Asheville

Asheville's pickleball scene punches well above its size. The Aston Park Tennis Center and Carrier Park anchor the public courts, and Hendersonville, Black Mountain, and Weaverville fill out the suburbs. The city's mountain weather is forgiving most of the year, with morning play running practically year-round.

Asheville Racquet Club has indoor courts for rainy days and the colder stretch from December to February. Several private clubs and resort communities (Biltmore Park, Reems Creek) have added pickleball recently and run open community sessions. The crowd skews welcoming and chatty. Drop in at Aston Park on a Saturday and you'll likely walk away with three new dink partners and a barbecue invite.

Mountain views, friendly games, very few crowds.