Asheville, North Carolina, has long been a getaway for travelers seeking mountain air, cozy weekends, and a thriving food and arts scene. Even if you’ve visited in the past, the city has a way of feeling new again. Asheville’s artists, makers, and chefs keep reinventing the experience—rooted in Appalachian tradition, always in motion.
Start your journey by exploring Asheville’s creative community—its hands-on art workshops, local boutiques, and long-standing music venues. We recommend putting a show at the Grey Eagle or the Orange Peel at the top of your list. Drive 20 minutes to Black Mountain, where art galleries, bookstores, cafes, and sweeping views offer a slower-paced escape.
Throughout the Asheville area, stillness is part of the rhythm. Unwind beneath the dark night sky while stargazing, warm up at Drip Nordic Sauna, and hike a scenic trail to a private outdoor yoga session. When it’s time to eat, enjoy the award-winning restaurants, breweries, and bars redefining Appalachian food and drink—from standout spots like Chai Pani and Good Hot Fish to Burial Beer Co. and Little Jumbo.
For travel inspiration, check out the Afar stories below—where you can chat with our itinerary planner to personalize your trip—and order your free Asheville Official Destination Guide.
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Journeys: United States
Venues, vinyl, late nights, and local talent—your four-day guide to Asheville’s music scene.
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Journeys: United States
Rapper and songwriter Virtuous takes you through two days of iconic venues, hidden gems, and the best spots to eat between sets.
From elevated Appalachian cooking to inventive farm-to-table fare, discover the Asheville restaurants redefining the region’s culinary identity—with recommendations from Western North Carolina native Erica Locklear Abrams.
Journeys: United States
Enjoy river adventures, mountaintops, and art walks in one of the cities that pioneered farm-to-fork dining with this four-day guide by Foundry Hotel General Manager Larry Crosby.
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From live theater and jazz clubs to comedy shows and local galleries, Asheville’s creative energy is impossible to miss
With a vibrant art, food, and culture scene and a plethora of immersive outdoor activities, there’s a lot more to Asheville than its famous landmarks.
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From craft cocktail dens downtown to sunset spots over the French Broad River, here’s where to drink with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Once Asheville’s historic Black business district, the Block is buzzing again with a mix of people and places bringing its remarkable past into the present.
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From mountain biking at Hard Times Trailhead to waterfall plunges at Sliding Rock, here’s where to get outside in the Blue Ridge Mountains around Asheville, North Carolina.
A local’s guide to Asheville’s best places to eat: Indian street food, Southern hot fish, ice cream, craft beer, and more—with what to order at each spot.
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Set on 108 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, Elk & Embers has seven cabins and tents—and some of the best views around. Best of all: It’s only an hour’s drive from Asheville.
This four-day road trip on one of the most beautiful scenic byways in the U.S. delivers on views, brews, and diverse food.
Michelin-recognized restaurants, craft breweries, art, golf, baseball, waterfalls—here’s how to fill a day in Asheville, North Carolina.
