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Plotting Points: Planning Your Visit

Wondering about the weather as you plan your trip? For starters, Asheville's altitude can take the edge off the Southern summer heat. No matter what the season, you won't regret bringing a jacket; even in July and August, evenings here can be unexpectedly cool. By the same token, it may snow in winter even when nearby cities like Knoxville, Tenn., are experiencing relatively mild temperatures.

The surrounding mountains are typically jam-packed with tourists when fall foliage appears. Leaf color varies by altitude and tree type, so there isn't any one weekend to classify as the "peak"; leaves start changing the last week in September, with the show ending sometime in early November. If you're a fall fanatic, you may want to browse the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau's weekly color report and list of scenic drives at http://www.exploreasheville.com/fall.asp. If you're an agoraphobe, a nice, leafless February visit may be more to your liking.

For help planning your itinerary, consult a current calendar of events at www.exploreasheville.com

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