Asheville, NC: Part of the Geography of Bliss
Benjamin Franklin once said, "The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself," and catching some happiness was the goal of author Eric Weiner in his new book The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search For The Happiest Places in the World. Weiner, a seasoned correspondent for National Public Radio, has covered numerous stories from over 30 countries in the last twenty years and his most recent endeavor inspired him to visit a variety of places in search of joy.
Weiner's search for happiness landed him in countries like Switzerland, Bhutan, Thailand and Qatar, but unexpectedly, in addition to these more exotic locations, Weiner chose to list Asheville, North Carolina as one of the world's happiest places. To some readers, the choice of a small mountain city in the Southeastern United States as one of the world's happiest locations may seem like a stretch. Local residents and vacationers, however, know the diverse and friendly culture of Asheville. Along with the breathtaking Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, the atmosphere and experience will not soon be forgotten.
Asheville Travel...Discover a New You
Many people who travel to Asheville and Western North Carolina find that the mountains inspire new perspectives and feelings about life. This is why AARP Magazine chose Asheville as number 7 of the "15 Best Places to Reinvent Yourself." The AARP research team evaluated ten criteria believed to represent the needs and desires of Americans over 50 years of age in order to complete the list including: job availability, affordable housing, entertainment, outdoor recreation, safety, educational opportunities, community vitality, quality health care, successful public school systems and transportation options.
AARP reported, "The downtown heart of the city (with an impressive collection of Art Deco buildings) has coffeehouses, antiques shops, bookstores, and galleries selling crafts (weaving, pottery) by mountain artists. And civic activism is strong; you'll find impassioned groups working to foster Appalachian music and to protect national forests from logging." The article continues to discuss the region's deep musical roots and variety such as bluegrass, jazz, pop and classical. "In spring, head to the hills," the article continues. Downtown Asheville offers some spectacular outdoor areas like the Botanical gardens at UNCA or the edible gardens near city/county plaza.
Travel Planners and Experts Agree -- An Asheville Mountain Getaway Will Amaze You
Residents of Asheville, and return visitors, flock each year to Western North Carolina to reinvent themselves or to find a little slice of mountain bliss. Even one of the world's most recognized travel guides honored Asheville and named it 1 of 12 Top Travel Destinations for 2007 along with International cities such as Krakow, Poland and Tokyo, Japan. Frommer's stated the cities were chosen because they were "surprising, thriving or emerging travel destinations." Asheville can be considered all of that. Authors Bert Sterling and Pete Sander, writers of the annually updated book "Cities Ranked and Rated", ranked Asheville number 8 in their top ten in addition to cities like Reno, Santa Barbara, Atlanta and Honolulu.
Planning Your Next Vacation? You Can Have Asheville Any Way You Like It!
Planning a vacation can create some difficult choices. Where to go? What to do? Where to stay? How to get around? In Asheville there are opportunities for everyone to plan the perfect vacation. Visit the North Carolina Mountains and explore both the outer and the inner landscapes. Blissfully and happily reinvent yourself; you never know what kind of treasure you may find.
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