Asheville, North Carolina
Situated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, is a charming mix of natural beauty, vibrant arts, and eclectic culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie in search of your next great meal, Asheville promises something unique for every traveler.
Here's my journey through this mountain paradise:
A Walk Through History: Downtown Asheville
Downtown Asheville is where past meets present. Stroll through the streets, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by well-preserved Art Deco buildings, quirky boutiques, and local art galleries. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with its creative spirit, and nowhere is this more evident than in the River Arts District, where former industrial buildings now house the studios of local artists.
Take a few hours to explore this district—you’ll find everything from contemporary paintings to pottery, sculpture, and photography. You might even meet the artists in their studios, ready to share their inspirations and techniques.
Where to Eat and Drink in the River Arts District:
12 Bones Smokehouse (RIVER) - where the locals get their BBQ
Vivian - Upscale American cuisine
Hi-Wire Brewing Beer Garden
No trip to Asheville would be complete without a visit to the famous Biltmore Estate. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 19th century, the Biltmore is a grand mansion that sprawls across 8,000 acres of rolling hills and gardens. Touring the estate is like stepping back in time, with its opulent rooms, vintage furnishings, and extensive grounds.
Similar to Asheville, the Biltmore Estate is great all year-round. The grounds change dramatically throughout the year, and during winter it is lavishly decorated for Christmas.
Make sure to take the time to explore the gardens, especially the Italian and Walled Gardens, and, if you have time, stop by the Biltmore Winery for a wine tasting; included with your ticket purchase. Plan to spend your entire day here.
Kids: The Biltmore has a kid version of their audio tour that is told by the family dog. It's really cute and will keep kids engaged! The tour moves quickly and there is so much to see, they will be mezmerized.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in the house, but the Biltmore has self service dog kennels that you can use while you are touring. These are in the shade and you can give them water while they wait for you. Once you're done in the house, bring your dog to the patio at several restaurants and on a walk exploring the grounds.
The Blue Ridge Parkway: Nature at Its Best
One of the highlights of Asheville is its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, often called "America’s Favorite Drive." Just a short drive from downtown, this scenic route offers breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and valleys. No matter the season, the Parkway is a stunning experience—wildflowers bloom in spring, the mountains are lush in summer, and autumn brings a blaze of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows.
If you’re up for an adventure, there are countless hiking trails to explore. For a moderate hike with incredible views, head to Craggy Gardens or the Mount Pisgah Trail. And if you're looking for something more laid-back, pack a picnic and stop at one of the overlooks to take in the panorama.
All trails are dog friendly.
Recommended Kid Friendly Hikes:
Catawba Falls Trail - popular waterfall trail
Black Balsam Knob - excellent views
Graveyard Fields Trails - kid friendly despite the name
Devil's Courthouse - short but steep - worth the elevation gain for amazing views
Food and Craft Beer Scene - Best Spots in Asheville with kids (or without!)
Asheville is a foodie’s haven, boasting farm-to-table restaurants, artisan bakeries, and some of the best barbecue in the South. Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Early Girl Eatery or Tupelo Honey Cafe, where southern comfort meets contemporary flavors. For lunch or dinner, don’t miss 12 Bones Smokehouse, a local favorite that even former President Obama has raved about.
Asheville is also a craft beer lover’s dream, with over 30 breweries in the area. Wicked Weed Brewing and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. are two popular choices, but don’t hesitate to explore the smaller, local taprooms for a more intimate tasting experience.
Whenever people ask me for recommendations for Asheville my response is "you can't have a bad beer or a bad meal in Asheville." After countless trips to the city I still stand by that statement, but here are some that top my list.
Restaurants:
Red Ginger - Chinese Dim Sum that is to die for
Curate - James Beard Award Winner for Spanish style tapas
Rhubarb - the epitome of farm to table goodness
Best for kids:
12 Bones Smokehouse - best barbecue
Tupelo Honey - the best of southern cooking
Twisted Laurel - great kids menu, even better adult menu
French Broad Chocolates - Best Desserts Ever - their seasonal truffles sell out fast if you can get your hands on one
Breweries - Most breweries in Asheville are kid and dog friendly, but some are even better than others.
Sierra Nevada - a trip from downtown and kind of touristy, but it is absolutely beautiful and the food is excellent, live music outback on Sundays. Very kid friendly. Dogs welcome on back patio.
Hillman - casual spot with good burgers and vibes
Highland Brewing Company - Asheville's first brewery and very kid and dog friendly. Huge outdoor space, bring the whole crew and let them play while you relax
GreenMan Brewing - Ashseville South Slope staple for almost 30 years. Families and dogs always welcome, but not as much outdoor space as other breweries.
Wicked Weed - known for sours, I've actually never been because the line is always so long and there are tons of other great options near by
Vibrant Arts and Music Scene
Beyond its natural beauty, Asheville thrives on creativity. The local music scene is lively, with everything from folk and bluegrass to indie rock. The Orange Peel is the city’s premier music venue, known for hosting big-name acts and up-and-coming artists. If you prefer a more low-key experience, catch a live performance at one of the many pubs or street corners downtown.
Art, music, and craft traditions run deep in Asheville, and the annual LEAF Festival is a testament to that. Held twice a year, this festival is a celebration of global music, arts, and culture, bringing together artists from around the world to perform and showcase their work.
A Relaxing Getaway
After days of exploring, hiking, and dining, wind down with a trip to one of Asheville’s many spas or wellness centers. The area is known for its holistic health scene, offering everything from yoga classes to spa treatments using local and organic ingredients. Shoji Spa & Lodge is a tranquil Japanese-inspired retreat nestled in the woods, offering private hot tubs and therapeutic massages—the perfect way to end your Asheville adventure.
What area of Asheville is best to stay in?
What do you want the focus of your stay to be? Are you coming to Asheville to hike and be in nature? Choose something outside of town such as the Omni Grove Park Inn or a cabin at Mama Gertie's. If the food and craft brewery scene is why you are coming to Asheville, stay downtown so that you can walk almost everywhere and easily catch an uber when you can't. If you are coming for the Biltmore, there are tons of options just outside the estate, but you can also stay on property.
Recommended Hotels:
Omni Grove Park Inn - located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Omni Grove is a world class hotel & spa
Travel Advisor Perks
$50 Hotel Credit, per stay
Breakfast for Two, Daily
Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville - just outside the entrance to the Biltmore, this is a grand hotel part of Marriott's Autograph Collection
Travel Advisor Perks
Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
$100 USD Hotel Credit, per stay
Aloft Asheville Downtown - Aloft Hotels are known for being pet friendly - no pet fee, and they often host foster pups available for adoption in the lobby.
Springhill Suites Asheville - great for families, large rooms, free breakfast, and indoor pool
Blind Tiger Asheville - 1 Michelin Key - more than just a boutique hotel, unmatched service and attention to detail
Hotel Indigo - Downtown, centrally located for max walkability to restaurants and breweries
Final Thoughts
Asheville is a destination that truly has it all. From the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the thriving arts and culinary scenes, it’s a place where relaxation and adventure coexist. Whether you’re seeking outdoor excitement or cultural enrichment, Asheville promises an unforgettable travel experience.
Pack your bags and set out on an adventure—Asheville is waiting for you!
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