By: New Asheville resident, Robin Wolfe Shoor, M.A., is an independent college counselor and journalist who is inspired by the AVL environment.
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Be prepared for the steady stream of visitors when you move to Asheville. The challenge: how do you show people the wonders of this new town when you are just learning it yourself? The tips below are simply things I have experienced, I know there are so many, many other possibilities yet to discover.
I’ve put together a fun (doable without exhaustion) two-day itinerary for the couple who may not be as fit and used to the hilly topography. Tip: Tell your guests to hydrate, wear comfortable shoes, sunblock, and a hat to avoid sunburn. Make reservations for special restaurants or activities, but too much scheduling makes everyone feel stressed.
I try to think of the town and day in “sections” – North, downtown, River Arts, west and Biltmore Village. Plus, I divide the day into morning/ afternoon/ evening, with a “rest period” after we’re back from the afternoon activities.
First day
Welcome! I make a “Welcome to AVL” gift basket and place it to on the bed. This consists of an AVL map, Asheville Lifestyle, Blue Ridge Parkway and Xpress, bottled water, “Made in Asheville” goodies - Poppy’s Popcorn, little lavender sachets and soaps (some say “Asheville”) and a bag of the tastiest and addicting pretzels from the amazing Sanctuary of Stuff.
Don’t forget to fill in with fresh fruit and small-sized packages of candies, chips, and pretzels from Ingles or the Dollar Store. Topped off with a welcome note, it’s always appreciated and sets a good “tone” for the visit.
Pre-visit
Stock up on Brueggers’ Bagels and cream cheeses for the morning, cold cuts and fresh bread for sandwiches, waters, wine, and beer. I love the Highland Brewery ’s assorted 12-pack and keep it chilled and ready! Trader Joe’s has a wonderful assortment for Antipasti items - cheeses, hard salamis, crackers, nuts, canned grape leaves (they are amazing), cornichons, carrot and veggie sticks. Ingles and Harris Teeter have good fresh olives and antipasti bars, as well. Oh yes, bars and fruit for a hike or an unexpected hunger attack!
Arrival
Settle in. Go downtown for lunch at Mellow Mushroom, Roman’s or The Green Sage Cafe, great for people watching and an introductory, in-town feel.
Walk around town, relax and take it in at Pack Square, vist the specialty shops in the Wall Street area, Woolworth Walk, Kress Emporium, Appalachian Crafts Center, Malaprops bookstore, and shops on Lexington. Plus Instant Karma for quintessential Asheville “hippy stuff” or Embellish for locally made jewelry and gift items. Love honey? The Bee Charmer awaits! Forget outdoor gear or need gifty items? Mast General is an old gem that’s sure to please!
Home, rest period.
Enjoy some refreshing local wine or beer with snacks before dinner. Then hop in an Uber and head to the Lazoom Beer and Brew tour (book ahead online). This is a worry-free, fun evening for music and beer lovers alike.
Stop at Highlands and Wedge Brewery, watch the town roll by while being entertained by fantastic rock-n-roll music. Great fun, and you don’t have to drive! After the tour, walk around town and stop in for a late night taco at White Duck Taco or Taco Temple or relax on the patio of Whit’s with a creamy and refreshing frozen custard.
Day 2
Coffee and Bagels, or go The Hole for a perky cup of Java and memorable donut experience. Then go for a hike in the Arboretum, or walk around Beaver Lake, Carrier Park, or the Mumford Area (for great turn-of-the century house viewing).
Pre-scout hikes on the Blue Ridge - the easier, ones we’ve found are at Catawba Falls and Craggy Gardens. Or visit the Folk Art Museum on the Blue Ridge and do the trail there. If it’s rainy or cold, energetic guests can get an inexpensive pass at the YMCA.
After, go on a tour at New Belgium Brewery (book ahead) and head down the River Arts District for some excellent fare at All Souls, 12 Bones barbeque (usually a wait) or coffee, sandwiches and salads at Clingman’s Cafe.
Walk all around - talk to the artists, check out the numerous repurposed buildings that house Ashevillian pottery, art, glass blowing, clothing, jewelry and more.
Home and rest.
Evening
Go for a sunset drink at The Grove Park Inn – there is free (three-hour) visitor parking across from the front of the hotel. Enjoy the views, shops and historic artifacts all around this turn-of-the-century gem. Then, try a casual dinner at Copper Lantern (tapas and great salads), Jack of the Wood for pub food and Bluegrass music, tasty Chai Pani (Indian, no reservations), unique Night Bell (try their craft cocktails - everything is good), Red Ginger (sauteed string beans and trout a winner), healthy Wasabi Sushi, Limones (great Mexican with a twist), or The Market Place for a memorable and very delicious dinner. Walk around and listen for music - Five Walnut, Barley’s, Tressa’s and Packs usually have live music (check online for dates/times).
Day 3
Biltmore Day
For Asheville newbies, the historic Biltmore Estate is a must see. There are biking and walking trails, as well as audio tours of the house. This is usually a four-hour day, so start out early. Like me, If you’ve been there four or five times, guests can easily take off on their own (reservations online needed to avoid lines). You can meet in Biltmore Village for a late lunch at Corner Kitchen, Well Bred, or Rezaz.
For pub food try Village Wayside Bar and Grille, or if a cold beer is calling, go to Hillman’s’ Beer for delicious burgers, fresh brews and one of the tastiest kale salads around!
Stroll about the village, check out the Center for Craft, All Souls Church, specialty clothing at Nest and cool boho style at Boheme. In the mood for a cigar? Check out Casablanca Cigar Bar while others shop. Forget your workout gear? Lululemon to the rescue!
Alternate activity: Sierra Nevada
There are SO MANY great and different breweries in Asheville. Located by the airport, Sierra Nevada is also a good day brewery option for visitors. The tour is 45 minutes long, with great beer, grounds, sampling and a fabulous restaurant on grounds! Allow a few hours, book ahead.
Alternate Activity: West Asheville
Try Owl Bakery, Isis Music hall and eatery, or Biscuit Head for breakfast. Check out Archetype Brewery for Belgium- inspired beer, Jamaican-style eats at Nine Mile, healthy at BimBeriBon for lunch. Walk down Haywood Rd. and take a step back in time.
By day’s end
You’ll want to put your feet up at home and stay there – order in some Italian from Vinnie’s or 828 Pizzeria, or fire up the grill.
After dinner, go for a nightcap at Hemingway’s Rooftop bar on top of the Cambria Hotel. Enjoy a margarita or martini complete with view and conversation around the fire pits! Bring a jacket or sweater - it can get chilly up there! Other rooftops that show Asheville’s splendor: The Montford Rooftop Bar, SkyBAR, or The Social Lounge. Top it off with some delicious chocolates for The Chocolate Fetish - the truffles and candied orange peel is amazing.
Plan ahead - there are always great festivals and concerts in Asheville - consult Explore Asheville, The Citizen-Times, and AVLtoday for daily happenings.
Note: Mondays at Bull and Beggar, there are scrumptious $10 burgers. Sundays, check out The Guitar Bar for local scene where there is live music in a homey vibe.
Beware – your guests will have so much fun exploring Asheville, they’ll definitely be back for more!
