Create your customized trip itinerary with this handy planner! Either enter a search term in the box or select a category and see additional options to search. Click "Save to Trip" to add to your list. At any time, click the "View Saved Trips" button below to see your list of favorites. Enjoy!
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Independent & Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Find the top senior housing options near Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains for older adults who need extra support. These communities include residential and personal care homes, memory care communities, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, hospice care, and respite care.

Appalachian Trail Day Hikes near Asheville
Take a "walk in the woods" in the most scenic sections of the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail near Asheville, high in the North Carolina mountains. See our favorite six-day hikes for all fitness levels.

DB bar D Outfitters, Mills River
Tucked into a bend of the Mills River, North River Farms occupies 1,450 acres. The farm partners with DB bar D Outfitters to offer guided hunting and fishing trips on the property. Full-day and half-day fly-fishing trips with an expert guide are available along more than four miles of private-access water.

This contemporary hostel offers an idyllic location in the heart of downtown Asheville with walkability to all of the city’s big highlights. Accomodation options include bunk areas, private... read more

10 Reasons to Move to Asheville
See why Asheville receives countless accolades for being one of the best places to live in the United States, including our friendly small towns and communities high in the hills.

Pisgah Forest Gem Mine, Hendersonville
Enjoy mining fun year-round no matter the weather at this indoor facility featuring rubies, sapphires, emeralds, Aquamarine, topaz, and other precious or semi-precious gems and fossils. You can even have your treasure made into a piece of jewelry before you leave. (507 N Main St)

Japanese, Sushi & Poke
Whether you’re gathering around the grill at a hibachi steakhouse, have a hankering for sushi take-out, or want a colorful poke bowl, find our top picks for Japanese restaurants in Asheville.

Retirement Communities
Find the top retirement communities in and around Asheville. Choose from the community that best meets your needs whether you're looking for independent living, service options, continuing care, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing.

Acupuncture & Healing Arts in and around Asheville
Find a big variety of healing modalities around Asheville for the ultimate holistic health options including reiki, sound healing, coaching, Ayurveda, reflexology, acupuncture, and more.

Biltmore Village
Meander tree-lined streets, explore 40 unique shops and relax at 10 cafes and restaurants. Most businesses are housed in historic cottages and buildings. Don't miss the fabulous New Morning Gallery.

Annual Membership, NC Arboretum
Receive many wonderful benefits and save with an annual membership to the North Carolina Arboretum Society. Attend special events and educational programs and receive benefits such as free parking, discounts, special mailings, e-newsletter and reciprocal privileges with 200 American Horticultural Society gardens nationwide.
Rate: From $70/couple
Rate: From $70/couple

Top 20 Places for Takeout in Asheville
Looking for the best places for takeout in Asheville? From wings, tacos, burgers, and pizza to soups, salads, ramen, sushi and more, here are the top 20 takeout restaurants in Asheville. Bon appetit!

An Evening of Romance, Bent Creek Lodge
Upon arrival your room will have romantic soft candlelight, gourmet truffles, soothing music and a dozen roses. They do the work and you'll get the credit!
Rate: $195-$250
Rate: $195-$250

South Slope Brewing District
On the southside of downtown, explore the fast-growing "Brewery District" with eight breweries and a growing number of restaurants and shops, transitioning from sleepy industrial warehouses to a hip neighborhood.

Weaverville BBQ Festival
New for 2021, this delicious festival will include a judged BBQ competition with prizes, live music, kid activities, artisans and crafters, entertainment, and more! $2 for adults, kids 10 and under are free. 4-8 PM.

Asheville Art Classes & Lessons
Take an afternoon- or week-long painting or pottery class/workshop in Asheville at studios in the River Arts District. Group or private lessons are designed for beginners and experienced. Take home a souvenir of art that your create!

French Broad River: 15 Ways to Enjoy
Find some of our favorite ways and places to enjoy the river, beginning at the source of the French Broad River (near Rosman, NC), and following the river downstream to the Tennessee state line (about a 70-mile section!)

Botanical Gardens at Asheville
This 10-acre garden near the University of North Carolina in Asheville features Southern Appalachian plants, and includes peaceful hiking trails in the middle of the city.

Uncommon Market
Asheville’s largest curated, pop-up market for antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and beyond is in the River Arts District. Rain or shine. 10 AM-4 PM. (1 Foundy Street)

Best Tacos
Whether you like your tacos authentically Mexican or prefer fusions like Tex-Mex and California-style tacos, find the best joints to curb your taco craving in Asheville.

Drum Circle
Play, listen and dance at the Drum Circle every Friday night in Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville (except for winter months). All are welcome to one of the most diverse audiences you'll ever expereience.

