Asheville

Day Trips

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the famous Early Girl Eatery, known for its farm-to-table Southern comfort food. After breakfast, wander through the vibrant streets of Asheville's Historic District, admiring the stunning architecture of the Art Deco buildings. Make sure to stop by the local artisan shops and galleries showcasing the city’s rich artistic heritage.

Visit the Asheville Art Museum, where you can immerse yourself in contemporary American art, particularly pieces from the Southern Appalachians. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, sampling local craft beers and Southern-inspired dishes. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the River Arts District, where you can meet local artists and view their studios.

As the sun sets, head to the rooftop bar at the Crow & Quill for stunning views of the city skyline. Enjoy live music while sipping on artisanal cocktails and local brews. For dinner, indulge in a farm-to-table experience at The Market Place, known for its seasonal dishes and local ingredients.

Begin your morning with a delightful breakfast at the Stable Café located within the Biltmore Estate grounds. Afterward, embark on a self-guided tour of the grand estate, taking in the opulent rooms and learning about the Vanderbilt family’s history. Don’t forget to stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Biltmore’s Winery, where you can also partake in a wine tasting of their exquisite selections. Following lunch, explore the estate’s outdoor activities, such as biking or horseback riding through the picturesque trails. Take your time to appreciate the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding the estate.

As evening descends, return to the estate for the Twilight Tour, where the mansion is beautifully illuminated. Savor a dinner at one of the estate's fine dining options, relishing in dishes made from estate-grown ingredients. Conclude your night by enjoying a glass of wine on the terrace, soaking in the enchanting atmosphere.

Kick off your day with a breakfast picnic featuring local pastries and coffee from a charming café. Afterward, hop into your vehicle and set off on the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, known for its stunning vistas and winding roads. Make sure to stop at various overlooks for breathtaking photo opportunities of the fall foliage or mountain landscapes.

After a scenic drive, stop for a hike at Craggy Gardens, where you can explore the trails and enjoy panoramic views from the summit. Pack a light lunch to enjoy amidst nature, surrounded by the beauty of wildflowers and rhododendrons. Continue your journey, making stops at the Folk Art Center to appreciate local crafts and traditional Appalachian music.

As the day winds down, find a cozy spot at a local restaurant in downtown Asheville for dinner, trying out regional specialties. Experience the local music scene by catching a live performance at the Orange Peel, a renowned venue for up-and-coming artists. Wrap up your evening with a stroll through the lively streets, taking in the vibrant nightlife.

Start your adventure with breakfast at a local diner before heading to Pisgah National Forest. Once there, choose from a variety of hiking trails, such as the popular Looking Glass Rock trail, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife in the area.

After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the scenic picnic areas within the forest. Spend your afternoon engaging in outdoor activities like mountain biking or visiting the beautiful waterfalls, such as Looking Glass Falls or Sliding Rock. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the natural swimming holes.

Head back to Asheville and refresh with a quick stop at a local brewery for a tasting of their craft beers. For dinner, opt for a casual meal at a food truck park, where you can sample various cuisines from the eclectic offerings. End your day with a relaxing evening stroll at the Asheville Botanical Gardens, enjoying the tranquility of the gardens under the stars.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at Biscuit Head, where you can enjoy their famous biscuits and house-made gravies. After that, visit the Asheville Museum of Science for interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. Spend some time learning about local ecology and geology before heading out to explore more of the city.

Enjoy lunch at a local café, then head to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial to learn about the life of the famous author. Afterward, take a guided tour of the historic Grove Arcade, admiring its architecture and browsing the unique shops. Spend your afternoon indulging in some retail therapy at local boutiques and artisan shops.

As night falls, dine at a restaurant offering live jazz music to enhance your culinary experience. After dinner, take a guided ghost tour to discover the haunted history of Asheville, exploring its spooky past. Conclude your evening with a cocktail at a speakeasy-style bar, where you can relax in a vintage atmosphere.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, fueling up for a day of tastings. After breakfast, embark on a self-guided tour of Asheville’s famous craft breweries, beginning with the well-known Sierra Nevada Brewery. Explore the facility, learn about the brewing process, and sample some of their finest beers.

Continue your brewery tour by visiting other local favorites like Wicked Weed and Burial Beer Company, each offering unique brews and atmospheres. Enjoy lunch at one of the breweries, pairing your meal with locally crafted beers. Take some time to relax in the outdoor beer gardens, soaking in the vibrant local culture.

As evening approaches, switch gears and visit a distillery for a tasting experience, learning about the distillation process and sampling artisan spirits. For dinner, find a nearby restaurant that specializes in pairing food with local brews and spirits. Wrap up your day at a rooftop bar, enjoying the views while sipping on craft cocktails.

Start your day at the Asheville City Market, where local farmers and artisans showcase their fresh produce, handmade goods, and crafts. Enjoy breakfast from one of the food vendors, sampling the flavors of the region in the heart of the community. Take your time exploring the stalls and chatting with local vendors about their products.

After the market, head to a cooking class at a local culinary school, where you can learn to prepare traditional Southern dishes. Enjoy a hands-on experience with local chefs, using fresh ingredients from the market. After the class, savor the meal you’ve prepared together, relishing every bite.

In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at a renowned farm-to-table restaurant, where you can experience the best of Asheville's culinary scene. Pair your meal with a selection of local wines or craft beers. Conclude the night with dessert at a local bakery, enjoying a sweet treat to reflect on your culinary adventures.

Begin your day with breakfast at a historic café that serves traditional Southern fare. Afterward, visit the Smith-McDowell House Museum, the oldest surviving house in Buncombe County, to learn about local history and culture. Spend your morning exploring the exhibits and beautiful gardens surrounding the house.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, then head to the Asheville History Center at Pack Place for more insights into the area's past. Explore their engaging exhibits and attended events that delve into Asheville's rich history. Take time to walk through Pack Square Park, soaking in the atmosphere of the heart of the city.

As the sun sets, dine at a historic restaurant that offers a unique ambiance and local dishes. After dinner, attend a storytelling or historic reenactment event if available, immersing yourself in the local culture. End your evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, appreciating the blend of history and modernity.

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at a local café known for healthy options. Afterward, treat yourself to a spa day at one of Asheville's renowned wellness centers, indulging in a massage or facial to rejuvenate. Spend the morning unwinding with calming treatments and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

Enjoy a light lunch at the spa’s café or a nearby health-focused eatery. After lunch, participate in a yoga or meditation class, immersing yourself in relaxation and mindfulness. Spend the afternoon in serene surroundings, perhaps taking a nature walk at a nearby park to connect with the beautiful landscape.

As evening approaches, indulge in a delightful dinner at a restaurant that focuses on organic, locally-sourced ingredients. Afterward, relax with a glass of herbal tea or a refreshing cocktail at a nearby bar with a calming ambiance. Conclude your day with a restful night’s sleep, feeling refreshed and revitalized.