{"id":3086,"date":"2026-07-09T19:37:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T19:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlotterelocationguide.com\/?p=3086"},"modified":"2026-07-09T19:37:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T19:37:00","slug":"this-nc-destination-ranks-among-nations-best-places-to-visit-why-its-special","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/charlotterelocationguide.com\/?p=3086","title":{"rendered":"This NC destination ranks among nation\u2019s best places to visit. Why it\u2019s special"},"content":{"rendered":"

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.<\/p>\n

Read our AI Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n

A North Carolina destination \u201cdelivers Southern hospitality in droves\u201d \u2014 and visitors can\u2019t get enough.<\/p>\n

Read more 4-star NC receiver is Gamecocks\u2019 first commitment for 2028. What to know<\/a><\/p>\n

So much so, Asheville ranks No. 13<\/a> on a list of the top U.S. vacation spots. The mountain destination received the honor as Travel + Leisure magazine published its World\u2019s Best Awards<\/a> on Tuesday, July 7.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith insights from more than 207,000 readers, the annual survey offers a snapshot of the places, brands, and experiences resonating with travelers today,\u201d the magazine wrote in a news release.<\/p>\n

Travel + Leisure said it created the list after readers cast over a half-million votes from Oct. 20 to Feb. 23. The online survey asked them to weigh in on several vacation-related topics, including the best hotels and airlines.<\/p>\n

To determine the nation\u2019s top cities, places were scored in the following categories: \u201csights\/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, value.\u201d And on the resulting list of winners, the magazine said \u201ctried-and-true\u201d destinations \u201creign supreme with phenomenal attractions, superlative hotels, and electric dining scenes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Asheville was the only place in North Carolina to earn a spot in the top 15. A spokesperson for Travel + Leisure didn\u2019t share additional insight with The News & Observer regarding why the city ranked high.<\/p>\n

But in the past, the magazine has highlighted what makes Asheville special<\/a>. The destination \u2014 known for its art scene and sprawling Biltmore Estate \u2014 \u201cperfectly blends a city feel with country roots,\u201d according to an article last updated in June.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe city, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, delivers Southern hospitality in droves,\u201d the magazine wrote. \u201cWith stellar views, cultural attractions, a long summer season, plentiful accommodations, and multiple breweries to kick back a pint, it\u2019s where every kind of traveler can find their slice of paradise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more What will Charlotte do next in I-77 fight? New mayor answers questions on tolls<\/a><\/p>\n

A post shared by Visit Asheville | Asheville, North Carolina (@visitasheville)<\/a><\/p>\n

The results come after Asheville ranked No. 9 on last year\u2019s Travel + Leisure list. At the time, the magazine said travelers showed \u201clove for the city<\/a> and hope for its revival, after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene<\/a> in the fall of 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n

Western North Carolina is rebuilding, and many popular tourist spots<\/a> have welcomed back visitors. As Asheville residents banded together after the storm<\/a>, the city was named the No. 1 \u201cnicest place in America.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the past two years, Asheville also has ranked as a fan-favorite<\/a> Southern destination, a top city<\/a> for beer lovers and one of the most interesting places to visit<\/a>, CharlotteFive previously reported.<\/p>\n

On the latest Travel + Leisure list, North Carolina destinations made their marks in other categories. Highlights include:<\/p>\n

Across the country, the most-loved U.S. vacation destination was Santa Fe, New Mexico. Here are the other cities that rounded out the top five:<\/p>\n

Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea you\u2019d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.<\/p>\n

Read more Hunting down Charlotte restaurant deals, and a new coffee shop is coming soon<\/a><\/p>\n

You can submit your question by filling out this form<\/a><\/b>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

North Carolina destination ranks among most loved, top US cities. Popular NC vacation spot for beer, mountains made Travel + Leisure magazine World\u2019s Best list.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3085,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3086","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-read-todays-edition"],"yoast_head":"\nThis NC destination ranks among nation\u2019s best places to visit. 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