This NC city is ‘on the rebound' — and again ranks among best US places to visit
Asheville is No. 9 on a list of cities that visitors love the most, according to results published July 8.
The mountain tourist destination made its mark after missing the list last year. But it regained a spot in the rankings as travelers showed 'love for the city and hope for its revival, after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024,' Travel + Leisure magazine wrote in its report.
To determine the fan-favorite U.S. travel destinations, the magazine teamed up with researchers at Proof Insights. From Oct. 21, 2024, to Feb. 24, it received hundreds of thousands of responses in an online reader survey. For cities, scoring criteria included 'sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping' and value, according to the magazine's website and details shared with McClatchy News via email.
What makes Asheville, NC a fan favorite?
In the resulting World's Best Awards, Asheville was the only place in North Carolina to rank among the top 10 U.S. cities. Travel + Leisure said the 'artsy' destination is taking steps toward recovery after Hurricane Helene battered the area with storm damage and catastrophic flooding in September.
'Readers praised the North Carolina city for its hiking trails, craft beer, and funky art galleries,' the magazine wrote in its report.
The honor adds to a list of accolades for Asheville. In June, CNN Travel named the mountain destination one of the nation's most interesting places to visit, calling it a city 'on the rebound.' The city, which has several tourist attractions that are open after the storm, received nods for its mountain views and food and drink scene.
Earlier this year, Asheville also ranked among the nation's best cities for beer lovers and made a list of top destinations in the South, McClatchy News reported.
This time around, Travel + Leisure said places that offer travelers a glimpse into history and a taste of regional foods received high marks in the best U.S. city rankings.
'When choosing city escapes in the United States, travelers continue to seek destinations with pedestrian-friendly streets, dynamic arts and culture institutions, and excellent food,' the magazine wrote in its report. 'For many visitors, it was also important to have access to activities that suit everyone, whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a multigenerational family.'
Across the country, the top-ranked vacation spot was Santa Fe, New Mexico. Here are the other destinations that round out the top five:
New Orleans at No. 2Charleston, South Carolina, at No. 3Savannah, Georgia, at No. 4Alexandria, Virginia, at No. 5
In addition to boasting winners in the U.S. cities category, places in North Carolina landed in the top 10 on another World's Best Awards list. Here's how they fared among the 'best resorts' in the South:
High Hampton in Cashiers at No. 2The Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville at No. 3Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands at No. 7
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-i-go-to-europe-every-year-and-these-are-tk-summer-dress-styles-that-tktk-tout-99e412ea0fda4501b8cc3204a247f6e1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
40 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
I Spend Every Summer in Europe—These Are the 10 Effortless Dress Styles I Pack
No matter how large the crowds or long the travel time, I visit Europe each summer. In a few weeks, I'll make my annual trek across the pond, starting in London and immersing myself amongst the fashion epicenter's well-dressed locals and their pastel colored midi dresses and posh, wrinkle-resistant linens that are easy to accessorize. Then, it's off to Greece, where the look is always playful and beach-ready, especially in Halkidiki, the less-crowded but equally beautiful Northern cousin to the popular Greek Islands, where I'll be staying. Always in my carry-on? A versatile travel dress to match each city's unique style and climate. If you're gearing up for your own European adventure in the summer months, regardless of local style, make sure to invest in fabrics with great airflow and moveability for days of walking and exploring. Below, you'll find 12 dress styles to get you started, all inspired by my people watching and desire to be cool, literally and figuratively. Linen provides summer-friendly moisture-wicking material and natural fibers that encourage the air flow needed for humid days in Europe. Best of all, the fabric is trending across so many great brands in various styles, from mini dresses to fashionable button-downs. One of my favorite picks at the moment is The Reformation Linen Dress, which features a slim-fitting bodice and A-line skirt for effortless day-to-night versatility when I don't have time to go back to my hotel before dinner. For a little more length but similar flare, the Quince European Linen Fit Flare Dress' soft material is made from premium flax fiber sustainably grown in Western Europe, and has adjustable straps that are always a nice bonus. Effortlessly versatile, midi dresses have a mid-calf cut that can easily be dressed up or down, and range in a wide variety of styles that include one-shoulder, strapless, and halter-neck options. Consider Amazon's Litvany Midi Dress, which features a ribbed knit bodice and a puffed peplum skirt that makes it a fashionable option for a night out. I've also added this gorgeous Helsa Brie Midi Dress to my packing wishlist, as I can't get enough of the chic look and delicate details, like a bow accent and a lace-up detail at the neckline. Playful, full of motion, and the perfect way to show off your legs, mini dresses are always a reliable