Looking to get some fresh air? Even if you don't have all day to go exploring in the mountains, there's a few walks in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina, that are five minutes or less from downtown. As a matter of fact, one of them is downtown. Urban Trail Asheville, sponsored by the Asheville Arts Council, is a 1.7 mile trail that begins in front of the Asheville Art Museum on Pack Square. It stops at thirty different bronze sculptures that each represent a piece of The Land of the Sky's history. The Urban Trail gives its participants an educational tour of downtown plus a timeless connection to the past. Download a PDF guide and map to help you find your way.
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| A Walking History of Asheville: The Urban Trail |
If you're a history buff, Riverside Cemetery is a National Historic Site and a must-see when you're in Asheville. Located off of Birch Street in Montford (a neighborhood area just outside of downtown), the cemetery is comprised of 87 acres of rolling hills, with views overlooking the French Broad River. Several prominent Asheville citizens are buried here, such as Thomas Wolf, O. Henry, and George Masa (the renowned Japanese photographer known for documenting the Blue Ridge Mountains). Wander around and check out the gravestones, and don't forget to look up, the surrounding mountains are beautiful from this urban vantage.
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| Stroll through Riverside Cemetery |
The Botanical Gardens, located just off of W. T. Weaver Boulevard near UNC-A, are free and open year round. A level trail weaves through the ten acres that have been landscaped with over 600 species of plants native to Southern Appalachians. There's a garden gift shop (sales from which support the non-profit, independent organization) where you can pick up Investigation Passports for the kids that make learning about trees, bushes, and vines both invigorating and fun. Expect a different scene each season with the changing flora and fauna; even the Skunk Cabbage flowers in winter. (Sorry, dogs aren't allowed in the garden...)
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| Lady Victoria Charms Guests in Montford |
Have the ultimate Asheville experience by walking around town and staying in town! Only a couple minutes from downtown Asheville, Lady Victoria is a renovated 1893 home in the historic community of Montford (just down the road from Riverside Cemetery). The first floor of this duplex is available as an Asheville vacation rental property from Carolina Mornings. Staying at Lady Victoria is a step back in time to charming luxuries of the past. Enjoy this home's wide front porch, original hardwood floors, hot water radiators and two fireplaces--and dog-friendly yard! Call Carolina Mornings at (877) 902-9441 to talk with a Vacation Planner about finding the perfect North Carolina mountain vacation rental for your next Asheville adventure.
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