Asheville is a vibrant city where you can get your fix of everything from nature to culture to great food and entertainment. This western North Carolina destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains has a thriving arts scene, well-preserved historic architecture and so many places to visit that a week would easily be filled with the best combo of sightseeing, shopping and relaxing. Below you will find the most comprehensive guide to the Asheville NC area out there including:
- Brief History Of The Area
- General Things To Do
- Info And Stats
- Important Area Links
- Top Articles On Charleston SC
- Area Musts and Recommendations
- Our Top 5 Picks
- The Best Weekend Itinerary
- Article Archives
The History of Asheville, NC
Once part of the Cherokee Nation โ Asheville NC โ nestled in the mountains of North Carolina is a picturesque city with an intriguing past. Founded over two centuries ago in 1797, this town has grown to become quite a bustling hub for culture and business alike thanks to its location on Buncombe County Turnpike โ once connecting settlers from across the state to one another. Asheville was given its current name in 1797 after North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe. A railroad linking Salisbury and Asheville was finished in 1880 and supported the textile and wood industries. The city during. this time became very vibrant! And today it remains just as vibrant and lively both economically and culturally; indeed โ there may be no better illustration of how far this enchanting destination has come!
Asheville emerged in the early 1900s as a go-to destination for Southeastern vacationers, who were drawn by its temperature, stunning landscape and cultural abundance. Biltmore Estate and Columbia Theatre created an old world charm while contemporary art galleries, playhouses and music fests gave Asheville a modern appeal. From exploring forest trails to immersing oneself in creative energy โ Asheville offered something special for everyone.
See And Do In Asheville, NC
It is debatable which season is the most beautiful for a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are five entrances in the Asheville area that all lead to the most scenic road trip imaginable. There’s a reason the long road with waterfalls, gardens, parks and epic views is called America’s favorite drive.
Wander through Asheville’s lovely downtown, taking in Lexington Avenue for some shopping in unique boutiques, vintage stores and art galleries. Grab a bite to eat, then follow the Urban Trail with dozens of landmarks that tell the local area’s history.
Biltmore Estate is a grand old home belonging to George and Edith Vanderbilt, who opened it to the public to enjoy the castle-like house is adorned with artwork by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and John Singer Sargent, antique tapestries and antique furniture. Roam the library, banquet hall and bowling alley and when you reach the rooftop, you will be wowed again by the endless views of the botanical gardens and beyond.
More gardens await at the North Carolina Arboretum, which has a flower-adorned quilt garden and Bonsai exhibition garden. There’s no place prettier in Asheville, so the locals say.
Asheville Art Museum is a gem among an impressive collection of more than 16 museums in town. So start there and perhaps explore some more quirky museums like the Asheville Pinball Museum and Aluminium Christmas Tree Museum. Whatever your hobby or interest, Asheville could likely have a museum that seems made for you.
Where To Stay In Asheville, NC
Check into a luxury Airbnb or high-class hotels like Omni Grove Park Inn, Grand Bohemian Ashville, or The Foundry. For a truly unique stay, book a room at Treehouses of Serenity. Your inner child will be delighted to spend the night in a modern treehouse with all the comforts of a five-star hotel.
Where To Eat In Asheville, NC
Food lovers appreciate Ashville for its great restaurants with menus packed with fresh, local produce and locally sourced ingredients. The renowned craft beer scene compliments the dining options like Curate, Sovereign Remedies and Jargon. For a rustic high-end meal that will be a highlight of your foodie adventures in Asheville book, a table at Bull & Beggar. The salted cod fritters with aioli and wild mushroom ragout are outstanding.
Dessert is served at The French Broad Chocolate Company with handmade chocolates and other delicious treats.
This is just the start of all the charming city has to offer.
See below for our Asheville musts, weekend itinerary, links to articles, and social media resources.
Map
Info
- Population 97,000
- Buncombe County
- Home To University Of North Carolina Asheville
- Neighboring cities include Hendersonville, Brevard, Black Mountain
Links
Top Real Estate Links
Top Articles
ASHEVILLE MUSTS
Asheville Art Museum
Asheville is an arts and culture hub in the mountains of North Carolina and the Asheville Art Museum is one of the main reasons why. View some of their current 20th and 21st century art today!
Sierra Nevada
The brewery in Mills River NC just outside of Asheville is truly a site to behold. For beer enthusiasts visiting the area taking a tour is a must. Then order your favorite brew and a pretzel to snack on.
Treehouses Of Serenity
There are hundreds of Airbnbs and vacation homes in the Asheville area but none more unique or memorable then the Treehouses of Serenity. They book well in advance though so start planning today.
TOP FIVE PICKS
Where To Stay
- Omni Grove Park Inn
- The Inn At Biltmore Estate
- The Foundry
- Hotel Indigo
- Grand Bohemian Asheville
What To Eat
- Bull & Beggar
- The Admiral
- Limones
- Rhubar
- The Marketplace
Grab A Drink
- Sovereign Remedies
- Crow And Quill
- Battery Park Book Exchange
- Burial Brewing
- Noble Cider
Shop Local
- Grove Arcade
- Historic Biltmore Village
- Ware
- Asheville Market
- Lexington Glasswork
Things To Do
- The Biltmore Estate
- The NC Arboretum
- Tour New Belgium
- Asheville Pinball Museum
- Biltmore Winery
Arts & Culture
- Asheville Art Museum
- Folk Art Center
- Orange Peel
- River Arts District
- Grovewood Gallery
Spas & Wellness
- The Spa At Omni Grove Park Inn
- Asheville Salt Cave & Spa
- SkyTerra
- Shoji Spa And Lodge
- The Spa At The Inn At The Biltmore Estate
Nature
- The Blue Ridge Parkway
- NC Arboretum
- Tubing The French Broad River
- Black Balsam Knob
- Mt. Mitchell
BROWSE ARTICLES BY CATEGORY
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THE PERFECT WEEKEND IN ASHEVILLE ITINERARY
Friday
- Stay at the Omni Grove Park Inn
- Explore downtown Asheville
- Enjoy an Indian meal at Chai Pani or delicious local fare from The Market Place
- Grab some sweets at Asheville Chocolate
- End the evening with books and bubbly at the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar
Saturday
- Grab breakfast at Hole Donuts
- Head for a drive south on the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Enjoy Black Balsam Knob or Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower then head back to town
- Lunch in West Asheville at Asheville Sandwich Company then after a stroll, get tea at Dobra Tea Room
- Enjoy an afternoon at the Spa at the Grove Park Inn
- Dinner at Jargon, The Admiral, or Bull and Beggar
- Nightcap at The Great Hall Bar back at the hotel
Sunday
- Eat a delicious breakfast at Biscuit Head
- Reserve several hours to tour The Biltmore Estate and Gardens
- Taste the wine on the property at The Biltmore Estate Winery
- On your way out of town, stop and grab lunch at one of the coolest spots in town, The Red Stag inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel!
