MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Sights and sounds are plentiful in the outdoor adventure mecca of Asheville, located in Southwestern North Carolina.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is packed with outdoor options and leads visitors from Asheville through the vast Blue Ridge Mountains, to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
All across the southwestern portion of North Carolina, visitors can find a plethora of waterfalls, including Looking Glass Falls, which was featured in the movie, "The Last of the Mohicans," or the 411-foot high Upper Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
"In coming to Asheville, you are guaranteed a personal experience that is as unique and as varied as each individual who visits," said Marissa Jamison, public relations and marketing assistant, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, who suggests spending more than one day in the area. "Whether your interest lies in whitewater rafting down the Nantahala River or picnicking along the Blue Ridge parkway, each visitor will find their own personal adventure."
If a visitor has just one day in Asheville, it should begin with a hike, either from the Blue Ridge Parkway or at the North Carolina Arboretum, adds Jamison. Then head to downtown Asheville to browse local arts and crafts boutiques and shop at locally owned and operated stores. Close the afternoon with dinner at a café that offers outdoor seating and check out the action on the street. At night, hit a local nightspot and relax.
For a little bit more adventure than what the town offers, head out to the hills and thrills that wait in the area's surrounding mountains.
"If you are looking for an adventure, Asheville is the perfect spot," said Jamison. "National Geographic Adventure Magazine touted Asheville as one of the 'Ten Great Adventure Towns.' The Blue Ridge Parkway is ideal in the summer season, as the higher elevations have cooler temperatures. The possibilities for hiking, camping, biking and relaxing are endless."
After a night of camping next to a billowing river and a day filled with hiking up, down and around the mountains, many outdoor enthusiasts might find that swimming in one of many freshwater pools in the area may be just the thing to conclude the fun-filled day.
"The mountains of Western North Carolina offer a great way to take advantage of hot summer days in the various swimming holes found throughout the region. Sliding Rock is a natural water slide in which you can zoom down 60-feet into a pool of water. Other swimming holes include Looking Glass Falls, Green River and Sunburst."
The options are limitless at this adventure focal point. The area is surrounded by quaint little towns that host a variety of options. Spend a night in Hot Springs, N.C., a 30-minute drive from Asheville, camp alongside the French Broad River, hike the Lovers Leap trail during the day and and end with a relaxing massage fueled by hot springs that night.
If hiking is not on the schedule, visitors can take a plunge down one of the many wild rivers in a whitewater raft or simply float down a calmer one. While getting wet and wild may not be on the agenda, perhaps rapelling or climbing will entice visitors to new heights at Chimney Rock Park.
"Asheville has more to offer visitors than any one person can describe," said Jamison. "Get ready to create your own adventure and unique experience."
Jamison urges visitors to be safe and prepared, bring sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids during the summer months and come prepared for the cold in the winter.
For more information, visit Western North Carolina's official tourism Web site at www.exploreasheville.com.