So you’ve done it again. You still haven’t found that perfect gift for your spouse, mom, dad, brother, best friend, roommate, child, etc. – And now it’s Christmas Eve, and you’re still stumped.
Well, fear not. We’ve got you covered. (You lucky procrastinator, you.)
While most of us are endlessly searching this season for that perfect thing to give tomorrow, truth be told it’s the experiences in life that can make the best memories. So why not give the gift that will be remembered long past Christmas Day? The one that can’t be exchanged, regifted or returned for store credit (you know who you are).
We’ve rounded up for you some of the most unique experiences Asheville has to offer. Pro-tip: Print off your confirmation email + put in a fancy card to physically gift tomorrow. After all, we do live in one of the most visited cities in the U.S., and for good reason.
This year, give the last-minute gift that leaves a memory. ⬇️
For the cultural aficionado
The Biltmore |📍1 Lodge St. | 800-411-3812 | $219 | Grab annual Biltmore passes + a bottle of the winery’s signature red and slip them both in a cute gift bag. Voila.
Asheville Art Museum |📍175 Biltmore Ave. | 253-3227 | $65| 2019 marks the grand re-opening of the Asheville Art Museum’s flagstaff downtown location. What better time to gift an annual membership?
Asheville Symphony |📍27 College Pl. #100 | 254-7046 | $25+ | Going to the symphony is one of the classiest ways to spend a Saturday, therefore, a pair of tickets is the classiest kind of gift.
Malaprop’s |📍55 Haywood St. | 800-441-9829 | price depends on book prices | Sure, you could gift a Malaprop’s gift card (no shade, that’s always a great gift), but we think Christmas should be above and beyond. Gift a literary subscription service (choose form the First Editions Club or Homeward Bound Paperback Originals) and the lucky recipient will get a new book delivered to their doorstep monthly.
Their favorite local nonprofit | Making a donation in their name can be a very special gift for your socially-conscious friend or family member. Here’s a list if you need inspiration.
For the kid at heart
Breakout Games |📍60 Patton Ave. | 201-2600 | $19+ per person | Choose from five unique storylines (Mystery Mansion, Museum Heist, The Kidnapping, Operation Casino + Hostage) and see if you have what it takes to beat the escape room.
Grail Moviehouse |📍45 S. French Broad Ave. | 239-9392 | Prices vary | Grab two tickets or a gift card for a night at the movies.
Fine Arts Theatre |📍36 Biltmore Ave. | 232-1536 | Prices vary | Bonus: Offer to pay for the refreshments. Gift cards available
Asheville Museum of Science |📍 43 Patton Ave. | 254-7162 | $25+ | Not only does a membership get you into the museum free for a year, but you also get early registration + discounts on special programs, shows + exhibits, and discounted admission to Chimney Rock State Park. That’s what we call out of this world…
For the health + fitness nut
Asheville Salt Cave |📍16 N. Liberty St. | 236-5999 | $20+ | DYK: Salt therapy can provide relief from respiratory ailments (allergies, sinus issues, the common cold), acne, eczema + more? The Asheville Salt Cave also offers massage packages.
Omni Grove Park Inn Spa |📍290 Macon Ave. | 252-2711 | $90+ | So someone special in your life can treat themselves
Sauna House | 📍230 Short Coxe Ave. | 505-6393 | $35+ | Scandinavian-inspired hot plunge/cold plunge spa house with a sauna, lounge, cafe + massage services.
Shoji Spa + Lodge |📍96 Avondale Rd. | 299-0999 | $45+ | Part hydrotherapy, part massage, this Japanese-inspired spa has a cedar sauna, hot tubs, a cold plunge + more scattered over a mountaintop near town. Protip: Buncombe County residents get two hours for the price of one with same-day registration (depending on tub availability).
Empyrean Arts |📍32 Banks Ave. #108 | 782-3321 | Prices vary | Like yoga, but in the air, with silks
Their favorite yoga studio | What health + fitness guru wouldn’t love a gift card for a special event, workshop, or even just a few free classes? Here’s a list of a few of our go-to studios in town.
For the foodie
No Taste Like Home |📍Locations vary | 209-8599 | $75+ | A foraging food tour is great for learning more about the *ahem* roots of local cuisine by finding edible greens, berries, mushrooms, flowers, nuts, and more.
French Broad Food Co-op |📍90 Biltmore Ave. | 255-7650 | $25 | Join your food-loving friend up with the local co-op. Annual dues are $25 until you hit $250 and become an owner.
Asheville Food Tours |📍various locations | $55+ | Hit the streets of downtown or West Asheville to sample the greatest area eats with local hosts like Stu Helm: Food Fan and Burton Street native Davaion Bristol.
Burntshirt Vineyard |📍2695 Sugarloaf Rd. | 685-2402 | $10+ | Gift a membership to their 3400 Club. Members receive either 6 or 12 bottles in several shipments throughout the year, along with complimentary in-house wine tastings, 15% off cases + more more merchandise specials. Register via phone or email.
The Asheville Kitchen |📍384 Merrimon Ave. | 712-4350 | $65+ | Because the only thing better than eating food is cooking it, too. Check the class schedule here.
Their favorite restaurant | A gift card to a new culinary hotspot or a downtown staple is always a safe bet. Protip: Check out our most recent #NowOpen roundup for the latest in restaurant openings + closings.
For the nature lover
NC Arboretum |📍100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way | 655-2492 | $50+ | Membership includes free parking, plus special access to events, discounts + more.
Diamond Brand |📍53 Biltmore Ave. | 771-4761 | Gift a gift card along with a homemade voucher for the coolest hike or waterfall in the 828. They can use the voucher today or save it for warmer weather.
WNC Nature Center |📍75 Gashes Creek Rd. | 259-8080 | $34+ | Snag them a yearly membership so they can see all the animals, all the time.
Flora |📍428B Haywood Rd. | 252-8888 | Help a loved one pretty up their office or home with a floral subscription service – order weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Contact Flora for details + pricing.
A moment ago you were sweating it, and now you may have just found the best gift they didn’t even know they wanted.
On behalf of all of us at AVLtoday, we hope you + yours enjoy this holiday week.