summer dress option for nights out in Europe. This flirty style has evolved into more inclusive, figure-flattering cuts, like this 40 percent-off Quilted Gathered Mini Dress from Scotch & Soda, which has a loose fit and mid-thigh length that suits a wide variety of shapes. I've also got my eye on this eyelet dress from Splendid, as I'm a huge fan of the relaxed fit. The intricate detailing on the dress and whimsical, perforated eyelet pattern make it a breezy, cool option for afternoon tea. If you've searched online for a summer dress recently, chances are you've likely seen the drop-waist dress trend that's taking the internet by storm. The defining feature of this silhouette is a lowered waistline and flared skirt, and the varying lengths and use of breathable fabrics make it an ideal choice for warmer temperatures. Because I'm on the curvier side, I was hesitant to lean into this style, but this Zelda dress from Marie Oliver, on sale for a whopping $306 off, quickly changed my mind. The vibrant, yellow color and breezy, loose-fitting cotton poplin material make it a gorgeous dress for any summer activity. Other styles that have caught my attention include this twirly Parthea Midi Dress, $57 on Amazon, and this ruched American Eagle Bella midi dress, on sale for $49. One of the things I love most about halter dresses is their history. This bold style first gained popularity in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement as a rebellion against traditional fashion norms. Now, it's trending once again thanks to a bigger Y2K revival that has made my nostalgic heart happy, as do polka dots. Both are married together beautifully in the More to Come Brienne Mini Dress from Revolve. This chic mini dress has a halter neck tie and low draped back that I can't wait to wear to an alfresco lunch in the Mediterranean. Shopping on a budget? I also have my eye on this $39 tiered maxi dress at Amazon, which gives instant European vibes with its ruched bust and ruffled skirt. It should come as no surprise that beach-inspired tropical and floral prints are also a popular dress choice in Europe during the summer. Channel your inner Grecian goddess with the white floral printed Krystyn Mini Dress from More to Come; the chiffon fabric and babydoll fit exude all the whimsical, feminine vibes I try to capture throughout my summer wardrobe. For a more comfortable option with plenty of stretch, consider this Maggy London Stretch Cotton Max Dress—it's made with a cotton-spandex blend fabric and is on sale for just $55. There's a reason behind the saying 'smooth as silk.' The cooling, soft touch of this light fabric is a welcome feel against my hot skin, especially in the summer. It's also typically thermoregulating, so you can wear it confidently during the dog days of summer, knowing that you won't overheat easily. For an option that feels just as comfortable as it looks, this Quince Washable Silk Slip Dress, $90, has a midi length and comes in a number of colors to choose from, including a pretty floral pastel pattern and gleaming aqua pearl. For a fun night out, this Reformation Ursula Silk Dress always catches people's attention when I wear it. Designed with a fitted bodice that flows into a mini A-line skirt, I adore this playful look with a cute pair of kitten heels and a clutch bag. I know what you're thinking: Denim? In the summer?! Though the fabric isn't exactly known for its breathability, denim dresses can be lightweight enough to be worn in hotter temperatures. One of my go-tos is this denim mini dress from Gap; it offers plenty of soft stretch with a fit that hits right above the knees. And this Ellison Midi Dress from Reformation has a flowy A-line skirt that promotes air flow on warm, sunny days. I'm also a huge fan of denim dresses because you can dress them up or down with any color or pattern, whether that be your favorite scarf, shoes, or jewelry. This $60 Amazon denim shirt dress, for example, can be spiced up with a pair of knee-high boots and a handbag, or worn with a pair of comfy Hokas for a casual look. Having made their debut across fashion runways this past spring, bubble hem dresses are both playful and versatile, making them a reliable option for day or night. Look for lightweight materials like cotton and tulle that promote airflow, and have some fun by choosing vibrant colors and patterns. A great day option is this J. Crew Bubble-hem dress, made with a soft cotton blend and featuring a modest boat neckline. For a more dressed-up look that combines two other trending dress styles—halter-necks and mini lengths—I've got my eye on More to Come's Giovanna dress from Revolve, $76. It's no secret that crochet dresses are having a moment right now. No longer limited to summer beachwear, this style has evolved over the years and is now available in both casual and evening wear. I love this Express Crochet Halter Cutout Maxi Dress because of its classic geometric print and halter neckline. The brand also has a Crochet Striped Scoop Neck Mini Sweater Dress that I'll be wearing multiple times over due to its colorful print and stretchy material that doesn't need to be ironed. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
How Portuguese Culture Makes It Easier To Parent
