DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE AND THE MOUNTAINS
A Dynamic Mountain City
Asheville's past is one of humble beginnings as a market crossroads in the late 1700's. The early part of the last century saw rapid development as Asheville grew into a resort destination and regional commercial center- the boom times when the fine neighborhoods and great inns were constructed. The nation's financial collapse of the late Twenties hit Asheville's inflated economy especially hard, ushering in a lengthy period of economic dormancy and debt repayment that lasted into the Sixtie's.
Today, Asheville is experiencing a remarkable revival of its downtown as it is transformed into the vibrant and exciting center of area life that it was long ago, and more. In recent years, thoughtful renovations of commercial buildings have led the way towards reclaiming and diversifying the core of the city, and energetic entrepreneurs are creating an extraordinary mix of new businesses and services in renovated street-level shops. The building's upper floors are home to an increasing number of people who find the ever-changing panorama of downtown life a stimulating and refreshing homeplace.
Locally, committed non-profit organizations and volunteers have teamed with an adventurous City Council and the County Commission in efforts to make Asheville a more livable city for everyone. And in the nearby neighborhoods there is a spirit of excitement and renewal, as neglected older homes are restored by the hundreds for a new life along the tree-lined avenues.
The Blue Ridge Mountains and Beyond
At altitude above 2000 feet, Asheville is situated on a high plateau closely surrounded by mountains- the Blue Ridge and Black Mountains to the east, Craggy Dome to the north, and the Smokies on the far western horizon. In fair weather, 5721-foot Mount Pisgah to the southwest can be seen from our property.
The early habitation of the region was defined by this rugged environment, creating a hardy, self-reliant native and settlement populace rather insulated from the outside world. The craft and industry of early Western Carolinians represents a history of tenacity, accomplishment, and profound creative expression that continues to find its way in a changed world.
Nowadays, the glories of the natural environment have drawn 2.6 million hikers and walkers to the four state National Forests in 1999 alone- not counting the river rats and leaf-peepers. With nearly 1-1/4 million acres in the state's National Forest holdings (much of it in our region), and other protected areas that include trails, river systems, waterfalls, snow peaks, and recreational opportunities too numerous to count, the area mountains are an extraordinary resource for all.
FIGURES OF NOTE:
Miles of Forest System Trails: 1,734
Miles of Appalachian Scenic Trail: 226
Miles of Cold-water Wild Trout Streams: 3,106
Locally Rare Animal Species: 115
Locally Rare Plant Species: 289
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE OUTDOORS IN OUR MOUNTAINS, VISIT "OUR FAVORITE LINKS" PAGE
