Asheville Itinerary: How to Spend A Weekend Visiting
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Written by Karen Mellott-Foshier
Visiting Asheville is a good choice as it is a city you will fall in love with from the moment you arrive.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, it’s a place where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Whether you’re looking for a foodie town, a quiet stroll downtown, surrounding nature, or an adrenaline rush on one of Asheville’s many beautiful hiking trails, this is perfect for a weekend trip.
If you have two days to spare in your busy life, prepare your gear and notes because we’ve listed the best places to visit so you can make your plan when you visit or spend a weekend in Asheville.
Design Your Own Asheville Itinerary
From breathtaking views to unique activities, there are plenty of things to enjoy in Asheville – so sit back and relax because we’re going to equip your list with the best places to give you the experience of a lifetime while you stay in North Carolina.
Plan for an Asheville weekend getaway, as there are many gorgeous places to visit – like the Biltmore Estate, local craft breweries, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Here, you can spend hours on fun recreational activities like hiking, biking, shopping, going to restaurants, wine tasting, and listening to street musicians while enjoying the unique architecture.
Asheville’s rich cultural history and beautiful setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains offer something for everyone. Let us join you in creating the best Asheville Itinerary you can design based on your preference.
What to bring on a 2-day trip to Asheville?
If you want the best possible weekend in Asheville, prepare and pack like you’re going on a mission. Using your unique Asheville Itinerary, get ready for a fun journey.
Here is a list of things that you should not forget:
Camera
Make sure you have something that can capture the beauty of the places around you, whether it’s your phone or a high-quality camera. This includes a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, its hiking trails, and everything else you will experience during your self-guided tour.
Comfortable clothes
Pack outfits that are both fashionable and comfortable to wear while traveling. Your clothing will depend on the time of year you’re visiting but also on what kind of activities you anticipate doing. Also, you might want to leave some room in your suitcase for purchases at some of Asheville’s adorable boutiques.
Don’t forget to keep it seasonally appropriate! Bring sweaters if you’re visiting in the winter or fall, and light clothing if you’re staying in the summer or spring.
Water bottle
As most tours will require a lot of long hours of standing around and strolling – don’t forget to bring your water bottle. It could be a hassle if you’re on tour and no stores are within walking distance.
You can bring light snacks that can fit in your bag, too! I always like to have a granola bar with me if I plan to be out for a long day.
Itinerary List
Getting everything done in just two days is impossible without your list. So that you don’t waste time searching for attractions, make a list of things to do, places to visit, things to see, and food to eat.
Your Asheville itinerary should feature every pertinent detail, such as hotel info, recommended restaurants, and transportation options.
Places to Visit for your 2-day itinerary in Asheville, North Carolina
Here’s a list of things to do and things to see to create your schedule for your Asheville vacation:
The Biltmore Estate
Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
How much time do you need to visit: 6 to 8 hours
The Biltmore Estate, once owned by George Vanderbilt, now attracts more than a million tourists annually. This sprawling estate is more like a picturesque neighborhood of Asheville, North Carolina, and has a lot to offer even beyond the estate’s borders.
You can also choose to stay at the top hotels while you’re there, such as the Grand Bohemian Hotel and the Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast. Both are lovely accommodations located near the Biltmore Estate.
Check out this self-guided audio tour of the estate for an interesting way to spend your weekend getaway. Here are some highlights of the estate that you should not miss out on:
Biltmore House
The enormous size and lavishness of the house are immediately apparent as you approach it. It exudes an air of nobility thanks to its pointed roofs, rich color palette, and intricate architecture.
Given the estate’s size and garden, it sure has a lot of attractions to offer for tourists from around the world. Its Winter Garden is designed to resemble an indoor garden, complete with a glass roof that allows natural light to pass through so plants can thrive.
It is recommended to reserve the 90-minute audio guide as the narrator shares stories about life as you stroll through the 175,000-square-foot mansion (which is more than 4 acres of floor space).
Since the Biltmore House has 250 rooms, much remains to discuss. Here are a few more things to look forward to:
- Mrs. Vanderbilt’s oval bedroom, one of 35 in the house, features a painted ceiling, beautiful silk fabrics, and Louis XV-style furniture.
- You will probably love the vast library of about 10,000 volumes if you are a bookworm.
- It also features 65 original fireplaces and 43 bathrooms.
- A Tapestry Gallery is where designs appear to tell various tales from the past.
- The home features not only the main kitchen but also separate pastry, rotisserie, and pantry kitchens.
- The magnificent seven-story high banquet hall is the largest room in the house, where the owners host lavish dinner parties for guests.
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Biltmore Gardens
Your admission to the estate includes strolling through 2.5 miles of paths that weave in and out of the beautifully landscaped Biltmore Gardens. When you look around, you will first notice the immaculate state of the plants. The bright colors, especially when it’s sunny, make such a beautiful view.
You can stroll in the woods, the meadows, or along the banks of the French Broad River; you certainly won’t get bored here. The Biltmore Estate has a vast trail network that leisurely allows visitors to explore the grounds on foot or by bicycle.
A century after its completion, Biltmore continues to serve as a model for environmental responsibility through initiatives like installing solar panels across nine acres of land.
It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, widely regarded as the “Father of Landscape Architecture in America,” who is also responsible for the design of Central Park in New York City.
Here are highlights you don’t want to miss within the area:
- Rose Garden
- Italian Garden
- Shrub Garden
- Spring Garden
- Walled Garden
- Azalea Garden
- Bass Pond and Boat House
- Conservatory
Biltmore Wine Experiences
Visiting the Biltmore Winery and a complimentary wine tasting are included in your ticket. They offer four unique wine experiences for something more personal and unique.
Before going to the entrance, you must walk a long trail surrounded by plants. Upon entry, a cave-like walkway with lights on the walls gives a very welcoming feeling. You can see historical devices, artifacts, and wine-making machinery along this walk.
While a simple wine tasting is complimentary for all visitors, you can upgrade your ticket for a more in-depth experience. Here are some of the highlights:
- Behind-the-scenes winery tour and tasting: Get a sneak peek into the Biltmore Winery production facility and a private wine tasting. Offered daily, it’s $10 per person.
- Red wine and chocolate tasting: No additional description is required for this pairing; this tour upgrade is $25 per person and is offered daily.
- Wine and cheese hour: This activity is suitable for beginners and people wanting to know more about wine. This could help you start up your interest and understand the differences between your drinks, how you will drink them, and the best food to eat when you are drinking them.
- Celebration of sparkling wine: Cheers to this special insider’s look and tasting of Biltmore’s sparkling wines and appetizers. Offered Sunday through Friday, the cost is $25 per person.
Biltmore Village
Address: 7 All Souls Crescent; Asheville, NC 28803
How much time do you need to visit: 30 minutes
Biltmore Estate’s Asheville gate is located just across from Biltmore Village, a shopping and dining center with more than 40 local shops, including an ice cream shop and ten restaurants. Most of the shops are housed in historic cottages and buildings.
The village is lovely to roam around, with its tree-lined avenues, brick sidewalks, and medieval-style buildings. As you walk or drive down the street, you may feel as if you’ve been transported to a different country.
The businesses here have a nineteenth-century feel, making this an ideal location for photography enthusiasts. Seeing these construction types everywhere tells a lot about the village’s history.
Antler Hill Village & Winery
Address: 195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
How much time do you need to visit: 60 minutes
Before starting your Asheville trip, the first recommended thing is to go and check the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. At the visitor center, you can receive important information to help you with your tour and guidelines.
One of the cool things here is the high-tech map wherein you can move the screen from left to right along the map, automatically showing you significant landmarks and things to do in Asheville. There is also some educational information about the roads of Blue Ridge so tourists do not get lost or at least know where they can safely stop to take a breath.
See Related: Top Restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina
Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drives
How much time do you need to visit: 6 hours
The Blue Ridge Parkway is more about the journey rather than the destination.
It snakes through nearly 500 miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smoky Mountains, waterfalls, and tunnels – from Virginia to North Carolina.
Asheville is located near the southern part of the parkway, where there are still dozens of beautiful outlooks worthy of an afternoon drive or a sunset view. North would lead you to the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center.
