This is the city of Asheville, located inside the Blue Ridge Mountains at the western edge of North Carolina.

The name is pretty, and it is said to feel like Switzerland in America, but when you actually visit, there are quite a few downsides.

The roads are narrow for an American city, and parking is a serious issue. On weekends, cars are backed up, and you might wonder, "Is this really a healing city worth visiting?" Still, I must admit the scenery is beautiful. The mountains surround the city, and just opening the window feels like looking at a postcard.

The city center is traversed by the French Broad River, and there are plenty of cafes and workshops around.

It is called a city of arts, but honestly, these days, there are more tourists than artists. There are times when the number of tourists exceeds the number of residents. The population is around 90,000, but on weekends, it feels like New York's Times Square. There's no place to park, and it's crowded.

The weather is decent. Summers are hot, but not suffocating like other southern cities.

In winter, there's a little snow, and during that time, the city transforms into a movie set. However, snow removal is slow. If the roads are blocked, everyone just has to figure it out on their own. In spring, wildflowers bloom, and in autumn, the fall foliage is incredibly beautiful, but during that time, the traffic is also terrible. There's a saying that locals don't go out at all during the fall foliage season.

Currently, one of the issues in Asheville is the problem of drug addiction. When you go downtown, you often see people acting strangely with wide eyes. This social issue is also growing. It feels a bit weary to still call it a city of arts.

Of course, those who love beer still call Asheville a paradise. There are dozens of local breweries, with over 100 types of beer. You can hear busking music on the streets, and the atmosphere is lively. However, it varies from person to person. For some, it's a free-spirited arts city, while for others, it might be too crowded and chaotic.

In summary, Asheville has stunning scenery, but aside from that, it can be a tiring city. You deal with driving stress, get overwhelmed by tourists, and the city center is hectic, yet there's a strange charm that makes you want to visit at least once.