Ah, sisters. They might pull your hair or borrow your clothes without asking, but they also teach you a lot about the world.

A unique part of Asheville's cultural history is its participation in the Sister Cities International program, and we're lucky enough to call seven international cities family.

What is a "sister city"?

A sister city, county, or state is a partnership between two communities in different countries designed to promote peace and understanding through global friendships and cultural exchange programs.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower promoted these partnerships to help heal international relationships in World War II's wake.

Communities become sister cities when the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign an agreement.

Local nonprofit Asheville Sister Cities was established in 1988 to promote international awareness and maintain relations with our sister cities. In 1990, Vladikavkaz, located in the Caucasus Mountains of Southern Russia, became our first sister city.

Meet the sisters

Dunkeld-Birnam, Scotland, also has ties to literary legends. | Photo via @rikkiwsalmond

Asheville's most recent Sister City

In 2017, the neighboring cities of Dunkeld and Birnam in Scotland became our newest Sister Cities. Like Asheville, Dunkeld + Birnam are surrounded by lush forests, sit along a river, and have a history connected to the railroad industry.

Locals enjoy a rich cultural history steeped in music and the arts, surrounded by local distilleries — sound familiar?

The parallels don't stop there. It's rumored that the area inspired British literary legend Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Peter Rabbit." And according to Asheville Sister Cities representative Rick Lutovsky, there are "considerable Scottish ancestral roots throughout the Southern Appalachians."

Asheville Sister Cities hosts international film screenings, performances, travel opportunities, food and wine tastings, and more.

Check out their calendar for upcoming events, or connect with members if you want to visit any of Asheville's Sister Cities.