Asheville's one of the best places in the world to visit in spring, US News reports

ASHEVILLE - Those reading this while in Asheville are in the right place at the right time, according to a national travel company.

U.S. News & World Report, a multifaceted digital media company, ranked Asheville No. 3 on a list of the Best Places to Visit in Spring.

Asheville is noted for its many scenic views, nature-centric activities, attractions and other entertainment offerings that are ideal and particularly enjoyable in the springtime.

"Asheville offers something for every type of traveler, whether you want to go hiking, tour stunning estates or sample beer from the dozens of local breweries," the report states.

Asheville ranked behind Honolulu and St. Lucia, which claimed the No. 1 and No. 2 spots.

The annual travel rankings are based on an analysis of expert and user opinions, according to the company.

The standings for the 2023 Best Places to Visit in the Spring list, released in February, were determined by consumer votes with input from U.S. News travel editors. The list features the top destinations to visit during the months of March through May with considerations taken of weather, outdoor activities, events and crowds for that time of year, according to a U.S. News representative.

Asheville's spring temperatures, ranging on average from 50 degrees and upward into the 70s, create pleasant conditions for hikes in the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway or strolls through Biltmore Estate's gardens to see its Biltmore Blooms displays, according to U.S. News & World Report.

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Blue Ridge Parkway, ranked No. 1 on the website on a list of things to do in Asheville, offers about 250 miles of road cutting through the mountains with many places along the way to sightsee, hike, bike and participate in other recreations.

Zip lining, whitewater rafting, biking and taking a dip in a swimming hole in Pisgah National Forest are other recommended outdoor adventures.

City explorers are encouraged to take advantage of Asheville's "culinary smorgasbord" and craft breweries and delve into its vibrant arts community, including the boutiques and galleries in the River Arts District.

U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Visit in Spring

1. Honolulu, Oahu

2. St. Lucia

3. Asheville

4. Costa Rica

5. Maldives

6. Sydney, Australia

7. London, England

8. Montreal, Canada

9. Madrid, Spain

10. Lisbon, Portugal

11. Yellowstone National Park

12. Lake Tahoe

13. Seoul, South Korea

14. Naples, Florida

15. Puebla, Mexico

16. Grand Canyon National Park

17. New Orleans, Louisiana

18. Amsterdam, Netherlands

19. Sedona, Arizona

20. San Diego, California

For more, visit travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-spring-vacations/.

Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter/Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville ranks on international list of best springtime destinations