We love visiting the house and the gardens (tickets are required for both) - this can be a full day's adventure so we recommend budgeting 5-6 hours if you plan to do both the house AND gardens!
The Asheville area is home to some of the most incredible hiking trails with stunning mountain views! This website includes some of the more popular trails. When hiking, always be BEAR aware - we encounter a lot of black bears this time of the year.
Lots of locally owned shops! Clothes, food, gifts, coffee - downtown Asheville has just about everything (with a local flare!)!
Asheville is known for its thriving and vibrant local artists! A large number of local artists have galleries and studios that you can experience while meandering around the River Arts District (RAD). The RAD took a devastating hit during Hurricane Helene in September 2024, but it is up and running again for everyone to support and enjoy!!
One of our FAVORITE spots!!! It functions more as a pinball arcade rather than a "museum." Pay when you arrive and you have access to unlimited plays on SO MANY pinball machines. They also have snacks and beverages for purchase.
We highly recommend the chocolate factory tour - it's so fun and yummy!! Along with tours of the chocolate factory, French Broad also has various tasting events (wine/chocolate, beer/chocolate, etc). All tours and events require booking ahead of time.
We have never personally done a LaZoom tour, but we see them around town often and they look like a blast! Requires booking.
Local art located in downtown Asheville!
We love walking these trails and enjoying the winter lights during the holiday season! Very frequently walked trails, but be aware of BEARS! We have encountered bears on these trails. Pay when you get there - parking fee is $25 per vehicle
Located on UNCA campus near downtown, these trails are free! Be aware of BEARS - we encounter MANY bears in this area of town and all around campus.
Shopping, dining, stunning architecture!
More downtown Asheville local art - this is our go-to spot when shopping for locally made gifts!
Close to downtown and one of the more accessible hikes for those who prefer a shorter hike with the same beautiful mountain views! Though this is a popular trail, always be BEAR aware!
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH -Well Bred Bakery (Weaverville) -OWL Bakery -Sunny Point Cafe -Tall John's (Emily's pick!) -The Blackbird Restaurant COFFEE SHOPS -High Five -Double D's (cash only, Claudia's pick!) -Rowan Coffee -Summit Coffee LUNCH/DINNER -White Duck Taco Shop (Claudia's pick!) -Little Chango -Stoney Knob (Weaverville) -The S&W Market (food hall/tap room) -Andale Way Mexican Grill -All Day Darling -Botiwalla (by Chai Pani) -67 Biltmore Downtown Eatery FANCIER DINNER -Chai Pani Asheville (James Beard award winner) -The Original Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian (Emily's pick!) -Plant (all-vegan) SWEET TREATS -Crave Dessert Bar (desserts and cocktails) -The Hop Ice Cream (Emily's pick!) -French Broad Chocolate Lounge COCKTAILS/BREWERIES -Little Jumbo (Emily & Claudia's top pick for cocktails!) -Antidote -Lion Paw (Weaverville) -New Belgium -Highland (Emily's top brewery!) -Hi Wire (Claudia's top brewery!) -Burial Beer Co. South Slope Taproom (also has rooftop wine bar!)