Things to Do in Asheville That'll Appeal to Both Hipsters and Hippies
Asheville, in western North Carolina, marches to its own New Age beat. You'll find a mix of farmers, hippies, musicians, artists, and writers, drawn not only by the panoramas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but the city's cultural offerings. Add to that the nationally known craft beer and farm-to-table dining scenes, and you begin to understand why it's such a special place. If you're planning a visit, here are the top things to do in Asheville.
1. Spend the Day at Biltmore
Biltmore, the largest privately owned residence in the country, is Asheville's can't-miss attraction. Built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, the 250-room French-Renaissance château now operates as a museum, showcasing his vast collection of art and antiques. While on the 8,000-acre estate, you can explore the gardens and landscaped grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, as well as hike, shoot sporting clays, and try its newest offering, falconry.
2. Explore the River Arts District
Wander the River Arts District, a mile-long stretch along the French Broad River where painters, sculptors, and ceramicists have set up galleries and studios in former warehouses. There are also a few shops and coffee houses like Ultra Coffeebar, where you can grab a bagel or a wrap for lunch. Afterward, head to Wedge Brewing Co. for a pint.
3. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of southern Appalachia with a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic road that passes right through Asheville. One of the most popular sections is the 80-mile stretch that starts at Asheville and ends at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which takes in the parkway's highest peaks, including Mount Pisgah and Balsam Knob.
4. Follow the Asheville Ale Trail
Touring and tasting along the Asheville Ale Trail is definitely one of the top things to do in Asheville, and trendy South Slope is a great place to start. Burial Beer Co. is a rustic spot to sip ales and lagers in the outdoor beer garden, while Catawba Brewing Co. has 30 brews on tap (try the Mother Trucker pale ale) and outdoor picnic tables. And longtime favorite Wicked Weed Brewing also owns Funkatorium, specializing in sour beer.
5. Eat Barbecue at Buxton Hall
If you're a fan of barbecue, get yourself to Buxton Hall Barbecue, housed in a renovated skating rink in South Slope. Chef/pitmaster Elliott Moss is known for his wood-fired whole-hog barbecue, and there's no doubt that the pulled pork plate with coleslaw and pickles will leave you in hog heaven, too. Another top Asheville barbecue joint to check out is 12 Bones Smokehouse.
6. Dine on Farm-to-Table Fare
Asheville has a dynamic farm-to-table scene, led by places like Rhubarb, from John Fleer, one of the city's top chefs (he was formerly the chef at Blackberry Farm, the exclusive Tennessee resort). There's also Sovereign Remedies, with dishes like beet ravioli and meats sourced from nearby Hickory Nut Farms, and AUX Bar, from chefs Mike Moore and Steve Goff.
7. Sleep in a Former Steel Foundry
Located in a former steel foundry, the Foundry Hotel opened this past November. The 87-room boutique hotel, fashioned from three historic buildings, features exposed brick and a manicured courtyard, and amenities include Benne on Eagle restaurant (another John Fleer restaurant using locally sourced ingredients), The Workshop Lounge craft cocktail lounge, an onsite marketplace, and a Tesla house car.
8. Drink at a Hip New Rooftop Bar
After checking out the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the Victorian house that the famed writer grew up in and memorialized in his autobiographical novel Look Homeward, Angel, head to the new AC Asheville to have a drink at the Capella on 9 rooftop bar. Other hotspots for a drink include 5 Walnut Wine Bar, where you can sample local cheese with your bottle of merlot, and Antidote, a cocktail bar adjoining The Chemist, a South Slope gin distillery.
9. Dine on Tapas from Chef Katie Button
Cúrate, named one of Food & Wines' "40 Most Important Restaurants of the Past 40 Years", is a can't-miss tapas spot from Katie Button, who has trained under chefs José Andrés and Ferran Adrià. Housed in a former bus depot, it features menu items like spicy chorizo, warm octopus topped with Spanish paprika, and goat cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers. While you're in town, stop by her newest spot, Button & Co. Bagels, for breakfast.
10. Check Out Asheville's Classic Hotels
The Omni Grove Park Inn, open since 1913 and known for its arts and crafts decor and Blue Ridge Mountain views, has hosted everyone from Henry Ford to Barack Obama. Even if you don't stay, buy a day pass to the cool-looking underground grotto-style spa. At the Tudor-style Grand Bohemian Asheville, across from the Biltmore, a towering stone fireplace and antler chandeliers greet guests (its Red Stag Grill is good spot for steak and chops).
Read More:
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15 U.S. Brewery Tours That Every Craft Beer Lover Needs to Take
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