Cradled in a sweeping curve of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll encounter an often-overlooked destination known as Asheville, North Carolina, where hiking and the great outdoors often steal the spotlight. If you look closer, you’ll uncover an eclectic city largely defined by its traditional roots as an Appalachian mountain town—holding the key to Asheville’s character in an emerging design, art, and farm-to-table food scene.
You’ll meet a lively liberal community carefully placed in a conservative, mostly red, countryside. This is by no accident either—artists have been calling Asheville home for more than a century, historically working on the grandiose Vanderbilt Estate and in adjoining Arts and Crafts style neighborhoods. Nowadays, you’ll still find the artist studios, along with chefs pushing serious boundaries, and as a local put it, “downright hippies” too, who bring whimsical and lighthearted energy into this town.
While I wasn’t sure what to expect on my first trip to Asheville, I found a buzzing community that wholeheartedly blends its mountain roots and unapologetically redefines what that means in this day of age. Keep reading for everything you need to know with our Asheville weekend guide.
When to Visit
Blessed with four mild but distinct seasons, Asheville is an excellent destination year-round. During summer, temperatures will peak from 61° to 82° thanks to higher elevations. In fact, before air conditioning was invented in 1902, Asheville was a popular vacation destination frequented by the wealthy and elite. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone were among the notable travelers you may have crossed paths with at that time.
Spring and autumn will of course be comfortable as well, and you will have an opportunity to see budding spring flowers and the mountains painted in hues of scarlet and ochre foliage.
As you get deeper into winter, the crowds thin out despite a relatively temperate climate. There are chances of snow, though unlikely. I visited in February to celebrate my friend’s birthday and found it very comfortable compared to other mountainous towns in the northeast or northwest at that time of year. The air had just enough of a chill to enjoy popping in and out of local shops to warm up as we walked around town, or cozy up fireside at our hotel.
Getting Around Asheville
While many neighborhoods in Asheville are walkable, the best way to get around is to drive. Uber and Lyft are easy enough to call, but the convenience of having your own car is ideal if you plan on hiking or exploring the wilderness of the Blue Mountains. If you need to rent a car, I have always had excellent experiences renting from Turo, a car-sharing marketplace where you can rent vehicles directly from the owner, supporting the local economy whenever you’re driving. Daily rates are often more affordable than most large rental companies, and you’ll have access to everything from electrically powered Teslas to luxurious Mercedes and Porsches. You also have the option to pick up the car directly from the Asheville Regional Airport using Turo as well.
The Best Place to Stay in Asheville, North Carolina
Omni Grove Park Inn
There are hundreds of options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Asheville for a weekend getaway. My friend who lives locally recommended booking rooms at the Omni Grove Park Inn, which has a bit of a local "wow factor", and has been an Asheville staple for over a century (with quite the history). Immediately walking through its doors, you’ll find an expansive lobby adorned with large stones and boulders flanking its walls, accented by dark hardwoods and stained glass Arts and Craft style lighting. Perhaps the most interesting decor in the lobby is the original 1913 Model T parked beside the front door, which was driven by Henry Ford himself alongside Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone. What a group! They were known as the self-appointed “Vagabonds”, who left the motorcar during one of their North Carolina camping trips. While I felt the bedrooms could use a light refresh, you’ll certainly have a massive property to explore with several restaurants, endless gathering places, and the fabled subterranean spa which I’ll get to later.
Omni Grove Park Inn | 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Chestnut Street Inn
If you’re looking for something charming and quaint, check out the Chestnut Street Inn. It’s a classic bed and breakfast recently purchased by a couple Emilie and Arturo, classically trained French chefs and natural wine veterans.
Chestnut Street Inn | 176 E Chestnut St, Asheville, NC 28801
Mirror Hotel
Coming soon to Asheville is Mirror Hotel, a 55-acre property with 18 luxury glamping-cabin experiences. Each space literally blends into the natural mountain landscape, delivering the restorative power of nature with rest and relaxation.
Mirror Hotel | Address Being Announced Soon
Asheville Weekend Itinerary: Day 1
Morning: Brunch at Eldr
On your first morning in Asheville, head over to Eldr for one of the best farm-to-table restaurants I have ever personally visited. Breakfast or brunch is an absolute must during your time in town. The building itself is a small cottage perched on a tiny hill with evergreen trees cradling this gem of a kitchen. Large antique-paned windows fill the space with massive amounts of the morning sun, creating a beautiful backdrop for seasonal, heritage dishes of Appalachian fare. You’ll also love the wonderful selection of natural wines and specialty cocktails behind the bar.
