel + Leisure Magazine further burnished the town’s eccentric credentials, naming Asheville the No. 1 “Quirky Town” in America.
Tag: tourism
Showing 127-147 of 153 results
Sounds like money: New projects seek to increase local music tourism
Asheville may never be able to swipe the “Music City” moniker from a certain similarly named titan of sound in Tennessee, but several new initiatives aim to boost this area’s image as a serious music destination. The Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau, building on its success in helping nurture the city’s growing national reputation as […]
Spring brings increased risk of ozone danger
As spring weather returns to Asheville, so does the risk of dangerous levels of ozone pollution. To raise awareness and help notify the public when ozone levels become hazardous, environmental agencies will start issuing daily air quality forecasts Tuesday, April 1, for Asheville and other metropolitan areas across the state.
Creative Sector Summit aims to help bridge tourism industry and artists
Tourists spend about $1.5 billion in Buncombe County every year and the fourth annual Creative Sector Summit will explore opportunities for local artists to raise that number and better benefit from it. The series of panel discussions, workshops and other events will unfold Thursday-Sunday, March 20-23, at venues throughout downtown Asheville.
Destination Asheville: Local leaders chart course for tourism development
The tourism industry already brings in $2.3 billion annually to Buncombe County. That’s up from roughly $183 million 30 years ago. But to continue to grow local visitation, government officials and business owners need to “anticipate trends that are shaping the future,” says Mike Konzen, a leading global consultant.
Leaders gather to discuss local tourism development
About 150 community leaders gathered Dec. 11 to discuss Asheville’s strengths as a tourism destination, learn about new projects in the works, and share ideas for the future.
Commissioners to consider Long Mountain conservation easement
On Nov. 19, Buncombe Commissioners will consider spending $69,000 on a conservation easement to protect 121 acres of land from development on Long Mountain in the Upper Hominey area.
Family feud continues over Moog archives
The family feud continues over where to store renowned electronic instrument inventor Bob Moog’s archives, with his widow and the president of his daughter’s foundation releasing dueling statements.
Metro Economy Outlook: Job growth strong, wages stagnant
The state of the Asheville area economy is getting stronger, with job numbers nearing prerecession levels, but wages remain stagnant, according to panelists at the 14th annual Asheville Metro Economy Outlook.
Moog foundation objects to archives going to NY
A move to ship Bob Moog’s archives from Asheville to New York is creating family discord over the best way to preserve the late inventor’s legacy.
Popular section of Blue Ridge Parkway closed from Ox Creek to Mt. Mitchell
The Blue Ridge Parkway is now closed from Milepost 375, a few miles north of Asheville, to Milepost 355 at N.C. 128/Mount Mitchell State Park, according to the National Park Service.
Circle the wagons
I understand that nostalgia is popular, but I have to ask, at what cost? A horse sharing the pavement with motor vehicles has never been a good mix, and the new business of offering carriage rides in downtown Asheville seems quite problematic. Besides questioning the humaneness of forcing a single horse to pull a heavy […]
Asheville cedes ‘Beer City’ title to Grand Rapids
After a four year winning streak, Asheville lost its title of ‘Beer City USA’ to Grand Rapids, Mich., according to poll results released May 13.
Blue Ridge Parkway to reopen connection between Craggy Gardens and Mt. Mitchell
Just in time for the busy spring tourist season, the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen a stretch of roadway connecting the popular Craggy Gardens and Mt. Mitchell State Park areas.
Asheville makes Huffington Post list of ‘Terribly Overrated Destinations’
Asheville made another top ten list today, but this one’s not going to please the local chamber of commerce.
You have a responsibility to be mindful
A little less than two months ago I migrated to Asheville from New York City, as many did before me. I came for the spiritual vibe, to surround myself with positive people and take in the beauty of the Appalachians. Relaxed and eased into this welcomed community from day one, I am now starting to […]
Blue Ridge Parkway releases first ever comprehensive management plan
The Blue Ridge Parkway’s new plan aims to provide guidance for perpetuating natural systems, preserving cultural resources, and providing opportunities for high-quality visitor experiences along the parkway for the next 20+ years. After more than 75 years since the parkway was established, this is its first comprehensive management plan.
Shame on the Grove Park Inn
Shame on the Grove Park Inn for charging $10 for self-parking. Every year it has been a tradition in our family to go and see the display of gingerbread houses and other holiday decorations. We bring our out-of-town guests who enjoy shopping in the Grove Park Inn stores, buying refreshments and, most importantly, seeing the […]
Asheville is lucky to have Liberty Bikes
I hope you might be able to help me recognize a recent exceptional experience that my friends and I from Colorado had with Liberty Bikes in Asheville. We were on a three-week cycling trip through North Carolina (it was all wonderful), and needed advice regarding the opportunity in the Asheville area. Eight of us converged […]
Take a look inside the new Aloft Hotel before it opens
The new Aloft Hotel in downtown Asheville at 51 Biltmore Ave is nearing completion and Xpress recently took a behind-the-scenes tour.
Thanks for welcoming visitors and giving us information we need
Thank you, thank you for keeping a frequent visitor of Asheville in the know. I'm not a "tourist." Even though I don't live in Asheville, I visit frequently enough that this feels like my second home. So, the first thing (OK, maybe the second thing, after I get my hands on a chicken sandwich from […]