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Travel and Outdoors

“See lofty mountains don spring’s fresh green” as we take a spring road trip to Asheville 1950s style

Inspired by a 72-year-old ad in the Greenville News, we’re hitting the road to Asheville to see what’s changed and what’s the same.

April 17, 2025 • 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Flashback_Friday_Asheville_Spring_APR2025

The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same.

Photo by @nic_goodridge + The Greenville News via newspapers.com

On this day in 1952, this ad ran in the Greenville News promoting travel to Asheville. While so much has changed in 70+ years, some things are the same — like how we love a weekend trip to the mountains.

“See lofty mountains don spring’s fresh green” as you take a hike.

“Enjoy the expanses of gay wildflowers” as you explore the NC Arboretum.

And while welcome no longer awaits at The George Vanderbilt, which closed in 1969, you can stay in the “modern, convenient, and hospitable” Flat Iron Hotel, which is located near the Grove Arcade, not far from where the advertised hotel once operated.

If you’re looking for a few other spring activities in Asheville:

Our sister newsletter, AVLtoday, is available for all your weekend trip planning needs.

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