Asheville, NC is a gorgeous city in the Blue Ridge Mountains known for outdoor activities, plentiful breweries, and the famous Biltmore Estate. The city has an incredibly vibrant art and culture scene, and is home to some beautiful architecture as well, making it one of the Southeast’s best vacation towns. Keep reading for all the best spots to visit during your one weekend in Asheville, NC.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Asheville?
If you’d like to fly directly into Asheville, there are a lot of flight options into Asheville Regional Airport from major cities around the US. Asheville Regional Airport is conveniently located just about a half-hour from downtown Asheville. The city of Asheville is also near several other major airports in the Southeast, such as Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greer, South Carolina, and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia.
Public transportation options are somewhat limited in the town of Asheville. Asheville Rides Transit does offer public buses to take you throughout the city which is a convenient option. To fully enjoy all that Asheville has to offer, though, a rental car is necessary. From driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway to spending a day at Biltmore, you will be glad to have a rental car. Rideshare services are available in Asheville but aren’t as popular as they are in other larger cities, so it’s important to have alternative transportation options as well.
What is the best time to visit Asheville?
As with most cities in the Southeast, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Asheville. Summers in Asheville can get very hot and humid, and are also peak tourist season, meaning you’ll experience larger crowds at almost all destinations. Spring is an excellent time to visit as the flowers and plants will be blooming, and temperatures will be significantly cooler and milder. Fall is another great time (and my personal favorite time) to visit because the leaves will be changing, and you’ll miss some of the large summer crowds.
Where should I stay in Asheville?
Booking.comDowntown Asheville is a great area to stay in if you want to be conveniently located near some of the city’s best shopping, restaurants, and attractions. The downtown area is also pretty walkable, so you’ll have the option of walking or biking to different activities instead of having to rely on a car or public transportation. The Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville offers simple and comfortable rooms in the heart of downtown, while The Foundry Hotel Asheville is more upscale and trendy, but still in a convenient downtown location.
If you’d like more rustic accommodations located outside of the city, there are a lot of lodges and cabins available to rent in the surrounding foothills. Airbnb has a lot of great options for a more secluded stay that is still a short drive from downtown Asheville. There are also some lodging options on the Biltmore Estate, which are higher on the price range but still give you a sense of privacy.
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Sample 3-Day Asheville Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Asheville:
Morning:
Start your trip to Asheville with a visit to the city’s River Arts District. The River Arts District is a hub of art studios housed in historic buildings, such as a former cotton mill and tannery. This area of Asheville is an awesome place to learn about some of the city’s local artists while also experiencing firsthand some of Asheville’s rich history. Art-lovers and history buffs alike will thoroughly enjoy the River Arts District, and getting outside to stretch your legs is always a great way to start the day.
Afternoon:
Experience some of Asheville’s natural beauty by taking a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is an iconic American drive, winding through the mountains of Tennessee all the way up to Virginia. North Carolina’s section along the drive is especially beautiful and will give you sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. You can stay in your car and simply drive along the parkway, or stop at one of the many trailheads and viewpoints to stretch your legs.
Recommended Blueridge Parkway Stops Near Asheville:
- Craggy Gardens (24 miles North)
- Mount Mitchell (35 miles North)
- Mount Pisgah (26 miles South)
- Graveyard Fields (37 miles South)
See more Blue Ridge Parkway stops here
Evening:
Do some shopping and grab dinner at the historic Grove Arcade. The Grove Arcade is one of America’s first indoor shopping malls and has been open for almost 100 years. The mall features a number of shops selling everything from clothes and jewelry to books and handmade goods, making it a great opportunity to support small local businesses. There are also a number of dining options, so everyone in the family is sure to find a delicious dinner they’ll love.
Day 2 in Asheville:
Morning
The Biltmore Estate, also known as the largest home in America, is a must-visit spot on a trip to Asheville. The estate features everything from tours of the main house to a full winery and over 20 miles of walking trails throughout the gardens, meaning there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With over 8,000 acres, the property is simply massive, and you could truly spend days exploring everything that the estate has to offer. However you choose to spend your time at the Biltmore, the experience is sure to impress. Check out the website for special events that are included in your visit! Ticket prices vary depending on the season but typically range from $66 to $86.
