How to Spend the Best Week in Asheville?

Asheville, North Carolina is a great destination for your next vacation. From its beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, endless outdoor activities, and wonderful selection of local eateries and craft breweries, spending a week in Asheville is sure to be full of fun. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a few days of relaxation, you’ll find plenty of activities to fill your days and make for an unforgettable experience.

Day One: Visit the Biltmore Estate

Start off your stay in Asheville by visiting one of its most iconic sites- the Biltmore Estate. This 8,000-acre estate was built by George W. Vanderbilt in 1895 and is now open to the public. Inside you can explore the 250-room mansion and its lush gardens featuring a variety of flowers and sculptures. The estate also offers guests the opportunity to take part in wine tasting and educational programs, such as cooking classes with local chefs and classes about sustainable gardening.

Day Two: Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains

Take a day to appreciate the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville sits atop these majestic mountains, offering guests stunning views and ample opportunity for hiking, camping, and fishing. There are plenty of trails throughout the national forests to explore, or you can take a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic journey that winds through old-growth forests and up some of the highest peaks in the eastern United States.

Day Three: Get to Know Downtown Asheville

Asheville’s vibrant downtown area is your next stop. Take a stroll down Main Street, browse unique boutiques, check out the City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, or settle into one of the nearby craft breweries for a few drinks. Downtown is also home to many of Asheville’s most revered restaurants like The Red Stag Grille and The Market Place Restaurant & Lounge, both of which offer delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Make sure to check out the beautiful Grove Arcade while you’re in town as well.

Day Four: Spend a Relaxing Day at A Spa

After three days full of sightseeing and exploration, it’s time to relax. Book an appointment at one of Asheville’s many spas and take a day to enjoy a massage, facial, or body scrub. Our top pick for a day of indulgent pampering is The Namaste Room, which offers luxurious services that are inspired by ayurveda, an age-old system focused on achieving mental and physical balance.

Day Five: Taste Local Flavors at Asheville Restaurants

To get an authentic taste of southern cuisine, check out some of Asheville’s unique restaurants. All Souls Pizza features fire-cooked pizza with creative toppings like Carolina wild shrimp and Castelvetrano olives; andChestnut serves traditional dishes like pot roast with craft beer gravy and house-made pastrami with sauerkraut. Of course, no trip to Asheville would be complete without trying some of the city’s famous craft beer.

Day Six: Explore the Arts & Crafts Scene

Asheville is full of talented artists, so be sure to spend some time exploring the city’s artisanal crafts scene. Grab some handmade goodies at Woolworth Walk, or browse artisan furniture at East Fork Pottery’s shop. You can also find an array of local works from jewelry to photography at River Arts District galleries such as Highwire Arts Gallery or 350 Depot Street Art Gallery & Studios.

Day Seven: Enjoy Nature

Spend your last day in Asheville enjoying the natural scenery of the surrounding area. One of the best ways to appreciate this landscape is by visiting one of the city’s many parks and gardens. You can fit in some exercise on the trails at Bent Creek Experimental Forest, appreciate exotic species at North Carolina Arboretum’s botanical gardens, or enjoy a picnic in calming Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary.

No matter where you decide to go during your week-long stay in Asheville, it’s sure to be full of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation. From visiting the Biltmore Estate to tasting local flavors and exploring art galleries- Asheville has something for everyone! Read more details about the best things to do in Asheville by visiting this helpful website.

An Insider’s Guide to a Week in Asheville: Discover Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Are you ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Asheville, North Carolina? With a week to explore this vibrant city, the possibilities are endless! But don’t settle for a typical tourist experience. Follow this insider’s guide to discover the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that only locals know about.

Local Attractions: Discover Hidden Treasures

Asheville has so much to offer beyond its most famous attractions. While the Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Parkway are must-see destinations, consider venturing off the beaten path to find hidden gems like the North Carolina Arboretum, the Folk Art Center, and the stunning waterfalls at DuPont State Recreational Forest. Don’t miss the secret garden at the historic Smith-McDowell House or the Asheville Pinball Museum for some retro fun.

Dining Spots: Savor the Taste of Asheville

Asheville is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse array of local cuisine. Be sure to try a hearty serving of barbecue or explore the city’s vegan and vegetarian fare. Sample some locally brewed beer or sip a craft cocktail at one of Asheville’s many rooftop bars, such as The Montford Rooftop Bar or Top of the Monk. And for a truly unique experience, dine at the Blind Pig Supper Club or join the Asheville Food Tours for a culinary journey through the city.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself in Asheville’s Arts & Traditions

Asheville’s vibrant arts scene is a testament to its unique soul. Experience the sights and sounds of street performers in Pritchard Park, or explore the galleries at the River Arts District. Attend a concert at the Orange Peel, one of the nation’s top music venues, or indulge in theater and dance at the Asheville Community Theatre. During the summer months, join the mountain folk at the popular Mountain Dance and Folk Festival or the Blue Ridge Parkway Folklife Festival.

Local History: Step Back in Time

Asheville’s rich history cannot be ignored, and there are many opportunities to delve into the past. Take a tour of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, one of the city’s oldest buildings. Visit the Smith-McDowell House, the oldest surviving house in Asheville. Learn about the city’s dark past at the Asheville Ghost & Haunted Tour or enjoy a historic walking tour of the downtown area.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Create Unforgettable Experiences

For an unforgettable and unique experience, venture beyond Asheville’s city limits. Go on a hot air balloon ride with Asheville Hot Air Balloons, kayak down the French Broad River with Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours, or take a sunrise hike to the top of Max Patch for a breathtaking view of the Appalachian Mountains. If you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, relax in the garden at the North Carolina Arboretum or experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony at the Asheville Tea Company.

Asheville offers an incredible range of experiences that will leave you wanting more, from hidden treasures and unique dining experiences to its vibrant arts scene and rich history. Follow this insider’s guide to Asheville and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.