Asheville is a mountain destination known for its beautiful hiking, local microbreweries, and a welcoming culture that celebrates all things local. I recently traveled here with my girlfriends from college and we spent our time hiking, drinking beer, and catching up on what we’d missed out on over the last two years. (And after two years of monthly zoom chats, it was so amazing to reunite in person and enjoy each other’s company in the beautiful setting of Asheville, NC).
Where to stay
Staying downtown Asheville is great if you’re looking for easy access to all the beer and food that the city has to offer. When we go, however, we like to stay in nature and drive a few minutes to downtown. That’s why we love this treehouse with a view. Read our full post on it here!
Where to Eat & Drink
Breakfast
Biscuithead – A scratch-made staple with 2 locations and melt-in-your-mouth biscuit sandwiches that you’ll be talking about for a while. Believe me, I tried the Asheville Benedict and made my husband take us back the next morning for a repeat!
Sunny Point – Stroll through the garden next door as you wait for your table and see where they harvest fresh vegetables for their menu. Enjoy delicious breakfast food at any hour of the day while dining on their large, shaded patio! Sunny Point is where the locals go. Try it, you’ll see why.
Lunch
White Duck Tacos – After an epic hike to see some beautiful waterfalls, my friends and I stopped at this taco joint and chowed down on some delicious tacos! With plenty of outdoor picnic tables and located in the River Arts District, it’s a must while you’re in Asheville (especially post-hike)!
Homegrown – With a motto of “slow food, right quick”, sign me up! Your belly will feel good after eating here, as their goal is to provide great local food that is affordable and convenient to all people. Homegrown is another local favorite during the lunch hour.
Afternoon Coffee/Drinks
The Battery Park Book Exchange / Champagne Bar – this is a true gem! Both elegant and cozy, you can sift through a library of used books here while sipping on coffee or champagne. And Fido is welcome too! Me and the girls spent a few hours checking out books while sipping on our drinks. Why doesn’t this business model exist everywhere?
Dinner
Chai Pani – Indian Street food from a 5-time James Beard-nominated chef. I didn’t get a chance to eat here during my trip but am considering making an extra trip JUST to eat at this restaurant. It is THAT good (so I’ve heard)!
Cúrate– Meaning “cure yourself” in Spanish, this authentic Spanish Tapas Bar will do just that. Share some delicious tapas with your friends and don’t forget to order some wine as this spot was named one of “America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants” by Wine Enthusiast. It’s a little upscale, but after hitting the dives all day long, it’s nice to put on something nice and treat yourself!
What to Do
The Biltmore Estate – Built by railroad magnate, George Vanderbilt, in 1895, this is America’s Largest House and it does not disappoint! Taking a tour of this house reminded me of some of the castles I saw when I was on a study abroad trip to France, it is THAT epic. I loved the beautiful atrium on the main floor and the bowling alley downstairs, but one of my favorite parts of the whole house tour was going out on the back porch and looking out at the rolling hills, all designed by the famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead. I’ve heard it is absolutely breathtaking at Christmastime so this is a great time to visit!
Hiking
Triple Falls at Dupont Forest– this hike gives you a lot of bang for your buck. You will see a 120 ft waterfall within a half-mile of starting your hike! I recommend parking at the Hooker Falls hiking area. It can be a steep up-hill climb in some areas, but I saw many young children and elderly people conquering that hill with no problem. This hike is just an hour drive south of Asheville; it won’t take up your entire day and you’ll still have time to get back to White Duck Tacos by a reasonable hour!
Black Balsam Knob – in just 1.4 miles round trip, you can hike through a forest of balsam fir trees and summit a bald mountaintop covered with wildflowers to see beautiful 360-degree views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville.
Drinking
I love hiking in Asheville because you always know that when you’re finished you’re going to starving for a great meal and thirsty for a craft beer. That’s why I love this city so much. After hikes, I have a few spots I love to hit…
The Wedge – Located in the River Arts District, this brewery has a great outdoor patio, low-key ambiance, and is a great spot to grab a beer before checking out some of the art galleries nearby. It’s down a flight of hidden stairs on a hill, so it’s easy to miss, but once you find it you’ll know what all the fuss is about. Grab a bowl of peanuts. Throw the shells on the ground. This place has a real laid-back vibe with unique but tasty brews.
Burial – This place has awesome beer, a gritty vibe, and a great little outdoor space in the back. It’s not super wide open, so it’s probably not your go-to if you’ve got kids that need to run, but in my opinion, it’s the KING brewery of Asheville.
New Belgium – And this one has HUGE outdoor space with an open field and plenty of picnic tables along the river. My husband and I stopped here in the middle of a post-Thanksgiving return road trip from HELL with a toddler and it was like an oasis in the desert. We got drinks, our dog and toddler ran wild in the field, and everyone was happy.
So have I convinced you yet?! Asheville has so much to offer between its delicious dining options, scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, epic hikes, and excellent breweries. But don’t take my word for it, come see for yourself!
