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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OM Sanctuary Retreats
This center for self-renewal in Asheville has inspiring outdoor spaces like labyrinth gardens, stone paths, patios, waterfall fountains, green space, and woodland trails. They offer aromatherapy, massage, energy work, guided meditation, yoga, tai chi, guided hikes, belly dancing, tarot readings, and more. Choose from a variety of retreat options ranging from large groups to individual packages that include one overnight stay, light breakfast, Holistic Class, and contemplative destinations.

WakuWaku Eatery
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

Virtual Experiences in Asheville & Western NC
Enjoy some virtual experiences in Western NC including outdoor video tours, fitness, meditation, museum tours, kid resources and more.

Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. You can even learn how to kayak in the rapids or paddleboard on a lake.

West Asheville Yoga
Known as the sweetest little yoga studio in Asheville, this studio honors all paths of yoga and features multiple classes throughout the week, including Yoga Basics, Morning Vinyasa Flow, Yoga for Resiliency, Prenatal Yoga, Kundalini Yoga with a meditation and gong bath, and more. This small neighborhood studio is the original donation-based yoga studio.

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!

Weekend Getaways: Discover Top 40 Coolest Mountain Small Towns Near Asheville
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.

Banner Elk
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.

Hendersonville Orchard Trail
Take a self-guided, scenic tour of Hendersonville's apple country! Find many orchards with a big variety of fresh apples, pumpkins, cider, produce, baked goods, jellies, honey, and more at roadside many apple markets throughout Henderson County. Some orchards allow you to pick your own apples! Download the Crest of the Blue Ridge Orchard Trail for a full list, including harvest timelines.

18 Scenic Drives
See gorgeous countryside, mountain views and charming communities on a windshield tour via national and state scenic byways near Asheville. Lots of opportunities for stops along the way.

Green River Adventures, Saluda
Green River Adventures offers white-water rafting, white-water kayaking, and waterfall rappelling in the Green River Gorge area of southeastern Henderson County.

The Riveter, Fletcher
In addition to indoor rock climbing and workout studios, The Riveter has a two-part bike park. Outdoors under a canopy, are four separate lines providing terrain for all skill levels. Experienced riders practice jumps and drops, while younger riders hit the flowy pump track. Also on the property, four larger outdoor lines vary in difficulty from green to double black.

Best 75 Mountain Hikes
There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks. We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and details. Find hikes for all skill levels in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.
Saluda
Since the late 1890s, tourists have flocked to this tiny railroad town of 700 residents. Main Street has many longtime businesses, including fantastic galleries and restaurants. A must stop is the 1899 Pace's "old time" General Store that is part museum. Since 1892 is Thompson's Store and Ward's Grill. Learn about the Saluda Grade at the Depot. Raft and tube on the Green River.

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.

Be Waterfall Wise Safety Tips
Brevard & NC’s Land of Waterfalls is a popular destination for exploring waterfalls. See their Be Waterfall Wise page for tips including current conditions, waterfall safety cards, and waterfall safety videos.

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.

Asheville Yoga Center
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.

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.

Biltmore Outdoors
Daytime admission to Biltmore not only gets you access to America’s largest home but also the opportunity to explore the estate’s 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain beauty. Discover Biltmore’s rustic side with an array of outdoor adventures like biking, hiking, Segway tours, horseback riding, river float trips, carriage rides, sporting clays, and Land Rover experiences.

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.

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

Intimate Wedding Packages, Simple I Do's of Asheville
Create romantic memories of your big day on a mountain peak, by a waterfall or even at a brewery. Elopement and small wedding packages suit your personal style with custom vows, a short video of the ceremony, beer or champagne, photography, commemorative gifts and more.
Rate: From $495
Rate: From $495

Top Art Galleries
Visit a gallery to be amazed at a big variety of local art and craft, including glass, paintings, pottery and every other medium you can imagine. Asheville and the North Carolina mountains are home to hundreds of world-class artists. Here are our favorite galleries to see their creations.