If you continue to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you will come to a number of different stops along the way to take a look at the view and see trees and cliffs on both sides of the road. These locations provide access to some of the most breathtaking views in the area.
Check out this convenient Blue Ridge Parkway virtual guide, which indicates the milepost marker to easily locate beautiful overlooks where you can safely pull off the road, take pictures, have a picnic lunch, and, in some places, hike.
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French Broad Overlook
Address: 3938 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Arden, NC 28704, USA
How much time do you need to visit: 30 minutes
Traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll come across a long bridge and the French Broad Overlook. Both offer breathtaking views of the enormous river known as the French Broad River below. You will be greeted by stunning mountain views and blue skies that seem to touch the peaks.
The best times to get to the overlook are golden hour and just before sunset, to watch all the magical, rich colors around you.
This area features a large sign and a parking lot. If you want to spend more time here than just taking pictures from the overlook, you can do it by parking your car and walking north along the parkway.
As you reach the summit, you notice the fog getting thicker, and once you are there, you will reach the Pisgah National Forest. Then, you can stay at Mount Pisgah Campground, Abrams Creek Campground, or the Omni Grove Park Inn.
See Related: Things to Do in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest
How much time do you need to visit: 2.75 hours
Located in Western North Carolina, the Pisgah National Forest protects more than 500,000 acres of the Appalachian Mountains. The forest is divided into three ranger districts: The Appalachia District (north Asheville), The Grandfather District, and The Pisgah District (south of Asheville).
If you drive around Mount Pisgah, you’ll be in the middle of the woods, and there are campers everywhere, most of them in RVs. You can settle your vehicle in designated parking spots, set up a table, have a great time with your friends, or unwind alone.
When you’re done settling down, you can walk around and enjoy the fresh air, hike a little bit, and return to your vehicle. It is also just an hour away from the famous views of the Omni Grove Park Inn for a more comfortable stay.
Read Also: Scenic Trains in North Carolina
DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE
Address: Downtown Asheville, NC 28801
How much time do you need to visit: 2 hours
If you are spending a weekend in Asheville, it is best not to miss the creative energy of downtown Asheville. Downtown Asheville is just 20 to 30 minutes away from Asheville Regional Airport.
When you are in a different city or country, visiting historical places can give you knowledge about it, but it is not the only way. Going to parks and spending time outdoors with locals can also help you know their culture and history.
Traveling during festivals and big events is also one of the best ways to enjoy a country’s heritage. These activities will let you enjoy more of your tour!
In other words, you will adore these activities if you are outgoing and enjoy social gatherings. You can participate in a fancy wine-drinking event, taste delicious food, and enjoy good music. There are concerts, art galleries, craft beers, and more!
As you look around downtown Asheville, street performers, and local artists are everywhere. From drummers to guitar and banjo players, they are in almost every city corner.
You can also see Pack Square Park and the Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center, which houses several museums, such as the Asheville Art Museum and The Colburn Earth Science Museum.
The options are too many to count. All you have to do is make sure to choose the right time and date to experience these activities.
Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfall Tour
How much time do you need to visit: 5 hours
Find your way along the Blue Ridge Parkway with the help of an online map and bronze markers. Beyond the trail are plenty of different waterfalls near Asheville that you can explore if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.
The sound of the water flowing and these landscapes could be one of the best parts of your trip. If you love nature, these falls are the place to be.
If you find relaxation by merely watching nature, such as trees and moving water, these are the finest places to relax and should be on your weekend getaway list.
There are multiple waterfall hikes that you can choose from, and since these are day trips, you can still add more to your plans for night trips to other locations to expand your experience.
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Thomas Wolfe Memorial of Historic Asheville
How much time do you need to visit: 20 minutes
Even if you’re unfamiliar with Thomas Wolfe’s work, you might find the story of his enormous 29-room “Old Kentucky Home” interesting. Visit the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, where this classic author spent his childhood in his mother’s boardinghouse.
He has written four full-length novels and numerous shorter works, such as short plays and novellas. He often interweaves autobiographical details with highly original, poetic, rhapsodic, or impressionistic prose.
Since its initial release in 1929, Thomas Wolfe’s novel Look Homeward, Angel has remained in print, sustaining interest in the author and drawing readers from all over the world to the fictional town depicted in the novel.
