Experiences In
Asheville

Asheville By Junket

Did you know Asheville was once advertised as the perfect place to recover from tuberculosis? Or that it is rumored to have a maze of secret tunnels beneath the city? Or that it ranks second in the country for having the most micro-breweries per capita- but was the first to ban beer?

Fascinating tales of Asheville’s colorful legacy hide under the blanket of mist that lays on the Blue Ridge Mountains like a wispy shawl. Its history and legends behind the fairytale exterior are as ancient and powerful as the rolling hills themselves.

Walk Historic Streets and Explore Mysterious Sites

We welcome you to join our Junket Asheville Experience to discover intriguing stories of the people and places that made the Paris of the South such an alluring mountain escape.

Be the guests of our knowledgeable and friendly guides as they introduce you to the best of Asheville. Choose from one of our popular tours:

• Asheville Ghost Tour
• Asheville Haunted Pub Crawl

Join us to explore Asheville, a city that melds an artistic culture with a bohemian appetite for renewal in the natural splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Asheville History

The Land of the Sky

With its mild climate and panoramic rolling hills, Asheville is one of the top tourist destinations in the South. This thriving city sits on a plateau in a curve of the scenic Blue Ridge mountains and has become known for its artistic spirit and progressive ideals, yet remains grounded in its rich Appalachian history.

A Mountain Retreat of Cultured Worldliness and Appalachian Simplicity

Once inside the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation, Asheville began as a mountain outpost in the late 1700s, serving as a crossroads of Indian trails through dense forests. The arrival of the railroad in 1880 transformed the area into a hub for tradespeople and a refuge for those escaping city life to bask in the quiet serenity of the mountains.

The Paris of the South

Asheville grew as a relaxation destination and therapeutic health center, as fresh mountain air was considered medicinal, and the surrounding natural beauty of its lush forests and clear, flowing rivers make it an ideal resort town. It became known as the “Paris of the South” during the turn of the century for its unique artisan style and architectural achievements.

Unique experiences await visitors to this town that melds a distinct mountain heritage with a bohemian appetite for renewal.

Asheville Today

A Haven for Lovers of Food, Art, History, and Outdoor Adventures

Asheville offers visitors a multi-sensory experience, featuring a lively downtown scene, a world-class culinary and craft beer culture, and a vibrant art and music community. Its reputation as a hip vacation destination has been around almost as long as the city itself.

“Here, in southern Appalachia, the land of Highland Scots and mountain laurel, regal Pisgah would stand as [George Vanderbilt’s] anchor.”

– Denise Kiernan, The Last Castle

The construction of the palatial Biltmore Estate in 1895 would usher in a new era of tourism from visitors all over the world, in addition to the influx of artisans hoping to make a home in the progressive Southern city, along with those who desire to explore the surrounding mountain ranges and lush landscape.

Known as an artists’ enclave and healing resorts almost from its inception, the city of Asheville is a vibrant hub of modern creativity that stays true to its Appalachian roots.

Explore Asheville

This small but vibrant city is packed with attractions ranging from museums to breweries to art galleries, and much more. Here are the top places you should check off your list:

• Biltmore Estate: The historic French Chateau put Asheville on the map, and remains an iconic tourist attraction, welcoming over 1.7 million visitors each year.
• River Arts District: See over 200 artists at their work, cementing Asheville’s legacy as a top arts destination
• Thomas Wolfe House: This home museum commemorates the writer’s early life and the rise of Asheville as a resort town in the early 20th century.
• Highland Brewing Company: Take a guided tour of Asheville’s first and most popular brewery
• Grove Arcade: Opened in 1929, America’s first shopping mall features an eclectic mix of galleries, shops, and restaurants