How to Spend A Weekend In Asheville, NC

Asheville, North Carolina is one of the best mountain towns in the USA! It ranks up there with Jackson, WY; Stowe, VT; and Lake Placid, NY – all of which I’ve visited and they’re stunning. However, I’m a little biased towards my home state.

I’m not a local… yet 😉 , but I drive 2.5 hours one-way to spend the weekend in Asheville, NC every time I get the chance. Amazing mountain views, a plethora of unique breweries, the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking for days, and a spectacular food scene – I mean, what’s not to love?

This beautiful, artsy mountain town is the perfect destination for a family trip or a romantic getaway. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning a visit to Asheville, NC.

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Planning a Trip to Asheville, NC

If you’re planning a trip to Asheville and you’ve never been, just know that I am so excited for you! There’s so much to do, see, and eat. And if you’ve explored the city before, I hope you can find some inspiration from this guide nonetheless!

Things to Do in Asheville

One of the reasons Asheville keeps drawing me back is because there are so many things to do in and around the city. An ideal weekend in Asheville, NC for me looks like trying a new restaurant or two, exploring local shops, enjoying a good brewery, and hitting the trails!

Visit Biltmore

When I think of Asheville, my mind instantly goes straight to Biltmore. Biltmore Estate is a by-product of the Vanderbilt family and was constructed in the 1880s and 1890s. This sprawling mansion spans a whopping 175,000 square feet.

I’ve been a few times now and am always amazed. Also, keep in mind that there’s so much more to do than tour the incredible house – you can visit Biltmore Winery, check out the shops, dine at one of the amazing restaurants, visit the gardens, and so much more!

I think you need at least one day dedicated to Biltmore. It might be a bit of a stretch if you’re only spending the weekend in Asheville, NC, but I wanted to include it anyways since Biltmore is such an iconic part of Asheville.

Click here to purchase tickets online (you must have a ticket to get through the entry gate). Tickets can get pretty pricey depending on the season, especially if you’re going as a family. You could visit during “value” season (as opposed to “peak” or “regular” season), which is January to mid-March – just know that the majority of the Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed for winter.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Biltmore

Go for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, also called “America’s Favorite Drive,” is a beautiful roadway tucked right into the NC and VA mountains. There are several access points from Asheville, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the parkway!

There are lots of hiking trails and lookouts along the parkway. It’s not uncommon to see people who’ve packed their lunches having a picnic alongside the parkway! Fun fact: NC and TN actually had a small feud over which state the parkway should run through when it was being created. NC won 😉

FYI – If you Google when the parkway is open, it’ll tell you year-round; however, the majority of the parkway gets gated off in the winter. Definitely plan a late spring, summer, or fall visit for the best experience!

Explore downtown

There’s plenty of public parking in downtown Asheville. There are several parking garages, but I always park in the Rankin Avenue Garage because it’s right in the heart of downtown.

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Grove Arcade

This building is a small shopping mall now but has so much history! The designer envisioned it to be “the most elegant building in America” but died before it was finished. The U.S. military ended up buying the building during WWII. The building went through a variety of phases after the war and was even abandoned for a while until it was restored in 2002.

Battery Park Book Exchange

Located within Grove Arcade, Battery Park Book Exchange is a used book store that also serves wine (yes, dreams do come true). I could spend hours in this place!

Asheville Emporium

This is a great place to pick up some cool touristy gear. They have the cutest shirts, sweatshirts, etc. I can never leave here without a souvenir.

Mast General AVL

This place is HUGE. It’s a fun store to explore because they have so much stuff. They have a lot of brand-name outdoor gear (Marmot, Patagonia, Osprey, etc.). It’s right across from White Duck Taco, so make sure you grab a bite to eat afterward.

Try Asheville’s incredible breweries

Hi-Wire

One of many incredible breweries in downtown Asheville! Hi-Wire has locations all over NC. The Asheville location is pretty small and laid back, so this would be a great spot if you’re looking for somewhere to chill after a long day of adventuring!

Wicked Weed

I love their flights (especially the hoppy one). My personal fav is the Pernicious IPA, which has a tropical mango hop aroma and dry finish. They have an amazing food menu in addition to their beer selection. The vibe here is great, and I LOVE their outdoor seating area.

Sierra Nevada

This one is a little off the beaten path (about 20 minutes from downtown Asheville) but so worth it. It’s like the Disney World of breweries. It’s honestly an adventure in and of itself. They offer tours, so make sure you allot a little extra time for that!

Visit the River Arts District

Known as “the heart of Asheville’s creative spirit,” the River Arts District is just a short drive from downtown. You’ll find all sorts of incredible art galleries, street art, and murals in this area. It’s located along the French Broad River, so make sure to check that out as well!

Go on a hike

Looking Glass Falls & Moore Cove Falls

If you follow me on IG, you probably know I’m a bit of a waterfall addict. North Carolina has SO many incredible waterfalls.

A few of my favorite spots within an hour of the city include Catawba Falls (currently closed until spring 2023), Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, and DuPont State Forest. These are perfect options to squeeze into a weekend in Asheville, NC. Want more? I have a blog post on 25 Stunning Waterfalls in North Carolina!

Craggy Gardens

This is a nice little hike right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s hard to choose, but I think my favorite time to go is early summer (seeing the Catawba rhododendrons that cover the trail in full bloom is amazing)!

There’s a visitor center and lower overlook area as well as a short hiking trail a little further up the Blue Ridge Parkway that takes you to the upper overlook. They’re both great spots but go early because it gets crowded, especially if you go on a weekend!

Also Read: 25 Stunning Waterfalls in North Carolina

Black Balsam via Art Loeb Trail

This one is considered a must-hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll walk on balds for roughly three miles, which provides incredible panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains.