Hands-On Learning & Children's Museums
Find children's museums and other hands-on learning centers in Asheville and Western NC including STEM-focused, interactive play, science museums, aquariums, and more.

Point Acupuncture & Apothecary
Founder Alison Colberg L.Ac. Dipl. O.M. practices Daoist influenced Classical Chinese medicine which includes acupuncture, herbalism, essential oils, nutraceuticals, medical qi gong, functional medicine, stone medicine, nutritional therapies, and medical intuition as well as several adjunct techniques. They have a full dispensary of Chinese medicinal herbs for unique, custom formulas for each client's individual needs.

South Mountains State Park
(2-40 miles, easy, moderate, strenuous) This state park near Morganton has 40 miles of hiking trails. Our favorite is High Shoals Falls 2.7-mile loop trail to a beautiful 60-foot waterfall. Combine several trails for a much longer hike.

Bee Mural, Hendersonville
A bee mural now covers two sides of the building housing Hands On! Children’s Museum. The mural, which is designed to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators, depicts honeybees, butterflies, and native flowers. Plants in the pollinator garden at the base of the mural provide shelter, nectar, and pollen. The mural is part of an international campaign by artist Matthew Willey called The Good of the Hive, which involves painting 50,000 honeybees in murals around the world. To see the mural, head east on Third Avenue from Main Street toward King Street and look to your left.

Extended Stay Discount, The Windover Inn B&B
Spend three nights or more at this historic inn in Waynesville and take advantage of $10 off/night for a room and $15 off/night for a suite.
Rate: From $110
Rate: From $110

Horseback Riding in and around Bryson City
Explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains on horseback! Find a variety of guided trail rides in and around Bryson City.

The Gathering at Paint Rock Farm
This 3-day festival weekend features live music, arts, camping, and family-friendly activities in Hot Springs, NC. Camp for the weekend or come for a day. Click for ticket options and details.

Green & Eco-Friendly Real Estate
Find your green home in Western North Carolina with focuses on sustainability, community living, and energy-efficient green built homes.

Beech Mountain Biking & Hiking
Hike, bike and golf in the highest town in eastern America, and enjoy cool temperatures all summer long. Their 20-mile trail system is open year-round.

Asheville Strong: Support Small Businesses of WNC
Support our small businesses and shop gift cards now from Asheville and WNC restaurants, hotels, shops, salons, theatres, markets, mom-and-pop shops and more.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in and around Asheville
Find plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in Asheville with extra “kid perks” like casual settings with outdoor space, play areas, arcade games, and more.

Asheville Community Yoga
This nonprofit yoga center offers donation-based classes and workshops, focusing on yoga and healing arts. They offer all-levels yoga classes, including yoga for kids, meditation, private yoga therapy, and more. Yoga mats and props provided! Visit the onsite Karma Cafe for a nourishing post-yoga meal or shop at the onsite thrift shop Zen & Now for preloved yoga clothing.

Ride Kanuga, Hendersonville
The newest addition to Kanuga Conference & Retreat Center is Ride Kanuga mountain bike park. Founded by world-champion downhill racer Neko Mulally, the park features 12 downhill-specific trails suitable for all ability levels.

Sachi Massage and Wellness
Serving Asheville and Hendersonville, this wellness center is dedicated to bringing you health and wellness at affordable prices. They offer everything from couples massage with the sounds of tranquil waterfalls and soothing music to a peaceful, healing Himalayan Salt room. Add aromatherapy to your massage for deep relaxation.

Nantahala National Forest
The largest national forest in North Carolina (531,286 acres), Nantahala covers much of the western tip of the state. Find a wealth of outdoor activities and plenty of scenic views, hiking trails and waterfalls.

Bhramari Brewing Company
(101 S Lexington Ave) Presenting a selection of flagship brews, as well as fun and unique small-batch brews, this brewery and restaurant offers a friendly atmosphere and is rumored to have the best burger in Asheville. Don’t miss brunch from 11 AM-3 PM on Sundays. Open daily.

Mountain Communities
Explore the best mountain communities in North Carolina with stunning views, resort-like amenities, golf courses, hiking trails, and more for your perfect mountain home.

Zen Sushi
Just 2 miles from downtown Asheville, this restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with a nice selection of sushi, sashimi, hibachi, stir-fried dishes and soups. Try the lunch specials including a sushi bar, miso soup, and salad. 640 Merrimon Ave, Ste 205

Romance Package, Haywood Park Hotel
Book a romantic getaway in the heart of downtown Asheville at this boutique hotel. Oversized suites, luxurious baths, red roses, handmade chocolates, early check-in and late check-out.
Rate: From $730 for 2 nights/2 people
Rate: From $730 for 2 nights/2 people

Enjoy a unique and adventurous experience with a variety of glamping options. From treehouses, vintage RV’s, domes, bell tents and more- find your rest and relaxation in multiple settings... read more

Award-Winning Restaurant Gift Cards, AIR
Asheville’s Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) is all about food in Asheville and making a difference in the kitchen and in the community. Consider a gift card from AIR’s many award-winning restaurants and experience how AIR is food in Asheville…and so much more.

