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Best of Asheville

A mountain art town with waterfalls and overlooks minutes away.

10 daysLocal favorites
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

  • 1
    Woolworth Walk

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

  • 2
    French Broad Chocolate Lounge

    Indulge in decadent desserts and craft chocolates.

  • 3
    Asheville Pinball Museum

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

  • 4
    Burial Beer Co. - South Slope

    Sample unique, experimental brews in a bustling brewery district.

Day 2 · Biltmore Estate Grandeur

  • 1
    Biltmore Estate

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

Day 3 · River Arts District & Sunset Views

  • 1
    River Arts District (RAD)

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

  • 2
    Olde World Asheville

    Discover unique imports and handcrafted goods in a charming shop.

  • 3
    New Belgium Brewing Company

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

  • 4
    Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn

    Sip cocktails and enjoy stunning sunset views over the mountains.

Day 4 · Blue Ridge Parkway Gems

  • 1
    Folk Art Center

    Admire traditional and contemporary Appalachian crafts.

  • 2
    Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

    Learn about the parkway and its natural and cultural history.

  • 3
    Craggy Gardens

    Hike through rhododendron tunnels to stunning vistas (seasonal).

  • 4
    Mount Pisgah Trail

    Embark on a challenging hike to a rewarding summit view.

Day 5 · North Asheville History & Gardens

  • 1
    Botanical Gardens at Asheville

    Stroll through native plant collections and natural beauty.

  • 2
    Grovewood Village

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

  • 3
    Vance Birthplace

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

Day 6 · Waterfall Wonders & Mountain Air

  • 1
    Looking Glass Falls

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

  • 2
    Sliding Rock

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

  • 3
    Pisgah National Forest

    Hike scenic trails and immerse yourself in lush Appalachian wilderness.

Day 7 · West Asheville Quirks & Bites

  • 1
    West Asheville Strip

    Discover eclectic shops, vintage finds, and local eateries.

  • 2
    Sunny Point Café

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

  • 3
    Desoto Lounge

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

  • 4
    Walk

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

Day 8 · Downtown Art & Architecture

  • 1
    Asheville Art Museum

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

  • 2
    Basilica of Saint Lawrence

    Admire the stunning Spanish Baroque architecture of this historic basilica.

  • 3
    Grove Arcade

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

  • 4
    Green Man Brewery - Dirty Jack's

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

Day 9 · Scenic Drives & Nature Trails

  • 1
    Mount Mitchell State Park

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

  • 2
    Linville Falls

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

  • 3
    Catawba Falls

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

Day 10 · Relaxed Morning & Departure

  • 1
    Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

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

  • 2
    Asheville Community Yoga

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

  • 3
    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.