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Located in Asheville’s popular South Slope District, this historic, eco-friendly inn shines as a budget-savvy place to stay with walkability for downtown exploration. The inn welcomes... read more

Food Trucks
Find the best food trucks that are going fender to fender to bring you delicious, unique comfort food on wheels. They are inspired by a variety of global influences with plates like gourmet grilled cheese, tacos & burritos, Thai, BBQ, hot dogs, Lebanese, Korean street food and even brunch.

The Magnetic Theatre
Asheville's only professional theatre company dedicated to original works, performed at Magnetic 375 in the River Arts District. 375 Depot Street.

Chai Pani
Chai Pani literally means “tea and water.” It's slang in India for going out for a cup of tea, a tasty bite, a snack, or “a little something.” In Downtown Asheville it means innovative, fun, affordable and delicious Indian cuisine from four time James Beard nominated chef Meherwan Irani. 22 Battery Park Avenue

Hi-Wire Brewing
(197 Hilliard, Asheville, South Slope) Hi-Wire is open every afternoon with four-year round beers: Prime Time Pale Ale, Hi-Pitch IPA, Bed of Nails Brown Ale and a pilsner lager, Hi-Wire Lager. They also offer seasonals. Visit their second brewery with a tasting room and beer garden in Biltmore Village, 2 Huntsman Place.

Burke County & Morganton
Home to Linville Falls, Linville Gorge, Lake James and South Mountains State Park, find limitless outdoor adventures including hiking, biking, fishing, boating and more.

Ben's Tune Up
Another local’s favorite, this sake brewery is located in a converted auto shop with an Asian fusion restaurant and beer garden. They serve food until 2 am and have live music a few nights a week. 195 Hilliard Ave

The Little Gym
This indoor gym for kids offers a variety of 1.5 hour party packages includes up to 16 guests, two hosts, set-up/clean-up, juice boxes, t-shirt and water bottle for birthday child. Add-ons include themes, paper products, invitations and more. Packages start at $240.

Asheville Symphony Chorus
The fabulous 100-voice chorus provides a wide range of classical and contemporary music in concert with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, as well as via independent concerts.

Rhubarb
Located in Pack Square, this restaurant with an award-winning James Beard chef, serves farm-to-table New American fare. The menu is inspired by seasonal ingredients and pays homage to the bounty of regional and American cooking. A wood-fired oven and grill complement the rustic creations. Check out Sunday Suppers, offered weekly at 6:30 PM. 7 Pack Square.

BearWaters Brewing
(130 Frazier St #7, Waynesville) Their full service Tap Room features 10 signature and rotating beers on tap. Start with a sampling flight paddle.

New Belgium Brewing
(21 Craven Street, Asheville) Sample brews in the riverside Liquid Center Tasting Room, located just across the French Broad River from downtown Asheville. And take a free, 90-minute brewery tour.

Waynesville Recreation Center Indoor Pool
Have a pool party anytime of year at this indoor water park and pool in Waynesville. All pool parties are available on Saturdays only and rentable for 2 hours at a time. Option to add a private room with a kitchen is available. Party reservations start at $55.

Mellow Mushroom, Asheville
Serving delicious stone baked pizza, this pizzeria is a popular place to enjoy a slice. In addition to pizza, they serve calzones, hoagies, salads and a great local beer selection. Vegan and gluten-free options available. Enjoy the large patio for downtown people watching! 50 Broadway St.

Evolutional Healing
This healing clinic draws from ancient teachings, practices, and modern research to offer comprehensive healing for each patient. Practices include body and energy work, herbal remedies, dietary counseling, stress management, and meditation instruction.

Art Loeb Trail
This challenging, 30-mile hiking trail with spectacular views includes popular Black Balsam Knob. This trail is located in Pisgah National Forest and is a great option for multi-day backpacking since there are many campsites along the high ridges and balds.

ACT: Tanglewood, Asheville
This program offers two sessions for kids and teens interested in acting, music, movement, film, and design. The camp, held at Asheville Community Theatre, is open to beginners through advanced performing arts campers. Each session ends with a showcase for family and friends! Sessions offered June-July. Ages 7-15. $400/week.

