Asheville Earns Multiple Spots on USA Today's 10Best Nomination List

River Arts District, Asheville beer scene among nominees in national awards

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Asheville, North Carolina has received several notable nominations in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards, including Best Art District for the River Arts District, Best Beer City, Best Beer Bar for The Whale, and Best Brewery Tour for Burial Beer Co. Forestry Camp. Voting is open now through mid-February for the various categories.

Why it matters

Asheville has long been recognized as a hub for arts, culture, and craft beer, and these nominations from a major national publication like USA Today help to further cement the city's reputation in these areas. A strong showing in the 10Best awards could drive increased tourism and economic activity for the nominated businesses and attractions.

The details

According to USA Today, a panel of experts makes nominations for the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, which cover a wide range of categories including food, drink, shopping, sports, and the outdoors. Asheville received nominations in several categories that play to the city's strengths, including Best Art District for the River Arts District, Best Beer City, Best Beer Bar for The Whale, and Best Brewery Tour for Burial Beer Co. Forestry Camp.

  • Voting for Best Art District ends on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Voting for Best Beer City, Best Brewery Tour, and Best Beer Bar ends on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

USA Today

A major national media publication that runs the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards program.

River Arts District

An arts-focused neighborhood in Asheville, North Carolina nominated for Best Art District.

The Whale

A craft beer bar in Asheville, North Carolina nominated for Best Beer Bar.

Burial Beer Co. Forestry Camp

A brewery in Asheville, North Carolina nominated for Best Brewery Tour.

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What’s next

Voting for the various Asheville-related categories in the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards will remain open through mid-February 2026. The winners will be announced shortly after the voting periods close.

The takeaway

Asheville's nominations in the USA Today 10Best awards highlight the city's continued reputation as a destination for arts, culture, and craft beer. A strong showing in the final results could provide a significant boost to the local economy and further cement Asheville's status as one of the Southeast's premier travel destinations.