What to Do, See & Eat in Asheville, North Carolina

Hiking

There are trails of varying difficulties around Asheville where you can find beautiful waterfalls, take in the Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, and get an escape from the city.
Craggy Gardens is a relatively easy, short trail for non-serious hikers like myself.

Breweries

My husband home-brews beer, so we always love to check out the craft beer scene wherever we're traveling. With the most breweries per capita in the country—and even a brewery district—there's no better place to do your own beer crawl. All of the breweries either have restaurants or food trucks, plus most have outdoor spaces and allow dogs. Check their individual schedules for live music and other happenings.



The Biltmore Estate

You'll want a full day to really experience the Biltmore Estate. The sprawling 8,000-acre property features exquisite gardens, the mansion, a winery, horseback riding trails, and several hotels. Stay through the evening and purchase a ticket for the Luminaire experience.


River Arts District

This industrial area is home to many artist studios and galleries, breweries, and small local eateries. Take home a piece of art to remember your trip here forever.

Luminosa

This restaurant in the FlatIron Hotel boasts "modern-Appalachian meets Italian, wood-fired tradition." After you eat here, it all makes sense and comes together in the form of comforting Italian dishes that highlight local, seasonal ingredients. If you visit during ramps season, order the Ramp Cappalachia.

Table

The menu at this award-winning restaurant is centered around seasonal, local produce. The dishes feel familiar yet creative at the same time. I recommend starting with at least one item from each menu section and adding more as you go.

Cúrate

This is, without a doubt, the best Spanish restaurant I've tried in the U.S. I spend a lot of time in Spain, and everything Cúrate produces is as authentic and delicious as it gets. Don't skip trying one of their creative takes on paella.

Bear's Smokehouse BBQ

Add this as your food stop if you're doing a beer crawl, as it's right in the middle of the brewery district. Their smoked meats are juicy and flavorful—but you've got to try their signature Bear Balls.



Chai Pani

This joyful, colorful Indian street food restaurant has won its fair share of accolades, and for good reason. Their food is creative, uses fresh, local ingredients, and the portions are definitely meant for sharing. Warning: The Spring Green Uttapam and the KFC Sandwich are so good you might not want to share.

White Labs Brewing Co.

This brewing yeast maker has their own taproom and restaurant in Asheville—and their pizza is officially approved by this New Yorker (the highest honor, of course).



Tupelo Honey

You can't come to Asheville and not have classic Southern food for at least one meal. Come for the fried chicken ... stay for the biscuits.