​In the past year Asheville, North Carolina has made several of the best of lists, including Friendliest Cities, Foodie Destinations and even Best Beer Cities. Asheville starts out the new year with Lonely Planet's "Best in the US" at the top of the list.

Asheville is known as an artistic community where you can breathe fresh, clean mountain air, have some space and maybe hike some of the hundreds of miles of trails in the area too. Sounds like a great idea for Spring! Asheville has a cool factor that draws transplants and travelers to the area.

Home to The Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt's 250-room French Renaissance chateau, Biltmore House, said to be the largest home in America. This 8000 acre estate is a tribute to America's Gilded Age with 75 acres of manicured gardens, two luxury hotels, a winery and a beautiful view. This is definitely a must-see when you are in Asheville.

During the cold months you can find winter waterfall frozen masterpieces when the temperature drops if you are adventurous. Bridal Veil Falls in DuPont State Park is a favorite spot made famous in such movies as "The Last Mohican" and "The Hunger Games". Just be careful and watch for ice of course. Winters are mild with temperatures in the 40-50 degree F range during the winter. It does get colder as you head higher into the mountains though. But usually it's great weather to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Asheville is also a music mecca and often there are street musicians of all types playing in various areas around the city. Bluegrass, folk, blues, and jazz can be heard played on everything from spoons, saws and guitars! Music festivals are a common occurrence as well.

With almost 250 independent restaurants and 13 regional markets, Asheville is seriously a foodie destination. Several celebrated chefs have come out of Asheville in recent years.

Asheville is home to several large medical facilities including the Great Smokies Medical Center, Mission Hospitals, the Charles George VA Medical Center and many more. Travel nurse jobs are available now if you want to get started planning your Asheville adventure.

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network