Where to Stay in Asheville

There’s no shortage of places to stay in this city! You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a nice hotel downtown or something a bit more secluded up in the mountains for your weekend in Asheville, NC.

Glamping Dome (Airbnb)

I LOVED staying at this dreamy glamping dome near Asheville. This would be the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or even a work getaway (we love high-speed Wi-Fi). The fact that it’s pet friendly is an added bonus!

The dome is tall, so it feels huge inside! I couldn’t get over how spacious it is — the hosts did an excellent job at maximizing utility in this space. The glamping dome contains a dining table, couch, kitchenette, full bathroom (with a double sink vanity), and the comfiest king-sized bed. The backside of the dome is see-through, which provides an excellent view of the mountains in the distance.

P.S. – Do yourself a favor and make sure to stick around for sunset one evening. Sipping a glass of wine while watching the sunset over the mountains from the hot tub was such a treat.

Treetop Tiny (Airbnb)

This incredible tiny house with views is located just 20 minutes outside of Asheville. It sleeps two guests, making it perfect for a solo getaway (what I did) or a romantic getaway.

The tiny house comes fully stocked with everything you need and is extremely cozy. It might be small, but it feels much bigger than it actually is because of the tall ceilings and natural light. The BEST part is the huge deck – complete with a seating area and hot tub.

The Foundry Hotel

The Foundry Hotel Asheville is conveniently located in downtown Asheville. I love the atmosphere of this hotel! The staff is extremely friendly and the hotel rooms are modern yet rustic.

Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn is a little pricey, but once you see this place you’ll understand why – so many things about it are just unreal. The spa… are you kidding me?!

You can still visit and enjoy the property even if you aren’t staying at the hotel! Just park in the on-site parking garage (it’s free for three hours). I suggest enjoying a beer or glass of wine on the expansive back patio and taking in the mountain views.

Also Read: How to Spend a Weekend in Maggie Valley, NC

Where to Eat in Asheville

There are so many amazing food options in Asheville, but I’m sharing what I feel like are the best of the best in each category. I know I can’t be the only one who gets overwhelmed when there are too many options, so I’m hoping this makes deciding just a little bit easier!

Breakfast

Biscuit Head

In the mood for a biscuit the size of your head? Biscuit Head is an absolute MUST if you’re spending a weekend in Asheville, NC. People drive from all over the state to have breakfast here! If you go on a weekend, expect to wait in line. I promise it’s worth it and the line usually moves fast!

Early Girl Eatery

If you want a hearty breakfast, check out Early Girl Eatery. The atmosphere is great and they serve dishes ranging from French toast to breakfast bowls. It gets busy on weekends, so go right when they open, or expect to wait in line!

Lunch

Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack

If you like Southern comfort food, go ahead and put Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack at the top of your list. I pair the chicken tenders with a side of fried okra and mac and cheese with a White Zombie by Catawba Brewing. I feel like the above photo speaks for itself… everything is delicious!

You order at the counter, take a number, seat yourself, and then they bring your food out to you. Even if they’re busy (as they often are), the whole process moves pretty quickly! There are two locations in Asheville and another location in Greenville, SC.

White Duck Taco

White Duck Taco serves the BEST TACOS (in my opinion but just trust me). Order some chips & queso, a few tacos, and some margs! I always get the steak & cheese, Bangkok shrimp, and grilled fish tacos.

Dinner

Pack’s Tavern

Located in downtown Asheville, Pack’s Tavern serves delicious comfort food in a vibey atmosphere. The food and service are both 10/10. After reading the reviews, I had to try the brisket mac & cheese for myself and it did not disappoint!

For a romantic date night (or GNO), I recommend stopping by The Monford (a rooftop bar with amazing views) for a drink and then heading to Pack’s Tavern for dinner.

Nine Mile

Caribbean cuisine in the mountains? One word: YES. Nine Mile was recommended to me, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I was beyond surprised and impressed! Their dishes are so unique and flavorful. Plus, every entrée comes with their delicious Natty Bread and a salad!

Their menu can be a little overwhelming, but I like to go with the Nine Mile (not spicy) chicken with basmati rice. P.S. – Their spicy means SPICY, so take it easy if you’re a wimp like me!

Red Ginger

Red Ginger is an Asian restaurant that serves dim sum – something you absolutely need to try if you’ve never had it. It’s both great food and a fun experience because the menu is designed in a way that encourages you to try a variety of tasty dishes.

My go-to order here is Sautéed String Beans, Szechuan Wontons, and Shanghai Dumplings. They also have sushi, lo mein, fried rice, and a variety of other Asian dishes (including a number of vegetarian options)!

Coffee & Dessert

Trade and Lore

If you’re looking for a coffee shop located right in the heart of downtown, Trade and Lore is the spot for you. It’s on the same street as Early Girl Eatery and Asheville Emporium. You place your order at the window on the left side of the building, which is a little different and fun.

Summit Coffee Co.

Summit Coffee Co. is located in the River Arts District of Asheville, so it’s not downtown but it’s totally worth a visit. The 360-degree bar is stunning and it has a nice, earthy vibe.

Hole Doughnuts

The made-to-order doughnuts from Hole Doughnuts are a gift sent from above. The flavor options are limited, but they do the flavors they serve extraordinarily well. Both the cinnamon sugar and vanilla glazed doughnuts are AMAZING.

If you like flaky yet fluffy pastries, I promise you won’t be disappointed by these doughnuts. Make sure to eat them while they’re hot!

I hope you found this post helpful if you’re planning to spend a weekend in Asheville, NC! If you’ve been, I would love to hear some of your favorite things do in Asheville in the comments.