Asheville, NC Travel Guide: What To Do, Eat and Drink
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, and where to hike within the greater Asheville North Carolina area. Let’s go!
Where To Eat
Buxton Hall BBQ - the most amazing barbecue.
Taco Billy - their breakfast tacos are a must.
White Duck Taco (Riverside Dr. location)
12 Bones Smokehouse - another incredible barbecue spot.
Sunny Point Cafe - this is a very popular spot for brunch. Worth it.
Vortex Doughnuts (we really ❤ donuts)
Buxton Chicken Palace (in the S&W Market)
Hole Doughnuts
White Duck Taco
Where To Drink Beer
Wicked Weed Funkatorium - awesome sour beer dedicated taproom.
Wedge Brewing - pair with your visit to 12 Bones at the Foundy St. location.
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!
Odd’s Cafe - awesome spot to work from as you enjoy your coffee.
Flora & Forage - think flowers + plants + coffee all in one shop. Swoon.
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
Flora & Forage
Owl Bakery
What To See & Do
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! Which brings us to the next category…
Blue Ridge Parkway overlook
Grove Arcade
Biltmore Estate
Inside the Biltmore Estate
Where To Hike
File this section under free things to do in Asheville, NC!
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:
Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts.
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.
