The Perfect Outdoorsy Weekend in Asheville
The Perfect Outdoorsy Weekend in Asheville
Asheville, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, beckons to those with a thirst for adventure and a love for the great outdoors. Forget the crowded city streets and trade them for winding trails, breathtaking vistas, and the crisp mountain air. This vibrant city, known for its eclectic charm and thriving arts scene, also serves as the perfect basecamp for some amazing outdoor destinations. I’ve created an itinerary for an outdoorsy weekend in Asheville and I’m excited to share it with you!
***disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links***
Asheville FAQs
You may have a lot of questions regarding Asheville. I realize that there may be many different type of people reading this. Maybe you live in North Carolina and you’re looking for a getaway and haven’t been to Asheville yet. Maybe you live somewhere along the East Coast and you want to visit. Maybe you’re from the West Coast and you don’t visit the East Coast very often. I will try to speak to all of you!
a lay of the land
Let’s familiarize ourselves with where Asheville is. North Carolina is a long state from East to West. It’s over 1,000 miles- there’s actually a trail that spans it. And a diverse state- from the beaches to the mountains and everything in between. The Great Smokey Mountains run between North Carolina and Tennessee. Asheville is just East of that area. It’s about 6 hours from the coast, and 3 hours from Charlotte/Raleigh (North Carolina’s bigger cities).
Asheville is a small city, but it still has a decent size downtown, all the modern amenities, popular shops, hospitals, etc. I like the size of it.
One of the best parts about this small mountain town is that it has its own airport. A lot of places like this require a long drive, so it’s to be able to fly into it
what are the best things to do in asheville, north carolina?
Oh my goodness, there are so many THINGS TO DO IN ASHEVILLE. Asheville, nestled in the BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, is a playground for anyone seeking a blend of outdoor adventure, artistic flair, and culinary delights! For nature lovers, hiking the scenic trails of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must, offering breathtaking panoramic views. If you’re more of an urban explorer, wander through the vibrant RIVER ARTS DISTRICT, where you can peek into artists’ studios and find unique treasures. And let’s not forget the food scene! From farm-to-table restaurants serving up innovative dishes to cozy breweries pouring craft beers, your taste buds are in for a treat. Don’t miss a tour of the BILTMORE ESTATE either- this place has a lot of history. Whether you’re craving a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Asheville has something special for everyone.
what is the best month to visit asheville?
Determining the “best” month to visit Asheville really depends on your personal preferences and what you want to experience. We visited in FEBRUARY. If I go back, I’d like it to be SUMMER. Here’s a breakdown for you.
- Fall (especially October):
- This is arguably the most popular time to visit.
- The fall foliage is absolutely stunning I’m sure, with vibrant colors blanketing the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- The weather is typically mild and comfortable.
- Keep in mind that this is also the busiest time, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
- Spring (April/May):
- Spring brings blooming wildflowers and pleasant temperatures.
- It’s a great time for hiking and exploring the outdoors.
- The Biltmore Estate’s gardens are particularly beautiful during this season.
- Summer:
- Summer offers warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports/ waterfall hikes
- This is a good time to enjoy the many outdoor breweries.
- Winter:
- Winter is the quietest season in Asheville.
- You can enjoy holiday festivities and potentially see snow in the surrounding mountains.
- The most affordable season to visit
how to spend a weekend in asheville
I’m going to walk you through my itinerary over 3 days in Asheville as a first time visitor. I personally like short trips- it makes you appreciate your time and you don’t get burnt out (like I do on longer trips). It also keeps the cost down! here’s how I spent a WEEKEND IN ASHEVILLE in Februrary.
***disclaimer: my instagram reel was a paid partnership with Visit Asheville and Allegiant Air. this post is NOT part of that partnership, these are my own raw opinions.
Grab My 40 Page PDF Itinerary!
If you want to visit Asheville and be able to save all this valuable info in ONE PLACE (even when you’re in ASHEVILLE), grab my $10 itinerary. I outline the best restaurants, hikes, coffee shops, and more on this itinerary, and it’s easy to save on your phone!
Day 0: Travel Day To Asheville
I came from PHOENIX, ARIZONA. Allegiant Air now does a direct flight from Phoenix to Asheville in only 3 hours which is super convienent. Check out their website OR use Booking.com to find a flight that works for you. Make sure to take into account time change on your schedule. We flew out at 5:15pm and landed at 10:30 local time. The Asheville Regional Airport is small and organized, we got our rental car and were off to our airbnb by 11:30pm.
Day 1 in Asheville
best places to stay in asheville
Finding the perfect place to rest your head in Asheville is part of the magic! For those seeking grand elegance, the historic and luxurious Omni Grove Park Inn offers stunning mountain views and world-class amenities. If you’re drawn to downtown’s vibrant energy, consider boutique hotels like The Foundry Hotel or The Windsor Boutique Hotel, placing you steps away from renowned restaurants and art galleries. For a cozy, intimate experience, explore the charming bed and breakfasts nestled in the surrounding neighborhoods, like the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House. And of course, there are plenty of vacation rentals, from rustic cabins tucked into the mountains to modern condos in the heart of the city, offering flexibility and a home-away-from-home feel. No matter your preference, Asheville has a diverse range of accommodations to suit every style and budget, ensuring your stay is as memorable as the city itself.
