Blissfully Reinvent Yourself! Plan a Vacation to the Mountains of North Carolina

Asheville, NC: Part of the Geography of BlissAARP reported, "The downtown heart of the city
Benjamin Franklin once said, "The Constitution only(with an impressive collection of Art Deco
guarantees the American people the right tobuildings) has coffeehouses, antiques shops,
pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself,"bookstores, and galleries selling crafts (weaving,
and catching some happiness was the goal ofpottery) by mountain artists. And civic activism is
author Eric Weiner in his new book Thestrong; you'll find impassioned groups working to
Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search For Thefoster Appalachian music and to protect national
Happiest Places in the World. Weiner, a seasonedforests from logging." The article continues to
correspondent for National Public Radio, hasdiscuss the region's deep musical roots and
covered numerous stories from over 30 countriesvariety such as bluegrass, jazz, pop and classical.
in the last twenty years and his most recent"In spring, head to the hills," the article continues.
endeavor inspired him to visit a variety of placesDowntown Asheville offers some spectacular
in search of joy.outdoor areas like the Botanical gardens at UNCA
Weiner's search for happiness landed him inor the edible gardens near city/county plaza.
countries like Switzerland, Bhutan, Thailand andTravel Planners and Experts Agree -- An Asheville
Qatar, but unexpectedly, in addition to theseMountain Getaway Will Amaze You
more exotic locations, Weiner chose to listResidents of Asheville, and return visitors, flock
Asheville, North Carolina as one of the world'seach year to Western North Carolina to reinvent
happiest places. To some readers, the choice of athemselves or to find a little slice of mountain bliss.
small mountain city in the Southeastern UnitedEven one of the world's most recognized travel
States as one of the world's happiest locationsguides honored Asheville and named it 1 of 12
may seem like a stretch. Local residents andTop Travel Destinations for 2007 along with
vacationers, however, know the diverse andInternational cities such as Krakow, Poland and
friendly culture of Asheville. Along with theTokyo, Japan. Frommer's stated the cities were
breathtaking Blue Ridge and Great Smokychosen because they were "surprising, thriving or
Mountains, the atmosphere and experience will notemerging travel destinations." Asheville can be
soon be forgotten.considered all of that. Authors Bert Sterling and
Asheville Travel...Discover a New YouPete Sander, writers of the annually updated book
Many people who travel to Asheville and Western"Cities Ranked and Rated", ranked Asheville
North Carolina find that the mountains inspire newnumber 8 in their top ten in addition to cities like
perspectives and feelings about life. This is whyReno, Santa Barbara, Atlanta and Honolulu.
AARP Magazine chose Asheville as number 7 ofPlanning Your Next Vacation? You Can Have
the "15 Best Places to Reinvent Yourself." TheAsheville Any Way You Like It!
AARP research team evaluated ten criteriaPlanning a vacation can create some difficult
believed to represent the needs and desires ofchoices. Where to go? What to do? Where to
Americans over 50 years of age in order tostay? How to get around? In Asheville there are
complete the list including: job availability,opportunities for everyone to plan the perfect
affordable housing, entertainment, outdoorvacation. Visit the North Carolina Mountains and
recreation, safety, educational opportunities,explore both the outer and the inner landscapes.
community vitality, quality health care, successfulBlissfully and happily reinvent yourself; you never
public school systems and transportation options.know what kind of treasure you may find.