Asheville very quickly became one of my favorite places. So much so, I almost immediately could picture myself moving there. Do you love Nature? It is a town surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains and more waterfalls than you can count. Appreciate Art? Not only does it have a district dedicated to local art, but the entire city is brimming with it. Interested in History? Visit the largest private-owned house in the United States built from 1889-1895 and learn about the prominent Vanderbilt family that owns it. Enjoy unique food and drinks? Asheville has a bustling local food scene and a whopping 60 craft breweries in the surrounding area. Have I convinced you yet?! Follow my recommendations and itinerary below to help you get started on your Asheville travel plans.
First things first, where to stay? Asheville hotels are in high demand, and their prices undoubtedly reflect that. In my opinion, they can even rival the prices of staying in NYC! I found that for a budget option it is best to rent an Airbnb. There are many unique, appealing, affordable rentals in the Asheville area that are sure to fit the bill. However, if an Airbnb isn't your style, I put together a few more attractive options.
Budget Hotels: Brookstone Lodge, Holiday Inn Asheville East, Comfort Inn on Tunnel Road
Moderate Hotels: AC Hotel by Marriott, Aloft Asheville Downtown, Cambria Hotel Downtown
Luxury Hotels: Omni Grove Park Inn, The Grand Bohemian, The Inn on Biltmore Estate
From my experience, staying downtown is convenient but not essential. Asheville is easily drivable with lots of public parking. It made sense to stay slightly outside of town instead of paying downtown prices.
DAY 1-EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Experiencing the Blue Ridge Mountains should be on the top of everyone's priority list for their Asheville itinerary. So, set out early to maximize time and I guarantee the effort will be well worth it. I enjoyed a hasty breakfast at the Airbnb and was driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway by sunrise. This is one of the most scenic roads in the United States, and navigating its winding path through the mountains at dawn is breathtakingly beautiful! I was successful at avoiding the usual crowd and was able to gain a sense of the area's unspoiled beauty. With a little luck, you might observe local wildlife wandering about as I did. Take the time to watch and stop at viewpoints as you please.
Head in the direction of Mount Mitchell, just 35 miles northeast of Asheville. It is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and has an observation tower with spectacular 360 degree views. Unluckily, this particular morning was very foggy, which made it impossible to fully experience what the famous mountain peak typically has to offer. I would still recommend completing the drive there in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the magnificent view.
On the way back towards Asheville, stop and hike the Blue Ridge Pinnacle Trail. It is a 1.5-mile loop that will deliver views that rival the top tourist spots. Being unmarked, it is lesser- known and a hidden gem. Use the AllTrails app to help with navigation, however, the trail begins directly off the main road and is very close to Mount Mitchell State Park. Parking is adjacent to the road near a white gate with the words "do not block gate" plastered across. The hike is a relatively steep incline but is short and sweet. At the top, you are met with the most spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and a spot that feels entirely private. Select one of the many gigantic rocks at the summit and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading down. This trail is a must when visiting Asheville!
After arriving back in Asheville, it is time for dinner and drinks. First stop, Highland Brewing Company. This particular brewery has a nice indoor taproom, a rooftop bar, and an outdoor picnic area called the meadow that is filled with lush green grass and mature trees. All ideal spaces for relaxing after a hike. Next, enjoy dinner downtown at Red Ginger Dim Sum and Tapas. I eagerly ate my weight's worth in dumplings and Bao Buns and left feeling very satisfied.
Helpful Hint: There is a reasonably priced parking garage located at 68 Rankin Ave that is extremely convenient to downtown and to the South Slope, another quirky Asheville neighborhood (More to come!).
DAY 2- EXPLORE THE BILTMORE ESTATE
The second day in Asheville started with a light breakfast at the Airbnb and then heading off to visit the Biltmore Estate! This is the largest private-owned house in the United States that sits on 8 thousand acres of some of the most beautiful land in the country. I visited during COVID restrictions, therefore a time slot had to be reserved to enter the house. Don't forget to book tickets online well in advance, they have a tendency to sell out. Also remember to allow ample time for the drive to the estate, parking, and walking to your destination. Walking up to the grand house, prepare to be in absolute awe of the considerable magnitude and intricate detail of the mansion!
Make reservations in advance at The Stable Cafe which is directly adjacent to the private mansion. Trust me, you are going to genuinely appreciate a hearty meal after you realize the vastness of the estate that is still to come. The cafe is the only place to eat in this specific area of the estate which makes it both convenient and popular. It is recognized for its mouthwatering Appalachian comfort food, and the unique stable themed atmosphere.
Helpful Hint: If you prefer to eat somewhere located in Biltmore Village, but outside of the private estate, Corner Kitchen is an excellent option. It is a farm to table restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a traditional Victorian cottage with an outdoor patio. Reservations are highly recommended.
