Set amidst a spectacular hilly panorama, Asheville isn’t just another pretty mountain face. Instead, it’s where stylish lodging options, creative restaurants and a happening arts scene all come together in a hip, welcoming and easily-accessible package. If you haven’t already been, here’s why you need to pay a visit right now.
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Get super sporty .. or not
Craggy Gardens | Trover photo by Ryan Watts
Whether you’re feeling athletic or just seeking a shameless photo op, Asheville’s got you covered. Craggy Gardens is pretty in-and-out and studded with views of exposed rock and distant peaks. During the summer months, cool off at Skinny Dip Falls, an old-school swimming hole (where clothing is mandatory) just a half mile off the Parkway. Asheville’s French Broad River is so popular with kayakers, SUP enthusiasts and canoeists that it has its own paddle-up restaurant, the Smoky Park Supper Club, which is also open for weekend brunch. Early risers can get a head start with Wai Mauna’s Dawn Patrol paddle on Hominy Creek; there’s also ziplining over deep gorges with Navitat Canopy Adventures.
Pretend you’re a Vanderbilt
In 1895, philanthropist George Vanderbilt finished construction on Biltmore House, his 250-room French chateaux, on 8,000 rolling acres in Asheville. The home is filled with the family’s collection of art and antiques and surrounded by gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Visit for a day or, to really live the dream, book a room in one of the two hotels on the property, the Village Hotel and the Inn. Both properties offer deals that include multi-day entry to the mansion and fun activities like carriage rides, Segway tours, wine tastings and paddle adventures, as well as free access to the miles of trails that loop through the property.
Sleep somewhere that’s as unique as you
Photo courtesy of Bunn House
Tucked into a residential neighborhood just a few blocks from downtown, Bunn House is a lovingly restored 1905 manse that was transformed three years ago into a six-room boutique hotel. Rooms have exposed brick walls, private patios, steam showers and free mini-bars filled with local wine and beers. Meanwhile, the 16 oversized suites at the Windsor Asheville have full kitchens and are individually decorated with works from France and North Carolina; corner rooms have soundproof windows and views of the bustling downtown scene below. The iconic Omni Grove Park Inn opened in 1913 as a grand mountain getaway. Today, it’s a full-service luxury resort complete with several restaurants, a golf course, history center and a more than 40,000 square foot ward-winning spa. Occupying a prime corner downtown, the AC Hotel is known for its sleek rooms and Capella on 9, the rare rooftop restaurant offering food that’s as compelling as the view.
Shop local, as in hyper local
Asheville’s love of all things local means that the shops lining downtown streets are almost all unique and individually owned. On Lexington Avenue, stop into Duncan & York for gifts and trendy jewelry; Tops — an Asheville institution — for shoes; and around the corner on Broadway, Desirant for up-to-date clothing and accessories. The city’s coolest ‘hood is West Asheville, where you can pick up ceramics, artisanal teas and garden supplies at Villager, grits bread and croissants for the dog sitter at Owl Bakery and a card to go with them at Whist, a creative gift shop.
Explore Asheville arts
Spread over 23 historic warehouses, factories and storefronts, Asheville’s River Arts District houses galleries and studios for more than 220 painters, ceramists, jewelry designers, sculptors, glass artists and weavers, many of whom work alongside chefs, brewers and musicians. One of the largest is Wedge Studios, where 22 artists work and create on two floors above the Wedge Brewery. Besides paintings, jewelry, pottery and textiles, visitors to the building complex Pink Dog Creative will find Sunnyside Trading Company, featuring an eclectic collection of home goods, and two restaurants.
Enjoy a stellar, but relaxed dining scene
That unpretentious bar you’ve been looking for that serves fabulous food alongside creative cocktails? They’re a dime a dozen in Asheville. A top choice is Aux Bar, which opened in February and serves a varied menu ranging from a perfectly-balanced skinny-patty burger to steak frites and signature buffalo-style duck wings. Don’t be put off by The Admiral’s cinder-block exterior or dive-bar interior: Every item on the menu — which changes often — looks simple, but packs unexpected layers of flavor that will leave you begging for more. When you’re craving Asian but can’t decide between Vietnamese, Thai or Chinese, head to Gan Shan Station or the just-opened Gan Shan West, where chef/owner Patrick O’Cain has cherry-picked favorites from all over Asia — ramen, steamed buns, dumplings, curry — and put them all on the same menu.
Drink a craft brew where the fad started
When Oscar Wong opened Highland Brewing Company in Asheville in 1994, he had no idea that he would be starting a movement. Now, roughly 34 breweries later, the city has more breweries per capita than in any other US city. How to choose? Follow your feet — it’s hard to go wrong anywhere in town — or seek out tasting rooms like Hi-Wire Brewing, Bhramari Brewing Company or Wicked Weed, which serves up specialty brews flavored with everything from cucumber to grapefruit.
Katie McElveen
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I’m not a native, but have been living in Asheville since late 1999. I love it here, and am glad to see that it has garnered this accolade!