This is part of Reason's 2025 summer travel issue. Click here to read the rest of the issue. My baby was stolen in a Portuguese airport. The culprit was a granny who worked in the bakery there, crafting pastéis de nata. While I was sorting out the rental car booking, my husband had taken our then-9-month-old son to fetch pastries. Our son quickly disappeared—taken behind the counter by an insistent old lady who wanted to show him around and, presumably, feed him spoonfuls of custard. Who am I to object to local custom? Portuguese culture grants special privileges to children and families, and those privileges really do make a big difference. We've been to Lisbon, surf towns to the west, the Azores, and even Cabo Verde, the African island nation and former colony, where many of the same norms apply. Pregnant women, the elderly, and people traveling with young kids get special lines for airport security and customs, ushered through as fast as possible. Native Portuguese will get offended if they see you in the normal line, instructing you to go to the priority line and sometimes getting the attention of the customs officer to make sure the system is adhered to—the only time Southern Europeans have ever been rule-abiding! Though their Northern European neighbors are strict about taxi cab car seat rules and paranoid about child safety on buses (in Norway they made me use a car seat), the Portuguese are relaxed about it, allowing parents to make whatever choices they deem best. This is helpful for those of us who don't travel with car seats, preferring to use public transit wherever possible. Their playgrounds allow lots of risky play. We availed ourselves of Lisbon's Jardim da Estrela, which had plenty of climbing structures, including one extending more than 15 feet in the air, full of kids as young as 5 jousting for the top spot. Contrast this with the American approach: Our illustrious federal regulators publish the Public Playground Safety Handbook, which discourages playground designers from using free-swinging ropes (which "present a potential strangulation hazard," as they could "fray" or "form a loop") and mandates the steepness of slides. Or worse, the New York approach: padlocking certain playgrounds, such as Hudson River Park's Pier 26 and Madison Square Park's, when it gets chilly out, because God forbid children slip or fall in the event that there's ice or snow. (Better to just stay inside glued to a screen, these policies seem to suggest.) In Lisbon, the public park facilities even had a miniature bathroom for potty-training kids, but you could also freely change a diaper on a park bench. The nearby day cares dressed kids for rain or shine, and they seemed to make outdoor time a habit. The moms did not hover—a refreshing contrast to Manhattan and Brooklyn—and there was a healthy mix of moms and dads handling the kids. (To give credit where due, some Northern Europeans get good marks in these subjects. Playgrounds in Berlin are abundant and, in many cases, designed to maximize kid independence—and nasty weather rarely deters there, since active outdoor time is valued highly.) At home in New York, I keep a list of fancy restaurants that tend to be welcoming toward babies and toddlers (Bonnie's in Williamsburg, Cafe Gitane in Lower Manhattan), precisely because it feels like a rarity: Several restaurants have adopted policies disallowing children (Jean-Georges, Bungalow). In Portugal, it's standard to see families out to dinner, and out quite late. Though the families don't tend to be huge—Portugal has not been immune to the sinking-birthrate issues that have plagued the rest of the developed world—they are rebounding a bit from a 2013 low of 1.21 births per woman. Lots of cultures around the world get components of childrearing right: The American expats I met in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, let their kids roam free-range and almost universally homeschooled, seceding from the dominant parenting culture in America, the rat race, and the anxiety. (In some cases, they've deviated very far from the norm: One mom told me it's totally chill to breastfeed 8-year-olds. But I think that's just a hippie thing, not a Central American custom.) Panamanian parents in coastal towns like Playa Venao seem to let their young kids surf with abandon, unsupervised except by siblings. The aforementioned Germans have free-play areas where adults aren't allowed, such as Berlin's Abenteuerlicher Bauspielplatz Kolle 37, a playground with spots for climbing and hammer-and-nails construction and fire building. When I visited, a crowd of 9-year-olds were tending it with pokers; my toddler, not yet allowed in, seemed already to covet access to the flames. But the Portuguese in particular grasp something I fear American parents miss: You don't have to recede from society once you have children, relegated only to explicitly kid-friendly spaces. The way to get children to learn how to fly and dine in restaurants and act civilized in public is to include them, and to let them practice again and again. Of course, those reps are easier gotten when you have a surrounding culture that acts like children are a gift, not a burden. The grace with which Portuguese culture treats families makes it easier to bear when your kid inevitably messes up in public; everyone who witnesses the tantrum or the spilled glass seems to realize that this is a normal part of living alongside kids—a little cost worth bearing to have a society that's warm and friendly and growing. The post How Portuguese Culture Makes It Easier To Parent appeared first on Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Most popular destinations for UK holidaymakers named
Resorts in Spain and Portugal are the most popular destinations for UK holidaymakers this summer, according to a new report. Malaga and Palma de Mallorca in Spain top the list, followed by Faro in Portugal, research by easyJet Holidays found. Other popular destinations included Rhodes, Tenerife and Dalaman. Edinburgh and Belfast were said to be the most popular domestic destinations for people holidaying closer to home or visiting relatives. The busiest day of the summer for travel will be July 30, easyJet predicted.