Morganton & Burke County
Stroll through downtown shops and galleries, visit craft breweries and enjoy great restaurants. Take the Catawba Valley Wine Trail. It's also home to the Waldensian Heritage Museum and movie locations for The Hunger Games.

Vivian
This award-winning restaurant pulls influence from rich European cuisines for their big flavor American dishes. Enjoy the intimate atmosphere with a glass of wine and dishes like beef tartar, smoked oysters, steak and desserts like chocolate mousse torte. Thursday fried chicken dinner and Sunday brunch are local favorites. Open Tue-Sat, 5-10 PM, Sunday Brunch 10:30 AM-2 PM. 348 Depot St

Posana
In the heart of downtown Asheville, this farm-to-table restaurant welcomes pooches with a dog menu including house-made dog biscuits, entrees and even serves a bacon-soy ice cream dessert! 1 Biltmore Ave.

Pad-Thai
Serving authentic Thai food, along with Vietnamese pho, this friendly eatery is a hidden gem for many locals looking for a causal, go-to Thai restaurant. Popular dishes include Drunken Noodles, Green Curry and Pineapple Fried Rice. Try the Thai iced coffee and enjoy weekday lunch specials. 18 Sardis Rd

Asheville Pizza & Brewing
Slinging pizzas since 1998, this independently owned & operated pizza joint is a local hang out with dine-in $3 movie theatre, arcade and brewpub. They offer build-your-own and specialty pizzas. They also offer vegan cheese and gluten-free crust options. Don’t forget to sample their craft brews! 675 Merrimon Ave

Posana
This contemporary, farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of downtown Asheville’s historic Pack Square serves local, seasonal and sustainable cuisine that is 100% gluten-free. Try one of their artisanal cocktails or choose a glass of wine from local vineyards. Enjoy dinner and weekend brunch! 1 Biltmore Ave.

Bear's Smokehouse Asheville
This smokehouse in Asheville’s South Slope offers award-winning K.C. Style BBQ with signature items like brisket burnt ends, smoked sausage, loaded baked potatoes, and more. They also offer vegan options like tempeh and Impossible Meatloaf and a variety of craft beer to enjoy! Open 7 days a week with online ordering and delivery available. 135 Coxe Ave

Pulp + Sprout
This locally grown Asheville juice bar and eatery produces high quality, nutrient-dense, organic “real food.” Enjoy a healthy breakfast or lunch from a variety of delicious menu items like cold-pressed juices, smoothies, sandwiches, soups and desserts. 233 South Liberty St.

Old Europe Pastries
This old world coffee shop has been serving European-style pastries and locally roasted coffee for 25 years in Asheville! Find an array of sweet offerings like tiramisu, cheesecake, pies, cupcakes and more to pair with coffee or one of their specialty espresso drinks. Their downtown location is convenient and great for people watching! 13 Broadway St

Bust Your Butt Falls
This popular swimming hole is on the Cullasaja River along US Highway 64 between Highlands and Franklin. It's roadside, so it's easy for all to enjoy the natural slide and pool for swimming.

French Broad RiverCamp
This day camp by RiverLink offers a week of river and watershed exploration for campers through hand-on environmental education, service learning projects, and river recreation like rafting, tubing and swimming. 5-Day sessions run June-July, 9 AM-4 PM. Grades 3-8. Cost: $300/week.

Silver Run Falls
Near Cashiers in Nantahala National Forest is a beautiful 25-ft. waterfall that cascades into a family-friendly pool with a small, sandy beach. A short walk from roadside parking.

Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack
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.

This creekside venue features a handcrafted rustic-yet-modern barn, waterfall, covered bridge and views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The ideal location for a wedding weekend with lodging for... read more

Mast General Store
This favorite stop for tourists and locals is an old-fashioned general store with the latest products, including clothing, fun gifts, cooking accessories and a huge candy section. Downstairs is a great outdoors department with all the major brands. 15 Biltmore Avenue.

