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Back to destinations Asheville, NC

Best of Asheville

A mountain art town with waterfalls and overlooks minutes away.

10 daysLocal gems
Best time to visit: April to June, September to October

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

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  1. Sightseeing

    Woolworth Walk

    Browse a vibrant art gallery housed in a historic five-and-dime.

  2. Food

    French Broad Chocolate Lounge

    Indulge in decadent desserts and craft chocolates.

  3. Activity

    Asheville Pinball Museum

    Play unlimited classic and modern pinball games for a flat fee.

  4. Food

    Burial Beer Co. - South Slope

    Sample unique, experimental brews in a bustling brewery district.

Day 2·Biltmore Estate Grandeur

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  1. Sightseeing

    Biltmore Estate

    Explore America's largest home, its gardens, and the estate winery.

Day 3·River Arts District & Sunset Views

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  1. Sightseeing

    River Arts District (RAD)

    Wander through working artist studios and galleries along the French Broad River.

  2. Shopping

    Olde World Asheville

    Discover unique imports and handcrafted goods in a charming shop.

  3. Activity

    New Belgium Brewing Company

    Tour the facility and enjoy a tasting with views of the French Broad River.

  4. Food

    Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn

    Sip cocktails and enjoy stunning sunset views over the mountains.

Day 4·Blue Ridge Parkway Gems

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  1. Sightseeing

    Folk Art Center

    Admire traditional and contemporary Appalachian crafts.

  2. Sightseeing

    Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

    Learn about the parkway and its natural and cultural history.

  3. Activity

    Craggy Gardens

    Hike through rhododendron tunnels to stunning vistas (seasonal).

  4. Activity

    Mount Pisgah Trail

    Embark on a challenging hike to a rewarding summit view.

Day 5·North Asheville History & Gardens

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  1. Sightseeing

    Botanical Gardens at Asheville

    Stroll through native plant collections and natural beauty.

  2. Sightseeing

    Grovewood Village

    Explore historic craft workshops and galleries next to The Omni Grove Park Inn.

  3. Sightseeing

    Vance Birthplace

    Step back in time at the preserved birthplace of a former North Carolina governor.

Day 6·Waterfall Wonders & Mountain Air

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  1. Sightseeing

    Looking Glass Falls

    Enjoy an easily accessible and picturesque waterfall visible from the road.

  2. Activity

    Sliding Rock

    Slide down a natural 60-foot rock waterslide into a chilly pool (seasonal).

  3. Activity

    Pisgah National Forest

    Hike scenic trails and immerse yourself in lush Appalachian wilderness.

Day 7·West Asheville Quirks & Bites

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  1. Shopping

    West Asheville Strip

    Discover eclectic shops, vintage finds, and local eateries.

  2. Food

    Sunny Point Café

    Savor popular Southern comfort food for breakfast or lunch (expect a wait).

  3. Food

    Desoto Lounge

    Enjoy a casual, dog-friendly bar with a rotating selection of craft beers.

  4. Shopping

    Walk

    Explore a unique shoe store offering a curated selection of comfortable and stylish footwear.

Day 8·Downtown Art & Architecture

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  1. Sightseeing

    Asheville Art Museum

    Peruse American art from the 20th and 21st centuries, with a focus on regional artists.

  2. Sightseeing

    Basilica of Saint Lawrence

    Admire the stunning Spanish Baroque architecture of this historic basilica.

  3. Sightseeing

    Grove Arcade

    Wander through a historic architectural gem with unique shops and restaurants.

  4. Food

    Green Man Brewery - Dirty Jack's

    Visit one of Asheville's oldest breweries for classic English-style ales.

Day 9·Scenic Drives & Nature Trails

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  1. Sightseeing

    Mount Mitchell State Park

    Drive to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River for panoramic views.

  2. Activity

    Linville Falls

    Hike to see a beautiful three-tiered waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

  3. Activity

    Catawba Falls

    Enjoy an accessible hike to a majestic waterfall in Pisgah National Forest.

Day 10·Relaxed Morning & Departure

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  1. Shopping

    Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

    Browse books and enjoy a coffee in this beloved independent bookstore.

  2. Activity

    Asheville Community Yoga

    Join a donation-based yoga class for a mindful start to your day.

  3. Food

    Wicked 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.