A famous vista, showing the many layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains, provides ample evidence of how the mountain range acquired its name. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

The historic Biltmore Estate, completed in 1895 and home to George Vanderbilt, holds the distinction of being the largest privately owned home in the United States. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Bob Schatz

The Asheville area's eclectic art galleries and boutiques range from sophisticated showrooms to funky artist studios. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Stewart Young

A mother and son take in the shopping in downtown Black Mountain, N.C. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)—photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau .

Bobby Sax, street musician and fixture in downtown Asheville, plays the saxophone in the heart of town. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

A couple takes in the sunset from the rooftop of the Sky Bar located at the famous Flatiron Building in downtown Asheville. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

You can dine organically at Sunny Point Cafe in hip West Asheville. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

A couple shares a contemplative moment at Linville waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest, about 65 miles north of Asheville. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Dance the night away at one of the premier music venues in the Asheville area, The Grey Eagle Music Hall. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

A fiddler in an impromptu performance at one of the many farmers markets in the Asheville area. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

A hot air balloon drifts lazily over Enka Lake in the fall. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Asheville and the surrounding area is known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Downtown street musicians jam in front of the Flatiron Building in Asheville. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

The vibrant arts community in Asheville is in evidence at L.O.F.T, a popular boutique. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)

The downtown Asheville skyline is seen on a fall evening. (Photo courtesy of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau)