Asheville, NC: For the Outdoor Seeker and the Gourmand

The Biltmore Estate

Yes, if you’ve never been to The Biltmore Estate, you should do the official tour. Purchase your tickets in advance for either the first slot in the morning or last in the afternoon so maybe you can beat the crowds (or even better, try for a weekday.)

But don’t just visit the house, leave time for some of the less-visited places on the grounds.

• Head to the Diana statue for the best view of the house in its entirety.

• Don’t skip the Azalea and Italian Gardens, the Conservatory, and Bass Pond.

• Don’t drive by The Lagoon without stopping for a visit.

• Take a hike on over 22 miles of trails (or rent a bike if that’s more your speed), and if you have kids in tow, make sure to plan time at the Farmyard.

North Carolina Arboretum

Like I said, Asheville is all about stepping out. You’ll enjoy over 65 acres of gardens, including more native azaleas and bonsai. From easy to difficult, the NC Arboretum has a hiking trail for your fitness and adventure level.

Make sure to check their event calendar as your visit might align with a guided walk, birding day, nature play day, or another special or limited exhibition. If you are there in the winter, don’t miss the Winter Lights!

Scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway

You can stay in your car to enjoy more of the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive as far as you want along one of the most picturesque mountain roadways in the US.

• Drive north on the parkway from Asheville to visit Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi.

• Head west of Asheville to drive the 11-mile stretch of the Tail of the Dragon, but watch out for the motorcyclists who come for the 318 curves.

• South of Asheville on the Parkway is where you’ll find all the photo ops—from Looking Glass Rock to Balsam Knob to Graveyard Fields.

Hike a part of the Appalachian Trail

If you’ve ever had your sights set on conquering the Appalachian Trail, there are two trailheads within an hour of Asheville that will either satisfy your itch or have you longing for more.

• Max Patch is a moderate hike offering panoramic views and some of the best scenery on the Trail.

• Similar in distance and level, Lovers Leap is accessible from the town of Hot Springs, which means that when you end the hike, you can enjoy a jetted hot tub full of the natural minerals and healing waters that have made the town famous.

Western North Carolina Nature Center

The Southern Appalachian Mountains are brimming with wildlife, and the WNC Nature Center houses over 60 different species, most rescued from injury or imprinting.

The center features black bears, wolves, pygmy goats, bobcats, barn owls, coyotes, goats, foxes, and even a red panda named Phoenix (not native to the Appalachian, but the panda’s ancient cousin did once live in the region.)

Bike the River Arts District (call it RAD)

From the River Arts District, rent a bike, or e-bike, if your legs are just a little tired from hiking, and ride along the French Broad River Greenway towards or all the way to Carrier Park. Pass by artist studios, many of which have been rebuilt since Hurricane Helene washed the area out in 2024. Sit outside for a beverage break at the Hi-Wire Brewing Beer Garden.

Save time to shop local downtown

Asheville has great places to support the local economy and take home some unique gifts for you or someone else.

• Topps Shoes is a multi-floor family shoe store with a fantastic clearance section.

• Pick up a book at Malaprops.

• Get health and beauty items from several shops at The Grove Arcade.

• Find local craft and pottery art at Kress Emporium, visual art from the galleries on Biltmore Avenue, or cutting-edge art at RAD.

There are numerous clothing boutiques spread in between the above as well. Maybe bring an extra duffel bag with you.

End your evening with a show at The Orange Peel

If the name doesn’t have you curious about the venue, then maybe some of the artists who have played its stage will: Bob Dylan, Smashing Pumpkins, Haim, Band of Horses, North Carolina’s own Avett Brothers, Luke Combs, even Girl Talk (featured in the photo above) and likely a lot of the indie bands you’ve listened to since it opened in 2002.

This thousand-seat venue has become one of the most respected small venues in the US. If you’re in town when there are shows and tickets are still available, check one out.

Biscuit Head

With three different locations in Asheville, you’re bound to be close by one, but you still might have to wait in line to “put some South in your mouth” as their slogan goes.

Biscuits stuffed full of Southern staples like pulled pork, country ham, pimento cheese, or fried chicken, with options for several gravies on the side.

Vortex or Hole Doughnuts

If a sweet start to the day is what you crave, then satisfy your sugar fix with doughnuts from either Vortex or Hole. Vortex serves doughnuts in a funky industrial setting, while Hole makes your doughnuts to order from a New Orleans style shotgun house.

Both spots are perfect to grab and get some doughy goodness and hot coffee before you burn off calories for the day.

Little Chango

Skip the sandwich and have an arepa for lunch from Little Chango. Located in Asheville’s South Slope, Little Chango is a tiny space that serves up robust Latin American flavors, so much so that Michelin called them out as a Bib Gourmand.

Taco Billy

Taco Billy is as laid-back as the name sounds. Choose from several tacos (with a good proportion of veggie options) and craft a plateful to share or hoard for yourself. Sit out back and feel like a local.

Chai Pani

A James Beard Outstanding Restaurant, Chai Pani may be known outside of Asheville from other locations and a successful spice brand, but Asheville was where it all began. Chai Pani has made Indian street food more accessible, and the colorful and vibrant restaurant enhances the flavors. And the drink menu is fun all around, whether you want a cocktail or not.

Soprana Rooftop Cocina

Brick-oven pizza, on a rooftop, with amazing views on all sides. Sourcing local products from neighboring farms and producers to top both traditional pizzas and more adventurous ones, you’re sure to find a pizza that fits. Soprana is where “Appalachia meets the Alps.”

Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse

If time allows, the tasting menu at Ukiah is a real treat. If not, make sure at least one smoked item is in your order. The restaurant serves Japanese soul food mixed with American BBQ. The sake and zero-proof cocktail list is extensive to mix up your beverage intake.

Ukiah is across the street from The Orange Peel, where you can see excellent music.

Neng Jr’s

Only open for dinner four days a week, a reservation is absolutely required for Neng Jr’s so plan in advance if you want a table at this small gem—there are only 18 seats.

It’s the first Filipinx restaurant in Asheville. You feel like you’ve made a discovery after finding its door off an alley. And you’ll have so many new food discoveries along your journey. If it’s on the menu, try the cheese ice cream.