Despite the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Helene, Asheville was voted among the best U.S. cities to visit in 2025 by CNN.

CNN spokesperson Malika Budd explained that the list of towns was chosen carefully from hundreds of candidates. The final top 10 were selected by evaluating the “attractions, food and beverage offerings, cultural and nightlife scenes, diversity, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and wow factor” of each finalist.

“Everything that’s helped make Asheville a popular tourist destination for well over a century is still very much here to enjoy,” CNN stated in its piece on the city. “You’ll find Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, a vibrant downtown, eclectic neighborhoods, the grand Biltmore Estate, an impressive food and beverage scene, great hiking and an all-around creative culture that’s long drawn artists and craftspeople.”

Asheville is working to continue to boost tourism, on which the town’s economy heavily relies, following Helene. Here’s what CNN writers loved about the area.

What to do in Asheville, NC

CNN writers mentioned a number of options in Asheville, including art, music and more. Attractions CNN appreciated in its article included:

  • The Asheville Pinball Museum, offering “hours of entertainment with unlimited access to 40 pinball machines and 40 classic video games for $17”

  • Music venue Eulogy, a newer addition from Burial Brewery

  • The Biltmore Estate, including “behind-the-scenes offerings” such as the “backstairs” tour

  • The Odyssey Gallery, showcasing the creations of more than 20 ceramic artists, and classes at Odyssey ClayWorks

  • Non-profit North Carolina Glass Center, with “ethereal drinking glasses and other eye-catching items” for sale plus classes available

  • The Grey Eagle with a full calendar of live music and events

Where to stay in Asheville, NC

Writers at CNN praised several lodging options in Asheville, including:

  • The Flat Iron, in a “wedge-shaped 1926 skyscraper,” which CNN praised for highlighting “the city’s recent boom as a destination”

  • The Radical, a “graffiti-chic, art-centered hotel in the RAD that hosted first responders and reopened to guests in January”

  • The Grand Bohemian Lodge in Biltmore Village, which reopened to guests in May

Where to eat and drink in Asheville, NC

Asheville is known for its cuisine, bars and breweries. CNN writers particularly appreciated the following Asheville choices for food and drink:

  • The Flat Iron Hotel’s Luminosa restaurant, featuring “modern-Appalachian meets Italian” cuisine, plus the hotel’s rooftop bar and basement speakeasy

  • Good Hot Fish, from chef and James Beard Award winner Ashleigh Shanti – writers praised “sandwiches piled with piping hot fried catfish, buttermilk tartar sauce and fridge pickles”

  • Cider and tinned fish at Botanist and Barrel

  • Even more beer at Diatribe Brewing Co.

  • Nearly a dozen more breweries in the South Slope brewing district – CNN praised Burial Beer Co.’s original facility with two bars and indoor and outdoor spaces

  • Anoche, with agave spirit-based beverages served in a “tiny white cottage that spills out onto a spacious patio”

  • ButterPunk, a new bakery and cafe opened post-Helene by pastry chefs Beth Kellerhals and Dana Amromin

  • Eda Rhyne Distilling Company’s tasting room, including drinks like Appalachian fernet and amaro

  • OWL Bakery, with a “tantalizing selection of naturally leavened bread and European-inspired pastries”

  • Sunny Point Cafe for “hearty brunches”

  • Local 604 bottle shop – CNN praised its selection of regional beverages like Noble Cider and Pisgah Pale Ale

  • Hi-fi listening bar Potential New Boyfriend, with wine and desserts

  • Nationally recognized Filipinx restaurant Neng Jr’s

  • Leo’s House of Thirst, with an “impressive wine list with a fresh, produce-forward menu”

Best U.S. towns to visit 2025

The full list of CNN’s 10 best towns to visit in 2025 included:

  1. Asheville, North Carolina

  2. Northampton, Massachusetts

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: What to do in Asheville, NC: Restaurants, shops, more praised by CNN

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