My husband and I went to Asheville, NC, to celebrate our anniversary a few weeks ago. We have been going to Asheville for years for vacation due to its eclectic food scene, amazing hiking, and it only being a few hours from our home. In this post I will talk about great places to eat and stay as well as things to do while visiting Asheville, NC.
Where to Eat Around Town
Asheville, NC is a foodie’s haven. They have a variety of amazing restaurants downtown as well as in the surrounding neighborhoods. Whatever kind of food you are looking for and maybe even some you aren’t, can be found in Asheville! Here I will list my favorite restaurants in several different parts of town. All of these restaurants use ingredients from local farms making them great way to eat sustainably while traveling.
Edison at Grove Park Inn: A delicious restaurant full of local flavors located in the historic Grove Park Inn. The restaurant sits on the corner of the hotel overlooking the mountains and offers amazing sunset views! They highlight a number of local farms on their menu and have a good variety of options. I suggest making your reservations about 30 minutes before sunset so that you can be at your table for the amazing views!
Chestnut: Located in the heart of downtown, Chestnut is delicious restaurant offering farm-to-table menu options. The filet melts in your mouth and the atmosphere is perfect for date night or a girls night out.
Sunny Point Cafe: If you are venturing over to West Asheville, Sunny Point Cafe is a must! This restaurant brings the true meaning of farm-to-table offering food from their own garden located outside the restaurant. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But get their early, because it fills up fast!
The Corner Kitchen: This quaint restaurant is located in an old house in historic Biltmore Village. The restaurant is Green Restaurant certified and offers menu items from several local farms. They serve brunch and dinner. I suggest getting the corn beef hash if you go for brunch! You will not be disappointed!
Where to Stay in Asheville
Grove Park Inn: Probably the most iconic hotel in Asheville, the Grove Park Inn offers luxury accommodations on their amazing resort north of downtown. There are delicious restaurants, a beautiful spa, and a golf course just to name a few.
Cambria Hotel Downtown: If you are looking to stay downtown, Cambria Hotel is a great option. It offers modern accommodations with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is even a rooftop restaurant and bar!
Airbnb: If you are looking for a more remote stay, check out Airbnb. There are a ton of great cabin options in and around Asheville.
Where to Hike Around Asheville
My husband and I love to hike. It is one of our all-time favorite things to do together. We both love being in nature and escaping from the noise of life to take a few hours to really enjoy our surroundings. There are a ton of great hikes in Asheville for beginner hikers all the way up to experienced hikers.
Beginner Hike: If you are looking for a casual hike that will get you great views without having to spend the whole day on the trail, Craggy Gardens is a great option. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 2 mile out-and-back hike offers sweeping views and is minutes from Asheville.
Intermediate Hike: Looking Glass Rock is a 6 mile out-and-back trail located in the Pisgah National Forest. This trail has 1,600 feet of elevation gain so it is definitely not for people who never hike but, the amazing views at the top make this hike a favorite.
Difficult Hike: If you are looking to go on a backpacking trip near Asheville or do a longer day hike, I suggest checking out the Art Loeb Trail. This 30+ mile hike is strenuous as it goes up and over multiple mountains. We did this trail over a three-day weekend and though it was difficult, it was worth every blistered toe! If you do not want to do the entire trail, you can definitely pick a portion to day hike!
Other Things to Do in Asheville
Do a tea tasting at High Climate Tea: This little spot downtown is a must see for any tea lovers out there. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable about tea and they offer a tea tasting that is amazing. You get to sample all kinds of tea and learn so much about the proper way to drink and appreciate the tea. They also have a small cafe and store you can check out!
Shopping: Whether you are into antiques, high end stores, or outlet malls, there is something for everyone. Downtown is full of all different kinds of shops and clothing stores. A short drive from downtown there are a ton of fun antique stores including the Antique Tobacco Barn, a massive antique store that you can spend hours in! The Outlet Mall is also south west of downtown and has all kinds of mainstream stores.
Visit nearby towns: There are several other small towns a short distance from Asheville that are worth visiting if you have the time. Two of these towns that have adorable downtowns and great restaurants are Hendersonville and Black Mountain. If you are looking for a quaint small-town feel, be sure to check them out.
Foraging Tour: Ok, we did not actually get to do this because it was already sold out when I found it. But it is definitely on my list for next time we go! No Taste Like Home is a foraging tour company that takes guests on a guided tour through the woods and meadows around town to find in season edibles. Then, you get to take the food you foraged to one of Asheville’s top restaurants and have them prepare an appetizer for you. I cannot wait to try this next time we go!
Conclusion
Asheville is a great option for a weekend getaway in the south. From the food to the shopping to the hiking, there is truly something for everyone. What are your favorite Asheville spots? Comment below and let us know!
Great article! Such a beautiful place. Dinner at sunset at the Grove Park Inn is amazing for the food and views. Thanks!