Around the Area at HGTV Urban Oasis 2015

Surrounded by the alluring Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina is a hidden gem with something to experience around every corner. Take a visual tour and discover why Asheville is considered the "Paris of the South."

By: Dana Dalrymple

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Photo By: Image Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

Mosaic of Architecture

Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Asheville has a rich architectural legacy with a mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles.

Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway

Named "America's Favorite Drive," the 469 mile scenic drive runs from Marion, Virginia down to Tallulah, Georgia and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

America's Largest Home

With over 250 rooms, the Biltmore Estate is one of Asheville's most popular attractions and the historic home of George W. Vanderbilt.

Historic Biltmore Village

Created as a counterpart to the Biltmore Estate at the turn of the century, what was once a planned community for estate workers is now a contemporary shopping destination.

Vibrant Restaurant Scene

Expect to find much more than Southern style cooking in downtown Asheville. The city features a unique mix of eateries with alfresco dining and sidewalk cafes.

Beer City, USA

With 18 craft breweries, Asheville is the craft-brewing center of the Southeast and boasts more breweries per capita of any U.S. city.

Basilica of St. Lawrence

Designed by renowned Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino and completed in 1909, this Catholic church has the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the country.

Pisgah National Forest

Approximately 300 miles of the Maine to Georgia Appalachian trail spans North Carolina.

Mountain Vibe

With one of the largest collections of Art Deco architecture in the Southeast, Asheville is a snapshot of what an American boomtown looked like during the turn of the century.

A Golf Enthusiast's Paradise

Asheville area mountains offer beautiful scenery, lush fairways and challenging courses perfect for avid golfers.

Seasonal Sizzle

As the colder weather sets in, Asheville heats up with its annual Seasonal Sizzle activities. Firework displays choreographed to music light up the night on Saturdays in December.

Craft Brewing Center of the Southeast

With more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city, roughly 100 local beers can be enjoyed in Asheville.

Endless Outdoor Adventures

Known as "the outdoor playground of the Southeast," Asheville offers endless adventures and hiking trails that are great for all experience levels.

Vibrant Fall Foliage

Dense forests span the Blue Ridge Mountains which provide vibrant colors and the perfect attraction for leaf peepers traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Diverse Culture

Asheville's mild weather brings Ashevillian's and visitors alike downtown where a mix of locally owned shops, galleries and eateries with open air seating are waiting to be experienced.

Take a Brews Cruise

Asheville hosts a variety of beer festivals as well as the Asheville Brews Cruise, which provides a behind the scenes tour of Beer City, USA.

River Arts District

With 30 galleries in the River Arts District, Asheville boasts a heralded art scene with city center art walks as well as self guided tours.

Shindig on the Green

Every summer Asheville hosts a variety of music festivals with a wide range of musical sounds that draw a multitude of visitors every year.

Sliding Rock Natural Waterslide

In nearby Transylvania County exists a 60 foot natural waterslide that flows into an 8 foot deep swimming hole. Fueled by 11,000 gallons of water pumped down the rock every minute, this natural attraction is a popular means to cool off in the warm summer months.

Farm to Table Dining

Many of the city's best restaurants have paired with local farmers to bring the freshest fruits and vegetables directly from the farm to the table.

Experience the Rush

With beautiful surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains comes proximity to great white water rafting locations such as the French Broad River, Nantahala River and Nolichucky River.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial

The boyhood home of major American novelist Thomas Wolfe is located in Asheville and was an inspiration for his acclaimed novel "Look Homeward, Angel," published in 1929.

A Year Round Treasure

From blooming spring flowers to colorful fall foliage to snow covered mountains, every season offers a landscape to be admired.

HGTV Urban Oasis 2015