“How quickly can you get to Asheville?” I read the email while thousands of miles away on the deck of a tall-masted ship in the Greek Isles. I looked up at the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea and thought, “Soon?” Flash forward two weeks and I found myself surrounded by a different sort of blue; that of the dusky layers of forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Arriving almost directly to Asheville from Greece’s famous islands, I have to admit this assignment didn’t have quite the caché. But for what this small town in North Carolina lacks in international name recognition, it makes up for with delicious eats, creative energy, big heart, and Appalachian charm.

I discovered that Asheville is an addiction, so much so that people from all over have come to call it home…with no intentions of ever moving again. And after being in a place like Santorini, where its fame has at times become its folly, I can see how locals, newcomers, and visitors alike revel in a small town life with world-class perks and a stunning setting.

To see a sampling of Asheville’s allure, enjoy a few asignment outtakes and a glimpse of the magazine spread below or pick up a copy of the April/May 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveler, now on newsstands. Also, on National Geographic Travel you can delve into my experience on assignment in a “Behind the Scenes” article.

Musicians Kayla Zuskin and Stephen Horvath play together as Fort in the Sky during the weekly River Arts District Farmers Market.

All smiles at Burial Brewing in Asheville’s South Slope neighborhood.

Dumplings, Thai beef salad, Szechuan cucumbers, and gai lon at Gan Shan Station, an Asian fusion restaurant.

Chantal Bérot, the owner of Le Bon Cafe, chats with customers from her mobile coffee shop at the River Arts District Farmers Market.

The Sunday night scene at Wedge Brewing Company is filled with live music, brews, and friends gathering.

Susannah Gebhart holds a plate of beautiful pastries at her shop, Old World Levain Bakery (OWL).

Laura Cooke of Cooke Ceramics at work on her porcelain ceramic pieces in her studio space at Clayspace.

Anna Toth at work in her River Arts District studio cutting patterns for her her designs sold as Bow + Arrow Apparel.

Happily Ever Asheville, photographed for National Geographic Traveler’s April/May 2017 issue.

Happily Ever Asheville, photographed for National Geographic Traveler’s April/May 2017 issue.

Happily Ever Asheville, photographed for National Geographic Traveler’s April/May 2017 issue.