Checking Into: Asheville, NC

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Payton Brown
Curated By

Payton Brown

  • Asheville

  • North Carolina

  • Active Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Food & Wine

  • Mountains

  • Downtown

  • Shopping

  • Sightseeing

A busy commercial hub, Downtown Asheville is filled with indie boutiques, cutting-edge galleries, and specialty food stores, plus artisan shops in the elegant Grove Arcade.
Curator’s statement

Asheville is a known gem in the Blue Ridge Mountain area of the Southeast. It has charm, natural beauty, and superb dining. Many visitors, including myself, are drawn towards this city because of the downtown area that offers boutique shopping, electric neighborhoods, and its beer town atmosphere. Nestled within its borders is also the infamous Biltmore Estate that offers a fantastic view of the mountain landscape where you can get away and relax.

The Fora Difference

Book with Payton to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Icon Travel Perks
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Icon Recommendations
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Icon Inside Knowledge
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Asheville, NC

Unlock perks by contacting Payton to book your trip.

Things to do in Asheville, NC

Biltmore Estate is America's largest privately-owned home and historic marvel nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains.

Biltmore Estate

This famous estate offers gardens, a winery, tours of the mansion and lodging.

Craft Breweries

40+ craft breweries are available for you to map and tour including small local brands as well as national favorites. My personal favorite is the Funkatorium.

Asheville Bee Charmer

No need to worry about real bees in the shop, but they do have real local honey. Stop in for a tasting of their wild flavors.

Outdoor Adventures

Be on the lookout for pop up hot air balloon festivals and book a ziplining or river rafting tour.

Asheville Pinball Museum

Located about 20 minutes outside of Asheville, this is a cool place to bring you back to your childhood and play on vintage pinball machines.

LaZoom Comedy Tours

If you are looking for a fun way to tour the city and learn about the history, LaZoom Tours offers a variety of tour bus options.

Cultural Events

The city of Asheville typically has a calendar filled with events, festivals, concerts and performances that may fall on your weekend of travel. Make sure to check it out before your departure.

Asheville Botanical Gardens

Take a nice and relaxing walk through this wonderful garden and take in its beauty.

Places to eat & drink in Asheville, NC

Hip eatery in a former 1927 bus depot offering elevated small plates, cured meats, sherries & wine.

Places to eat

Biscuit Head - Like its name, it's known for the cathead biscuits.

Tupelo Honey - A southern favorite, you will experience locally fresh food.

Curate - Tapas, Tapas, Tapas.

Nine Mile - Caribbean flare offering curries and jerk dishes.

Haywood Common - Great comfort foods and an Asheville local.

Coffee Shops

Vortex Doughnuts - A must visit. Superior coffee with even better doughnuts.

High Five Coffee - Locally suggested and charming.

Bean Werks - Country themed environment with coffee and tea.

City Bakery Cafe- Cute shop with tasty pastries.

Green Sage - Another great spot for coffee and light bites.

Advisor - Payton Brown

Travel Advisor

Payton Brown

Get in touch with Payton

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Payton within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Checking Into: Chicago.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Asheville.