Asheville Awaits MICHELIN Guide Announcement Later This Year as the American South Edition Launches

Asheville, N.C.—April 2, 2025—Michelin and Travel South USA today revealed that the MICHELIN Guide American South is coming in 2025 to six states in the American South as part of a new regional approach. The geographic scope includes six states—Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—in addition to the pre-existing Atlanta Guide. Asheville is a supporting partner of the state of North Carolina.  

Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, shared, “Restaurants across North Carolina, including Asheville, are under consideration for this prized recognition. While there is no guarantee that any restaurants will receive the coveted recognition in the MICHELIN Guide, we believe the food culture scene in Asheville is worthy as one of the most biodiverse in the world and are proud to partner with Visit NC and Travel South USA on this initiative. We look forward to this partnership with such well-respected, global travel brands.” 

By launching this regional approach, the MICHELIN Guide is going beyond the urban areas to better uncover the region's authentic food culture. Travel South USA, participating state tourism offices, and DMOs will collaborate on marketing efforts to promote authentic Southern cuisine to domestic and international travelers, including food enthusiasts. The American South is a culturally diverse region with a vibrant culinary scene. It boasts everything from fine dining experiences to creative takes on Southern staples to international favorites.   

The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous Inspectors are already in the field, making dining reservations and scouting for regional culinary gems.  

The full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed later this year during the annual MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for the American South. 

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About Asheville: Asheville is where unrivaled natural beauty and bold creative expression meet. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this modern Appalachian food city is steps away from some of the world’s most ancient forests and the tallest peaks in the East. Known as Foodtopia, the Asheville area's deep food and beverage scene pulls inspiration from deeply rooted mountain traditions, the area's unmatched biodiversity and its creative culture as a national hub for craft and innovation. 
 

About Travel South USA:  Travel South USA is America’s oldest and largest regional travel promotion organization, formed in 1965 by a resolution presented at the Southern Governor’s Conference. The long-standing regional collaboration of the state tourism offices of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia provides a foundation to positively position tourism as a vital and dynamic element in the region’s economic development. Tourism ranks throughout the region as one of the top industries behind manufacturing and agriculture, and is responsible for $220 billion in spending by visitors, generating 1.56 million direct jobs, and more than $15.5 billion in state and local taxes.