Simply the best

LONELY Planet has named a town that's known as "Beer City USA" the most exciting place to visit in the United States this year. In their list of the Best in the US 2017, travel experts at Lonely Planet named Asheville, North Carolina as the No. 1 destination to visit for its creative spirit, eclectic architecture, thriving artistic community and booming food and drink scene, set against a mountain backdrop.

Asheville is likewise a beer lover's paradise.

In second spot, experts chose western Washington which had a starring role in the cult classic TV series Twin Peaks. A reboot of the show is set to air next year.

And rounding out the top three spots is Lincoln, Nebraska, which fetes its 150th anniversary this year.

For the list, experts chose the 10 destinations that are expected to shine this year, whether they're up-and-coming, overlooked, or offer new reasons to visit. Here are the top 10 best places to visit in the United States, according to Lonely Planet

1. Asheville, North Carolina – Appalachia's most surprising city

2. Western Washington – David Lynch fans, take note

3. Lincoln, Nebraska – Hip and happening in the heartland

4. California's Low Desert – Los Angeles meets a new generation

5. Montana's Flathead Valley – Big sky, big mountains, big bears

6. Atlanta, Georgia – The airport epicentre is flying high in 2017

7. Adirondack Mountains – New York's best views after Manhattan

8. Texas Hill Country wine region – The best wine country you've never heard of

9. Denver, Colorado – The "Mile-High City" has never been more fun

10. Florida's Emerald Coast – The "Redneck Riviera" no more – AFP Relaxnews