Wine & Cocktail Bars
Unwind at one of our favorite downtown Asheville wine bars and great places for cocktails.

7th Night Free, Yellow Rose Rentals
Stay 6 nights and get the 7th free in a cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains, including Bryson City, Cherokee, Nantahala River and Fontana Lake. Choose 1-5 bedrooms, variety of amenities. Pet-friendly options too.
Rates: From $125/night
Rates: From $125/night

Book Early and Save 25% on a Fall Getaway to Lake Junaluska
Experience colorful leaves and crisp autumn air where the mountains meet the lake! Save 25 percent off lodging this fall at Lake Junaluska's Terrace Hotel or Lambuth Inn when you book between Aug 1 and Labor Day. This special offer is valid for multiple-night stays from Sept 6-Nov 6.

Bearwallow Mountain
Bearwallow Mountain Trail offers a one-mile hike to exceptional views. At 4,232 feet above sea level, with a grassy meadow summit, the mountain features a nearly 360-degree view that includes Mount Mitchell and Mount Pisgah. The trail also provides a bird's-eye view of Hickory Nut Gorge, downtown Hendersonville and the South Carolina high country. A historic fire tower occupies the summit, along with grazing cows.

Inspired Change Yoga
Inspired Change Yoga is a safe supportive community for all to practice, explore, and connect with self and others. Their goal is to make yoga accessible to everyone; and they offer classes for kids, teens, beginners, and advanced practitioners. Cost: They offer a visitor’s pass for $29, which includes unlimited yoga for seven days.

Western North Carolina Nature Center
Kids of all ages will love this 42-acre wildlife park, providing a home for 60+ animals native to this region, including foxes, bears, wolves, bobcats, cougars, river otters. Don’t miss the Red Panda Exhibit!

Handmade Holiday Sale at Grovewood Village
Head to Grovewood Village for a variety of unique holiday gifts including ceramic tableware, wooden bowls and utensils, blown glass, fine jewelry, handwoven scarves, letterpress greeting cards, and much more. 10 AM-5 PM.

The People’s Acupuncture of Asheville
Located close to downtown Asheville, this community supported acupuncture clinic offers a casual and supportive group setting for treatment. They offer acupuncture treatments on a sliding scale making it affordable for those who need it. They also offer a variety of medicinal herbs for purchase!

Vagina Monologues Asheville, The Orange Peel
This play, based on interviews with over 200 women, raises funds and awareness to end domestic and sexual violence against women. 100% of proceeds from this production will go directly to Helpmate of Asheville. Click below for tickets!

Black Mountain Yoga
Black Mountain Yoga features classes for all ages and abilities. They offer a range of class styles, including flow and yin with gong sound healing, gentle and restorative, sunrise yoga, kids yoga, and private yoga therapy sessions. They also have a private sauna. Fun fact: The studio is 100% wind-powered.

Skyterra Wellness Retreats
Retreat to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a week of self-care! Stress management, fitness, spa, and culinary experts help you relax and break old habits that no longer serve you. Whether it's weight loss, yoga, hiking, or healthy, chef-prepared food that interests you, Skyterra guides you towards sustainable lifestyle changes at a 300-acre wooded campus of pristine trails and waterfalls. All-inclusive with programming, lodging, three delicious chef-prepared meals daily catered to your dietary needs and preferences, snacks, and refreshments. See their website for rates.

Asheville Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Find information on Asheville-area public schools, private schools, colleges, and universities. Many also offer public events and programs.

Beaver Lake
This bird sanctuary is a wonderful wildlife oasis in the very busy north Asheville area. Walk a 3/8-mile boardwalk through a wetland area and by the lake, complete with sitting areas along the way to soak up the views and watch birds.

Tiny House Communities in Asheville & Western NC
Discover tiny house communities in and around Asheville, offering larger than life perks with a smaller footprint.

Uncommon Market
Asheville’s largest curated, pop-up market for antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and beyond is in the River Arts District. Rain or shine. 10 AM-4 PM. (1 Foundy Street)

The Scarlet Bee
Tapas style Mediterranean restaurant is ideal for sharing with your group and trying new things! Enjoy small plates you can eat with your hands along with a creative, herbal-focused menu of house sodas, tonics, and cocktails. Try their shatta spicy dip, chicken shawarma, and beef kebabs. Order the baklava for takeout to enjoy at home! 853 Merrimon Avenue

North Mills River Recreation Area, Horse Shoe
This area is part of Pisgah National Forest and is located in Henderson County, just 13 miles from downtown. The area has picnic sites, campsites, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, fly fishing, and tubing. Trails range in difficulty level from easy to strenuous.

