Four-Day Foodie Filled–Asheville Itinerary

Time for a hike. After all, you are in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But first, breakfast to fuel up. Stop by The Rhu for a breakfast sandwich you won’t forget. This is from the same people as Asheville’s famous dining establishment, Rhubarb. Can’t go wrong with any of their biscuit sandwiches. Now that you’re fueled up, it’s time to check out some hiking spots:

• Mount Mitchell Loop: Six-mile trail. It’s the highest peak east of the Mississippi. This trail was definitely on the more challenging side but the views are worth it.

  • Distance to Asheville: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Devil’s Courthouse Trail: Short but steep. This out-and-back trail is only 0.8 miles. Go if you want a hike that will take around 30 minutes and some killer views.

  • Distance to Asheville: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Looking Glass Rock: Six-mile out-and-back trail that’s considered moderate. Another great view.

  • Distance to Asheville: 45 minutes

If you don’t want to venture far for some nature, you can head over to the Biltmore Estate. In all my times in Asheville, I still haven’t made it there. Mostly because of the steep cost of around $100. The ticket does include a wine tasting at the on-property vineyard. We’ve heard from many people that it is well worth the price as you get to explore the estate, winery and the gardens/grounds. There are also a variety of hiking trails for those wanting to take a stroll in nature.

After the adventure of your choosing, stop over at Forestry Camp for a late lunch and beer. The venue almost feels like you are in a summer camp mess hall but with a great selection of beer.

Dinner tonight is at a Spanish tapas establishment known as Cúrate. Grab yourself a couple of small plates and enjoy. This restaurant is pretty highly acclaimed and therefore, reservations are recommended.

Once you’re done with dinner, head on over to the Golden Pineapple. This tiki-esque bar serves up some stand-out cocktails with a no-frills vibe. My favorite is the Go Banana!, which contains mezcal, banana and curry (amongst other things). And don’t forget to get one of their tasty shooters for $6. If you are looking for another cocktail bar to check out and are into live music, Little Jumbo is the place to be. It’s a neighborhood spot in the Five Points area and the Deluxe Havana Service is not to be missed if you’re into daiquiris.

Breakfast: We’ve heard a lot of buzz about OWL bakery but haven’t had a chance to go yet. All of their pastries look absolutely amazing — especially the cardamom bun. There’s a location in both west and north Asheville.

Relaxation: In my opinion, one of the most underrated experiences in Asheville is Sauna House and I make it a point to go there every time I visit. It’s a chic but not pretentious bathhouse experience equipped with saunas and cold plunges. A typical routine for me is sauna 15 minutes, cold plunge as long as I can, sit in the lounge with heated chairs then do that two or three more times. At the end, I reward myself by sitting in the lounge and ordering myself a sparkling tea — specifically, Dram. Relaxation at its finest. At only $40 for a two-hour visit, it’s a great deal. I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time to ensure you get a spot.

Lunch: Lunch is at Little Chango, a small Latin-inspired kitchen with a variety of arepas. The food and the price point will not disappoint with the arepas around $10-$12.

Brewery Hop: Asheville is known for its insane amount of breweries, so it’s time for a brewery hop. While I’m no self-proclaimed beer expert, here are a few spots that we enjoy:

• Funkatorium: The standout for me here is the variety of sour beers. The best thing is, you can get a beer flight to try a variety. Walk into the bottle shop and take a few of your favorites home. I wouldn't recommend eating here though. Food is just typical bar/brewery food, nothing special.

• Sierra Nevada: This brewery is a little further out, near the airport, but well worth it just to hang out in the massive facility they've built. The taproom is large and the outdoor space to chill with a beer is a vibe.

• Hi-Wire Brewing: This is more of a divey place but don’t let that deter you as they have a great selection of beer on tap.

• Green Man Brewery: Considered one of North Carolina’s original breweries, they have a multi-story location. If you are an IPA lover, this is the place for you.

• New Belgium: You’ve likely heard of this label. They have a large location in Asheville with great outdoor space to sit back, relax and enjoy a beer.

• Ben’s Tune Up: This is a fun beer and sake garden that offers a variety of sake and sake spritzers. So if you need a beer break, check this place out. It does get crowded and rowdy on the weekends so be prepared for a bit of shoulder bumping if you're headed out during prime time.

Dinner: Tonight’s dinner is definitely more casual. Check out Chai Pani, a restaurant focusing on Indian street food. It’s a great place to get a few different dishes to try and expand your horizons on lesser-known Indian dishes. They do not take reservations so be prepared to wait if you go at prime dinner hours.

Coffee and Breakfast: Before you head out, coffee is a must. PennyCup is a cute spot for a good cup of coffee and quick bite to eat. They offer a variety of bagels and some house-made granola for those that want something on the lighter side.

If you’re in the mood for sweets for breakfast instead, Hole Doughnuts in West Asheville will absolutely hit the spot. Hole’s single-yeasted dough recipe gives them a unique flavor that you’ll love. Try their toasted almond sesame cinnamon doughnut for a sweet and nutty start to your day.

Lunch: Finally, depending on what time you’re headed out of town, you might have time for lunch. If you have ANY room left in your stomach, stop at Baby Bull for a can’t-miss burger. Think double smash patties with the perfect amount of cheese, pickles and onions. Not in the mood for a burger? No problem. They also serve up lobster rolls, a killer fried fish and a classic roast pork that will make you think you’re in Philly. Their big sister restaurant, Bull & The Beggar, is no slouch in its own right for a great French dinner either.