Western North Carolina tends to be quite conservative, but the progressive college and arts city of Asheville is a decided exception, with one of the most tight-knit, dynamic, and visible lesbian and gay communities in the South. Comprising a hip and funky downtown loaded with galleries, cool restaurants, and splendid art deco buildings, Asheville also abounds with romantic B&Bs and opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation. Here's a photographic journey through Asheville.
 Woolworth Walk, a co-op gallery with more than 150 artists |  Club Hairspray lesbian and gay bar |  Early Girl Eatery, on Wall Street |  Tupelo Honey Cafe breakfast of eggs, fresh biscuits, and such |
 Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an hour west of Asheville |  Malaprops Bookstore and Cafe, on bustling Haywood Street |  Smokey's After Dark's pool tables and juke box |  Smokey's After Dark gay bar, on Broadway |
 Chocolate Fetish boutique and chocolatier, on Haywood Street |  Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, on Sunset Mountain |  Sante Wine Bar and Retail Shop, in Grove Arcade |  Corner Kitchen restaurant, in Biltmore Village |
