Travel Guide to Asheville, North Carolina
Need a mountain weekend just to get out of the city?! Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just across the Tennessee border is the home of the most breweries per capita in the nation, Asheville, North Carolina. Around a 4.5 hour drive from Nashville, this town makes for a perfect weekend getaway for couples or bachelorettes now. I have been lucky enough to have visited this city a couple of times and would love to share the places you shouldn’t miss. So here we go... Morgo Goes's Travel Guide to Asheville.
Where to Stay
There are always so many options when it comes to staying in Asheville. And per usual, we chose Airbnb for this trip. I was traveling with two humans and two dogs, bonus being that Asheville is one of the most fido-friendly towns in the US. So we chose this amazing cabin that was built in the 1800's!
It has been renovated and it was super cozy and tucked away at the top of a hill. The surrounding wooded area made us feel secluded and away from town! The link to our cabin can be found here! But choose a stay in an area that is close to things you would like to do! And bring a car if you're wanting to venture into the mountains!
What to See
There is so much to see and do in Asheville that I would recommend 4-5 days if you want to get it all in without feeling rushed! We packed in waterfall hikes, The Biltmore, breweries, and so much more in around 3 days and I wish we had more time! So listed below are all the stops we made and loved every single place! Also included are any Morgo Goes hot tips for getting photos or to save some cash with deals!
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is located in Pisgah National Forest, around 50 minutes from downtown Asheville. Pisgah is a BEAUTIFUL part of the mountains complete with two lane roads and multiple trail heads and vistas along the drive. The hike down to Looking Glass is short and paved steps. The photo above was taken from below those stairs!
Biltmore Estate
Built in the 1890's by George Vanderbilt, this 250 room, 8,000 square foot estate is open for tours! If you have never been before, enjoy history and the beautiful gardens/conservatories! It's one of those one and done, been-there-done-that type of places. I definitely recommend it at Christmas time because they DECK IT OUT! Pro tip: if you are a healthcare professional, go to the local Mission Hospital and show your ID for a discount. Also it is free for kids 9 and under.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile parkway spanning from Virginia down into the Smokey Mountains. The scenic drive has lots of spots to pull off and take in the vistas. It is completely free (except for gas) and open 24/7 depending on snow/ice. Some spots to pull off and see are Balsam Knob and Mount Pisgah.
Sliding Rock
Also located in Pisgah National Forest is Sliding Rock. This is a popular summer swimming spot! It was a little too cool whenever we visited so we did not partake in the slide. But as you can see in the photo there are railings leading from the pool below to the top of the rock slide. Side note: the mountain spring water runs between 50-60 degrees even in the summer so come prepared lol.
Skinny Dip Falls
Off of the Blue Ridge Parkway is Skinny Dip Falls. Drive up to mile marker 417 and follow the trailhead marked Mountains-to-Sea Trail. This is an easy 0.9 mile roundtrip hike through the forest that lets out at the falls. Skinny Dip Falls is popular swimming hole in the summer so come early if you're planning on swimming. The trail is dog-friendly for those of ya bringing your pooches too! No skinny dipping actually allowed lol.
Other Hikes
Other hikes I have not tried yet but are on my list include these dog friendly hikes: Boone Fork Trail, Flat Rock Mountain, Elk Knob, Hanging Rock, Grandfather Rock, and Crabtree Falls. Save these spots on your Google Maps to save for your Asheville hiking trips!
Don’t have dogs or wanna leave the pooches at home?! Here are some trails that don’t allow dogs but have amazing views that aren’t to be missed. A few off my friends list are McRae’s Peak, Rouge Ridge, Linville Gorge and horseback trail of Stone Mountain.
Antique Tobacco Barn
75 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville, NC 28805
Y'all know I am a sucker for some vintage/antique shopping. This 77,000 square foot barn has over 75 vendors with anything and everything you could ever desire. We ended up finding some sweet vintage gems, including a leather bomber jacket I found for $15!
River Arts District
The River Arts District is an area of town along the French Broad River that houses a community of 250+ artist galleries, vintage stores (my favorite being House of Kismet), and restaurants. The walls of the shops have murals from floor to ceiling and this dope water tower is true to the vibe of the area! We stopped by the brewery right in the middle of the community then stopped for dinner across the street at Smokey Park Supper Club (American restaurant in a cool shipping container on the river).
Zen Tubing
Obviously a summer (or early fall) activity, tubing on the river is a super fun activity if you're looking for more outdoor things to do! Bachelorette party approved!
Eats/Drinks
Brunch on SunnyPoint Cafe Patio
I am not a foodie, but I luhhhh to eat. Most trips I do not plan out where to eat unless there is a place that EVERYONE recommends. I had some overwhelming responses for recommendations so I'll share them below! My tip for finding the best restaurants/bars is asking your local bartenders or waiters. Or try a food tour, like Eating Asheville Tours, if you don't feel like choosing where to go! All spots have links to their Insta/websites.
Coffee/Breakfast
Flora Coffee- Inside the Flora Plant Shop is a small coffee stand that was by far one of my favorite stops. Plant mom goals foshizzle.
Double D's Coffee- In an English double decker coffee bus! Cash only!
Beehive Coffee Bar- Located down the road from our Airbnb in Arden, south of town! Amazing local coffee shop whose pastries fueled one of our morning hikes! All made fresh in house!
SunnyPoint Cafe- recommended by so many! Get reservations or come early cause this is a local favorite!
Hole- DONUTS! get here early especially on weekends, line out the door!
Breweries/Lunch
Oskar Blues Brewery- amazing outdoor space with food truck. Pet friendly.
High Wire Big Top Taproom- Amazing beers in a taproom inside their brewing space!
Asheville Pizza and Brewing- Some damn good za and beers brewed in house! The North Asheville location (linked here) has $3, dine-in movies in their theatre too! I accidentally killed a bee while eating here, which I am pretty sure is a mortal sin in Asheville lol.
Dinner/Drinks
There are so many breweries and fun places to snag a cocktail in town. There are over 45 different breweries and cideries in the greater Asheville area! You cannot go wrong by just hoppin' around. Pun intended.
Smokey Park Supper Club- Dinner on the river in a shipping container near River Arts District.
Omni Grove Sunset Cocktail Terrace- The Omni Grove Hotel is one of the most swanky hotels in town. They have many spa services that are divine. But if you're on a budget like me, go for sunset to take in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Must do!
When to Go
Peak fall season for capturing all the leaf magic is mid to late October. I would recommend renting a car or driving in to get around since there are so many sites to see in the mountains/national forests! Pack lots of layers due to elevation change and comfy shoes for all the walking. Asheville is very much a hippie, granola town so no need for anything super fancy unless that's your bag.
So there you have it, Morgo Goes's Travel Guide to Asheville! Comment below if you have any other questions about Asheville!
