Downtown highlights

Asheville is a very walkable city and you would do yourself a disservice trying to explore it on wheels. Instead, park your car in the vicinity of Broadway, Lexington Ave, Walnut Ave, College Ave or Patton Ave and put your walking shoes on. 

Unless you are looking for something specific, you will not need a guidebook. Asheville invites you to stroll through downtown, rest your tired feet in one of the local coffee shops or breweries, fill your stomachs with outstanding local cuisine and watch the world go by. These are a few of my favorite spots:

  • Chocolate Lounge (order a liquid truffle!) on Pack Square
  • Double D's Coffee Bus (an old British doubledecker converted into a coffee shop)
  • Barley's is an institution: grab pizzas and drinks downstairs, then throw some darts or play pool upstairs! One of the better stops if you're rolling with a big crowd!
  • If you're looking to score a piece of local art, make sure to visit one of the many galleries on Biltmore Ave or pay a visit to Kress Emporium or Woolworth Walk on Haywood Street - both offering a wide selection of small stalls featuring local artists.
  • Mast General is a fun place to peruse for anything from outdoor gear (downstairs) to clothing, games, home goods - all sold with a charming Southern flare.
  • Book shops
  • Fancy a drink? (Scroll down for breweries in driving distance)
    • Wicked Weed for local brews and delicious food
    • The Orange Peel for local flare and live music
    • The Social Lounge for its thoughtful French decor, Italian cuisine (not sure what's with the theme), and solid cocktail selection
    • The Crow & Quill is a speakeasy. If you're brave enough to walk in that door, you are guaranteed a unique experience!
    • The Times Bar for cocktails
      • * Due to North Carolina law, any bar that does not serve food (these latter two) has to be a private club. You'll fill out a membership application before entering and it takes all but 10 seconds. 
  • Put some south in your mouth: If you are a biscuit lover and don't mind getting in the car, make sure to check out Biscuit Head! The line is always out the door but moves quickly. Once you see their jam-bar, the wait will be forgotten and your stomach full and happy!

River Arts District

You can spend an entire day exploring the River Arts District! And if you have the time, I recommend it! Peruse dozens of artist ateliers and work spaces and see local painters, potters and glass blowers at work.
  • My favorite approach to River Arts starts with coffee at Ultra Coffee Bar. From there, walk north on Clingman Ave and Roberts Street to visit Odyssey Coop Gallery and Jonas Gerard Fine Art. While you're in the area, stroll around and get lost in all the other smaller gallery spaces. I recommend the Wedge if you fancy a drink.
  • A second stop is Riverside Drive to explore Cotton Mill Studios. Stop for lunch at 12 Bones Smokehouse, get coffee at Summit Coffee Co or grab a beer at The Wedge (their 2nd location on Foundy St), a two-minute drive South.
  • If you're looking for street art, this is where you'll find it! Head down to old Lyman/Foundy St and walk around for local wood work ateliers, vintage shops and a skate park tucked away near the train tracks.

Biltmore Estate

If you have a full day and/or need to escape the rain - Biltmore Estate is a great day trip! Be warned, it is not cheap. You are well advised to buy your tickets ahead of time online and go as early as you can. Later in the day, during holidays and on weekends crowds may ruin your experience. We good? Alright, let's go!

Biltmore Estate is the largest private residence in the U.S. that is open to the public. As part of your ticket you will receive an audioguide to give you context and details as you walk through this chateau-style mansion. Do NOT skip the basement and staff quarters! 
  • With $79+ a person (at the time of writing, December 2019), you want to make the most of your visit. Take a stroll through the vast gardens, pay a visit to the Conservatory and - don't laugh - their little garden center called A Gardener's Place.
  • If you are visiting in warm weather, pack a picnic and take in the stunning views as you roam the vast gardens.
  • If you find yourself visiting during the winter months, you might be lucky to see Christmas at Biltmore. Some 60+ Christmas trees and lots of dreamy decorations for the most wonderful time of the year!

Once you have seen the house and gardens, take a trip up to Antler Hill to
  • grab a meal at Cedric's (an old school tavern with pub food)
  • taste some local wines
  • do a spot of shopping 
  • take the little ones to the playground and to see the farm animals - petting highly encouraged!

Biltmore Village
One of my absolutely favorite places to stroll and see art is Biltmore Village. My highlights are:

Breweries

As a non-religious person, I like to joke "On Sundays we go to Church." by which I mean Sierra Nevada. Located on a vast property south of Asheville and not far from the airport, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is the perfect place to bring the family or a group of fans and hang out. Their brews have traveled no more than 20 yards to your table, their food menu is designed to share (small plates!) and we have really enjoyed the outdoor seating, playground and herb garden.

If cider is your thing, be sure to visit Bold Rock Hard Cider in Mills River, also south of Asheville.

Fancy a brewery experience closer to town? Visit New Belgium Brewing Asheville!