ASHEVILLE TRAVEL GUIDE
If you are looking for a perfect retreat full of culture, food and endless outdoor activities, look no further than Asheville, North Carolina. This city has a small-town feel but offers a plethora of cultural experiences making it a great destination for all types of travelers. Home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, Asheville is surrounded by the Great Smokey Mountains to the West and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the East.
As a year-round destination, this southern city has a lot to offer with its vibrant downtown and River Arts District. Explore Downtown Asheville’s history and architectural styles (including Art Deco, Beau Arts and Neoclassical) with the Asheville Urban Trail, AND don’t forget the three Bs: Biscuits, breweries, and the Biltmore!
MUST SEE/ TO DO: SHOPPING
GROVE ARCADE
Added to the National Register of Historic Places as the first enclosed “mall” in America, this building is a must visit for any architecture enthusiast. Architect Charles N. Parker designed the Arcade back in 1922 keeping in mind E.W. Grove’s vision for it to be the “epicenter of downtown Asheville.” The building interiors were to be full of shops, offices, and living spaces. Today it still serves its original design intent.
FLORA
This full service floral design studio and shop is full of botanical beauty. Any plant enthusiast must add this store and coffee shop to their itinerary. Explore plants, artwork and gifts and grab a cup of coffee at Forage.
BAGATELLE BOOKS
Peak into this little second hand bookstore and explore a curated collection of used and rare books.
HARVEST RECORDS
Check out this independent record store for classics and new music alike.
MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE
A local independent bookstore designed for its visitors to relax and linger. With a cup of coffee in hand, explore popular titles or grab a book about the history of Asheville by a local author.
MUST SEE/ TO DO: OUTDOORS/EXPERIENCE
BILTMORE ESTATE
The number one recommended place to visit when traveling to Asheville! Plan for an entire day at the historic and iconic property. Explore the history, architecture (of Richard Morris Hunt), and grounds with a self-guided tour. (With are a variety of tours, I recommend the self-guided with the Audio Guide!) Try the winery or walk through the gardens and greenhouse. Built between 1889 and 1895, the architectural style is a mix of French Renaissance and Colonial Revival. The estate is comprised of 250 rooms with 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and a full-sized swimming pool and bowling alley! All of the rooms are full of art, antique furnishings and tapestries.
Pro Tip: Purchase tickets in advance, as tickets sell out quickly especially on the weekends, holidays and the Christmas season.
BLUE RIDGE (PARKWAY)
Drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains! While I don’t recommend you drive all 469 miles, this All-American Road is known for its scenic highway beauty. From Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (just outside of Washington D.C.) to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee, North Carolina. With no trucks, and the speed limited to 45 MPR, this is a perfect opportunity to explore beyond the Asheville city limits.
THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM
Located within the Pisgah National Forest, the 434 acre public garden was designed by great American landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.
BOTANICAL GARDENS AT ASHEVILLE
On the edge of the University of North Carolina, nestled in the Southern Appalachian mountains, the BGA focuses on preserving native plants. Visitors enjoy connecting with nature ‘by the beauty and serenity of the grounds’.
EAT
BISCUIT HEAD
With multiple locations, this breakfast is not to be missed. Rated as one of the best places for breakfast in Asheville, this comfort food is paired with homemade jams and hot sauce you will not forget. You must try the fried green tomatoes!
EARLY GIRL EATERY
This local favorite always has a line out the front door, and for good reason. This restaurant serves a really good breakfast. (Just expect a wait!)
WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP
These creative tacos are delicious and affordable! With plenty of outdoor seating this restaurant is one of my top recommendations for a truly authentic Asheville experience.
FRENCH BROAD FACTORY AND TASTING ROOM
Learn about the cacao bean cultivation by taking a factory tour or check out the tasting room and retail shop. Try the rich and decadent chocolate and pick up some souvenirs for later. My personal favorite- the scorpion pepper dark chocolate!
CHAI PANI
This Indian street food is affordable and tasty! With quality ingredients and great service this restaurant is a must stop every time I (or my parents) visit Asheville.
RHUBARB
Mouthwatering entrees and a great orange wine selection. I love the creative flare of the menu items. I recommend sitting outside for a great downtown patio experience.
12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE
In the heart of Riverside Arts District, discover one of Asheville’s best restaurants. The authentic grunge atmosphere pairs well with BBQ and all the sauce options!
S&W MARKET
This food hall is located in a historic art deco building. Originally designed by architect Douglas Ellington as an S & W Cafeteria, the hall has been reimagined for Asheville today. The two-story space is anchored by Highland Brewing. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the building is a true gem restored to its grand state from 1929, it aims to revitalize downtown Asheville’s history.
BILTMORE WINERY AT ANTLER HILL VILLAGE
After a day spent at the Biltmore, don’t forget to visit the winery! Enjoy complimentary tasting with your general admission Biltmore ticket, just make sure you reserve a spot ahead of time.
DRINK
This city has no shortage of breweries. Below is a list for reference.
New Belgium Brewing
Hi-Wire Brewing
Highland Brewing Company
Archetype
One World Brewing
Wicked Weed
Brewery/Funkatorium
Sierra Nevada Brewing
Wedge Brewing Co.
GETTING AROUND (Transportation)
Downtown Asheville is very walkable, and perfect for setting your own pace. Ride Shares like Uber and Lyft options are available for some points of interest right outside downtown like the Biltmore Village, The Omni Grove Park Inn or the River Arts District. Overall Asheville is a drivable city, and a car is recommended to explore beyond downtown.
SLEEP
The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton
Reimagined and restored into a modern hotel, the historic foundry provided structural steel to many businesses and prominent buildings in the area including the Biltmore Estate and Asheville City Hall. The hotel now celebrates its past. We booked a historic room which featured exposed brick walls, high ceilings and creaky salvaged wood floors. It is a perfect example of historic preservation breathing new life.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
This luxury hotel is founded on values of rest and relaxation. The hotel’s “Great Hall” lobby is built of granite boulders and anchored by two mammoth fireplaces. The rustic atmosphere ushers you in, encouraging you to sit in one of the perfectly restored pieces of Arts and Crafts furniture.
Pro Tip: Even if you are not a guest, plan a sunset cocktail visit. The hotel has a designated cocktail terrace which faces west for beautiful sunset drinks.
Airbnb
Look for a unique housing experience to compliment any trip to Asheville. We stayed at a larger home outside of the city with a beautiful view, outdoor shower, fire pit and patio. It was worth it to watch the sunrise glimmer through the mountains while sipping coffee.
ON MY NEXT VISIT
Sauna House
Asheville Art Museum
North Carolina Glass Center
Asheville Salt Cave
Buxton Hall Barbecue
Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar
Wheels Through Time (Motorcycle Museum)
Cúrate
Isa’s French Bistro
Admiral
Top of the Monk
Bargello
Sunny Point Café
Ghan Shan (Ramen)
Curve Studios & Garden
Hole Doughnuts
Bull and Beggar
Ginger’s Revenge
NOTE: This guide has been developed over multiple trips taken over the past few years.