Even the author’s furniture is still set up in much the same way as when he lived there. In each of the 29 rooms, Wolfe’s words continue to serve as a reminder of the author’s legacy.
The North Carolina Arboretum
Address: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
How much time do you need to visit: 1.5 hours
Located just south of downtown Asheville, the North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest of the Pisgah National Forest.
If you are a nature enthusiast and are interested in adding more gardens and landscapes to your itinerary while in Asheville, you must visit this location. In addition to the gorgeous gardens that are there year-round, they also host a variety of different exhibits throughout the year.
The North Carolina Arboretum, with more than 10 miles of trails, is also a great place for hiking, biking, or walking your dog. With all of these trails, you can easily spend more time there.
Still, 90 minutes to two hours should be enough. Before venturing out on any of the trails to the rest of the Arboretum, be sure to explore the area right around the visitor center, home to some excellent sculptures and other features.
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Grove Arcade
Address: 1 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
How much time do you need to visit: 1 hour
Would you like to spend your days in Asheville looking into interesting history and vintage architecture with your shopping? Then, add the historic Grove Arcade to your Asheville itinerary. No, it’s not a place to play arcade games (across the street at the Pinball Museum).
The Grove Arcade houses several local merchants, shops, and restaurants – including my favorite: Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar (yes, you can drink champagne while reading).
Originally built in the 1920s to anchor a new commercial district in the heart of downtown Asheville, this building was closed for military use during World War II. It later became home to the National Weather Records Center.
In 1976, the Grove Arcade was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its significant historical contribution. A number of decades later, the structure was returned to its former glory and reopened to the public.
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ASHEVILLE Pinball Museum
Address: 1 Battle Square Ste 1b, Asheville, NC 28801
How much time do you need to visit: As long as you want!
If you or your kids are disappointed the Grove Arcade didn’t feature any video games, cross the street to Asheville’s Pinball Museum. This place features over seventy-five vintage pinball machines, a few video games, and a large collection of related memorabilia. Guests can enjoy unlimited play on over 30 different pinball machines.
The museum features much more than just games. The walls and shelves are lined with retro pinball, arcade, and pop culture artifacts that evoke fond memories in those of a certain age. There are also opportunities to purchase individual arcade cabinets to take your favorite classic game home.
Visits to the arcade are free of charge, but playing will set you back $15 for an adult and $12 for a child 10 and under. The admission price grants you access to the building and allows you to use the tokens all day long. Book a tour now.
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Where to Eat and Drink for Your 2-day Trip to Asheville, NC Itinerary
Eating and drinking in Asheville is another excellent experience that is best done with family and friends while you’re in the area.
With different cuisines from all over the world, you can definitely satisfy your appetite with the number of restaurants in the area. From pubs, bars, barbecues, and snacks, not only will your tummy be well-fed, but also your curiosity about diverse foods.
You can go from wine-tasting in Biltmore to beer-tasting in pubs or sit in cafes and enjoy your day with a chill and quiet experience. Plus, many restaurants here offer portions that will satisfy your hunger after a long day of exploring.
Pack’s Tavern Speakeasy Lore
Address: 20 S Spruce St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
How much time do you need to visit: 1 hour
If you want to visit one of the most popular Asheville breweries, just look for the bright yellow truck outside the establishment’s Pack Square location.
We were drawn to Pack’s Tavern by its rich history, but the pub’s tasty fare and selection of local beers are also big draws.
The Pack’s Tavern “South Bar” occupies what was once one of Asheville’s oldest buildings, constructed in 1907 by a lumber supply company. The historic Hayes and Hopson building in the middle of Downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park has been a community staple for decades.
The restaurant also caters to those with special dietary needs and serves hearty comfort food.
You are highly encouraged to order a beverage along with your meal, regardless of whether you select items from the gluten-free menu, the lunch menu, or the standard all-day selection. The beer selection at the tavern is quite impressive, with brews available from all over North Carolina.
French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe
Address: 21 Riverside Dr #199, Asheville, NC 28801
How much time do you need to visit: 30 minutes
If you have watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie and you want to experience what he did, well, Asheville has something to offer that’s a lot like it.
