Asheville, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its rich arts scene, outdoor adventures, and eclectic culture. Downtown features an array of locally-owned shops, art galleries, restaurants serving farm-to-table cuisine, and lots of unique breweries. AVL is close to many hikes within the mountains so you can spend the day in nature if you would like too. Music is also a cornerstone of Asheville’s identity, with live performances ranging from bluegrass and folk to indie rock and jazz happening in venues throughout the city.

In this post I’m recommending some of my favorite places to eat and drink, what to do, and where to hike!

• White Duck Taco 
• Sunny Point Cafe – great for brunch 
• Double D’s Coffee and Desserts 
• Early Girl Eatery
• Chai Pani – Indian cuisine
• Vortex Doughnuts 
• Bone and Broth 
• Pack’s Tavern

• Catawba Brewing 
• Burial Brewing 
• Wicked Weed Funkatorium – sour beer taproom
• Wedge Brewing 
• New Belgium Brewing 
• Urban Orchard Cider
• Sierra Nevada 
• Green Man Brewery

• Biltmore Estate – Visit and tour the historic mansion and stroll the garden grounds 
• Antler Hill Village – part of the Biltmore Estate
• Biltmore Village 
• Blue Ridge Parkway – drive along and stop at the scenic overlooks 
• Grove Arcade – unique shopping center 
• Pinball Museum 
• NC Arboretum – 434-acre natural museum within Pisgah National Forest
• Hickory Nut Gap Farm – just outside AVL find fresh locally made products
• Downtown shops – some of my favorites are Horse and Hero, Mast General Store, Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar
• Shoji Spa – a Japanese health and wellness spa 
• Omni Grove Inn – grab a bite to eat and drink during sunset on the terrace
• Go to a concert at Harrah’s Cherokee Center or Orange Peel 
• Book a LaZoom tour – they have a few different tour options
• Book a brewery tour

• Black Balsam Knob
  • Difficulty: Moderate 
  • Length: 1.4 miles round trip
• Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell Overlook
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: 1.2 miles round trip
• Bearwallow Mountain
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Length: 2.1 miles round trip
• Catawba Falls
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Length: 2.7 miles round trip
• Looking Glass Falls
  • Difficulty: Easy 
  • Length: 0.25 miles round trip 
• Linn Cove Viaduct
  • Not a hike but the most famous parkway bridge a concrete, S-shaped bridge hugs Grandfather Mountain