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.
 Grove Arcade market building, with restaurants and shops |  Early Girl Eatery's fried-chicken salad with grits croutons |  Tupelo Honey Cafe, on College Street |  Eleven on Grove, gay lounge at Scandals nightclub |
 Fresh Quarter Produce, inside Grove Arcade |  Grove Arcade skylights, balconies, and ornamentation |  Sante Wine Bar and Retail Shop, interior |  Carmel's Restaurant & Bar, at Grove Arcade |
 Flat Iron sculpture, across Wall Street from Flatiron Building |  Grove Park Inn's view of sunset over downtown Asheville |  Club Hairspray pool area and stage |  Big Cheese gourmet and artisan cheese shop, in Grove Arcade |
