Asheville : North Carolina

A city in Buncombe County, it is often referred to as the Vacation and retirement area. It lies on the French Broad River, between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. It has been named after governor, Samuel Ashe. Asheville's weather is similar to the weather of the rest of the southeastern U.S., but with somewhat cooler temperatures because of its high altitude. In winter, temperatures may fall into the teens (Fahrenheit), and Asheville almost always receives snow and freezing rain a few times each year. It receives an average annual snowfall of 16 inches. July is the warmest month while January is the coldest.

Elevation: 2134 feet

Land area: 40.9 square miles

Latitude: 35.58 N

Longitude: 82.56 W

Population: 72,231 as on 2005

Local festivals :

    * Harvest Home Celebration
    * Mountain Dance & Folk Festival

Attractions:

    * North Carolina Arboretum
    * Biltmore Estate
    * Asheville Art Museum
    * Estes-Winn Auto Museum
    * North Carolina Homespun Museum
    * Pack Place Education
    * Arts & Science Center
    * Thomas Wolfe Memorial
    * Colburn Gem & Mineral Museum