22 Ways To Make The Most Of A Trip To Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a magical blend of natural beauty, artistic flair, and southern charm.
This mountain town offers everything from outdoor adventures to culinary delights that will satisfy any traveler’s appetite for exploration. Here’s how to experience the best of what Asheville has to offer during your visit.
1. Hike The Blue Ridge Parkway Trails
Breathtaking vistas await around every bend on these accessible mountain paths. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers trails for every fitness level, from gentle strolls to challenging summit climbs.
Fall brings spectacular foliage displays, while spring carpets the forest floor with wildflowers. Pack layers—mountain weather changes quickly!
2. Watch Sunset From The Omni Grove Park Inn Terrace
Golden hour transforms the mountainscape into a painter’s dream from this elevated perch. The Omni Grove Park Inn’s stone terrace offers comfortable seating and craft cocktails while you watch the sun dip behind distant peaks.
Even without booking a room, visitors can enjoy this century-old hotel’s spectacular panorama. Arrive early to secure a prime spot.
3. Explore The North Carolina Arboretum
Meticulously designed gardens showcase the region’s rich botanical diversity. The North Carolina Arboretum spans 434 acres with themed collections, including a bonsai exhibition that will leave you mesmerized.
Miles of hiking and biking trails wind through forest settings. A $16 parking fee covers admission, making it an affordable day out for nature lovers.
4. Visit Craggy Gardens For Wildflower Views
Purple rhododendron blooms create a magical landscape atop this misty mountain ridge. The short trail leads to panoramic views that stretch for miles across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Craggy Gardens reaches peak bloom in mid-June, creating an unforgettable purple canopy. Morning visits avoid afternoon thunderstorms and capture the best light for photos.
5. Float The French Broad River
Lazy currents carry you past scenic riverbanks and historic neighborhoods. The French Broad River offers a refreshing escape from summer heat with several outfitters providing rental equipment and shuttle services.
A typical float from Hominy Creek to the River Arts District takes about three hours. Bring water, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for valuables.
6. Drive To Mount Mitchell, The Highest Peak East Of The Mississippi
Dramatic elevation changes bring four distinct ecosystems into view during this scenic drive. Mount Mitchell’s observation deck sits at 6,684 feet, requiring just a short walk from the parking area.
The temperature drops about 20 degrees compared to downtown Asheville. Pack a windbreaker even in summer, and visit on clear days for views stretching 100 miles.
7. Tour The Biltmore Estate
Opulent rooms showcase how America’s wealthiest family lived during the Gilded Age. The Biltmore Estate encompasses a 250-room chateau, formal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and a working winery.
Self-guided tours typically take 2-3 hours for the house alone. Allow a full day to explore the entire estate, including the gardens and Antler Hill Village.
8. Stroll The Asheville Art Museum
Contemporary works by regional artists fill this recently renovated downtown gem. The museum’s collection emphasizes 20th and 21st century American art with special focus on creators from the Southeast.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame urban views that complement the art inside. After browsing the galleries, visitors can enjoy the rooftop sculpture terrace or browse unique gifts in the museum store.
9. Check Out The River Arts District
Former textile mills now house working studios where artists craft everything from ceramics to jewelry. Visitors can watch creators at work, ask questions about their process, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces directly from the source.
Free trolleys connect multiple buildings throughout the district. The White Duck Taco Shop and 12 Bones Smokehouse offer delicious refueling stops between studio visits.
10. Visit Thomas Wolfe’s Memorial Home
Literary history comes alive in the boarding house where a famous novelist spent his childhood. Thomas Wolfe immortalized this Queen Anne-style home in his autobiographical novel “Look Homeward, Angel,” calling it “Dixieland.”
Knowledgeable guides lead tours through 29 rooms filled with original furnishings. The adjacent visitor center features exhibits about Wolfe’s life and literary significance.
11. Take A Downtown Walking History Tour
Hidden architectural gems reveal themselves when you look beyond street level. Guided tours uncover stories behind Asheville’s Art Deco skyline and the city’s remarkable preservation after the Great Depression.
Some tours focus on haunted locations or Prohibition-era secrets. Most walks cover about a mile at a leisurely pace, making them accessible for most visitors.
12. Eat Your Way Through Asheville’s Food Truck Scene
Mobile kitchens serve up inventive cuisine that rivals brick-and-mortar restaurants. Food trucks cluster at breweries like New Belgium and Wedge, creating impromptu dining destinations with varied menus.
