Plan Your Trip

This artsy village is just a few miles from Sylva. On the banks of the Tuckasegee River. Dillsboro has been a tourist stop since the late 1800s. This artisan village is home to an impressive mix of specialty shops and galleries representing many local artists. Go to many art festivals. 

Soak away your stress in the only outdoor Japanese-style retreat on the east coast, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This unpretentious and unique wellness retreat features completely private salt hydrotherapy tubs, a wet cedar sauna, and invigorating double cold showers - all on the edge of the National Forest. Shoji’s world-class Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapists provide Zen, Okubukai, Awasu, among other offerings. Post tub soak, Senjo outdoor exfoliation, Chea Massage Chair Pods, and our Savasana Retreat are some of our more unique retreat choices. Come and relax 2500’ above stress level.

Grab a gift certificate to Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours for three hours, three bars, sample cocktails or mocktails, and a driver! Enjoy an all-access pass to what makes Asheville unique—stunning views, history, and amazing food and drinks. 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winner.

This eclectic gift shop downtown on Wall Street features a variety of hand-crafted gifts, art, Asheville souvenirs and more by local makers, craftspeople and artists. Find t-shirts, magnets, stickers, buttons, shot glasses, plus a DIY photo booth!

You don't have to travel to Havana to enjoy a night in Cuba; just go to Hemingway’s Cuba! Menu favorites include Empanadas, Tostones Board, Ropa Vieja and Vaca Frita or enjoy a classic Cuban Sandwich. Or sip on a Cuban Daiquiri and gaze out over Downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains from their amazing rooftop. 15 Page Avenue, 4th Floor

This rooftop restaurant and bar in downtown Asheville pairs Cuban cuisine with Asheville flair. Brunch favorites include Bistec a Caballo, Vaca Frita Hash Con Huevos, Empanadas de Picadillo o Pollo, and their famous El Cubano sándwich. Traditional breakfast dishes such as pancakes, eggs, and omelets also available. Don't forget their Cuban Daiquiri, Brunch Punch, or Bloody Mary. Located on the fourth floor of Cambria Downtown Asheville, adjacent to Grove Arcade, their outdoor terrace has fantastic mountain views. Serving Weekend Brunch from 7 AM -2 PM each Saturday and Sunday. 15 Page Avenue

Set aside life’s obligations to focus on your own health and wellbeing in a beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains setting. Stay for a week or as long as you want. Stress management, fitness, spa,... read more

(3 miles round-trip, moderate) This majestic 150-ft. waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest can be reached via a hiking trail from Gorges State Park. Enjoy the falls safely on a boulder at its base or at the top. A little upstream is Turtleback Falls, a cool summer swimming hole.

With 25 craft breweries in the North Carolina mountains near Asheville, where to begin? Use our Beer Guide to plan your strategy. You can walk to many breweries in downtown Asheville, especially in the South Slope Brewing District. Two recent big additions include Sierra Nevada and New Belgium.

This lively British Isles-style pub features Irish food items such as bangers and mash, Irish stew, fish and chips along with 18 rotating taps and one cask tap. Sample brews while local musicians fiddle away on Irish reels or picking olde-time mountain music. 95 Patton Avenue, downtown Asheville

Each of these luxury cabins near Asheville are located on 92 acres of private and secluded romantic mountain property, and have a four-person hot tub and wood burning fireplace. "Spa... read more

Feast on some “Tennessee style” hot chicken and southern soul food. They prepare their unique fried chicken to order, so it’s not spicy unless you want it that way! Ingredients are sourced locally and classic American recipes are made from scratch daily. Two locations in Asheville: West at 1455 Patton Avenue, and South at 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden. 

Beautiful turn-of-the-century banquet hall overlooking Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. High ceilings, exposed-wood trusses and brick walls create a wonderful atmosphere for your event.... read more

Ideally located in the quiet, eclectic neighborhood of Kenilworth, Sweet Biscuit Inn is less than 3/4 mile from Biltmore, only 1-1/2 miles from the heart of downtown Asheville, less than 2 miles... read more

Downtown's quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries and general store take you back to a more leisurely time. Each summer, Folkmoot U.S.A. attracts entertainers from all over the world. The Museum of NC Handicrafts is housed in the historic Shelton House. On summer Friday nights, come down for the Mountain Street Dances.

This luxury inn combines southern elegance with rustic serenity at a beautiful lakeside retreat. Have fun on the lake with a pontoon boat, paddle board or kayak from a local adventure... read more

Perched atop the 8-floor of DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown, this rooftop has stellar mountain views from the outdoor terrace or indoor bar. Enjoy the sunset while savoring a cocktail and sampling small bites from the local, seasonal menu. Open daily at 4 PM with free valet parking. 199 Haywood Street

Located in Biltmore Park in South Asheville, this cupcakery and creamery offer freshly baked gourmet cupcakes, along with housemade ice cream. The cupcakes come in a variety of sizes and you can add ice cream to create a “SmallCake Smash.” Enjoy 12 signature flavors with regular rotating specialty flavors. Order by the dozen or create a custom cake for special occasions.

