When peak summer heats up, Asheville, NC offers something few places can: a break from it.

Typically 10 degrees cooler than neighboring areas, it's home to more breweries per capita than any U.S. city. There are also plenty of dog-friendly spots, so no one has to sit this trip out.

Here are our top three reasons to visit this summer:

1. Outdoor adventure, your way | Chase waterfalls, find a swimming hole, or hit a trail with views that make the climb worth it. It’s the kind of day where you can cool off and lose track of time in the best way.

2. Wellness with room to breathe | Asheville is home to both award-winning spas and unique therapies like forest baths and salt caves. Goodbye summer vacation crowds, and hello, real rejuvenation.

3. Arts, dining, and culture | Spend your days exploring galleries and maker studios, then settle in for farm-to-table dining, live music, and a downtown that keeps its energy well after dark.