Situated among the green slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, is undoubtedly one of the United States' loveliest towns. In addition to its scenic mountain views, this town of approximately 70,000 residents enjoys a mild, cool climate, good quality of life, a slew of recreational opportunities, cultural activities and shopping adventures. A visit to Asheville will remind you that this region is very much under the influence of good old Southern hospitality; its residents are friendly and make visitors feel right at home. And in this beautiful mountain town, where true to its reputation, a gentle haze of smoke hangs above its skyline in the cool early morning hours, it's hard to not to feel as if you've arrived in a special place.

Asheville is located at an altitude of 2,300 feet, in between more than 100 mountain peaks reaching heights in excess of 5,000 feet each (Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Mitchell are among the highest). Within short distance of Asheville is Mount Mitchell, which is the United States' highest point east of the Mississippi River. More than 10 million visitors make their way along the 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway that cuts through Asheville and the 14 other counties that comprise greater Western North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway is actually a manmade highway, built to provide tourists with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In addition to sightseeing, tourists engage in the numerous recreational opportunities that this mountainous region provides: hiking, biking, whitewater river rafting, fishing, boating and camping, to name but a few. Asheville is located within the Pisgah National Forest, which covers nearly 500,000 acres. Its roads and trails are prime territory for camping, hiking and horseback riding. As you make your way northeast along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll spot the Craggy Gardens, known for its display of rhododendrons in the month of June; Mt. Mitchell; Shining Rock Mountain, Looking Glass Falls and the Cradle of Forestry, which offer snow-capped mountain views (dress warmly) and plenty of hiking trails; the Appalachian Trail; and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This is truly a wilderness lover's paradise.

Heading back to Asheville, you'll find plenty of other sights besides the surrounding mountains. Biltmore House, the nation's largest residence, is located in Asheville. Built in the late 19th century, this French-style, 250-room castle sits on more than 7,500 acres and is open to the public. Your tour will include a visit to the estate's 35-acre gardens, designed by Frederick Olmsted, best known for his role in planning New York City's Central Park. And don't leave without visiting the estate's winery as well as the surrounding Biltmore Village.

Another suggested stop: The North Carolina Arboretum; the Thomas Wolfe home, former home of author Thomas Wolfe; the Western North Carolina Nature Center, home of deer, wolves, bears, and other species native to this region, as well as a petting zoo, self-guided nature trail and aviary; and Folk Art Center on Blue Ridge Parkway, where you'll find handmade mountain crafts made of wood, glass, ceramics and more. Venture into "downtown" Asheville, and you'll find plenty of opportunities for antique shopping.

According to the Asheville Board of Realtors, the cost of living here is relatively reasonable when compared to statewide and national averages. According to January 1999 statistics, the average cost of a four-bedroom home in Asheville is $216,511; the average cost of a three-bedroom home is $137,928; and for a two-bedroom condominium, the average cost is $103,251. Rents are extremely competitive; a one-bedroom apartment averages $535; a two-bedroom apartment averages $625. The region's major employers include J. Crew Group, K-Mart, BellSouth Telecommunications, BASF Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The local economy continues to diversify and prosper here, as more corporations relocate to the area.

Businesses who elect to move their operations here clearly have quality of life in mind for their associates. Residents in Asheville have their proverbial cake and eat it too; they enjoy the availability of numerous local resources, and yet at the end of the day, they face little traffic and congestion. Instead, they can sit outside, enjoy the Great Smokies and the cool, clean air. It's easy to catch the aura that pervades Asheville, which appropriately has been dubbed the town "where altitude affects attitude."

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Published: April 12, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.