6: Asheville, NC

Treat yourself with a trip to one of the South's coolest cities this summer. Asheville blossoms with hip shops and galleries, satisfying eateries, and the grandest estate in America. Get out your walking shoes, and explore this ultimate weekend destination.

Where to Stay: Hampton Inn-Biltmore Square
This hotel offers all the amenities you would expect from a chain, but at five minutes from the Biltmore Estate and Biltmore Village, its location is key. Rates range $84-$189.
1 Rocky Ridge Road; (828) 667-2022

Where to Eat: Salsa Mexican Caribbean Restaurant
Find here a fun blend of Mexican and Caribbean cuisine. The tiny space downtown crowds at lunchtime, but delicious and enormous portions smooth any line-waiting. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
6 Patton Avenue; (828) 252-9805

Things to do in Asheville, NC