Thermal Belt Rail Trail
Bike, jog and walk the 13.5 paved rail-to-trail path that connects the towns of Ruth, Rutherfordton, Spindale and Forest City - with plenty to see along the way.

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

Hot Yoga Asheville
This premier hot yoga studio in Asheville offers multiple types of hot yoga classes at 100-105 degrees, including Hot 26, a Bikram-inspired class. They also offer Inferno Core, a hybrid pilates and yoga class, which provides a full-body workout. Only in town for the week? Buy the visitor’s pass for $50 for a week’s worth of classes. This pass includes a yoga mat and towel rental.

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

Pet-Friendly Guide
Traveling with your dog? See our Pet-Friendly Guide to Asheville and the North Carolina mountains that includes lodging, hiking, Biltmore, kennels, dog parks and more.

Dillsboro Things to Do
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.

Lake James State Park
This state park has a wide beach with a nice pavilion with changing rooms, open for swimming May-September. Also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing 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.

Live Music & Dancing, Downtown Asheville
Asheville offers a multitude of places to go for live music and dancing any day of the week.

Places to Stay in and around Sylva
Sylva offers a picturesque, small-town escape with plenty of unique places to stay including rustic cabins, large vacation rentals with back porch mountain views, charming B&B’s, historic inns, and more.

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.

River Arts District
Some 185 working artists have set up shop in the River Arts District. Drive a little, walk a little to visit studios and galleries. Find an amazing variety of art and see how the artists create it. It's just a few miles from downtown Asheville and Biltmore Estate.

Treetop Soaking Cabanas
Take in the Smoky Mountains while enjoying an open-air, private soaking cabana perched on the mountainside at Lakeview at Fontana! This unique wellness experience includes essential-oil infused soaking salts, Turkish towels, and robes.

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.

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.

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.

Riverside Cemetery
For a fascinating stroll through history, head to this sprawling cemetery near downtown Asheville, with 87 acres of rolling hills and flower gardens. The cemetery dates to 1885 and holds more than 13,000 burials and 9,000 monuments. It is the burial place of noted authors Thomas Wolfe and William Sidney Porter, better known as O. Henry.

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.

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.

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).

Sylva Things to Do
Browse Sylva’s main street with independent shops and galleries for unique finds, a variety of restaurants, and four walkable breweries that host weekly events like live music, trivia, and even yoga. Also find a variety of ways to pamper and relax, including spas, a meditation center, and even guided forest therapy walks!

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.

Dread Life Kitchen, Hendersonville
Serving up soul food in Hendersonville, owner Raynard Walker offers comfort food favorites like wings, shrimp and grits, mac-n-cheese, smoked meats, collards, and more with a Caribbean twist. Dine-in or pick up a meal to bring home, along with home-made lemonade or sweet tea. They also offer catering for events! 3591 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville

Falconry Package, Sourwood Inn
Stay two nights at this mountaintop inn on 100 acres, just 10 miles from downtown Asheville, and enjoy a unique falconry experience complete with Rocket Girl (in pic) flying to your glove.
Rate: $600
Rate: $600

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

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.

Swimming Near Bryson City
Swim, kayak, canoe at this small park at Fingerlake Day Use Area of Fontana Lake. You’ll find a small park with picnic tables, public restrooms and a swimming area.

Downtown After Five
Enjoy live music, food, and beer at this big outdoor concert in downtown Asheville. Free admission, 5-9 PM.

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!)

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.

Gem Mining Top Spots
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.

Cradle of Forestry
Travel back in time with historic cabins, crafters, old logging equipment, guided tours, movies, food and shopping. Home of the first forestry school (opened in 1898) in America. In Pisgah National Forest. Open mid-April through October.

Elk in Cataloochee, Great Smoky Mountains
Watch the elk in beautiful Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The best time is just before sunset. Take a picnic and tailgate. Also, tour historic buildings or hike.

