Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina Asheville has everything you need for a great getaway. With endless opportunities for hiking, a creative spirit and some of the best food in the south it’s easy to see Asheville’s allure. A weekend is just long enough to fall for Asheville’s charms, here are my recommendations for the best things to do in Asheville.
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Explore Downtown Asheville
Home to hundreds of shops, galleries and restaurants downtown Asheville has something for everyone. Discover Asheville’s unique history on a self guided tour along Asheville’s Urban Trail, a 1.7 mile outdoor sculptural trail depicting the quirky characters and events that have shaped Asheville, or explore Asheville’s African American heritage and future with Hood Tours. Bibliophiles will want to visit Malaprop’s Bookstore, widely regarded as one of the best independent bookstores in the country. Whether you enjoy one of the many street performers, join in on the weekly community drum circle in Pritchard Park(Fridays during the summer) or catch your favorite band at the Orange Peel Asheville’s musical roots run deep.
Hiking
With the endless beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains as Asheville’s backyard hiking is a must for any trip to Asheville. Asheville is close to over 60 stunning waterfalls and in my opinion the best bang for your buck is the Triple Falls hike at Dupont State Forest. Located 45 minutes from downtown Asheville this three mile hike takes you to three different waterfalls, each one better than the last. If mountaintop adventures are what you seek then set your sites on Mount Mitchell. At 6,684 feet Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi, and its 4 mile round trip trail offers up lush high elevation forests and stunning panoramic views.
Visit the Biltmore
The stately Biltmore Estate is a popular stop for locals and visitors to Asheville alike. The 175,000 square foot chateau built by George Vanderbilt is the largest privately owned home in the country and draws over 1.7 million visitors each year. Book a tour (make sure to reserve your tickets early) to explore the grand 250 room estate and make time to explore Biltmore’s expansive gardens or reserve a tasting at Biltmore’s Winery. Day passes for the house range from $66-$126 depending on the season and day you are visiting with additional estate activities extra.
West Asheville
A 5 minute drive from downtown the hip, laid-back neighborhood of West Asheville is the spot for those looking get the feel of local life in Asheville. Walk down Haywood Avenue to discover funky, one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants that range from cozy diners to creative farm-to-table fare.
River Arts District
Situated along the banks of the French Broad River the River Arts District is home to countless artists and studios that define Asheville’s creative spirit. Take a pottery class at Odyssey Clayworks or learn the art of glassblowing at the North Carolina Glass Center. Stop by Wedge Studios where you’ll find three stories of art galleries and then head downstairs to quench your thirst at Wedge Brewery.
Breweries and Distilleries
With more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the United States Asheville is a prime destination for any beer lover. The South Slope neighborhood, within easy walking distance of downtown, is home to several of Asheville’s best breweries within a few blocks of each other. Burial Beer, the Wicked Weed Funkatorium , Catawba Brewing Co. and Green Man Brewery are just a few South Slope favorites. Head to the River Arts District to check out Wedge Brewing and the east coast outpost of New Belgium Brewery. After a day exploring Biltmore Estate head to one of several breweries in the Biltmore Village including Hillman Beer and Hi-Wire Big Top. Spirits more your style? Head to Chemist Spirits to sample some of their gins( the Navy Strength with Seville orange and Thai ginger is a particular favorite) or their attached bar Antidote for a new spin on classic cocktails.
Where to Eat
Asheville is one of the best food cities in the country and really, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to great places to eat. The farms and artisans of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains provide the best ingredients for over 100 restaurants in Asheville. Known as “Foodtopia” there are endless options for a great meal in Asheville but I’ve personally been to the ones listed below and would happily recommend them for a taste of Asheville. For more options check out these other restaurants in downtown Asheville.
- Hole Doughnuts– ethereally light yet perfectly crisp this small spot in West Asheville turns out some of the best doughnuts I’ve ever had.
- Buxton Hall BBQ – Specializing in whole hog Eastern Carolina style barbecue the pulled pork spiked with a tangy vinegar sauce is not to be missed.
- French Broad Chocolate Lounge – a temple to all things chocolate, French Broad Chocolate Lounge is a must for any chocoholic. Whether you come for the hand crafted truffles, silky sipping chocolate or artisanal pastries a visit the French Broad Chocolate Lounge is sure to satiate your sweet tooth.
- Red Ginger Dim Sum– expert dumplings, pork buns and noodles have made Red Ginger a downtown Asheville favorite. Take the lead of the diners around you and order the dry sauteed green beans in garlic soy sauce (seriously the best green beans I’ve ever had).
- White Duck Tacos – whether you check out their downtown location or their spot in the River Arts District one bite of their creative fusion tacos (hell there beef bulgogi taco) and you’ll discover why White Duck Tacos has cultivated a loyal following.
- Jargon– head over to this West Asheville nook for a frequently changing roster of creative, seasonally based eats and expertly crafted cocktails (including the Ice Breaker – bourbon, port, demerara and orange bitters inside a smoked ice ball).
- High Climate Tea Company– this zen tea room focuses on offering an authentic Chinese tea experience along with a retail shop featuring loose leaf teas and items to enhance your at home tea experience.
- Curate – lauded as one of the best Spanish restaurants in the US Curate is a standard of Asheville’s dining scene. Choose your favorite Spanish tapas or go for the Spanish Experience- a tasting menu handpicked by Katie Button and Felix Meana.
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If you like this article be sure to take a look at some of my other posts!
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The Best Wineries in Charlottesville, Virginia
Discovering Tallulah Falls, Georgia
The Best Coffee Shops in Virginia Beach
Fun and Unique Things to do in the Finger Lakes, New York
Josy A says
Ashville looks like such a perfect place to visit! I mean so much hiking, good food aaaaand breweries!? Great post Brianna!
Brittany says
This is a great guide! We loved visiting The Biltmore, eating at Buxton Hall BBQ, and checking out the brewery scene in Asheville. I’d love to return to do some of these hikes and explore more of Downtown Asheville!
Bryson Fico says
Excellent guide. The Biltmore, craft breweries, hiking opportunities make a trip to Asheville worthwhile. I am saving your guide to Pinterest.
Erica says
I am a sucker for the River Arts District! I love watching the artists create right there in front of me!