How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Asheville, NC

Ultimate Asheville Travel Guide: What To Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay & More

A hub for the Blue Ridge Mountains, Beer City USA, a foodie’s paradise, and crunchy vibes. Asheville is a very unique city, and one that I’m grateful to have called home for a small portion of my life. Whether it’s your first time visiting Asheville or your tenth time back, there is never a shortage of exciting things to do and see. 

If you’re planning a trip to AVL, you’ve likely heard about the amazing craft beer and food scene. Or, maybe you’re drawn to the Asheville area to explore the beautiful mountain landscapes that are only a stone’s throw from downtown.

Why not have a taste of both on your next trip? In this guide, I’m running through my top recommendations for where to eat, what to drink, what to do, where to stay, and where to hike within the greater Asheville North Carolina area. Essentially, how to spend a perfect weekend in Asheville NC. Let’s go!

Where To Eat in Asheville

• Hole Doughnuts 

• Taco Billy - their breakfast tacos are a must.

• White Duck Taco (Riverside Dr. location)

• Ghan Shan West

• 12 Bones Smokehouse - another incredible barbecue spot.

• Sunny Point Cafe - this is a very popular spot for brunch. Worth it.

• Haywood Common

• Thai Pearl

• Vortex Doughnuts (we really love donuts!)

• OWL Bakery

• Buxton Chicken Palace (in the S&W Market)

Hole Doughnuts

White Duck Taco

Where To Drink Beer

• Catawba Brewing

• Burial Brewing

• Wicked Weed Funkatorium - awesome sour beer dedicated taproom.

• Wicked Weed Brewing

• Wedge Brewing - pair with your visit to 12 Bones at the Foundy St. location.

• New Belgium Brewing 

• Hi-Wire Brewing

• Urban Orchard Cider - for something other than beer!

Catawba Brewing

Wicked Weed

Where To Drink Coffee

• High Five Coffee - my favorite is their Riverside Dr. location. Grab a table right beside the river!

• Rowan Coffee - impeccable vibes, fantastic coffee.

• Summit Coffee

• Odd’s Cafe - awesome spot to work from as you enjoy your coffee.

• Farewell

• Flora & Forage - think flowers + plants + coffee all in one shop. Swoon.

• Trade & Lore

• Session Cafe - a hidden gem with lunch, dinner and cocktails in addition to coffee.

• OWL Bakery - yes, on the list twice. Pop in here for a fantastic coffee along with a pastry.

Summit Coffee

Rowan Coffee

Owl Bakery

What To See & Do in Asheville

• Visit & tour the Biltmore Estate. Don’t forget to stroll the gardens, as well!

• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and have a picnic at one of the scenic overlooks.

• Pop into some of the many shops in town, and be sure to check out the Grove Arcade. 

• Take a brewery tour. This is beer city! Sierra Nevada or New Belgium are great options. 

• Go antiquing in one of the many amazing antique stores in town. The Antique Tobacco Barn is an all-time favorite. 

• Book a LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour. 

• Catch some live music at The Orange Peel. 

• Book a mountaintop spa day at Shoji Spa & Retreat. 

• Hike! Read below for a full list of trail recommendations.

Blue Ridge Parkway overlook

Grove Arcade

Biltmore Estate

Inside the Biltmore Estate

Where To Stay

So, where exactly is the best place to stay during your weekend in Asheville NC? Luckily, Asheville has a super wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury stays. Here are my top picks for each budget and travel style:

Budget

• Sweet Peas Hostel

• The Lazy Tiger Hostel

Affordable

• Cambria Hotel, Downtown Asheville

• Haywood Park Hotel

• Element Asheville Downtown

• Glo Hotel Asheville -Blue Ridge Parkway

• Brookstone Lodge near Biltmore Village

Mid-range & Boutique

• Kimpton - Hotel Arras

• AC Hotel Asheville Downtown

• The Radical Hotel

• Zelda Dearest

• The Restoration Asheville

• The Windsor Boutique Hotel

High End

• The Omni Grove Park Inn

• Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville

• The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Unique

• Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins

• Autocamp Asheville

The Omni Grove Park Inn

Zelda Dearest

Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins

Where To Hike

Chances are, if you’re spending a weekend in Asheville, hiking is at the top of your to-do list! Here are a few can’t-miss trails in the greater Asheville NC area.

Mountains

Craggy Gardens / Pinnacle
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Length: 1.2 mile round-trip

Black Balsam Knob
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Length: 1.4 miles round-trip

Bearwallow Mountain
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Length: 2.1 miles round-trip

Black Balsam Knob trail

Black Balsam Knob trail

Waterfalls

DuPont State Forest waterfalls
(Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls)
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Length: 4.5 miles round-trip

Catawba Falls
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Length: 2.7 miles round-trip

Looking Glass Falls
Difficulty: Easy (not really a “hike”)
Length: 0.25 miles round-trip

DuPont waterfalls

Looking Glass Falls

And as always, when it comes to enjoying all of the beautiful outdoor sights around Asheville, please don’t forget to follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace:

1. Plan ahead and prepare.

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.

3. Dispose of waste properly.

4. Leave what you find.

5. Minimize campfire impacts.

6. Respect wildlife.

7. Be considerate of other visitors. 

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Top Guided Tours in Asheville:

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How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Asheville NC