Buxton Hall Barbecue
This South Slope BBQ joint is the shared vision of James-Beard nominated chefs. They serve wood-smoked, whole-hog East Carolina BBQ and traditional Southern sides. Try a bourbon and Cheerwine slushie! 32 Banks Ave

Winery Visits & Tours
In addition to the nation's most visited winery at Biltmore, take a winery tour in the foothills area including around Hendersonville and Morganton. Sample the local wines while enjoying the mountain views. See our Top Wineries to see in western North Carolina.

Located in front of the at Asheville Airport, the hotel has plenty of options to help you relax between flights including a heated indoor pool, fitness center and free airport shuttle... read more

Bricks 4 Kidz, Asheville
These half-day enrichment camps give campers motorized building challenges each day, along with crafts, games and time for creative building. June-Aug, 9 AM-12 PM and 1-4 PM, Ages 5+

Summer Food Festivals
There's seldom a weekend in the summer without a great outdoor festival in Asheville and the surrounding small towns that includes plenty of food.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial
This is the novelist's boyhood home and setting for "Look Homeward, Angel." Tour the fascinating, rambling house located in downtown Asheville. 52 N. Market Street.

Bouchon
A longtime French bistro with comfort food using local ingredients. A romantic, intimate and charming setting. Enjoy fresh mussels prepared multiple ways, Escargot, Burgundy’s signature stew Boeuf Bourguignon and their famous fries. Dine al fresco along bricked walkways. Pair hand-selected French wines. 62 Lexington Avenue.

The Admiral, West Asheville
One of West Asheville's original and favorite full service elevated neighborhood restaurants, The Admiral offers a daily changing global menu, known for innovative dishes. Hors d’oeuvres include duck liver mousse and bone marrow, along with dishes like the smoked mackerel and pork shank. Sip an after dinner cocktail, fireside on the patio. 400 Haywood Road

Rosetta's Kitchen
Vegan and vegetarian comfort food are at the heart of this locally loved, downtown eatery serving plant-based fare that's affordable and delicious. They serve lunch, dinner, and late night food. 116 N. Lexington Ave

Romantic
Find the most romantic places to eat in Asheville, a longtime romantic destination for couples getaway. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or planning the perfect first date, there are a variety of cozy spots for just the two of you.

This pet-friendly hotel near the Airport features amenities such as a hot and healthy breakfast with their famous waffles, eggs and all-day coffee station. Swim laps in the seasonal outdoor pool... read more

Lake Lure
Walk across the beautiful Flowering Bridge that is now home to thousands of blooming plants, sun on the beach or take a boat ride across the lake.

Panthertown Valley
(5-mile loop, moderate) Hike 30 miles in this wilderness area with waterfalls and dramatic cliffs. A great half day hike is a five-mile loop to Schoolhouse Falls, Greenland Creek Falls and Little Green Mountain. It's easy to extend the hike in the network of trails.

Hands On! Children's Museum, Hendersonville
This children's museum in historic Downtown Hendersonville has interactive exhibits with focus on science, nature, engineering, motor skills, and more. Exhibits include pet vet hospital, grocery store, lego raceway, puppet theatre, stage, and many more! (318 N Main St)

Dalton Distillery, Asheville
As downtown Asheville’s first legal distillery, Dalton Distillery features top-shelf rum and vodka. They also have fun specialty liquors like agave vodka, apple vodka, and coffee infused rums made from local roasters. Their full-service bar features a patio, billiards, arcade games and table tennis. Bar is open daily, 5 PM-2 AM.

Surrounded by more than a century of historic grandeur, this legendary hotel features many distinctive venues, including outdoor terraces with majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Omni... read more

Burnsville
Nestled in a valley surrounded by the highest peaks in eastern America, including Mt. Mitchell, Burnsville's small downtown is dominated by the Town Square with towering trees. The Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair transforms the streets into a festival for craft and art lovers.

This family-owned farm offers a gorgeous landscape with unique panoramic views of Hot Springs and the French Broad River valley. The modern event barn sets the tone for a... read more

Parker-Binns Vineyard and Winery
This family-run vineyard is located in the foothills and has a very relaxed atmosphere. Try wines in their tasting room and on outdoor patios with mountain views. They use all their own grapes: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chambourcin, Petit Manseng, and Muscat. 2275 Whiteside Rd, Mill Spring, NC 28756.

Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn’s Sunset Terrace restaurant scores big on romance! The outdoor veranda sets the mood with a perfect view of the sunset over Asheville. Indulge in the finest prime beef and seafood, along with cocktails and wine. 290 Macon Ave.

Eagle's Nest, Pisgah
Encourages boys and girls to live and grow simply, rooted by intentional experiences and connection to the community. Activities promote self-expression, personal growth, skill-building, and fun. With wilderness activities, music and drama, athletics, and more. 1-3 week sessions, June-August 2022. Grades K-9.

Conveniently located off of Highway 441/74, rediscover the beauty of nature as you relax in the indoor heated pool or spa and gaze out over the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. Minutes from Western... read more

Zia Taqueria
This fast-casual taqueria is a local favorite with a unique, scratch-made menu of fresh, local ingredients scratch made flavors and sourcing premium chiles. They do brunch. Vegan Night is on Tuesdays at 5 PM. Sun-Wed 11 AM-10 PM, Thurs-Sat 11 AM-11 PM. 521 Haywood Rd

Mountain Play Lodge, Asheville
This large indoor play space, ideal for kids 10 and younger, offers two age-appropriate play floors with a variety of soft play equipment including a miniature village, toddler slides, and a large jungle gym with slides. Find a variety of food and beverage options for purchase, including snacks, coffee, and even beer and wine! Admission: $8-14. Don't forget to wear socks!

Lake Lure
Swim and sun on a sandy beach in the mountains at Lake Lure, near Chimney Rock. Nestled in the Hickory Nut Gorge, the lake is surrounded by lush mountain tops and sheer granite cliffs. Rent a pontoon or electric boat, canoe or kayak at the marina.

Tucked back on 22 acres of secluded forest in beautiful Madison county, this stunning chalet offers classic mountain charm and luxury. On a clear day, enjoy views of Mount Mitchell! Just 8 miles... read more

Newfound Road Picnics, Great Smoky Mountains
Along Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) through the middle of the Park, there are two large picnic areas in addition to overlooks. The Chimneys picnic area is on the Tennessee side (near the Chimney Tops hike). The Collins Creek picnic area is on the North Carolina side, about six miles from Cherokee. They both have tables, grills, restrooms and a nature trail.

The Chemist, Asheville
Located in Asheville’s South Slope, this women-owned craft distillery produces vapor-infused, small batch gin by way of prohibition-era chemist techniques. They also feature unique brandy collaborations with local artisans. Book a public or private tour and/or enjoy craft cocktails in their 1920’s inspired bar, Antidote. Bar hours: Mon-Fri 4 PM-12 AM, Sat/Sun 2 PM-12 AM.

Chocolate Fetish
A part of Asheville’s urban landscape for 30 years, this locally owned chocolate shop churns out small batch, artisan chocolates including truffles, sea salt caramels, chocolate covered fruits and even chocolate shoes! Take a tour watching chocolatiers craft award-winning chocolates and try a variety of samples. 36 Haywood St

Adventure Camp, Adventure Center of Asheville
Campers will experience a variety of outdoor adventures at this camp, including ziplines, rafting, treetop course, tree climbing, bike park, and daily swimming. Campers will participate in daily team-building games, fun activities, creative learning, and age-appropriate outdoor education immersive learning. Weekly sessions run June-August 2022. 8:30 AM-4 PM. Ages 8-15.

Thirsty Monk
(92 Patton Avenue, downtown Asheville) Recognized as one of the best beer bars in the world, they tap 1,000+ different beers a year. The upstairs bar features American Craft Beers with 20 rotating tap lines. Take the stairs down to the basement level to the Belgian Bar (50 Commerce St.) with 16 Belgian, European and rare beers on draught. An extensive bottle list will impress beer-snobs and novices alike.

Museum of the Cherokee Indian
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian shares the history and culture of the Cherokee people and sets the scene for the Cherokee Heritage Trails. See impressive exhibits that take you from 11,000 years ago to the present. The nearby Oconaluftee Indian Village is also a must visit for families.