Hendersonville’s Family Friendly Main Street
Looking for fun things to do with the family? Head to Hendersonville’s Main Street packed with lots to explore with the family including gem mining, aquarium, children’s museum, pinball museum, and more.

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.

Military Discount, Wildberry Lodge B&B
Active military receives 15% discount on any room and suite rates at this luxury, log-constructed mountain lodge, offering private balconies and breathtaking views of the valley, just 12 miles from downtown Asheville.
Rate: From $169/night
Rate: From $169/night

Find charming Bed & Breakfasts and Inns in Hendersonville with plenty of amenities including daily scratch-made breakfasts, fireplaces, hot tubs, gardens, pet-friendly, and more. All... read more

Golf in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Scenic mountain beauty and a pleasant climate provide a magnificent setting for a day of golf in Asheville and nearby towns and resorts. Lush fairways, sprawling bent grass greens, cool breezes and a gently undulating terrain.

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.

Jackson County Top 30
So many things to do - art, train excursions, heritage sites and more! Includes the towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Balsam, Cullowhee, Glenville and Sapphire.

Top Wedding Lodging in and Around Asheville
Planning a wedding in Asheville and looking for nearby lodging or hotel room blocks that can accommodate your large group? Find a variety of lodging options for your wedding weekend, bachelorette weekend, elopement, and more.

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.

Seclusion Package, Pinecrest B&B
Book a 2-night couple’s getaway at the beautiful Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast in Asheville. Package includes self-check-in, charcuterie tray and a bottle of wine upon arrival, daily hot breakfast delivered to your room, in-room couple’s massage, 1 picnic lunch with hike itinerary, and unbeatable hospitality! Click for rates.

Unique Wellness Experiences
Find the perfect places for holistic wellness and self-care, whether it’s a week-long wellness retreat or a one-day experience. From the high concentration of experienced, certified, world-class yoga teachers and licensed and insured massage therapists and bodyworkers, Asheville is home to some of the most gifted holistic practitioners in the nation.

Spruce Pine
This small town offers not one but two main streets, Upper Street (Oak Avenue) and Lower Street (Locust Avenue). A must-stop is the Toe River Arts Council Gallery. Visit for many festivals and gem mining.

Henderson County Heritage Museum, Hendersonville
Downtown Hendersonville’s most iconic building, the historic 1905 courthouse, is now home to the county museum. Learn how Hendersonville was founded and has evolved over the decades with interactive exhibits that depict what life was like for early residents. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday 1-5 PM. (100 N Main St)

Restaurants in Brevard
Find a variety of places to eat and drink in Brevard including upscale dining casual eateries, pubs, food trucks, bakeries, coffee shops, and more!

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.

Blazing Lotus Healing House, Asheville
Centrally located near downtown Asheville in a cozy vintage bungalow, they offer integrative massage therapy, Thai yoga bodywork, Ashiatsu (back walking), and an herbal apothecary. They offer heart-centered and high-quality services while still maintaining fair and competitive prices.

Jump Off Rock, Hendersonville
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.

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

Romantic Escape Package, The Esmeralda Inn
Celebrate a anniversary, birthday or special occasion with your sweetie at this Chimney Rock landmark. Includes a couples massage, breakfast, bottle of wine and dinner certificate.
Rate: $380 plus room cost
Rate: $380 plus room cost

Outdoor Festivals & Events
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.

Spruce Pine Southern Christmas Show
This 2-day Arts & Craft event showcases a 3-D winter wonderland scene and holiday decorations in two large exhibit halls featuring over 80 local artists and crafters selling handmade jewelry, pottery, ornaments, home decor, soaps, garden art, and so much more. Also, enjoy an array of baked goods and the center’s boutiques and shops. Friday, 10 AM-6 PM. Saturday, 9 AM-5 PM.

Indian
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.