Things To Do
Tubing River Floats!
Zen Tubing and French Broad Outfitters are two great companies (but there are many others)! NOTE: Alcohol is allowed on the French Broad River, but NOT on the Greene River, so just check the location you are booking based on what you are looking for.
Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, and White Water Rafting
If kayaking/paddle boarding/white water rafting is more your speed there are tons of options for this as well! Some of the companies are under construction after the hurricane, but French Broad Outfitters, Asheville Adventure Company are both great among others - you can't go wrong!
Our Favorite Hikes
You can't go wrong with any hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway - check All Trails for many recs depending how far you want to drive! Lookout is a great short but steep hike in Montreat! You can come down the backside on Rainbow Road if you want to make it flatter and/or longer. Catawba Falls is a great short hike to a waterfall, you can stop in Black Mountain on the way (our sweet little town by Montreat) - grab a beer at Black Mountain Brewery (where Margaret used to work) or lunch at the Veranda. Black Balsam is our absolute favorite if you have more time! It's a gorgeous drive down the Parkway, and then you can hike as far along the ridge as you want (views are amazing within the first quarter mile)!
Breweries!!!
Asheville has more amazing breweries than you could hit all week!! Downtown Breweries (all a few blocks radius): - Burial is our absolute favorite - Wicked Weed and Wicked Weed Funkatorium (lots of sour beers) are both classics and GREAT! (and great food at both) - Green Man is home of our favorite beer (ESB) and has a divey vibe Dirty Jacks in the back with brews that they don't sell elsewhere Other FAVORITES: - New Belgium Brewing - Great spot right on the river - Hi-Wire River Arts District
Coffee Spots
Dripolator is our favorite Black Mountain spot that has opened an Asheville location! Summit Coffee is another favorite (out of Davidson - Go 'Cats!) The Rhu is perfect for coffee/brunch/lunch! Sister spot to Rhubarb, a great restaurant as well.
Our favorite lunch spots
12 Bones - Some of the best BBQ in Asheville! Connected to the Wedge Brewery and also in the River Arts District which is fun to explore. Pack's Tavern and Tupelo Honey - Both great, classic Asheville spots we love! S&W Market - A cool food-hall and taproom in an old historic building! Curate - One of our absolute favorite restaurants! Also fantastic for dinner!! White Duck Taco Shop - Great casual tacos! The riverside location is under some construction after the hurricane, but there is a downtown location as well! Also most all of the breweries have great food and/or food trucks too so definitely great options there as well :)
Dinner Spots
If you are in town earlier in the week and need a dinner spot, here are a few of our favorites: Curate, Rhubarb, Pack's Tavern, Nine Mile There are more amazing new ones opening by the minute so definitely check Eater, etc.!