Mellow Mushroom
Enjoy a slice at this pizzeria in the heart of downtown Asheville with your K-9 friend. The large, friendly patio welcomes dogs and humans, alike. They serve pizza, calzones, hoagies, salads and have a great local beer selection. 50 Broadway St.

Limones
Modern Californian and Mexican cooking plus creative cocktails served in a quaint, homey setting. Dinner specialties include entrees such as grilled au natural rib-eye steak with hazelnut-ancho chile sauce, or Tequila-lime cured salmon with watercress and avocado salad. Try their Sunday brunch with traditional selections such as Mexican sweetbreads and house-made sausage, including chorizo. 13 Eagle St

The Arcadian Avenue collection of luxury vacation home rentals in the Blue Ridge Mountains are ideal for family gatherings, intimate weddings, and events and offer an incredible array of... read more

Wine & Cocktails
Unwind after a busy day of sightseeing at one of the many wine and cocktail bars in downtown Asheville. Our favorite is the Battery Park Champagne Bar in Grove Arcade (pic). Social Lounge has a great rooftop!

Up Country Brewing Co
(1042 Haywood Rd, Asheville) They specialize in making beers that perfectly accompany any outdoor activity. Open Wed-Sun. Live music many nights. West Asheville.

Jerusalem Garden
Transport your senses to faraway lands with authentic made-from-scratch Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes in an intimate, ambient space with stained glass windows. Enjoy live music and belly dancing every Friday and Saturday evening. 78 Patton Ave

Get married on the beach or indoors with spectacular Lake Lure and mountain views of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Find many amenities, including golf, swimming, spa, boating, hiking, biking and... read more

Julian Price Park
(2.7 miles and 2.3 miles, easy) Hike around a beautiful lake or to the top of Green Knob. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 297.

Picnic on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Picnic spots are limitless along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Spread your blanket on the grass or tailgate at any of the many overlooks and soak in the views. Plus, there are several picnic areas complete with grills. Be sure to get food before you get on the Parkway! Pic: Waterrock Knob

Smoky Park Supper Club
Enjoy scenic views of the French Broad River in an elegant and airy space made from shipping containers on two acres of land. Grab a drink and watch the sun go down over the river on their sweeping deck (your dog is welcome outside, too!), and enjoy inventive seasonal, woodfired American plates. Open Tues-Thurs, 5-9 PM, Fri/Sat 4-10 PM, Sun 10:30 AM-9 PM. 350 Riverside Dr.

Bricks4Kidz, Asheville
Ideal for kids 6 and up, this hands-on program uses Legos to help kids develop problem solving and critical thinking skills as they build machines and other constructions, utilizing engineering, architecture and physics. Their mobile program can be found at local schools, events, camps, parties and more.

Land of Oz
Take the yellow brick road to Emerald City at this abandoned theme park atop Beech Mountain that reopens a few times a year with characters from the Wizard of Oz.

HomeGrown
With two locations in North and West Asheville, this eatery serves up southern fare using locally sourced ingredients. Comfort items include fried chicken biscuit, cheesy grits, catfish po’boy and more. Also find plenty of vegan options available. 371 Merrimon Ave and 219 Amboy Rd

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge
This favorite local hangout features creative American fare, local beer and craft cocktails.Their delectable Vault Burger features 100% grass-fed beef from local farms, taking home local awards year after year. Enjoy the patio or sit at the walnut bar inside. They’re open until 2 AM, perfect for a late night craving. 7 Rankin Ave

Little Bee Thai
This beloved local food truck turned restaurant with a local following known for their fresh, seasonal menu. From classic Pad Thai to global curries, there is something for everyone, including weekly specials like Tom Kha soup on Wednesdays and fresh, North Carolina-caught seafood specials on Fridays. 45 S French Broad Avenue #190

Flat Rock Playhouse
See a fabulous professional show at the State Theatre of North Carolina, about 30 miles south of Asheville, with an eight-month season of plays including Broadway musicals, comedy and drama.