Afternoon
After a morning of walking and adventuring, treat yourself with a visit to one or several of Asheville’s numerous breweries. Given that Asheville is a relatively small mountain town, it is home to a surprising number of breweries. Visiting local breweries is an excellent way to experience a city’s local culture in a fun, laid-back environment. Wicked Weed Brewing Pub and Burial Beer Company are some of the highest-rated breweries in town, though a visit to any is sure to be a memorable experience.
Evening
Close out day 2 of your trip by catching a performance at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. The Wortham Center is a large venue that hosts a variety of musical, theatrical, and educational events. From Shakespeare to comedy shows and everything in between, there is always something interesting to see at the Wortham Center.
Day 3 in Asheville:
Morning:
Walk along the Asheville Urban Trail to explore the heart of the city. The urban trail is an almost 2-mile-long walking tour through the city of Asheville. There are 30 unique stops along the trail that will educate you on a specific slice of Asheville’s history. The trail is a fantastic way to experience areas of Asheville you may not visit otherwise, and a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Afternoon:
Visit the Asheville Pinball Museum, one of the city’s most unique museum offerings. Though Asheville is home to a number of historic sites and museums, the Pinball Museum is surely one of the most fun and engaging. Set in a former hotel, the museum features a number of old arcade games and pinball machines. The best part is, you can actually play many of the games as well! The Pinball Museum is one of Asheville’s quirkiest destinations that offers fun for the whole family. Entry is $15 per person and allows you to stay and play for as long as your heart desires.
Evening:
Finish off your one weekend in Asheville by taking a food tour to enjoy some of the city’s finest dining options. Asheville is known for offering a wide variety of delicious, high-quality cuisines, and embarking on a food tour is a great way to taste the best of the best. Asheville Food Tours offers a variety of tours, ranging from the classic Downtown Tour to the Night Tour, depending on your budget and food preferences. Each tour is unique and the restaurants are always handpicked, giving you a one-of-a-kind experience that will be memorable for years to come. Tickets typically range from $50 to $85.
Other things to do in Asheville
- Visit Pisgah National Forest to enjoy some hiking, camping, horseback-riding, and so much more. Or check out this Guided Nature walk and forest bathing exprience!
- Enjoy a Friday-night drum circle, a long-running Asheville tradition that typically takes place from April to October
- Stroll through the North Carolina Arboretum ($16 per vehicle)
- Haunted Guided Walking Ghost Tour ($22 per person) or a Self-guided Asheville Ghost Tour ($13 per person)
- See Asheville’s best sights from above on this Scenic Helicopter Ride (from $63 pp) or a Chimney Rock Helicopter Ride ($211 pp)
- Explore the city in a competetive way with a self-guided City Scavenger Hunt ($13 pp)
- Immrse yourself in nature via a guided Kayak Tour ($65 pp).
Other tips to know before visiting Asheville
If you plan to enjoy some of Asheville’s nightlife, be prepared to pay a cover fee, as local liquor laws require clubs that don’t sell food to charge patrons a $1 “membership” fee.
One Weekend in AshevillePacking List:
Even though you are only in Asheville for one weekend, it is best to arrive prepared to avoid having to waste time by running to the store for forgotten items. Below you will find everything (okay…maybe not everything) you will need for 3 days in Asheville!
- Comfy walking shoes (for your walking tours or hikes. I wear my keens EVERYWHERE. Not only are they great hiking shoes, they are great for keeping your feet cool in the Austin heat. No socks needed 🙂
- Travel sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face wash, deoderant…you know all your daily essentials). This is a perfect travel case that meets TSA regulations!
- All the clothes (this one is going to be a personal choice as to how much to bring). I am typically good with three nice dinner outfits, my favorite joggers, a comfy shirt, some atheltic shorts, and a swim suit cover up.
- Makeup and hair supplies
- ID and any other travel documents or itineraries needed.
- Phone charger
- Kindle or current reading book
- Any needed medications
- Airplane snacks and water bottle (bring an empty bottle along to save plastic and money at the airport and on your daily adventures)
- Sunglasses! (I always forget this one)
- Andddd of course your camera! A gopro would be fun for these adventures!
3-day Asheville Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: River Arts District, Blue Ridge Parkway, Grove Arcade
- Day 2: Biltmore Estate, Brewery tour, Wortham Center Show
- Day 3: Asheville’s Urban Trail, Pinball Museum, Food tour
One Weekend In Asheville Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Asheville that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Asheville itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Asheville !
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Asheville” Itinerary?
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