When I tell you this place is good, I mean it. Our group loved it to the point where we came back three times in an extended weekend trip for brunch — and I would have gladly gone again. Must haves on the menu include:
- Eggs Benedict over a locally baked Mother Bakery English muffin, country ham, arugula, fromage blanc, bacon jam, poached eggs, hollandaise, and pickled mizuna stems
- The Dutch Baby hot cake with caramel sauce, stewed pears, yuzu curd, miso, and coffee redux, topped with candied walnuts
- Gooseberry Smørrebrød layered with fromage blanc, prosciutto, gooseberry, and herbs, over locally baked Mother Bakery danish rye bread
- The homemade (and huge!) southern biscuits are also the very best everyone had in their life at our table
Eldr | 111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804
Noon: Shopping in Downtown Asheville
Post breakfast, head downtown to explore downtown Asheville. I recommend parking your car in a local lot, and walking on foot to meander in and out of the locally owned shops and boutique stores. Your first stop is at East Fork Pottery, an Asheville-based studio that specializes in some of the most beautiful, durable, and handmade homewares in the country. Not only are their products absolutely stunning (I wanted to buy everything in the store), I proudly support Climate Neutral Certified businesses, a standard earned by companies that offset and reduce all of their greenhouse gas emissions. The mugs were the absolute perfect gift for my boyfriend (and myself!) to always remind us of Asheville. If you’re local, they also hold one-off sales for slightly imperfect pieces that you can pick up for a bargain.
East Fork’s cult-favorite hallmark product, The Mug ($40) has historically sold out within minutes, thanks to the massive hype from discerning drinkware enthusiasts. At one point, there was also a 2-year waiting list for this mug during COVID as well, my friend told us. Outside of their signature collection, you’ll find expertly curated home and lifestyle pieces such as Everyday Oil, Smithey cast iron skillets, and endless cookbooks amongst many other things. If you love the slow living movement, you will love this shop.
East Fork | 15 W Walnut St, Asheville, NC 28801
Garden Party
Looking for a place that celebrates sunny days, green escapes, and tiny rituals? How about a shop that specializes in feel-good CBD products? Look no further than Garden Party, an intimate shop in West Asheville that prides itself on classic meditations and new traditions. Plus, I love their story of how they got started, which you can read here.
Garden Party | 315 Haywood Rd Suite 113, Asheville, NC 28806
Ware
Next up on the list is Ware. This shop brings up a valid point, “how sustainable can a product really be if you don't want it, it doesn't work, or it doesn't last? Not very.” This shop based in Asheville spends massive amounts of time seeking and testing home and body care products that meet the long list of criteria to get the Ware stamp of approval. Every product you’ll find here is guaranteed to be beautiful, functional, responsibly made (environmental and human impact), minimally packaged, and as local as possible. Thankfully for me, Ware sells products nationwide online, while operating a brick-and-mortar location in Asheville. If you’re local, be sure to bring your containers and take advantage of their refill station.
Ware | 797 Haywood Rd Ste. 101, Asheville, NC 28806
Afternoon at the Biltmore Estate
Assuming you still have some time left in the day, no trip to Asheville is complete without visiting the Biltmore Estate. If you can appreciate history, grandiose architecture, and the legacy of the Vanderbilt family, it’s worth a visit. Full disclosure: the prices can get expensive quickly, and tickets are sold separately for various tours. With that said, it's in your best interest to arrive with plenty of time to explore the massive estate before sundown. If this sounds more interesting than shopping, simply start with the Biltmore! I also recommend going there on a full stomach as the restaurants on site can get pricey (and quite touristy).
RBV Intel: The house tour takes roughly 2+ hours, so if you're traveling with little ones, they may enjoy the lawn and gardens most.
Biltmore Estate | 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
Night: Dinner at the Red Stag Grill
At this point of the itinerary, your stomach is probably rumbling, and it’s about time for a strong drink. Just outside of the Biltmore Estate, you’ll find a fabulous restaurant called The Red Stag Grill in Biltmore Village. Steeped in woodland charm, Red Stag Grill dances between rustic decor with modern ambiance, and European cuisine with Carolina influence. If you’re a carnivore (or are traveling with someone who can appreciate meat), this is a must-stop for you in Asheville. We celebrated my friend’s birthday here, and I had the best steak (it was elk!) of my life. Favorites on the menu you’ll likely love include:
- Bohemian Hunt Board filled with prosciutto, San Giuseppe salamis, summer sausage house charcuterie, assorted cheeses, seasonal mustard jam, olives, pickled vegetables, and grilled baguette
- New Zealand Elk Loin - If you’re thinking about the filet mignon, ask the waiter, and I guarantee he will tell you to go to for the elk. A night and day difference in tenderness, flavor, and “wow factor”
- Pecan Carrot Cake topped with cream cheese icing, candied pecans, and caramel drizzle
Red Stag Grill | 11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803
Night Cap: The Edison
Looking for a place to cap off the night? Head to Edison (closes at 10 PM) if you’re staying at the Omni Grove Park Inn. There’s also another bar in the lobby of the hotel that stays open later, and it's the perfect place to cozy up fireside in the rocking chairs begging to be sat in. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, this spot has one of the best mountain views in Asheville.
