It’s one of the most popular destinations for a mountain getaway, and Asheville, NC, is no less beautiful just because we’re visiting it via a virtual vacation. Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers amazing views, cuisine, arts and so much more. Let’s take a look around this beautiful Western Carolina hot spot. Start with this quick video, and then check out five more amazing experiences only available in Asheville.
Climb a Mountain
Through a partnership with Google, Explore Asheville, the city’s Convention & Visitors Bureau, has helped to create interactive, virtual tours of more than 20 iconic area hikes and destinations. From Catawba Falls to the top of Mount Mitchell, you can explore iconic Asheville locations from the comfort of your couch.
Catawba Falls is stunning! You can almost hear the water, can’t you? Image: ExploreAsheville.com
Explore Biltmore Virtually in 360 Degrees
Biltmore is a place that can easily take your breath away. From the awe-inspiring details inside the home to the beautifully manicured gardens and trails, you’ll find there’s so much to explore. As you plan your future visit, you can still discover Biltmore from afar. Through a partnership with Biltmore and Google Street View, check out these 360-degree looks at iconic locations across Biltmore Estate.
Take a virtual tour of Biltmore, Asheville’s wildly popular destination. Image: ExploreAsheville.com
The Biltmore gardens in bloom … gorgeous! Image: ExploreAsheville.com
Find Peace with Free Online Yoga and Meditation Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Find your Zen during this stressful time. Miranda Peterson of Asheville yoga-hike company Namaste in Nature has developed a series of free online videos to help you relax. In the videos, Miranda guides you in front of a backdrop of vistas, waterfalls and forest trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From a 10-minute sensory meditation to a gentle, immune-boosting yoga asana practice, these videos are designed to “calm and support your immune system.” The videos are easily accessible on YouTube. Asheville Community Yoga, West Asheville Yoga and Pure Barre Asheville are among local studios livestreaming classes so you can get your workout in from home.
Give Yourself a Nature Minute
One of the Asheville area’s most beloved outdoor attractions, Grandfather Mountain, is hosting a series called “Nature Minutes.” In the videos, park staff showcase the adorable animals, such as otters, cougars and bears, that call this nature preserve home. You’ll also be introduced to the natural wonders of the mountain. You can catch the series on Grandfather Mountain’s Facebook page.
Get a glimpse of all the beauty nature has to offer with a virtual visit to Grandfather Mountain. Image: Facebook
Go “eTrailblazing” on America’s Favorite Scenic Drive
See this famous 469-mile winding road – which passes right through Asheville – through the eyes of the people who love it and know it best with the interactive guide “Explorers of the Blue Ridge Parkway,” designed to look, move and sound like a real-life journey on the Parkway and offering tales, trails, top hikes and animated vistas of endless mountain ridges.
