Summary
For decades, tourists came to Asheville to marvel at the spectacular Biltmore Estate while largely ignoring the rest of the city. Nowadays, Asheville has emerged as one of the hottest travel destinations in the Southeast. A thriving arts and culture scene attracts visitors, complemented by newly renovated neighborhoods that feature design studios, trendy restaurants, and the nation’s largest concentration of microbreweries.
This 48-hour itinerary showcases the iconic Biltmore Estate alongside beautiful scenery and delicious food. When considering accommodations, many travelers prefer the luxurious The Omni Grove Park Inn. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, consider Hotel Indigo in downtown Asheville or one of the numerous charming bed & breakfast inns in the area.
Day One: Morning & Afternoon
Morning: Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at The Corner Kitchen (3 Boston Way) in Biltmore Village. Alternatively, for a lighter option, stop by Well-Bred Bakery & Café (6 Boston Way) for freshly baked scones and a range of coffees. After breakfast, take time to explore Biltmore Village, a location that has transformed from a staging area for servants of the estate to an attraction filled with shops and restaurants set amid a picturesque historic district.
9 a.m.: Drive to Biltmore Estate for a self-guided tour of the stunning grounds and mansion. George Vanderbilt, inspired by a short visit in 1888, constructed this stunning estate, which boasts 250 rooms and four acres of floor space. The manicured gardens extend over 8,000 acres, featuring 2.5 miles of walking paths. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons. Ensure to reserve an entry time when purchasing tickets online (1 Lodge Street. Tickets: $80 for adults at the gate, $70 for adults in advance. Youth and children 16 and under enter free during the summer. Discounts available for AAA members.)
12:30 p.m.: Break for a light lunch at The Kitchen Café (
located in Antler Hill Village and Winery). The nearby winery also offers free samples of their products, making it an excellent point to transition between outdoor and indoor discoveries. Check the weather forecast to decide your exploration sequence.
Your interest level will influence how long you spend at Biltmore; it’s entirely possible to fill an entire day exploring as there’s much to see. At minimum, reserving five hours for exploration is recommended.
Day One: Evening
5 p.m.: Drive along the northbound Blue Ridge Parkway, just east of Asheville, to catch a glimpse of one of Western North Carolina’s beautiful sunsets. Make sure to arrive early at Haw Creek Valley overlook (milepost 380), which offers a fantastic vantage point for sunset views. Clear nights will see the parking area filling quickly.
6:30 p.m.: As the sun begins to set, resist the urge to continue northward to more scenic spots; save that joy for tomorrow. Head back south to US 70, then I-40 to Black Mountain, home to the Red Rocker Inn (136 N Dougherty Street). Enjoy casual fine dining with specialties such as hand-cut pork chops, fresh mountain trout, homemade pastas, and desserts. Reservations are suggested, as the restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Day Two: Morning
8:30 a.m.: Start your day with a tour of Asheville’s iconic Omni Grove Park Inn (290 Macon Avenue), recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Having been established from early 1900s “elixir” sales, guests can take a complimentary, 45-minute guided tour from Wednesday to Sunday starting at 9 a.m. Those visiting on non-tour days can also stop in to see one of the first major mountain resorts in the American South.
10:15 a.m.: The area now known as Asheville’s River Arts District was once an industrial neighborhood. Today, it’s a vibrant area featuring 22 art studios in restored factories and buildings. Engage with artists as they create and explore unique pieces available for purchase.
Day Two: Afternoon and Evening
11:20 a.m.: Head to Buxton Hall Bar-B-Cue (32 Banks Avenue) just before it opens at 11:30. Arriving early means you can snag one of the first tables, as the line often grows significantly within the hour. Buxton Hall is renowned for its “all-wood, whole hog barbecue” and exciting side dishes.
1 p.m.: Don’t deny yourself dessert, as temptations abound nearby. The French Broad Chocolate Factory (21 Buxton Ave) offers guided tours on Saturdays for a small fee and occasional free tours explaining their philosophy on cacao sourcing and fair trade.
2:15 p.m.: With barbecue and chocolate fueling your next adventure, head east on US 70 to the interchange where the stunning sunset was viewed the night before. Upon reaching the northbound Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the Folk Art Museum (milepost 382) to appreciate handicrafts by local artisans. Be aware that photography is prohibited inside the museum.
Continue north along the parkway until you reach Craggy Dome overlook. Take a short 0.7-mile hike to Craggy Pinnacle Summit (milepost 364) for stunning panoramic views. Ensure you are prepared for this somewhat strenuous hike.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, consider visiting the Asheville Museum of Science (43 Patton Avenue) or exploring Asheville’s 50 breweries. The Wicked Weed Brewpub (91 Biltmore Avenue) also offers complimentary tours.
5:30 p.m.: Asheville’s dining scene is rich with innovative eateries. Experience the trend of varieties of “hot chicken” at Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack. The Arden location (3749 Sweeten Creek Road) provides a cozy setting just a few miles from the intersection of US 25A and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Day Three: Morning
10 a.m.: If you’re in town for the weekend, visit Posana Café (1 Biltmore Avenue) for a remarkable brunch, as they source locally for their contemporary American menu, offering a delightful dinner option as well for those who can’t join for brunch.
11 a.m.: Posana is an ideal starting point for a walking tour of downtown Asheville, accessible via the Urban Trail, viewable with a smartphone. You can customize your exploration duration with stops marked by unique street art along the way.