We stayed in an airbnb, or really a group of them. The owners Shari and Amy have a larger home and multiple black modern A-frame cabins that were MAGICAL! They have a chicken coop, a creek, trails, a community space and gardens- ahh. They even leave you farm fresh eggs and tea! So so cute.
a weekend in asheville starts with coffee
Our WEEKEND IN ASHEVILLE started on Saturday morning. Looking for a cute COFFEE SHOP IN ASHEVILLE? Located Downtown, Pollen Coffee & Flower Shop is more than just your average cafe – it’s a sensory experience being surrounded by coffee AND a rainbow assortment of fresh flowers. This unique combination creates a tranquil and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon respite. Pollen’s expertly crafted coffee drinks are DELICIOUS. It’s the perfect place to start your WEEKEND IN ASHEVILLE.
BEST BREAKFAST IN ASHEVILLE: Check these out- Sunny Point Cafe, Biscuit Head, Green Sage Cafe, The Social Lounge
a local waterfall hike: catawba falls
Catawba Falls, a captivating natural gem just a short drive from Asheville, offers a refreshing escape into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is a multi-tiered waterfall cascading down moss-covered rocks with wild views. It’s good for any skill level. They recently reconstructed new stairs up to the Upper Falls and they did it so well. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll in nature or a more challenging hike, Catawba Falls provides a rejuvenating experience and a chance to witness the natural beauty that surrounds Asheville.
afternoon tour: a farm to table experience
Asheville has a really cool foraging/ farm to table experience that I’d recommend trying. The company No Taste Like Home walks you through the forest for a few hours, teaching you about local edible roots, herbs, mushrooms, etc. They then use that to make a dish and give you ingredients to take to The Market Place in Downtown Asheville. This restaurant is SO YUMMY!
Day 2 in Asheville
Day 2 was Sunday for us (just as a recap, we flew in late Friday night, spent saturday enjoying local restaurants, coffee shops, and enjoying a foraging tour). On our second day, we took a mini day trip to take an epic hike, and then had an amazing sauna experience overlooking Asheville. So let’s get into it.
grandfather mountain
Grandfather Mountain, an iconic peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers an unforgettable hiking experience AND the Mile High Swinging Bridge. This is a bridge, yes a mile high in elevation, that USED TO swing, but has been renovated since then. FUN FACT- my mom did this hike with me as a baby in 1996 when it was wooden and says it was much more dangerous haha. Then the Grandfather Trail offers a challenging route with steep ladders built into the rocks, and beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grandather Mountain is a 1.5 hr BEAUTIFUL drive from Asheville, and totally worth it. We ate breakfast on our own and drove up early, and were back by 1pm!
Here are some other amazing outdoor adventures to consider outside of Grandather Mountain:
Waterfall Hikes:
- Catawba Falls (mentioned prior): A moderate hike to a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall.
- Looking Glass Falls: An easily accessible and stunning roadside waterfall.
- Triple Falls & Hooker Falls (DuPont State Recreational Forest): Scenic trails through a beautiful forest with multiple waterfalls.
- Moore Cove Falls: A relatively easy hike to a unique waterfall you can walk behind.
Scenic Overlook Hikes:
- Craggy Pinnacle Trail (Blue Ridge Parkway): A short, steep hike with 360-degree views.
- Mount Mitchell State Park: Hike to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River for incredible panoramic views.
- Black Balsam Knob (Art Loeb Trail): Bald mountain summits with stunning views.
- Max Patch: A 360 degree bald mountain top, with amazing views.
Challenging Hikes:
- Grandfather Mountain Trails: Rugged terrain with rewarding summit views, including the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
- Art Loeb Trail: A long-distance trail with challenging sections and diverse scenery.
- Mount Sterling (Great Smoky Mountains National Park): A strenuous hike to a historic fire tower.
Easy/Moderate Hikes:
- Pink Beds Loop (Pisgah National Forest): A relatively flat and easy loop trail through a beautiful valley.
- Bent Creek Experimental Forest Trails: A network of trails perfect for leisurely walks and bike rides.
- River Arts District Greenway: an easy paved greenway, great for walking, and seeing the river arts district.
After Hurricane Helene of 2024, it’s important to check current statuses before you do a hike! Recovery takes time, and Asheville is doing an amazing job. My favorite way to do this is either to look at National Park/Forest Websites OR using AllTrails. On AllTrails, I’ll pull up the hike, look at the current status and recent reviews to see if it’s an accessible trail. AllTrails+ is 100% worth it, being able to get offline, share your location for safety, and so much more!
walk around downtown
After we got back from our hike, we relaxed in our cabin, changed clothes for our next experience, and went to walk around DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE. We explored the historic Mast General Store which has a lot of outdoor gear and souvenirs and got coffee from Double D’s Coffee (a double decker with coffee!).