With time to spare before entering the house, wander around the extensive gardens to admire the year-round beauty. It would be easy to occupy the entirety of the day meandering through rows of colorful blooms and rare plants. The highlights are the rose garden, with every flower color in the rainbow, and the greenhouse. The building filled with lush plants transports you to a tropical jungle. Plan plenty of time in your day for exploration of the gardens. On the property, there are numerous places to spend your time such as hiking trails, bike paths, ponds, rivers, quaint gazebos...so many inspiring places to explore!
The tour through the house is self-guided and requires approximately one hour. Spring for the audio-guided ticket option that helps capture the feel of life in the Biltmore house and tells stories about those that occupied it. You will learn about history, architecture, art, the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and servants. You can expect to see unique parts of the mansion like a bowling alley, indoor swimming pool, and impressive library where the wealthy family spent their leisure time.
After adequately exploring the estate, drive over to the other side of the property to Antler Hill Village. Entry to this area is included in your Biltmore ticket, and it is a relaxing way to conclude your time here. I stayed just long enough to enjoy a drink and engage with the farm animals. (YES, there is a farmyard & historic barn to explore!) However, you could easily invest more time here by visiting their winery (complimentary tastings are included), shopping, or enjoying dinner at another on-site restaurant. I opted for a trendy district that is adjacent to downtown popularly called the South Slope. Here you will find a very walkable, vibrant neighborhood that is overflowing with craft breweries, local restaurants, and lively bars. Use Ben's Tune-Up as a starting point, which is a funky beer and sake garden. On the outside it appears to be a rundown gas station, however, once entered you will be instantly transported to one of the hippest spots in the Slope. Select a spot in their expansive beer garden and order a sake flight. Mine included surprising flavors like lemon ginger, blueberry lime, Yu-Tang spritzer, & a pineapple jalapeño that was out of the world good!! Also, Peep the picture below to see the whimsical atmosphere at the bar!
Ben's Tune-up exclusively serves snacks. So, I enjoyed delicious dumplings, a kimchi brat, and a seaweed salad to compliment the sake. The food was filling and full of unusual flavors.
Next stop, The Funkatorium. This is a Wicked Weed brewery undoubtedly known for its sour and funky beers. If you love sour beers like me then this is a must-stop! Not sure if you like them? This place will convince you! Not only is the sour beer amazing, but the food lives up to the hype. I chose the fried chicken sandwich. However, I spied roman-style pizza passing by that looked like the clear winner. Sit in their outdoor beer garden and enjoy the good food and festive atmosphere of the South Slope (sorry, I was too busy scarfing down food to remember to take pics). Are you up for a nightcap? Walk next door to Antidote at Chemist Spirits. You will find an inviting cocktail bar that is slightly more upscale. It offers three stories of early 1900s apothecary-style and aesthetics with a craft beverage selection to match. I visited on a past trip and really enjoyed the unique atmosphere. Also, I've heard you can catch some killer Asheville sunsets from the top floor.
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DAY 3- EXPLORE THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT & DOWNTOWN
Today is all about local art! Asheville is full of incredible art, and it would be a disservice if considerable time was not spent admiring it. Start today grabbing a hand-made donut with gourmet coffee at Vortex Doughnuts. The donuts are known for creative toppings like blueberry cheesecake, pumpkin maple, and mango red pepper. Head towards the River Arts District, a former industrial area that has been converted into artist's studios to produce and display their creative work. There are over 200 artists in this mile-long district. Spend several hours studio hopping, admiring the art both inside and outside. I parked at one of the numerous galleries and then wandered on foot as I pleased. However, if you visit on the second Saturday of the month, there is a free hop-on hop-off trolley that travels throughout the district. During this special monthly event, there will be creative demonstrations, live workshops, and local musicians playing.
After exploring for a few hours grab lunch at the nearby White Duck Taco Shop. It is appreciated for its flavorful fusion tacos and provides outdoor seating along the French Broad River. I enjoyed several including Korean beef bulgogi, Thai peanut chicken, and Bangkok shrimp. Each one lived up to my high expectations and tasted like none I have ever eaten. For this reason, this food stop is a can't miss!
Next, explore what downtown has to offer. We followed the Urban trail as a loose guide. It is a walking tour of the city's history, identifying landmarks along the way. Use this interactive mobile map to click on specific points of interest as you pass them. It provides information both written and in an audio form about the history of Asheville. Memorable highlights include the following:
Grove Arcade (this is an ideal spot for a rainy day)
Don't hesitate to pop in a local shop, spontaneously wander down random alleyways, and stop at anything that catches your eye. Sometimes, getting off the beaten path is where the best things are uncovered. Some of Asheville's coolest street art is discovered in unassuming alleys that zig-zag through downtown.
