News Summary
Asheville, North Carolina has been recognized as the No. 6 most underrated travel destination in the United States by Wander. The city boasts vibrant music venues, numerous breweries, and unique activities such as axe throwing while serving as a great getaway without overwhelming crowds. With over 55,000 annual Google searches, Asheville’s charm is gaining attention as it continues to recover and improve safety. Recent accolades highlight its growing appeal among travelers.
Asheville, North Carolina, has been ranked No. 6 on the recent list of the most underrated travel destinations in the United States by Wander, a luxury vacation home rental company. This recognition highlights Asheville as an appealing location that offers exciting activities without the overwhelming crowds often found in more popular tourist cities, such as Charlotte.
According to the report, Asheville garners fewer than 55,000 annual Google searches, indicating that many travelers may be unaware of its diverse offerings. The city is celebrated for its vibrant music venues, numerous breweries, and charming wine bars, making it an ideal location for memorable weekend getaways.
Unique experiences in Asheville contribute to its charm, including attractions like Asheville Axe Throwing, where visitors combine the excitement of axe throwing with the enjoyment of alcoholic beverages. This remarkable blend of activities sets Asheville apart from other destinations, further establishing it as a hidden gem in the travel landscape.
This latest ranking from Wander follows a string of accolades for Asheville, which is gaining recognition as a worthwhile travel destination. In 2023, it was ranked No. 15 on Travel & Leisure’s Readers’ 15 Favorite Cities in the U.S. Additionally, Forbes included Asheville in its list of the top 12 destinations to visit globally in 2025. This mention is expected to help bolster tourism in the region, particularly as the city continues to recover from the extensive damages caused by Hurricane Helene, which amounted to at least $53 billion.
Further emphasizing its attractiveness, Asheville was recognized as the No. 9 destination in USA Today’s 2023 list of top places to visit on a budget. The city also claimed the No. 10 spot on Tripadvisor’s list of cities known for excellent restaurants and cuisine. Earlier in May 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked Asheville No. 17 among the best places to live in the U.S. Furthermore, MoveBuddha, a moving and storage company, listed Asheville as the fourth-most popular destination for movers in the United States in 2023.
The safety of Asheville has also improved significantly, as indicated by a 33% decrease in violent crime from 2020 to 2024. In comparison, the neighboring city of Raleigh has experienced a considerable increase in crime rates during the same period. These developments contribute to a stronger sense of community and security for both residents and tourists.
Wander’s ranking of underrated travel destinations relied on comprehensive data analysis from various sources, including CNN, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo. The study utilized Google Ads Keyword Planner to assess search frequency, as well as Tripadvisor and Numbeo data to evaluate rankings of various cities across the country.
In addition to Asheville, other cities listed by Wander as underrated travel locations include Williamsburg, Virginia; Bozeman, Montana; Missoula, Montana; Fairbanks, Alaska; Charlottesville, Virginia; Bentonville, Arkansas; Bellingham, Washington; Helena, Montana; and Olympia, Washington. Each of these destinations offers unique experiences that contribute to the growing appeal of exploring lesser-known travel spots across the United States.
As Asheville continues to emerge as a prominent destination for tourists, the potential for its local economy to flourish remains high. Its unique attractions, vibrant cultural scene, and improving safety make it a compelling choice for visitors seeking a memorable getaway.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville’s Antidote Named No. 1 Rooftop Bar in North Carolina
Fatal Rollover Truck Accident in Asheville
Driver Dies in Rollover Crash Involving Truck on I-240
Harvard University Challenges Trump Administration Over International Students
Asheville Tourism Resurgence Post-Hurricane Helene
Asheville Prepares for Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms This Weekend
Pedestrian Killed in Asheville Traffic Incident
Asheville Tourists Celebrate Local Educators
Asheville Man Dies in Multi-Vehicle Crash
Asheville Regional Airport Opens New Ticketing Lobby
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Asheville Recognized as Underrated Travel Gem
- Travel and Tour World: Asheville – A Hidden Gem for Travelers
- WCNC: Asheville Among Forbes’ Top Travel Destinations for 2025
- Travel and Leisure: Best Places to Visit in North Carolina
- BBC Travel: Best Family Vacation Destinations in the United States
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Google Search: Asheville North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Asheville Travel
- Google News: Asheville North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
