In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just west of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina. Moreover, its compact size makes it easy to explore.
Downtown and the adjacent South Slope District are the convivial core of the city and easy to explore by foot. To escape the city-center crowds, a short drive to the creative River Arts District or edgy West Asheville can be quite refreshing. The Biltmore Estate and the adjacent Biltmore Village are ten minutes south of downtown but feel worlds apart with their embrace of old-school glamour and a slower pace of life.
Go sightseeing Downtown
On Friday nights, downtown Asheville throws the best party in Western North Carolina. Sidewalk buskers play familiar tunes while alfresco diners enjoy globally-inspired dishes. Shoppers pop into bookstores and chocolate shops that stay open late for crowds. The beat of the Pritchard Park drum circle is the thrumming center of it all, with historic art-deco buildings and the hazy Blue Ridge Mountains framing the scene.
Downtown is equally inviting during the day, with locals and visitors exploring numerous boutiques and galleries. Others learn about the city’s history and public art on the 30-stop Urban Trail. Many make a stop at Mast General Store for a little bit of everything, including old-school candy and outdoor gear. Museums spotlight art, pinball, and the wonders of electronic sound, including the Moogseum.
Sip suds in South Slope
Formerly a warehouse and industrial district, this compact and pedestrian-friendly hotspot is now the city’s craft beer epicenter, housing ten micro-breweries. With beer gardens, open-air taprooms, live music, and rooftop bars filling the neighborhood, South Slope feels like one big street party, especially on weekends.
Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium and circus-themed Hi-Wire serve sour beers while innovative Belgian-style brews flow at ever-hip Burial. Step inside the multi-story Green Mansion at long-running Green Man for English-style ales. In addition to breweries, a distillery, cidery, and artisan cocktails can also be found in this lively neighborhood between Asheland Ave, Biltmore Ave, Southside Ave, and Hilliard Ave. James Beard-nominated chefs serve delectable barbecue and pastries at Buxton Hall, with gourmet sandwiches and food trucks rounding out the area’s culinary action.
Crowds gather for big-name indie, folk, and punk bands at the Orange Peel while murals bring whimsy and a touch of artsy attitude. What you won’t find? Hotels, although several are within a few blocks of South Slope. The Aloft Asheville Downtown on Biltmore Ave is the closest.
Go gallery hopping in River Arts District
While hikers, hipsters, and brewmasters might be the Asheville stereotype, it is the artists who bring the romantic soul to the city, uniting various groups with public art and community events. Fortunately, more than 200 artists share their knowledge, workspaces, and artworks in the River Arts District (RAD), which stretches one mile along the east bank of the French Broad River southwest of downtown.
Former warehouses, a mill, and a tannery now house studios and galleries where sculptors, painters, photographers, folk artists, glassblowers, and other creators display and sell their work. This vibrant district is best explored by car unless you’re prepared for a walking or cycling adventure – a new riverside greenway makes this accessible. Additionally, restaurants, coffee shops, and Wedge Brewing – with two locations – have also opened their doors, keeping the district lively throughout the day.
For full artistic immersion, visit on the Second Saturday of the month, when the neighborhood hosts art walks, demonstrations, wine tastings, and live music. For a list of artists, classes, and events, as well as a map, check out the River Arts District website. The closest hotels are located downtown.
Live like a local in West Asheville
Some call it “bohemian,” but “resourceful” might be a more accurate description for West Asheville, an emerging neighborhood just west of the River Arts District and the French Broad River. Here, a plethora of modern restaurants, breezy cafes, vintage shops, record stores, coffee houses, craft breweries, and vibrant murals breathe new life into old buildings. These newcomers coexist nicely with auto repair shops, hair salons, and a diner or two, creating an appealing mix of new and traditional, hip and classic along Haywood Rd. Consequently, it’s a perfect place to escape the overwhelming downtown crowds and settle in like a local for a few hours.
Starting your day with breakfast on the patio at Sunny Point Café is highly recommended. Just down the road, the national powerhouse New Belgium Brewing Company has established a prominent taproom and production facility beside the river, though there seems to be ample space for all the craft beer makers in the area. Lodging options might be limited, but a handful of hotels, a charming bed and breakfast, Airbnb rentals, and a good hostel are available close to the bars and restaurants.
Step into history in South Asheville & Biltmore Village
Modeled after three French chateaux and completed in 1895, the Biltmore House in South Asheville is the largest privately-owned home in the country. The estate and its grounds stand as the city’s premier tourist attraction, visited by more than 1.7 million guests annually. It’s advisable to spend at least a half-day exploring the house, gardens, and winery. To delve into the outdoor offerings across its 8,000 acres, stop by the Outdoor Adventure Center where options include a falconry class or horseback and carriage rides. The estate features miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that crisscross the property. The estate is conveniently located two miles south of downtown.
Employees of George W. Vanderbilt – the shipping and railroad heir who built the estate – previously lived in Biltmore Village. Built to resemble an English village, the neighborhood sits outside the Biltmore gates. Today, this pedestrian-friendly spot features a mix of high-end stores, antique shops, galleries, and restaurants, along with several craft breweries. South Asheville is a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it easily accessible.
Upscale lodging options on the Biltmore grounds include a hotel, an inn, and cottages, while boutique inns and chain hotels can be found in and around Biltmore Village.
