Asheville, you had us at hello. 💌 From the mountains to the city, the art to the people, we feel so lucky to call this special spot in the Blue Ridge our home. Last Valentine’s Day, we made a list of some of our fave things about the 828 including the River Arts District, our 40+ coffee shops, our many local buskers, America’s largest home + more.

This year, we asked on Facebook, Instagram + in our newsletter what you love about AVL.

🛍️ Some of you love our local bizzes…

over 440 of them are registered with the Asheville Grown Business Alliance, celebrating Love Asheville Go Local Week through Feb. 16

“Small business owners like me love the sense of community.” – Lorrie Z.

“I think it’s the spirit of collaboration, whether between artists, businesses, environmental groups…” – @suspiciouspaddling

“I love the way local businesses collaborate with other local business, especially when it comes to food.” – @devintrouble

🌄 Some of you love our stunning mountains…

DYK: The Blue Ridge Mountains are approximately 1.1 billion years old? Plus, the distinctive blue haze is called by a chemical the trees release called isoprene.

“The weird, the beer, and those oh so gorgeous mountains.” – Haley M.

“Sunsets on the parkway” – Abby C.

“The mix of beating hearts and breathing trees. Ancient mountains that bring us all together. There is no place better.” – @_jannawhitman

👋 And some of you love the community…

With a population of around 92,000 (and over 400,000 in the larger metropolitan area), we’re made of an eclectic mix of entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives + more.

“Finding a small town where you feel like you can fit in without judgement.” – @mrciderpants

“We are a vibrant blend of all that life offers...natural beauty, mountains, valleys, trees, moisture, sunshine, moody skies. Our temperate 4 seasons encompass eclectic choices for living any kind of life you choose. Openminded, it is a place that feels like all are welcome. Diversity is celebrated, quirkiness appreciated. Vibrance is palpable here. Authenticity, creativity, spirituality,...all choices are celebrated and presented with enthusiasm. With continued respect & applying the wisdom of balance in all things, we are the melting pot of all the "authentic goodness" life has to offer. I love coming "home" to Asheville.” – @tpaigejackson

“Everybody is just so nice!!” – Zach R.

“Love the community feel of the music scene, from funk jam to jazz jams, raw and refined talent coming across stages spreading the joy that comes from a great song.” – Catherine D.

“All of the above adds up to a phenomenal experience no matter where you go around town or driving on the parkway. That's the beauty of the place. There is something for everyone and much for many - Debra S.

We love each and every one of our AVLtoday readers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, questions + ideas with us, every day.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Asheville. We’re pretty sweet on you, and we’re grateful that you make what we do possible. 💕

What do you love most about living in this corner of the world? Reply here, or comment on Facebook or Instagram and let us know what you’re sweet on this Valentine’s.

– The AVLtoday team