Plan Your Visit To Asheville North Carolina

Asheville NC is one of our favorite NC mountain towns. Here 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 be filled with the best combination of sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing. Below you will find the most comprehensive guide to the Asheville North Carolina, area out there, including:

The History of Asheville NC

Once part of the Cherokee Nation — Asheville, NC — 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 – 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. Moreover, the city during this time became very vibrant! And today, it remains just as vibrant and lively both economically and culturally; indeed – there may be no better illustration of how far this enchanting destination has come!

Moreover, Asheville emerged in the early 1900s as a go-to destination for Southeastern vacationers 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. Additionally, from exploring forest trails to immersing oneself in creative energy, Asheville offered something special for everyone.

See And Do In Asheville NC

It is, however, debatable which season is the most beautiful for a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are concurrently 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. 

To make the most of your visit to Asheville’s downtown area, start your exploration on Lexington Avenue, where you can browse unique boutiques, vintage stores, and art galleries. In addition, this charming street is home to various restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat while taking in the local culture. Grab a bite to eat, then follow the Urban Trail with dozens of landmarks that tell the local area’s history. 

Visit Biltmore Estate

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. 

Additionally, more gardens await at the North Carolina Arboretum, which has a flower-adorned quilt garden and a Bonsai exhibition garden. There’s no place prettier in Asheville, so the locals say.

All things considered, 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 surprisingly 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 undoubtedly be delighted to spend the night in a modern treehouse with all five-star hotel comforts. 

Where To Eat In Asheville NC

Food lovers appreciate Ashville for its great restaurants with menus packed with fresh, local produce and markedly sourced ingredients. The renowned craft beer scene undeniably complements the dining options like Curate, Sovereign Remedies, and Jargon. Given these points, go for a rustic high-end meal highlighting your foodie adventures in Asheville, book a table at Bull & Beggar.  Moreover, the salted cod fritters with aioli and wild mushroom ragout are outstanding.

Also, 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 NC musts, weekend itinerary, links to articles, and social media resources.

Asheville NC Map

Info

• Population 97,000
• Buncombe County
• Home To University Of North Carolina Asheville
• Neighboring cities include Hendersonville, Brevard, Black Mountain

Links

• Town Of Asheville
• Asheville Better Business Bureau
• Explore Asheville
• Romantic Asheville

Top Real Estate Links

• Zillow Asheville NC
• GreyBeard Realty
• Sotheby’s

Top Articles

• Our Top Things To Do In Asheville NC For Couples: Wineries To Sunsets
• Hiking Enthusiasts Rejoice! Our Top 10 Best Trails Around Asheville
• Top 15 Things To Do With Your Kids In Asheville NC
• Things To Do In Black Mountain
• Is This The Perfect Weekend In Ashville NC

Art Museum-Asheville NC

Asheville is chiefly 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!

SEE THE NEW EXHIBIT

Sierra Nevada

The brewery in Mills River NC, just outside of Asheville, is unquestionably a site to behold. For beer enthusiasts visiting the area, taking a tour is a must. Then order your favorite brew as well as a pretzel to snack on.

TOUR THE TAPROOM

Earth And Sky Dwellings

Although there are hundreds of Airbnbs and vacation homes in the Asheville area, none are more unique or memorable than the Treehouses of Serenity. As a matter of fact, they book well in advance, so it’s a good idea to start planning your stay as soon as possible. In addition, staying in one of these treehouses is an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish for years to come.

NOW BOOKING

Friday

• Stay at the Omni Grove Park Inn
• Explore downtown Asheville
• Enjoy an Indian meal at Chai Pani as well as delicious local fare from The Market Place
• Grab some sweets at Asheville Chocolate till you don’t get a sweet tooth!
• 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.
• Or opt to go north instead and see Craggy Gardens, Craggy Pinnacle, and the tallest mountain on the East Coast, Mt. Mitchell
• Lunch in West Asheville at Asheville Sandwich Company then after a stroll, get tea at Dobra Tea Room
• Enjoy an unquestionably best 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!

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Places To Stay

• The Perfect Mountain Getaway Starts At The Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville
• A Perfect Vacation At The Omni Grove Park Inn Luxury Hotel In Asheville NC
• 11 Asheville NC Airbnbs To Check Out Before Booking Your Trip

Where To Eat

• Coffee Shops In Asheville NC You Have Got To Try

Where To Live