Enjoy lunch or dinner in the shadows of Chimney Rock. Carefully crafted dishes feature many local ingredients and the freshest seafood possible. For the ultimate romantic surprise, ask about reserving the chef's private table. Patio seating has cliff views. Exceptional wine list. Reservations recommended. Open Tuesday-Saturday.

Discover one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world with four rivers and dozens of mountain streams throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, and the deep, cold waters of Fontana Lake. You can even fish the Tuck in downtown Bryson City. Greatly enhance your chances of catching trophy fish by hiring a professional fishing guide. Find 26 best fishing spots and guide services.

This tiny summer retreat along the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its charming architecture, historic inns, gem mining, winding motorcycle drives and amazing book store. Near Spruce Pine.

Another nationally-recognized scenic drive is this winding 79-mile route that crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway twice (milepost 412 at U.S. Highway 276 and milepost 423 at N.C. Highway 215). The Forest Heritage Scenic Byway is also named the Copperhead Loop by motorcyclists who love all the curves. Stop at waterfalls, hiking trails, Sliding Rock and the Cradle of Forestry. In the photo is Sunburst Falls.

Hike to this 30-foot tall tower atop Wesser Bald on the Appalachian Trail for 360-degree mountain views of the Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains. Located near the Nantahala River rafting area.

The TRAC (Toe River Arts Council) Gallery in downtown Burnsville showcases local artists with changing exhibits and a great gallery shop. See work from over 150 artists and craftspeople in a variety of media: clay, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, fiber, wood, sculpture, mixed media, and more. 102 West Main Street, Burnsville

Award-winning Executive Chef Tom LaFauci specializes in handmade pasta and smoked meats putting his Italian-American touch on a wide range of crowd-pleasing entrees. The full bar includes regional beers on tap, craft cocktails, and wines. Their patio is dog-friendly and open year-round and includes a Doggie Menu so your pup can enjoy a meal out with you! (130 College Street)

Features contemporary southern cuisine utilizing fresh, local ingredients to create inspired comfort food with bold flavors. These handcrafted meals are served Wed - Sat for dinner and Sunday for brunch. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a cocktail at the bar.

Find six waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, with short, guided hikes "off the beaten path" with the Pisgah Field School, and end with a wine tasting. Mostly Thursdays & Fridays, May-October. Small groups, book in advance.

A must-stop for art lovers with three floors of fantastic contemporary fine art and craft. An extensive exhibition schedule, presenting 15 shows annually, often featuring 4-5 simultaneously within various venues inside the gallery. 38 Biltmore Avenue

(356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville) Watch raw apples arriving for pressing, fresh apple juice being pumped into tanks ready for fermentation or the finished product being put into kegs or bottles. Their 20 taps feature their lineup of crisp and creative hard ciders. Open Wednesday-Sunday.c 

(6 miles roundtrip, strenuous) This gorgeous new trail in the Hickory Nut Gorge area climbs 1,800 feet in elevation by cliffs, 100-foot Little Bearwallow Falls cascade and panoramic views from Wildcat Rock. Many spring wildflowers. Just 18 miles from downtown Asheville.

This beautiful lake town near the Great Smoky Mountains is home to trails, boat tours, golf, gardens and a big variety of lodging options, including lakefront hotels and cabin rentals for a Methodist church retreat.

Located near the Tryon International Equestrian Center, this 18-hole championship course tips out at 6762 yards with a course rating of 73.3 and slope of 136. The George Cobb design offers pristine conditions, named as one of the best courses in NC by the PGA. Also go to their Cleghorn Gun Club for a sporting clay course with 15 stations for every shooter level. 183 Golf Circle, Rutherfordton

(2.5-mile round-trip hike, moderate) This waterfall in Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest is small, but really big on beauty with a great pool for a splash. Extend your hike to a 5-mile loop for mountaintop views and another waterfall. Popular camping area.

This grand, historic home built in 1875 is home to the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts, with every room packed with craft, art and furnishings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Open May-October.

Find gems in what is touted as the “most important mining district in the world”. Find fun options for gem panning, rock hounding and mine tours. Also home to the NC Mineral & Gem Festival. See their "Mining For Treasure" guide.

Swing dance away the weekend at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra on Friday & Saturday nights.

This beautiful 1898 pink lady in the Montford historic district near downtown Asheville is uniquely decorated with antiques, period-style furnishings and Persian rugs. The high ceilings, four... read more

This comedy delivers laughs while also posing thoughtful questions about marriage, gender equality and human rights. How much, in a century-plus, has life changed for the characters?

Located near Triple Falls, it is an easy 1/2-mile roundtrip stroll from the parking area. While it's only 12 ft. tall, it's wide and cascades into a beautiful pool that is a popular swimming spot.