Here are some other things to do in Downtown Asheville if you have time:
For the Art Enthusiast:
- First Friday Art Walk: If you’re there on the first Friday of the month, immerse yourself in the gallery scene. Many galleries stay open late with special exhibits and refreshments.
- Lexington Avenue Galleries: Stroll down Lexington Avenue for a concentrated dose of independent galleries showcasing contemporary art, ceramics, and jewelry.
- Woolworth Walk: A historic five-and-dime store transformed into an art gallery featuring over 170 local artists.
For the Foodie and Drink Connoisseur:
- Curate: Experience authentic Spanish tapas at this highly acclaimed restaurant. Reservations are essential.
- Chai Pani: Indulge in innovative Indian street food.
- Buxton Hall Barbecue: For a taste of Southern barbecue, head to this popular spot.
- Wicked Weed Brewing Pub: A flagship brewery with a wide selection of craft beers.
- Ben’s Tune Up: A unique spot combining a sake brewery, Asian-inspired food, and a lively patio.
- French Broad Chocolate Lounge: Treat yourself to decadent desserts and chocolates.
- Double D’s Coffee & Desserts: get coffee and desserts from a double decker bus (in the photo below!)
For the Shopper and Explorer:
- Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe: Browse an extensive selection of books and enjoy a coffee in this beloved independent bookstore.
- Duncan & York Fine Wines: If you enjoy wine, this shop has a very large selection.
- The Grove Arcade: Explore the shops and restaurants within this historic architectural gem. Look for the antique shops.
- Mountain Made: a shop that features the work of local Appalachian artists.
- Explore the alleyways: Don’t be afraid to wander off the main streets and discover hidden gems in the alleyways.
For the Music Lover:
- The Orange Peel: Check their schedule for upcoming concerts.
- Jack of the Wood Pub: Enjoy traditional Irish music and craft beer.
- Explore the buskers: Downtown Asheville is known for its talented street musicians.
For the History Buff:
- City Hall and the S&W Building: Admire the Art Deco architecture.
- Pack Square Park: Learn about the history of Asheville at this central gathering place.
- Self Guided walking tour: Download a self guided walking tour of downtown asheville.
sauna & cold plunge experience
Seeking a unique wellness experience in Asheville? Look no further than The Drip Sauna, a haven for those looking to detoxify and rejuvenate. This isn’t your average sauna; The Drip offers infrared saunas and a serene atmosphere to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re looking to sweat out toxins, ease muscle tension after a long hike, or simply unwind and relax, The Drip Sauna is EPIC!
finish the day with a brewery
Hillman Beer, a local favorite that was recommended to me by our Airbnb host, was SO GOOD. The beers were delicious, pretzel was great, and burgers were SO FLAVORFUL. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking for a casual spot to enjoy a drink, Hillman Beer provides a quintessential Asheville brewery experience.
Day 3 in Asheville
coffee in asheville, again!
On our last day in Asheville (Monday), we took advantage of the few hours we had. Our flight was set to leave at 1:45, so we planned to be at the airport 2 hours before that. When we woke up, we checked out of our amazing cabin, and of course had to check out another local coffee shop This time we went to The Cooperative, who roast their own coffee.
Here are some other amazing places to check out:
Coffee Shops:
- PennyCup Coffee Co.
- Summit Coffee Co.
- Battlecat Coffee Bar
- High Five Coffee
Breakfast/Brunch Places:
- Biscuit Head
- Sunny Point Cafe
- Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
- Over Easy Cafe
- Early Girl Eatery
the biltmore estate
Stepping onto the grounds of the Biltmore Estate is like entering a bygone era of opulence and grandeur. This sprawling French Renaissance chateau, nestled amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family. Explore the meticulously preserved rooms, marvel at the architectural details, and wander through the breathtaking gardens. I didn’t get enough time here, and it was winter. I will definitely come back!!! Beyond the house itself, the estate boasts a winery, offering tastings of their award-winning wines, and miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking or biking. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a day of refined beauty, a visit to the Biltmore Estate is an unforgettable experience.
Summary: A Weekend in Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina is an amazing place. I hope you visit. The food scene is great, I love the artsy, ecclectic vibes, and there are outdoorsy adventures galore. We did a trip from Friday night to Monday afternoon. For whatever length of time you decide to visit, you will have an amazing time! Enjoy!
Grab My 40 Page PDF Itinerary!
If you want to visit Asheville and be able to save all this valuable info in ONE PLACE (even when you’re in ASHEVILLE), grab my $10 itinerary. I outline the best restaurants, hikes, coffee shops, and more on this itinerary, and it’s easy to save on your phone!