Yoga Tour: Asheville, North Carolina

The living is easy—and healthy— in this laid-back southeastern city.

By Anya Triber

Boasting inspiring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, agreeable weather, excellent restaurants, art galleries, and cultural events, Asheville is a place where the living is easy—and healthy. Hiking, rock climbing, biking, rafting, and even skiing are within reach. And with three massage schools, myriad complementary-health practitioners, and five yoga studios, Asheville abounds in wellness. If you come, pack your mat and practice with the locals.

Lighten Up Yoga

Iyengar is the name of the game at Lighten Up. Started by Lillah Schwartz, who studied with the Iyengar family in India and the United States, this downtown studio has been providing Asheville with yoga for all levels since 1981. Special classes for people with back problems and multiple sclerosis are available. The studio conducts weekend workshops given by local teachers as well as guest instructors, such as Roger Cole. Schwartz also leads 200- and 500-hour teacher training programs each year. 60 Biltmore Ave., (828) 254-7756. lightenupyoga.com

Namaste Yoga & Healing Center

An eclectic offering of vinyasa, Sivananda, Anahata, Kundalini, and Svaroopa yoga classes draws local practitioners to Namaste. The downtown space also has a boutique and offers massage therapy. With a focus on building community and supporting the spiritual path of yoga, Namaste features kirtan, lectures, and visiting gurus. The center also sponsors women's yoga retreats and teacher trainings. 57 Broadway, (828) 253-6985. namasteasheville.com

One Center Yoga

Located on an upper floor of a brick building just south of downtown, this bright and airy studio offers Iyengar, Anusara, and Tantra-inspired classes as well as classes tailored for men, women over 50, and seniors. Founded by Cindy Dollar, who studied with Patricia Walden and also at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, India, the studio has multiple levels of instruction. Special events include introductory series classes, Iyengar Yoga immersion programs, weekend workshops, and classes with visiting teachers. 120 Coxe Ave., Ste. 3A, (828) 225-1904. onecenteryoga.com

West Asheville Yoga

The city's newest yoga studio, WAY serves yogis of all levels and incomes (classes are provided on a sliding-fee scale). The simple, cheery studio hosts an ambitious schedule of classes that range from Anusara and Ashtanga to vinyasa and hot yoga. Owner Cat Matlock's specialty is vinyasa, with a special focus on anatomy and alignment. Prenatal and mom-and-baby classes are also offered, along with open-studio hours. 602 Haywood Rd., (828) 350-1167. westashevilleyoga.com

Asheville Yoga Center

Founded by Stephanie and Sunny Keach more than a decade ago, this popular, sunny studio located just north of downtown Asheville specializes in vinyasa flow classes. Rounding out the schedule are classes in prenatal, children's, Ashtanga, Yin, and Kundalini yoga. With a host of guest teachers, including Bryan Kest and Paul Grilley, as well as its signature Live in Total Yoga 230- and 500-hour certified teacher training programs, the studio serves both beginners and advanced students. 239 S. Liberty St., (828) 254-0380. youryoga.com

While You're There

For a slice of the South sans pork, make your way to Rosetta's Kitchen (111 Broadway, 828/232-0738, rosettaskitchen.com). This downtown vegetarian mainstay offers an array of meat-free comfort food, including garlicky greens, mashed potatoes and gravy, peanut-butter-baked tofu, and locally famous cornbread. For breakfast (or any other meal), don't miss a favorite local "mindful" eatery, Sunny Point Cafe (626 Haywood Rd., 828/252-0055). Thanks to an eclectic menu featuring organic and local ingredients, hearty portions, and the best biscuits in town, the line of waiting customers is frequently out the door.

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