A good thing about the French Broad Chocolate Factory tour is they present you with details on how they’re supporting local farms and farmers and how they establish relationships with them to strengthen their bond with each other. They also show different parts of the world where their chocolate comes from.
What’s amazing about this tour is that you can see the step-by-step process of making chocolates. Watching these steps is mouth-watering, and it ticks your curiosity about these delectable bites even more.
This is a must-stop for all chocoholics. While you can enjoy and savor the decadent treats in their retail space, sign up for one of their factory tours to learn more about cacao and how chocolate is made.
30-minute tours are offered daily at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 pm, and their 1-hour tours are offered on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 am. All tours are offered at the Riverside location, located in downtown Asheville.
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Franny’s Farm
Address: 22 Frannys Farm Rd, Leicester, NC 28748, USA
Franny’s Farm is one of the first commercial hemp farms in North Carolina (located about 10 miles from downtown Asheville). This organic farm offers tours that include food and beer.
Gardens of all kinds can be found here, from vegetables to fruits to flowers to a hill covered in blueberries that you can pick yourself.
They also welcome their venue’s public and private use for various purposes, including events, classes, getaways in our eco cabins, camping, and even lodging in the original barn house.
You may choose the farm or stay in the farmhouse or in one of their eco-cabins. It’s also a popular venue for weddings and private yoga sessions with goats, which will definitely make your Asheville itinerary unique.
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Amazing Pubcycle
Address: 51 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, USA
While touring a brewery is not necessarily out of the ordinary, you can find some unique experiences to include in your Asheville itinerary.
For example, the Amazing Pubcycle is BYOB (bring your beer or wine), where you and five to 12 of your friends pedal around town (with some engine assistance for those hills) and stop at two different breweries. It even comes heated on those cooler days and nights.
If you’re looking for something less physical, take a locally guided tour with Asheville Brewery Tours. They offer several mobile multi-brewery tours that make stops at three to four breweries – even a sunset tour option. If walking is more your thing, you can explore the downtown Asheville breweries on their dog-friendly walking tours.
Top Restaurants in Asheville
- Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar – Unique twist on Southern comfort food
Address: 12 College St, Asheville, NC 28801 - Bouchon – Traditional French food made with local ingredients
Address: 62 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 - The Market Place – Fresh farm-to-table cuisine and amazing brunch
Address: 20 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801 - Cúrate – Fabulous Spanish tapas and specialty cocktails
Address: 13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
With so much to do and see, where do you start? I recommend planning your Asheville itinerary around Biltmore Estate. Take note that tickets to the house must be reserved in advance.
To find better parking, avoid crowds, and give yourself extra time to explore the gardens, winery, and Antler’s Village, it is recommended to make a reservation online and select the earliest available time. They also offer discounts online for discounted Biltmore Estate tickets and book a Biltmore house tour.
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FAQs
What is Asheville, North Carolina, best known for?
When you search about Asheville or try to check sources for a glimpse, one of the most suggested places to visit is the Biltmore Estate. Then, spend the rest of your trip in downtown Asheville and have a lot of fun.
What is the best month to visit Asheville, North Carolina?
The best time to visit Asheville is spring or fall – from March to June or late September. Considering there are many outdoor activities, and most of your trip requires hiking in nature and walking around the village, it is recommended to travel at this time to enjoy the perfect weather and wear comfortable clothes while going to different locations.
How many days do you need in Asheville, North Carolina?
If you’re visiting Asheville’s main attraction, the Biltmore Estate, a 2-day trip is enough to enjoy the opulent mansion and a few other top attractions. But three days in Asheville is recommended if you would like to come across some more adventures that require a lot of activity, such as hiking or kayaking.
What is unique to Asheville?
While there is a growing trend toward urban renewal and the construction of industrial cities, nowhere else has such a distinct style been preserved as in Asheville. Great architecture unique to Asheville has helped preserve the city’s past and create the impression that you’ve been transported for many decades.
Is Asheville worth visiting?
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or have been traveling a lot, it’s hard not to mention that Asheville is the perfect destination for your ultimate weekend. There’s no doubt that your itinerary will be full of incredible travel experiences and that you’ll return home with countless incredible photographs to remember them by.
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