The gateway to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville is not only close to nature, but also rich with history and chock-full of art. Downtown Asheville is a mélange of cafés and boutiques, Beaux Arts buildings and jazz clubs—plus more Art Deco buildings than anywhere except Miami Beach. Just north is Montford Historic District, the entirety of which appears in the National Register of Historic Places. Nearly a dozen B&Bs are scattered about the district. Other unforgettable glimpses into history can be had at Historic Biltmore Village and the 250-room Biltmore House.