3 Day Weekend Asheville, North Carolina Travel Guide
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Asheville is a beautiful, somewhat hipster mountain town and is a perfect long weekend 3-4 day getaway. Near the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town has less than 100,000 residents but is full of character. After spending your days on stunning hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can enjoy the Asheville food scene which makes for some really satisfying days (eat, hike off the calories, eat some more, sleep well in the fresh mountain air, repeat). I visited with two of my best girlfriends and I think it’s the perfect girlfriends getaway!
What should I know?
Asheville has a regional airport and is accessible if not with a direct flight then with a connection through a nearby larger airport (RDU, ATL, etc.). Additionally, you could fly into Charlotte and drive two hours to Asheville. Either way, I would rent a car to make it easier to get around.
There are many Airbnb options in some really charming homes, so consider that if you’re looking for real southern hospitality. It’s nice to be within walking distance of town so you don’t have to worry about parking there. Otherwise, one of the more popular hotel options is The Omni Grove Park Inn (which has good views of the mountains and town).
Trip Snapshot by Day:
- One: Get settled, quick hike Catawba Falls, dinner in town
- Two: Breakfast in town, hike Pisgah National Forest, Visit Addison Farms Vineyard, dinner along river in town
- Three: Breakfast in town, shopping, lunch along river, hike (many options listed, recommend Rough Ridge Lookout in Grandfather Mountain State Park ), visit Linville Falls Winery, dinner in town or flight out
Let’s Go
Day One: Asheville
Afternoon
Arrive into Asheville and check into your accommodation. If you need food for the week, there is a Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Harris Teeter all in town. The French Broad Food Co-Op also looks like a great option.
I’d recommend taking a 1-2 hour hike to help you work off your morning of flying or driving. Catawba Falls is a great choice for an easy, invigorating hike and has a beautiful waterfall at the end.
Evening
The food scene is really incredible so you have plenty of options tonight. For example: Tupelo Honey, Rhubarb or Sovereign Remedies.
If you’re into beer, check out a brewpub for post-dinner drinks including Wicked Weed Brewing Pub, Green Man, Asheville Brewing Company, The Funkatorium and Burial Beer Co. They’re all within walking distance of one another. If beer isn’t your thing, consider checking out Dobra Tea for a post-dinner tea. They have some really exotic options available in a relaxed setting.
Day Two: Asheville
Morning
If breakfast isn’t included in your accommodation, consider Biscuit Head for a delicious, Southern breakfast. Their jam bar for the biscuits is incredible and the cheesy grits are the best.
Next, head out to hike for the day. Consider Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah National Forest, Gregory Bald or Ramsey Cascades. You can also check out the All Trails App to search for a hike that suits your interests. No matter which hike you choose, bring some snacks to eat at the halfway point; if you are hiking Looking Glass there is a gorgeous clearing at the top perfect for a snack.
Afternoon
After finishing your hike (or maybe two! Pisgah has multiple great options), consider an afternoon at a local winery. Moreover, Addison Farms Vineyard is set in a gorgeous location with delicious wine; the Alchemy herbal wine (aka mead) was one of my favorites.
Shortly before sunset, head up to the Blue Ridge Parkway for a great spot to watch the sunset over the mountains.
Evening
Tonight, check out White Duck tacos along the river for dinner (there is a location in town too but the atmosphere along the river is really fun). It has great tacos, chips and plenty of vegetarian options. After dinner, walk around town and find a new spot for drinks or post-dinner music. Or, if you’re like us, head back to your accommodation since you may be tired from a full day!
Asheville: Day Three
Morning
Start your day with Taco Billy breakfast tacos (if you’re not tacoed-out from dinner) and grab dessert (on vacation, breakfast dessert is a thing) at Hole Doughnuts just down the street.
Next, check out some of the cute shops around town. Flora is right by the breakfast spots while back in the east part of Asheville I’d recommend stopping in Moonlight Makers, Honeypot, Old North, Boutique LP, Horse + Hero.
Afternoon
Once you’re ready to eat again, check out 12 Bones BBQ in the art district. It’s delicious! You can also check out the artist shops in the area.
Head out for another hike this afternoon – consider DuPont State Forest Waterfall Hike or Craggy Pinnacle. Or, if you have more time, head east on the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway to Rough Ridge Lookout in Grandfather Mountain State Park. On your way there or back, stop at Linville Falls Winery for a delicious glass of wine in a relaxing setting and toast to a great trip to Asheville!
Evening
If in town for a short weekend, you’ll likely be heading to the airport this evening to fly back home. Otherwise, enjoy one more delicious dinner in town tonight before flying out in the morning.
Happy Travels!
