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Mountains - North Carolina
Area Info
One of the most popular retirement destinations in the United States today was once the part of the nation that nobody wanted. The Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina—the Blue Ridge, Great Smokies, and Black Mountain ranges—were the county's original high frontier, a forbidding barrier to westward expansion and a sparsely-settled and impoverished region. But that began to change after the midpoint of the 20th century, when highways, leisure time, and disposable income brought visitors to the high country in droves. Many fell in love and stayed...while others vowed to come back.
Whereas Florida's original attraction was its warm, sunny winter weather, the Appalachians offer the opposite: they're cooler in summer by about 15 degrees over the surrounding lowlands. Add in the fact that in winter they're a prime destination for skiers, and the recreational possibilities in the area rival those of any other area in the country. The cultural attractions have recently caught up as well, led by the city of Asheville, which offers a sophisticated arts and restaurant scene as well as serving as the center of traditional mountain culture—bluegrass music, clog dancing, and the unique crafts that thrived in the area's long isolation.
Asheville is also home to the Biltmore Estate, built by George Washington Vanderbilt in 1895. It remains to this day the largest private home ever built in America...and is still owned by Vanderbilt's descendants. Now, however, it is open to the public, and tours of the house and grounds are among the most popular attractions of the area.
Articles
Lifestyle Information from Asheville and Western North Carolina
Choosing a yoga class -- what's right for you?
Mar 16, 2010 4:15 am
If you are like many Western North Carolina residents who have resolved to live a healthier lifestyle, you might be ready to give yoga a try. However, with so many options, trying to find a class can ...
Mar 16, 2010 4:15 am
The March of Dimes Foundation has awarded a grant of $2,995 to Mission Healthcare Foundation to support the Fetal Alcohol Prevention Education Program provided by the Fullerton Genetics Center of Miss...
Mar 16, 2010 4:15 am
Submit entries at least two weeks in advance to Fitness Calendar, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802, e-mail to melmoore@CITIZEN-TIMES.com or fax to 251-0585.
Haywood County gets fit in countywide challenge
Mar 16, 2010 4:15 am
WAYNESVILLE -- Healthy Haywood's Fitness Challenge might just be the deal of the year. For about the cost of one movie ticket, the program allows participants to visit local health clubs and take fitn...
Asheville Choral Society music director, Lenora Thom, to step down
Mar 16, 2010 4:15 am
ASHEVILLE -- After 10 years, Asheville Choral Society music director Lenora Thom will direct her last concert for the group in May.
Asheville's Beer City Festival date, tickets announced
Mar 16, 2010 4:15 am
ASHEVILLE -- Tickets will go on sale March 29 for the first Beer City Festival scheduled for June 5 in Asheville.
AskAsheville video: A visit to Green Man Brewing
Mar 16, 2010 4:15 am
ASHEVILLE -- Here are some clips from an evening at Green Man Brewing in downtown Asheville.
Mayland book club to meet Friday
Mar 16, 2010 4:15 am
SPRUCE PINE -- Mayland Community College's Book Club, BOOKWORMZ, will meet at 2 p.m. Friday at Mayland's Main Campus in Spruce Pine to discuss the novel Bad Monkeys
Need a companion? Minnie may be for you
Mar 16, 2010 4:15 am
Minnie is a 1-year-old with beautiful markings and medium length fur who loves to be petted, is friendly and playful, very gentle and seems to get along with other cats. She's available from Sarge's A...
Mar 15, 2010 8:34 pm
When Jean Boone Benfield's daddy came back from World War II, he built a new home place in Leicester on a farm that Jean and her husband still own.
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Scenic Resort is an age-qualified resort located in Asheville, North Carolina, near the breathtaking ...
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