2 min read- New data from EatingWell’s Best Wellness Towns ranks 21 U.S. towns based on factors such as air quality, reported happiness levels, outdoor recreation, and spas to identify the best wellness-minded small towns in the country.
- Asheville, a North Carolina mountain town, took the top spot. It’s noted for its outdoor culture, robust plant-based food scene, and luxurious salt caves.
- List finalists had to meet strict regional requirements to be considered, including populations under 150,000 and being within a one-hour drive of a major airport.
How you live is obviously a huge contributor to your overall wellness. We try to eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep, but have you ever considered that where you live might be halting your strides toward healthy living?
New data from EatingWell rated 21 U.S. towns on air and water quality, sustainability initiatives, bike lane availability, and fitness studios to find the most wellness-minded destination in the country, and a mountain town outranked them all.
Asheville, North Carolina, is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain range and is home to 93,716 residents. Spanning around 46 square miles in total, the southern city is noted for a vibrant plant-based food culture, premier hiking trails, and salt cave sanctuaries. After rebuilding from the flooding destruction of 2024’s category four Hurricane Helene, Asheville has grown into a self-proclaimed “mecca for health and wellness.”
For those of us not lucky enough to call Asheville home, there’s no reason to fret. The mountain town has a long-standing reputation as a favored destination, and as the communities and businesses that fuel the distinct town continue to rebuild and rebound, the small town is only getting better. Outdoor adventure trails are up and running, offering visitors the opportunity to marvel at the landscape while getting a healthy dose of vitamin D and time taking in the fresh mountain air. Luxe lodging is also available, with spas, resorts, cabins, and posh Airstreams all available to welcome guests.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a bit of adventure, or even if you’re just hoping to get some well-deserved R and R, you don’t have to stamp your passport to do it. We’ve got an adventure-packed wellness treasure right at home.
