Carol Motsinger

cmotsinger@citizen-times.com

Asheville has been named as a top place to visit in 2015 by Frommer's, and the list will be highlighted on Good Morning America on Jan. 1.

Asheville is on the list with other American destinations, such as South Dakota, and international cities in Vietnam and Turkey.

"Everyone's talking about Asheville," the write-up says. "Is it the gentle Great Smoky Mountains and their national park nearby, beckoning hikers and nature photographers? Is it the crunchy bohemian culture, the burgeoning community of artists? It might be the walkable historic downtown full of style-within-reach boutiques, evolved Southern cooking (like at the River District's 12 Bones, pictured above), and Malaprop's, one of America's great independent bookstores.

"Whatever the reasons, Asheville's national profile has risen to qualify it as the Austin of the East — accessible, youth-friendly, affordable, and the place to go for a sweet lifestyle."

The article also highlights the New Belgium brewery coming to town, the Biltmore and even Steve Martin's recent musical set in Asheville. For more, visit Frommer'swebsite.

Frommer's provides information on destinations around the globe, and includes activities, feature articles, guidebooks and message boards.

Good Morning America is on ABC and starts at 7 a.m.