Many individuals visit Asheville, North Carolina to indulge in its natural beauty, beer scene, and unique attractions. However, lots of folks don’t know about the quirky facts, traditions, and interesting history regarding this place that have made it well-known.
This article will provide facts regarding some of Asheville`s primary popular attractions, but also lesser known details about the city. Although I was raised here, there were still elements I was unaware of for many years!
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
23 Asheville Facts
1. Asheville Used to Be Called Morristown
Asheville was originally named “Morristown.” This was after Robert Morris, who was a politician during the American Revolution. In the late 18th century, it was changed to “Asheville” as an homage to North Carolina Governor, Samuel Ashe.
2. “Keep Asheville Weird” is the Unofficial Motto
“Keep Asheville Unusual” is not an official slogan, but you are sure to find it throughout the city: on stickers, merchandise, and also a silo in the River Arts District. It is all about celebrating the eccentric, yet charming spirit that makes Asheville so exceptional. I rather enjoy it.
3. The Blue Ridge Parkway is “America’s Favorite Drive”
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a famous Asheville route winding through 500 miles of scenery all through Virginia and North Carolina. It takes you near some of the best scenery, hikes, and waterfalls surrounding Asheville.
4. Asheville sits on Cherokee Nation Land
During the American Revolutionary War, the Cherokee sided with the British in hopes of regaining some of the lands they’d lost to new settlers. But in 1776, conflicts broke out between the Cherokee and settlers. Eventually, the Cherokee were removed from the land and any war efforts. After the war, more territory was officially taken from the Cherokee people [ Source].
5. Asheville’s Got a Few Ghosts
The city of Asheville has two ghosts that are especially renowned. The first is a woman called Helen who reportedly ended her life on what is presently known as Helen’s Bridge. The second is “The Pink Lady” who is said to have fallen to her demise at the Grove Park Inn and now haunts its halls.
6. Pisgah National Forest is Known as the Birthplace of Modern Forestry
A artistic desert gem that also puts on present science displays and live shows.
The inaugural forestry school in America was founded here, and today it can be visited at the Cradle of Forestry. Some of the earliest designated wilderness zones on the east coast are also within Pisgah Forest. This helped cement its reputation as the “birthplace of modern forestry.”
7. Asheville Has a Few Different Nicknames
Various attributes make Asheville unique, reflected in the city’s nicknames.
Explore space, marine life, the rainforest, and more at this Bay Area scientificenter.
And then some are just for enjoyment like “A-Ville” and “Ashe-Vegas.”
8. Asheville Has Some Mysterious Underground Tunnels
There are numerous hypotheses regarding the mysterious underground passageways in the downtown area of Asheville. Some speculate they were utilized for prohibition, illegal behavior, or simply storage. It’s also been rumored they were part of an abandoned underground rail plan. Many parts of the tunnel are incomplete with dead ends. Some entrances can allegedly be found at Pack Square [ Source].
9. A Number of Big Movies Have Been Filmed in the Asheville Area
Areas downtown Asheville and nearby places have been selected as film locations for various highly regarded movies. Among them include: The Hunger Games, The Last of the Mohicans, Dirty Dancing, Hannibal, and even Forrest Gump [ Source].
10. There’s a Scientific Reason the Blue Ridge Mountains are Blue!
The famous “blue ridge” of the mountains is in fact because of a scientific phenomenon! Simply put, the trees and plants in these mountains discharge a type of hydrocarbon that interacts with air molecules. On top of that, a light reaction happens with these molecules. The combination of these results in the blue haze seen from afar! [ Source].
11. Asheville Has a Long History of Being a Wellness Retreat
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the area of Buncombe County and surrounding locales became a destination for better health. Those with means flocked to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was said the moderate climate and clean air would assist healing illness and maladies [ Source].
12. Asheville is Beer City, USA
Asheville has one of the highest numbers of breweries per capita in the country! In fact, it’s been voted “Beer City, USA” four times since 2009. There are over 30 breweries throughout the downtown region and around Buncombe County.
👉 Pro Tip: If beer isn`t your preference, over a dozen wineries lie within roughly an hour`s drive of Asheville.
