The Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains is a feast of fun. Here are our top things to do. Of course, eating is number one! Since it's one of our busiest weekends of the year, be sure to make lodging and dining reservations well in advance!

Also, see our Top Holiday Outings. For Christmas Day Restaurants open in Asheville, see our Christmas Guide.

Thanksgiving Day (Nov 25, 2022) Restaurants & Buffets

While many Asheville area restaurants are closed, there are still many great local choices for brunch, lunch, or dinner on Turkey Day. Prices & hours often change a little, so check with the restaurant. 

• Season's at Highland Lake Inn in Flat Rock, Thanksgiving Buffet 10:30 AM-6 PM, $58/adults, $29/child ages 6-11, 5, and under free. Local's favorite. Reservations required. 1-800-758-8130. They are also offering Thanksgiving meals to-go.
• Pack's Tavern Thanksgiving Buffet upstairs and downstairs with turkey, ham, trimmings, dessert, and plenty of beer choices. Located on Pack Square Park downtown, 11 AM-6 PM. $49.99/adults, $24.99/children under 10. A good option for large groups. Reservations (the last reservation time is 6 pm) and walk-ins welcome. Call 828-225-6944.
• Greystone Inn: Dine waterside on Lake Toxaway near Brevard at this luxury resort. 3-course dinner with 3 options each, $60/person, 12-5 PM. For reservations call 828-966-4700.
• Isa’s French Bistro: Isa’s French Bistro will be open for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day from 7-10 AM, followed by a 3-course Prix Fixe Menu beginning at Noon with last seating at 8 PM. Entrée offerings include Herb Brined Joyce Family Farm Turkey Breast, Antarctic Salmon, Vegan Sausage Ragout and Steak Frites. Pricing is $82 per person with an optional wine pairing for $32. A Children’s turkey plate is available for $25. To make reservations, please call 828-575-9636 or Reserve Online.
• Hemingway’s Cuba: Hemingway’s Cuba will be open for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day from 7-10 AM, followed by their regular lunch and dinner services from Noon until 8:00 PM, with the bar open from 8-10 PM. In addition to their regular menus, they will offer a special Herb Brined Turkey Breast with Cuban sides for $42, Home Made Pie for $12.00, and a Bruleed Peach & Rosemary Old Fashioned for $16.00. . Reserve Online or call 828-417-6866. 
• RendezVous will will do 3 seatings at 12 PM, 2:30 PM, and 5 PM.  $75/person. Call 828-348-0909 to make your reservation.
• Red Stag Grill will feature their signature A la Carte 4-Course Thanksgiving menu with a complimentary glass of seasonal mimosa or champagne. 11:30 AM-9 PM, $95/adult, $35/children 6-12, (free under 5). They will also offer a Family-Style Thanksgiving Feast to-go for $65/person. Book online or call 828-398-5600.

Thanksgiving & Holiday Packages / Places to Stay: See our holiday vacation packages page for the latest holiday vacation packages, deals, and specials. Also see our list of the bests hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and cabin rentals in Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Make reservations early!

Biltmore: The Biltmore House is open for tours on Thanksgiving Day. All estate restaurants (see above) are open. It's a busy weekend on the estate, so get tickets well ahead. They usually sell-out for the entire weekend. See our Christmas at Biltmore Guide.

Pick your Christmas Tree: Go to a "choose and cut" Tree Farm to pick the perfect one for your home on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. All are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Many farms offer hayrides and other activities. See our Asheville Christmas Tree Farms Guide.

Downtown Asheville: Most all downtown stores are closed on Thanksgiving. But there's plenty of holiday shopping on Friday and Saturday to find those special gifts. Browse through more than 200 shops, 30 art galleries and a dozen antique stores. Free parking on streets and city parking decks on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. See our Downtown Asheville Guide.

More Shopping: Biltmore Village is home to more than 40 shops in historic cottages and buildings. Asheville is a mecca for artists, so this is the place to find one-of-a-kind gifts. Head to the Folk Art Center and the River Arts District. See our Gallery Guide. Also see our Antique Shopping Guide. 

Small Towns: If you prefer the quaint small towns and friendly "Mayberry" Main Streets, explore our cool small towns throughout our mountains.

Get Outdoors: #optoutside! Take a late fall hike and enjoy views through leafless trees, cool temperatures, and few fellow hikers. See our hiking guide for top picks. All trails and waterfalls in the National Forests and Parks are open every day.

Ski Resorts: Some will open if weather is cold enough.

National Parks: Both Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open on Thanksgiving Day, weather permitting. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smokies is open on Thanksgiving Day.

More Happenings: See our Top Holiday Outings for more things to do!