Best of Asheville
A mountain art town with waterfalls and overlooks minutes away.
Spring blooms and brilliant fall foliage make these the standout months in the Blue Ridge. October is peak leaf season, so book ahead.
Day 1 · Downtown Delights & Brews
- 1Woolworth Walk
Browse a vibrant art gallery housed in a historic five-and-dime.
- 2French Broad Chocolate Lounge
Indulge in decadent desserts and craft chocolates.
- 3Asheville Pinball Museum
Play unlimited classic and modern pinball games for a flat fee.
- 4Burial Beer Co. - South Slope
Sample unique, experimental brews in a bustling brewery district.
Day 2 · Biltmore Estate Grandeur
- 1Biltmore Estate
Explore America's largest home, its gardens, and the estate winery.
Day 3 · River Arts District & Sunset Views
- 1River Arts District (RAD)
Wander through working artist studios and galleries along the French Broad River.
- 2Olde World Asheville
Discover unique imports and handcrafted goods in a charming shop.
- 3New Belgium Brewing Company
Tour the facility and enjoy a tasting with views of the French Broad River.
- 4Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn
Sip cocktails and enjoy stunning sunset views over the mountains.
Day 4 · Blue Ridge Parkway Gems
- 1Folk Art Center
Admire traditional and contemporary Appalachian crafts.
- 2Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Learn about the parkway and its natural and cultural history.
- 3Craggy Gardens
Hike through rhododendron tunnels to stunning vistas (seasonal).
- 4Mount Pisgah Trail
Embark on a challenging hike to a rewarding summit view.
Day 5 · North Asheville History & Gardens
- 1Botanical Gardens at Asheville
Stroll through native plant collections and natural beauty.
- 2Grovewood Village
Explore historic craft workshops and galleries next to The Omni Grove Park Inn.
- 3Vance Birthplace
Step back in time at the preserved birthplace of a former North Carolina governor.
Day 6 · Waterfall Wonders & Mountain Air
- 1Looking Glass Falls
Enjoy an easily accessible and picturesque waterfall visible from the road.
- 2Sliding Rock
Slide down a natural 60-foot rock waterslide into a chilly pool (seasonal).
- 3Pisgah National Forest
Hike scenic trails and immerse yourself in lush Appalachian wilderness.
Day 7 · West Asheville Quirks & Bites
- 1West Asheville Strip
Discover eclectic shops, vintage finds, and local eateries.
- 2Sunny Point Café
Savor popular Southern comfort food for breakfast or lunch (expect a wait).
- 3Desoto Lounge
Enjoy a casual, dog-friendly bar with a rotating selection of craft beers.
- 4Walk
Explore a unique shoe store offering a curated selection of comfortable and stylish footwear.
Day 8 · Downtown Art & Architecture
- 1Asheville Art Museum
Peruse American art from the 20th and 21st centuries, with a focus on regional artists.
- 2Basilica of Saint Lawrence
Admire the stunning Spanish Baroque architecture of this historic basilica.
- 3Grove Arcade
Wander through a historic architectural gem with unique shops and restaurants.
- 4Green Man Brewery - Dirty Jack's
Visit one of Asheville's oldest breweries for classic English-style ales.
Day 9 · Scenic Drives & Nature Trails
- 1Mount Mitchell State Park
Drive to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River for panoramic views.
- 2Linville Falls
Hike to see a beautiful three-tiered waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- 3Catawba Falls
Enjoy an accessible hike to a majestic waterfall in Pisgah National Forest.
Day 10 · Relaxed Morning & Departure
- 1Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe
Browse books and enjoy a coffee in this beloved independent bookstore.
- 2Asheville Community Yoga
Join a donation-based yoga class for a mindful start to your day.
- 3Wicked Weed Brewing Pub
Grab a final Asheville brew and a delicious meal before heading out.
Make it your own
Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.