Edison Craft Ales + Kitchen | 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Asheville Weekend Itinerary: Day 2
Morning: Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn is fabled, revered, and looks like something out of a movie. You’ll find over twenty water features, numerous mineral-based pools, and waterfalls inside a subterranean spa with cavernous rock walls, arches, and tunnels. You’ll also want to dip in the lap pool blanketed with thousands of fiber-optic stars and underwater music. Be sure to book early—it sells out quickly.
Omni Grove Park Inn Spa | 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
RBV Intel: Fully booked? Soak away your stress in the only outdoor Japanese-style retreat on the east coast, known as Shoji Spa. Notoriously unpretentious, this retreat features completely private salt hydrotherapy tubs, a wet cedar sauna, and invigorating double cold showers—on the edge of the National Forest.
Shoji Spa & Retreat | 96 Avondale Heights Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Noon: Explore Citizen Vinyl
Citizen Vinyl was born in 2020, after Asheville’s biggest newspaper, The Citizen Times moved operations to Greenville, South Carolina. The space was transformed into an audiophile’s and design aficionado’s dream — a record pressing plant, recording studio, and an excellent cafe and bar known as Session. Revel in an indulgent experience of slowing down, filling your ears with what music should sound like—and sipping on a Cultura Revolver.
Citizen Vinyl | 14 O'Henry Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Afternoon: River Arts District
Afterward, spend the afternoon at River Arts District, wandering colorful studios and galleries with work by dozens of local artists and designers. Dozens of industrial buildings had been abandoned alongside the French Broad River, and are now occupied by the arts community. You’ll also want to check out Depot street, where the densest collection of established spaces for painters, potters, and glass artists runs all the way to Foundry Street.
River Arts District | 357 Depot Street, Asheville
Pick Your Poison at Antidote & Chemist Spirits
Making your way to loop back through downtown, you’ll want to stop at Antidote, a turn-of-the-century speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge. Upon arriving, you’ll be greeted by a brick facade and gilded letters handpainted on the windows, reminiscent of an era long past. Expanses of dark woods, custom wallpapers and tiles, and century-old decor set the stage for pre-prohibition style drinks ranging from classic craft cocktails to new concoctions with an Asheville twist.
In fact, Antidote was born from Chemist Spirits, the legendary locally-made gin distillery that is next door to the bar itself. Chemist has an incredibly thoughtful and intimate shop to buy merchandise from leather flasks, glassware, antiques, and of course bottles of gin to bring home. As you meander through the shop, gin tastings are available, along with an incredible tour where you’ll see the towering copper distillers up close and personal.
Antidote and Chemist specialize in cocktails and light plates, so be sure to have dinner reservations planned for afterward.
Antidote at Chemist Spirits | 151 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Night: Dinner at La Bodega by Cúrate
Located in a former 1927 bus depot, this bustling tapas restaurant from James Beard Award nominee Katie Button will make you feel like you've just landed in Spain—in Asheville, North Carolina. Cúrate serves up everything from croquetas de pollo to patatas bravas and brings the essence of Spain to downtown Asheville. With a name that literally means “cure yourself” in Spanish, this umbrella of locally-owned restaurants offers exceptional access to Spanish culture in this southern town of the United States. Make reservations ahead of time.
La Bodega by Cúrate | 32 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Alternative Dinner Spot: Dine at a Local Carolina BBQ
Not into a little Spanish flair? The next best option is to go full Carolinas. North Carolinians will argue that their barbeque is the best in the world, so if you’re from out of state, you really can’t miss this regional delight.
Buxton Hall BBQ | 32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Bears Smokehouse Barbeque | 135 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Luella’s Bar-B-Que | 501 Merrimon Ave, Asheville NC 28801
Nightcap: Asheville Breweries
You won’t be able to get far on the internet without finding tons of Asheville's best brewery lists. While I didn’t personally visit many, I invite you to recommend some of your favorites in the blog comments below. I'm always looking to update based on local favorites! Among the most popular include the below three, with many offering affordable draft pints or sample beer flights.
Burial Beer Co | 40 Collier Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Twin Leaf Brewing | 144 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Green Man Brewery | 27 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Asheville Weekend Guide Conclusion
Asheville is a place that appears to firmly exist between two worlds: one rooted in its heritage, and another forging ahead to define a new identity that reflects its eclectic community. This unique dynamic battle and dance give Asheville a certain je ne sais quoi, earning the title as the "Paris of the South"—though you won’t find any pretension here.
Feeling inspired? Check out our 30 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Asheville.
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2 responses to “The Asheville Weekend Guide”
Sounds like a nice place to spend a weekend!
ItIt looks and sounds like a wonderful place. If I ever get a chance and I’m in the area I’ll have to do a weekend. Venture plenty of things to do some gorgeous and interesting places.