Set the mood for a romantic getaway with these top places in the mountains with extra perks for couples like hot tubs, stunning views, romance packages with amenities like couple’s massage,... read more

Dancing Bear Toys, Hendersonville
This beloved WNC toy store is not only a place to shop but also a place for kids and adults to play. From classic toys to the newest, hottest items on the market, you’ll find them here. (418 N Main St)

Waterfalls Top 60
Of hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, we picked the most spectacular falls that are easy to find. Some can be enjoyed with a short walk or even roadside. Others require a scenic hike. See full descriptions for each, with plenty of photos! Also see Waterfall Drives & Maps.

Apple Quest Scavenger Hunt, Hendersonville
A local Girl Scout troop created the Apple Quest scavenger hunt. A dozen clues lead participants on a search for bronze apples located at downtown landmarks. Free brochures are available at the Visitor Center. (201 S Main St)

Downtown Asheville Condos
Find condos in downtown Asheville with easy access to award-winning restaurants, galleries, music, and lively community.

UKIAH
This new Japanese smokehouse in downtown Asheville is the work of James Beard-nominated chef/owner Michael Lewis, offering a blend of Japanese street food and Southern BBQ to be enjoyed and shared by friends and family. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. (121 Biltmore Ave)

Birding
With our great diversity of terrain, climates and plantlife, birds of many varieties love our mountains and many state and national parks with protected land. See our favorite birding locations near Asheville.

Elopement Packages, Miss Caroline's Country Wedding Chapel
Get married in an adorable tiny church in Maggie Valley, surrounded by the Smoky Mountains. Package includes a ceremony, recorded music and photographs. Extras include flowers or overnight cabin stay.
Rates: From $449
Rates: From $449

Shopping Guide
Shop 'til you drop with a huge variety of stores, galleries and outlets in the Asheville area. Find plenty of local, unique shops with items you won't find anywhere else. See the best areas to hit.

Uncommon Market
Asheville’s largest curated, pop-up market for antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and beyond is in the River Arts District. Rain or shine. 10 AM-4 PM. (1 Foundy Street)

Active Adult Communities
Find top Active Adult Communities in the greater Asheville area offering independent living residences with a variety of features for the active 55+ buyer. Choose the lifestyle, location, and amenities you're looking for.

Bryson City Gem Mining
Miners and gem enthusiasts have been panning the Smoky Mountains for gems as far back as the 1800s. Find a variety of spots to gem mine throughout Bryson City!

Buddah's Best Package, Shoji Spa
Your 3.5-hour escape begins with a one-hour private outdoor salt hydrotherapy tub soak, a 90-minute massage that includes a Thai Foot Massage, and a comforting conclusion in the Savasana Retreat with cushy tatami mats with heated infrared gemstone therapy and negative ions. Cost is $546/couple

Family-Friendly Activities in and around Asheville
Looking for some family fun in or around Asheville, North Carolina? Check out our list of the top family-friendly outings for exploring Asheville with kids! Western North Carolina is a virtual outdoor playground with parks and gardens, kid-friendly hikes, whitewater rafting, ziplining, biking, and more.

Mountain Biking
So many options for mountain bike riders of all skill levels. Plus, bike the Blue Ridge Parkway or a greenway.

Beech Mountain
This is the coolest town on our list for temperature (highest town in the eastern USA at 5,506 feet elevation). While it's very popular for skiing and snowboarding each winter, they have an impressive trail system for hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Summer golf and scenic chairlift rides too. Each fall, follow the yellow brick road at Autumn at Oz.

Mount Mitchell
Drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This state park has an observation tower, plenty of hiking and a restaurant. Be prepared for much cooler temperatures at the top. Open year-round (except snowy days in the winter).

Grandfather Mountain Package, Banner Elk
Stay in your choice of 3 popular lodging accommodations and receive two tickets to walk the Mile High Swinging Bridge, visit the nature museum and see the spectacular views atop this famous peak.
Rates: From $110
Rates: From $110

Basilica of St. Lawrence
See one of Asheville's architectural treasures and spiritual anchors with the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the country.

Asheville Wedding Cakes, Catering, and Bartending
If you're planning your wedding in and around Asheville, then you have your pick of fantastic food, cocktails, and wedding cake options! Asheville's foodie status affords couples a variety of delicious cuisines and styles from formal to casual options. See our top picks!

Surrounded by a variety of gorgeous natural landscapes on 175 acres, this charming log cabin offers an expansive great room, two stone fireplaces, a fully stocked kitchen, and picturesque views.... read more