Local favorites include Gypsy Queen’s Mediterranean fare and Root Down’s southern-inspired dishes. Many trucks post their rotating schedules on social media, so check before heading out.
13. Try Local Brews On The Asheville Ale Trail
Craft beer enthusiasts can sample innovative brews within steps of each other. Asheville’s walkable South Slope neighborhood hosts multiple breweries with styles ranging from traditional German lagers to experimental sours.
Highland Brewing, the city’s original craft brewery, anchors a scene that’s grown to over 30 establishments. Self-guided exploration works well, though organized tours offer behind-the-scenes access and transportation between more distant locations.
14. Sip Craft Cocktails At A Speakeasy Bar
Behind unmarked doors lie sophisticated lounges mixing drinks with locally foraged ingredients. The cocktail scene celebrates mountain heritage with spirits infused with regional botanicals and house-made bitters.
Finding these hidden gems requires insider knowledge—look for subtle signs like a single light bulb or antique doorbell. Once inside, bartenders craft personalized drinks based on your flavor preferences.
15. Have Brunch At A Farm-To-Table Favorite
Morning meals showcase the bounty of local farms through creative, seasonal dishes. Chefs transform Appalachian ingredients into memorable plates like sweet potato pancakes topped with sorghum syrup or eggs from heritage-breed chickens.
Sunny Point Café and Early Girl Eatery draw crowds for their commitment to local sourcing. Weekday visits help avoid the notorious weekend wait times.
16. Sample Appalachian Cuisine With A Modern Twist
Traditional mountain cooking gets contemporary updates that honor its roots while surprising your palate. Chefs reimagine dishes like chicken and dumplings or trout with foraged mushrooms, elevating familiar comfort foods.
Cúrate brings Spanish influence to local ingredients, while Rhubarb showcases the region’s pantry. Don’t miss Cherokee-inspired dishes that highlight indigenous ingredients like ramps, pawpaw, and sumac.
17. Browse The Grove Arcade
Marble floors and ornate architectural details frame this historic shopping destination. Built in 1929, the Grove Arcade houses local businesses selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to regional food products.
The outdoor Portico Market features additional vendors with handmade crafts. After shopping, Battery Park Book Exchange offers wine and coffee in a cozy setting surrounded by used books.
18. Hunt For Vintage Finds At Antique Stores
Treasure hunters discover mid-century furniture, vinyl records, and mountain crafts in abundance. Lexington Avenue and the Biltmore Antiques District offer concentrated shopping zones where you can spend hours browsing.
Screendoor and Antique Tobacco Barn feature dozens of dealer booths under one roof. Bring measurements of spaces you’re shopping for, as most sales are final and shipping large items can be arranged.
19. Visit The Friday Night Drum Circle In Pritchard Park
Rhythmic beats transform downtown’s central park into a community celebration every weekend. This spontaneous gathering brings together skilled drummers, dancers, and spectators for an authentic local experience.
Anyone can join in—bring your own percussion instrument or simply dance. The circle typically starts around 6pm and continues until 10pm, weather permitting, from spring through fall.
20. Wander The Botanical Gardens At UNC Asheville
Native plant collections showcase the incredible biodiversity of southern Appalachia. This ten-acre sanctuary features winding paths through themed gardens that highlight plants traditionally used for medicine, food, and crafts.
The demonstration garden offers ideas for home landscaping with native species. Completely free to visit, these gardens provide a quiet retreat just minutes from downtown.
21. Book A Massage At A Salt Cave Or Spa
Wellness retreats offer unique treatments inspired by the mountain setting. Salt therapy rooms lined with Himalayan crystals create microenvironments said to improve respiratory health and reduce stress.
Asheville Salt Cave and Wake Foot Sanctuary provide distinctive relaxation experiences. Treatments typically range from $30-150 depending on length and style, with advance reservations recommended during peak tourist seasons.
22. Stay In A Cozy Cabin Or Boutique Hotel In The Mountains
Accommodation choices range from secluded forest retreats to historic downtown properties. Mountain cabins offer privacy with hot tubs overlooking wooded valleys, while renovated historic buildings provide walkable access to urban amenities.
The Omni Grove Park Inn delivers luxury with mountain views, while Airbnbs in neighborhoods like Montford provide authentic local experiences. Book well ahead for fall foliage season.