Ok, you get the picture. I will leave the remainder of the impressive murals for you to happen upon on your own. Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled! Cap off your day with dinner at Farm Burger which is a casual burger joint that uses organic, locally sourced ingredients. You will leave with a full belly and contentment after a jam-packed day filled with local art and food.
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DAY 4- WATERFALLS & WEST ASHEVILLE
Start the morning early and head approximately 30 minutes south to the Pisgah National Forest. This protected area is identified as the "Land of Waterfalls" and has a landscape that has been featured in films like The Hunger Games. It was a rainy day, so I opted for two picturesque waterfalls that are accessible without too much hiking. Driving through the enchanted forest on the Heritage Scenic Byway to reach the falls was beautiful, and a highlight on its own. The mature trees were showing their fall colors, and the lush forest feels secluded and magical. The first waterfall I happened upon was Looking Glass Falls. This is one of the most popular waterfalls in North Carolina due to its easy accessibility. You can view it from the parking area along the road or take a short walk down to the falls to achieve a closer look. It will be wise to get to this spot early to avoid the sure crowds that will gather as the day goes on.
Second, continue to Moore Cove Falls which is only one mile further on the scenic byway. Viewing access requires a 1.5 mile round-trip hike that is relatively easy with no steep inclines. This waterfall is unique to the area because you can walk behind it. The most enjoyable time to visit this particular waterfall is after a strong rain. If you are visiting during an extended dry period, it might be reduced to a trickle.
Helpful Hint: If you are visiting during summer, add Sliding Rock to this itinerary. This is a natural waterslide made of a 60 foot sloping boulder. After a $4 entrance fee and a wait your turn, you can slide down the slippery rock into an 8-ft pool of creek water at the bottom.
After a lovely morning chasing waterfalls, drive 15 minutes to the quaint town of Brevard. This North Carolina mountain town has a cozy, home-town feel. Wherever you go you are welcomed in like family. It is packed with local shops, restaurants, and art galleries that are so interesting to venture into. One of my favorites is OP Taylor's toy store. This local shop makes you feel like a kid again and even as an adult was amazed at the wide selection and the motorized Lego sets in continuous motion throughout the store. I purchased a couple of games that I hadn't been able to find elsewhere. (These will come in handy at the next stop!) Enjoy lunch at Sully's Steamers. This is a casual breakfast and lunch place that specializes in steamed bagel sandwiches. The bagels are loaded with fresh, delicious ingredients and then steamed. Which melts it all into an explosion of flavor! It was like a Firehouse Subs x 10.
Last but not least is West Asheville! End the day in this unique neighborhood that has a hip, eclectic vibe. The main drag is Haywood Road which is where you can find cafes, bakeries, local shops, craft breweries, unique murals...just about anything you can imagine (There is a giant Dolly Parton mural!). Enjoy leisurely strolling this lively street and order a drink on the back patio of One World Brewing. This is a low-key spot that has live music, a chill atmosphere and great service. Set up on the outdoor patio and play the games that were purchased earlier at OP Taylor's. For the final evening, book a deep tissue massage appointment at Blazing Lotus Healing House. It will be much needed after all the hiking and walking endured while exploring Asheville. This massage house is an absolute dream! The moment you enter you are transported out of bustling Asheville and into a quaint home filled with serenity. Let the deep tissue massage (best I have ever had) help instantly relax your tense muscles and unwind. On top of that, the bathroom has repurposed a claw-foot tub as a planter for succulents (crazy plant lady speaking here),which was absolutely adorable.
Helpful Hint: If a full- body massage is not your cup of tea, book a foot soak at Wake Foot Sanctuary, located in the Grove Arcade.
Undoubtedly, this is the absolute best way to properly end an Asheville, North Carolina trip. I sincerely hope that you have just as much fun experiencing it as I did and that this pre-made itinerary assisted in taking some of the leg work out of trip planning.
HAPPY TRAVELS,
EMILY
Other Recommendations:
Entertainment:
Asheville Pinball Museum-great option for a rainy day. It is an all you can play arcade featuring 75+ pinball machines, classic arcade games, plus beer and soda. It does have a $15 entry fee for adults and $12 fee for children.
Food & Drinks
Downtown-
Doubles D's Coffee and Desserts-double-decker red bus with an outdoor patio, serving up espresso and baked goods
Tupelo Honey- popular brunch spot serving up traditional southern fare (reservation recommended)
Cúrate- hip eatery serving tapas, cured meats, and wine (reservation recommended)
River Arts District-
Wedge Brewing Company- Relaxed, warehouse brewery with craft beers and rotating food trucks
South Slope-
Hi-Wire Brewery-no frills taproom with good beer
Burial Beer Company- trendy outdoor bar and beer garden
West Asheville-
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