FAQ s WEATHER? Asheville’s higher elevation (2,000-2,500 feet above sea level, with nearby mountain peaks topping 6,500 feet) affects our daily temperatures, resulting in cooler days and nights than in eastern parts of North Carolina and adjacent states. Our hottest month is typically July (though September 2019 broke multiple heat records), and the coldest is January. December-February are our snowiest months. BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT? Based on hotel occupancy, that would be from MarchNovember, with the peak in October for the fall color season, which, thanks to our biodiversity and elevation range, is one of the most colorful and longest in the country. Fall comes earlier at higher elevations. The first hints typically arrive in September, with the peak color explosion the last two weeks of October and fading out in early November. Hotel rates rise with the color. If you’re looking for a less pricey and less crowded getaway, JanuaryMarch offer the best bets. Also consider the spring bloom season in April, which packs its own color punch. Check out our guide’s Festivals section, because events take place year-round. WHERE CAN I PARK? Downtown, where demand for parking is greatest, has thousands of parking spaces, consisting of on-street parking (mostly metered, some free), surface lots and garages (or decks). Parking can also be challenging in West Asheville and Biltmore Village. • For a map of downtown deck locations, pricing info and links to a mobile-phone app that lets you know where the vacancies are, visit Buncombe County government’s webpage at avl.mx/6si. • Street meters must be fed via coin or credit card (using PassportParking Mobile Pay) between 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Sat. ($1.50/hour). Metered parking is free after 6 p.m., as well as on Sundays and holidays. • Public and private surface-lot rates vary ($3 or more per session). • Deck parking is typically free the first hour, $2.50 for the second hour and $1.25 for each subsequent hour. • Visit the city of Asheville’s Parking Services website at avl. mx/6sj for lots of additional info, including how to pay fines and recover a towed vehicle.
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FIELD GUIDE TO ASHEVILLE
2020
