About Asheville
Tucked away in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is well known for its natural beauty and myriad outdoor activities. But look a little closer and you’ll find a city with so much more to offer than just access to the great outdoors.
We’re talking excellent restaurants, a thriving craft beer scene, a definite artsy vibe, and plenty of that good old-fashioned southern hospitality you’d expect in this part of the world. As a result of all these factors, Asheville has a whole lot to offer for any event planner.
So regardless of whether you’re planning a small celebration or a big bash in Asheville, here’s what you need to know.
Event Options in Asheville
There’s a lot that goes into planning an event of any size, so it’s important to find the right people to help you create something special. Happily, some of the best businesses in Asheville can provide all the essential event services you need.
- Party Rentals
Need some extra equipment for your Asheville event space? A reputable party rental service can offer everything you need at an affordable price.
- Caterers
You can’t expect your guests to have a good time on an empty stomach, so Asheville’s best caterers can ensure that they’re well fed. Shop around to find an experienced catering service that can craft a menu to suit your needs.
- Event Planners
Having trouble managing the myriad aspects of organizing a special occasion? An experienced event planner can take the stress out of the process and ensure that you find the best Asheville event space, arrange vendors, coordinate scheduling on the day, and much more.
Event Companies in Asheville
Call on experienced and reputable event companies in Asheville so you can work on your agenda and guest list.
- Events by Kiersa
An award-winning event and wedding planning company based in Asheville, Events by Kiersa specializes in everything from social occasions to fundraisers and corporate events. Kiersa Holy and her team aim to execute smooth seamless events to create a stress-free experience for clients.
- Celine and Company Catering
Established by Celine and Michael Lurey in 1993, Celine and Company Catering is now run by long-serving chef Kim Lloyd. Whether you’re planning a corporate event or a milestone celebration, the company offers menus that blend traditional southern fare with more exotic dishes.
- Classic Event Rental
Classic Event Rental offers a wide range of party supplies to help get your Asheville event space looking just right. Chandeliers, tents, glassware, linens, and AV supplies are just some of the myriad products available to rent.
Pros and Cons of Events in Asheville
Asheville is a beautiful city with many wonderful attractions, but is it the right location for your event? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
Advantages
- Beautiful outdoors
If you love hiking, wildlife watching, or just spending time in the great outdoors, Asheville has so much to offer. And if you want to stage an outdoor event, you’re in the right place.
- Southern hospitality
Legendary southern hospitality is alive and well in Asheville, which can help make staging an event of any size a whole lot easier and less stressful.
- Craft beer
If you’re partial to a brew or two, you’ll love exploring the many craft breweries on offer in Asheville. This also means there are plenty of great local options available to help your event attendees quench their thirst.
- Great restaurants
Asheville is also home to a thriving food scene, so you’ll find plenty of choices when finding a caterer for your event.
- Mild weather
Thanks to its mountainous location, the weather in Asheville is much milder than in many other areas of the southeastern United States.
Disadvantages
- Traffic
While not as bad as in other larger cities, traffic congestion can be a problem at times. Consider travel routes and times when choosing the best Asheville event space.
- Expensive
The cost of living in Asheville is quite high, so staging an event here might cost more than you may expect.
- Tourists
Because of its convenient location close to stunning mountains, Asheville attracts plenty of tourists. Be prepared to deal with crowds and increased competition when organizing an event.
- You’ll need a car
While Asheville does have a bus network, you’ll most likely need a car to get around. Keep this in mind when choosing an Asheville event space.
- Not as many options
Due to its size, Asheville doesn’t offer as much choice in terms of venues and vendors as you would find in a larger city.
Famous Locations in Asheville
- Biltmore
Perhaps the best-known attraction in Asheville, this 8,000-acre estate is truly a sight to behold. Built by George Vanderbilt, this stunning house boasts old-world elegance at every turn and also features spectacular gardens and grounds with over 20 miles of trails.
- Pisgah National Forest
If you want to leave the city behind and head out to explore the wilderness, you’ll love taking your time checking out this 500-000-plus-acre forest. With its soaring peaks, beautiful waterfalls, dense forest, and hundreds of miles of trails, it offers endless opportunities for adventure.
- The North Carolina Arboretum
Another attraction that will delight nature lovers, the North Carolina Arboretum is found just to the south of Asheville. There you’ll find 65 acres of cultivated gardens, featuring everything from bonsais to wildflowers, plus miles of hiking and biking trails to explore.
