Plan Your Trip

Hike to the top of Glassy Mountain via a five-plus-mile trail system located on the grounds of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock.

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. 

This 12-acre, nonprofit horticultural education center offers programs, activities, and workshops. The gardens and grounds include a popular fairy garden, a large dahlia garden, therapy garden, shade garden, butterfly garden, perennial borders, native woodland garden, pumpkin patch, and herb garden.

(507 Haywood Rd) This craft beer collective in West Asheville is the perfect spot for beer snobs, offering a variety of hard-to-find craft, world-class craft beer. Choose from their 20 rotating taps and extensive bottle selection of craft beers, wines, meads, sakes, and ciders. Open daily 12-11 PM.

(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. 

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.

 Located in West Asheville, Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas features eight signature ramen bowls and multiple tapas, including poké bowls, gyoza, and tempura sweet potato. Find a great selection of sakes, plus many local brews. 630 Haywood Rd

Enjoy a variety of things to do and see in Dillsboro including riverfront shops, restaurants, art, pottery, galleries, fun festivals, excursions on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and more.

Find places to eat in Sylva including breakfast, pizza, southern comfort food, take-out, barbecue, or Main Street diner staples, Sylva has a lot of options! Find a variety of ethnic cuisine to choose from including Greek, Italian, Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, Latin, and more! Also find coffee shops and cafes with delicious pastries and baked goods.

(25 Sweeten Creek Rd) Located just outside Biltmore Village, this small, family-owned brewery brings pub-style back to the brewery experience. With an emphasis on quality beer and a focus on classics and comfort. They also offer a pub-style menu. Open daily. Dog friendly!

Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views.

Gem mining has been a favorite activity for visitors to the mountains of North Carolina for many years. Most gem mines in the Asheville and Franklin areas are open from spring through autumn. Also tour several gem and mineral museums.

Enjoy the many outdoor street festivals, art fairs and other events. Most are free, and you can find one about every weekend during the Spring, Summer and Fall in Asheville and the surrounding mountain towns. See our Top Spring Festivals, Top Summer Festivals, Top Fall Events and Art Events. 

With more than 100 miles of public hiking trails, including the highest trails in the eastern United States, Burnsville has been called the Hiking Capital of Western North Carolina.

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.

Find all kinds of pet-friendly lodging in the Asheville area that welcome man’s best friend, plus extra perks like nearby hiking trails, outdoors, dog parks, and other dog-friendly... read more

There are lots of options if you want to plan a few fun day trips while you are in Western North Carolina. Explore our favorite cool small towns in the NC mountains near Asheville, each with its own personality, local shops and restaurants, friendly residents, and relaxed atmosphere.

A top destination for massage therapy and bodywork, find the best massage in and around Asheville for the perfect wellness getaway. Western North Carolina (WNC) features a wide diversity of world-class licensed and insured massage therapists specializing in holistic wellness and healing arts.

Find the best rehabilitation and skilled communities around Asheville that offer both offer short-term and long-term options including rehabilitation services, care for those recovering from surgery or injury, and ongoing medical care for chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Hit the slopes for plenty of winter of fun. Since we have the highest mountains in eastern America, you will find plenty of snow, either natural or man-made, for sking and snowboarding. 

This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation has great restaurants, breweries, shops, Wildcat Lake beach, and many events including the Woolly Worm Festival in October. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking.

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

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.

Within 15 minutes of downtown Hendersonville, Jump Off Rock is one of the most easily accessible overlooks in WNC. On a clear day, peer into four states and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains. 

Hendersonville offers half a dozen public golf courses for a chance to hit the links in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Etowah Valley has stay-and-play options with hotel-and cottage-style lodging on property.

Walk to all the restaurants, shops, breweries, galleries and more - without worrying about finding a parking spot! Here are our top picks and highest reviewed hotels in the heart of... read more

Find one of the biggest varieties of wildflowers in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains alone is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity with more than 1,660 kinds of flowering plants. Take a hike deep into Pisgah National Forest or enjoy wildflowers from your car as you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This music festival held at Montreat College near Black Mountain is entirely student-organized, providing students with hands-on experience in creating a fun family-friendly event, celebrating art and culture. 1 PM-8 PM. 

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

The region’s largest and oldest yoga center, this studio offers over 100 classes a week, with four yoga studio rooms plus a boutique offering high-quality apparel. With a solar-powered campus and a variety of other green features, Asheville Yoga Center is committed to sustainability. Mats and props provided in each class.

Stay on Lake Lure for two nights with plenty of amenities including a beach, boating, spa and pool. Included are golf rounds at both of their courses, range balls and breakfasts.
Rate: From $290/person, double occupancy

From the innovative to the traditional, Asheville has a plethora of Indian restaurants for every taste. See the best places for a lunch buffet to sample everything or to satisfy a specific craving for curries, thalis, or tandoori dishes served piping hot and spiced to your preference.

Touring America’s Largest Home is easily the number one indoor attraction in Western North Carolina. Experience the beauty of Biltmore House and its century-old gardens where the Vanderbilt family once strolled. Come see why George Vanderbilt chose Asheville as the site for his famous estate. Explore Biltmore's 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard, taste award-winning wines, dine and shop. See our extensive guide with many photos and tips.

Offering authentic Japanese food known as “washoku,” this casual north Asheville eatery serves a bounty of fresh, home-style dishes in a casual setting. Guests can enjoy complimentary green tea and even a crane folding activity while dining! Try the sushi buffet on Sundays. 674 Merrimon Ave, Suite 105

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.

This free 4-day festival celebrates black business and entrepreneurship in Asheville. Enjoy a weekend of music, live performances, food, local vendors, community connection, and more in the River Arts District on Depot St.

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

Considering retiring? See why Asheville and Western North Carolina is named one of the best places to retire including perks like easy and accessible trails and waterfalls, world-class health care, life long learning programs, arts, music and more!

Check out our very diverse and passionate food and drink scene. Be a little adventurous and try something new. Or, enjoy time-honored classics. In downtown, walk to 60+ locally-owned innovative restaurants, many with outdoor dining. From crafted cocktails to local brews, there's plenty to drink. Forage for food, visit a farm or tour a vineyard.