13. Asheville Was Early to Prohibition
Given Asheville is currently known for its beer, it`s interesting that the city was ahead of its time to prohibition. In 1907, the city passed its own law prohibiting alcohol. This was 13 years before prohibition turned into federal law.
14. The Biltmore is the Largest Privately-Owned Residence in America
On Christmas Eve of 1895, the Biltmore Estate opened and became America’s largest privately-held home. Owned by the Vanderbilt family, the estate highlights a gilded era mansion and over 8,000 acres of land. These days, Asheville sightseers flock to this much beloved attraction.
15. Asheville Hosts the Oldest and Longest Running Folk Festival in America
Every summer since 1928, Asheville has hosted the annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. This is the oldest and longest continuing festival of its type. It features Southern Appalachian music and dance performances. These traditions are customary in Western North Carolina [ Source].
16. Asheville Does Drum Circles
In North Carolina, Asheville stands out for its lively downtown atmosphere. Nothing demonstrates this better than the informal Friday night drum circles held in Pritchard Park between April and October. The free community event draws anyone to the heart of downtown Asheville.
17. Asheville Had the First Skyscraper in WNC
In 1924, the Jackson Building was finished and became the first high-rise structure in Western North Carolina. Upon opening, it was the tallest building in the state. Featuring a neo-gothic architectural style, it stands thirteen stories above Pack Square, as described in this source.
18. The Grove Park Inn is a Unique and Historic Hotel
Since its opening in 1913, the landmark Grove Park Inn in Asheville has become one of the town`s most beloved and iconic hotels. It has hosted numerous famous guests throughout the years, including 10 U.S. presidents as well as various celebrities and notable public figures. This inn is also rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a woman known only as the Pink Lady.
And if lodging is needed, it’s also considered one of the top places for accommodations in Asheville.
19. One of the First Electric Street Railways in America was in Asheville
One of Asheville’s lesser publicized interesting facts is that it was home to one of America’s initial electric street railways. When it opened in 1889, it had three trolley carriages. By 1892, railway lines extended to places like Biltmore Village, the Grove Park Inn, and even crossed the French Broad Rivers.
20. Thomas Wolfe was From Asheville
Thomas Wolfe was an American novelist known chiefly for his 1929 novel “Look Homeward, Angel.” This autobiographical book drew from his upbringing in Asheville. It depicted real life characters and events in Asheville so accurately that the public library banned it for over five years. Today visitors can tour the author’s childhood residence, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial [ Source].
21. Grove Arcade is Known as Asheville’s Original Mall
In 1929, The Grove Arcade opened. It was built to be a cultural and lifestyle hub representing the best of Asheville. Today, the ornate, historic building known as Asheville’s “original mall” continues to symbolize the heart of the city.
22. America’s Second Oldest Craft Organization is in Asheville
In 1930, the Southern Mountain Handicraft Guild became America’s second oldest craft organization. Today, the organization goes by the name Southern Highland Craft Guild. It continues to celebrate and uphold the tradition of craft originating from Southern Appalachia. It’s located at the Folk Art Center of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here, you can find locally made goods and enjoy interactive exhibits.
23. Asheville Flooded in 1916
Summer weather in North Carolina is notoriously damp (see our guide to when to visit Asheville if you’re preparing a visit).
However, in July of 1916, precipitation levels rose drastically in Asheville over a 24-hour time period. The deluge wrecked roads, buildings, and infrastructure around the French Broad River, Swannanoa River, and areas like Biltmore Village. More than 80 individuals lost their lives. It’s known as one of Asheville’s worst natural disasters.
FAQs About Asheville Facts
What is Asheville known for?
Asheville is renowned for its natural attractions surrounding the city, flourishing craft beer community, and destinations such as the Biltmore Estate.
What makes Asheville unique?
The downtown area of Asheville, NC has a genuinely local and eclectic vibe. It`s distinctive and a touch quirky, which sets it apart from other towns in western North Carolina.
***
Were you informed of any new or unexpected interesting facts about Asheville throughout your visit? I hope so. Asheville and other locations in North Carolina are full of intriguing tidbits and activities. If you’ve traveled to Asheville, what intriguing Asheville facts did you learn? Please share in the comments!
