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Asheville Ranks No. 6 Among Underrated U.S. Travel Destinations

Scenic view of Asheville, North Carolina with vibrant music venues and beautiful landscapes.

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.