About Asheville Our university is situated in one of the most vibrant cities in the Southeast. With a population of 87,000 in the city and 391,000 in nearby metro areas, Asheville offers an inviting downtown, exciting outdoor adventures, a thriving arts community and an array of eclectic dining opportunities. There’s always plenty to do in Asheville. Things to See and Do Interested in paddling down the French Broad River or taking in a game at the minor league stadium? Or maybe a drum circle and political rally are more your scene? Why not catch a touring concert at the Orange Peel, ranked as one of the top five entertainment venues in the nation by Rolling Stone Magazine? Asheville is well-known for its assortment of historic architectural styles, including the nation’s largest private residence, the glamorous Biltmore Estate. Find out more about the endless possibilities by visiting the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce or the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and discover how Asheville serves as a hub for business innovation, medical developments, technology, and creativity by visiting the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County. Dining Food is a big deal in Asheville. Restaurants offer everything from down home Southern fare to gourmet vegetarian dishes served in cozy pubs or sidewalk cafes, many with live music. The city is nationally known as a craft brewing community, for those over age 21, and Buncombe County is home to more than 20 commercial breweries. A host of farmers’ markets (including one right on campus!) offer fresh, local produce and prepared foods. If this sounds like a gourmand’s delight, you’re right. Asheville has been dubbed “Foodtopia,” where really great food and drink reign supreme! Check out dining options listed on the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce website. Shopping One UNC Asheville alumnus created his own tongue-in-cheek city motto: “Come for the protests, stay for the shopping.” While it’s true that some residents are politically active, everyone is swayed by the range of shopping opportunities. You’ll find traditional Appalachian pottery and other crafts in galleries and shops, handmade dog biscuits and haute couture – all in one city block! Around the corner, you’ll find bookstores that cater to those who seek hard-to-find reading selections. Another downtown shop features nationally acclaimed chocolate truffles. Check out shopping choices on the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce website. Places to Stay The following hotels offer discounts for UNC Asheville guests and visitors. Rates will vary based on season, and reservations are based on availability. A portion of the proceeds from your stay will be donated to UNC Asheville. Use the links below to receive the UNC Asheville Friends and Family Rate online, or request it when making your reservation over the phone. Aloft Asheville Downtown 51 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 828.232.2838 Renaissance Asheville Hotel 31 Woodfin Street Asheville NC 28801 828.252.8211 Virtelle Group including: Element by Westin Asheville Downtown 62 College Place (Opening in 2021) 828.575.5881 Holiday Inn Asheville Biltmore West 435 Smokey Park Highway 828.665.2161 Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore East 1430 Tunnel Road 828.298.5519 Comfort Suites Outlet Center 890 Brevard Road 828-665-4000 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville SW 12 Rocky Ridge Road 828.665.6519 Asheville Rankings Southern Living named Asheville no. 3 on the South’s Best Cities list, behind only Charleston and Savannah. (March 2018) Forbes named Asheville one of 15 Coolest Places to Go in 2018; Asheville is the only U.S. location on that list. (December 2017) Lonely Planet named Asheville the top U.S. destination for 2017. (January 2017) Travel + Leisure named Asheville one of the Top 15 Cities in the U.S. (July 2017) Conde Nast Traveler named Asheville one of the top 15 best small cities in the U.S. (October 2017) Forbes named Asheville one of the 50 best places for business and careers. (2017) 1 University Heights Asheville, NC 28804 webmaster@unca.edu 828.251.6600 Campus Directory Learn Programs of Study Ramsey Library Class Schedules Course Catalog Registrar's Office Accessibility Bookstore Apply Explore Academic Programs Admission information Campus Life Athletics UNC Asheville Magazine Visit UNC Asheville Experience Calendar Events and News Asheville Accommodations Explore Asheville, NC Connect Moodle Faculty and Staff Resources Student Resources Bulldog Alert Campus Police Annual Security & Fire Safety Report Make a Gift © 2021 UNC Asheville Careers Accessibility Title IX Sitemap