Here’s where writers suggest visiting

Despite the destruction attributable to Tropical Storm Helene, Asheville was voted among the many greatest U.S. cities to go to in 2025 by NCS.

NCS spokesperson Malika Budd defined that the checklist of cities was chosen rigorously from tons of of candidates. The last prime 10 had been chosen by evaluating the “attractions, food and beverage offerings, cultural and nightlife scenes, diversity, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and wow factor” of every finalist.

“Everything that’s helped make Asheville a popular tourist destination for well over a century is still very much here to enjoy,” NCS said in its piece on the town. “You’ll find Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, a vibrant downtown, eclectic neighborhoods, the grand Biltmore Estate, an impressive food and beverage scene, great hiking and an all-around creative culture that’s long drawn artists and craftspeople.”

Asheville is working to proceed to spice up tourism, on which the city’s financial system closely depends, following Helene. Here’s what NCS writers liked concerning the space.

What to do in Asheville, NC

NCS writers talked about various choices in Asheville, together with artwork, music and extra. Attractions NCS appreciated in its article included:

• The Asheville Pinball Museum, providing “hours of entertainment with unlimited access to 40 pinball machines and 40 classic video games for $17”

• Music venue Eulogy, a more recent addition from Burial Brewery

• The Biltmore Estate, together with “behind-the-scenes offerings” such because the “backstairs” tour

• The Odyssey Gallery, showcasing the creations of greater than 20 ceramic artists, and courses at Odyssey ClayWorks

• Non-profit North Carolina Glass Center, with “ethereal drinking glasses and other eye-catching items” on the market plus courses out there

• The Grey Eagle with a full calendar of stay music and occasions

Where to remain in Asheville, NC

Writers at NCS praised a number of lodging choices in Asheville, together with:

• The Flat Iron, in a “wedge-shaped 1926 skyscraper,” which NCS praised for highlighting “the city’s recent boom as a destination”

• The Radical, a “graffiti-chic, art-centered hotel in the RAD that hosted first responders and reopened to guests in January”

• The Grand Bohemian Lodge in Biltmore Village, which reopened to friends in May

Where to eat and drink in Asheville, NC

Asheville is thought for its delicacies, bars and breweries. NCS writers notably appreciated the next Asheville decisions for foods and drinks:

• The Flat Iron Hotel’s Luminosa restaurant, that includes “modern-Appalachian meets Italian” delicacies, plus the lodge’s rooftop bar and basement speakeasy

• Good Hot Fish, from chef and James Beard Award winner Ashleigh Shanti – writers praised “sandwiches piled with piping hot fried catfish, buttermilk tartar sauce and fridge pickles”

• Cider and tinned fish at Botanist and Barrel

• Even extra beer at Diatribe Brewing Co.

• Nearly a dozen extra breweries within the South Slope brewing district – NCS praised Burial Beer Co.’s unique facility with two bars and indoor and out of doors areas

• Anoche, with agave spirit-based drinks served in a “tiny white cottage that spills out onto a spacious patio”

• ButterPunk, a brand new bakery and cafe opened post-Helene by pastry cooks Beth Kellerhals and Dana Amromin

• Eda Rhyne Distilling Company’s tasting room, together with drinks like Appalachian fernet and amaro

• OWL Bakery, with a “tantalizing selection of naturally leavened bread and European-inspired pastries”

• Sunny Point Cafe for “hearty brunches”

• Local 604 bottle store – NCS praised its number of regional drinks like Noble Cider and Pisgah Pale Ale

• Hi-fi listening bar Potential New Boyfriend, with wine and desserts

• Nationally acknowledged Filipinx restaurant Neng Jr’s

• Leo’s House of Thirst, with an “impressive wine list with a fresh, produce-forward menu”

Best U.S. cities to go to 2025

The full checklist of NCS’s 10 greatest cities to go to in 2025 included:

3. Asheville, North Carolina

8. Northampton, Massachusetts

Iris Seaton is the trending information reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, a part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

This article initially appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: What to do in Asheville, NC: Restaurants, shops, more praised by NCS