Newcomer’s guide to Asheville, NC

If you’re reading this, we know you’re already a pro. But say you’re telling a friend how great Asheville is — before getting to the deep cuts, walk them through this guide to Asheville for newbies.

For the friend who…

🌄 Believes if it’s not on the ’gram, it didn’t happen

• Grab a bite to eat (Bomba if you start near Pack Square, PIE.ZAA if you start closer to the South Slope) and take a walk on the South Slope Mural Trail.
• Take a short drive + hike to visit Catawba Falls.
• See glorious mountain vistas up close and personal with our hiking guide.
• Snap a selfie or six outside in front of Liminal, the 3-D tile installation outside of the Center for Craft.
• Time a trip to Craggy Gardens — we recommend an inspirational quote for the caption.

👕 Loves a good local shopping spree. Add these to the list:

• Moonlight Makers or Mount Inspiration for punny postcards, t-shirts + coffee mugs.
• Hot sauce from Firewalker + O’Yeah
• Cocktail mix from Cultivated Cocktails
• Pickles + fermented delights like sauerkraut and kimchi from Sweet Brine’d
• Chocolates galore from French Broad Chocolates and the Chocolate Fetish

🍽 Sees the world through their stomach

• Forage local food vendors at Asheville’s first food hall, S+W Market. Pro Tip: Tuesdays are Locals Day, where all vendors offer specials for those of us lucky enough to live here.
• Introduce them to the brew scene — Highland Brewing, Archetype, Asheville Brewing, Wicked Weed, Green Maqn, Bhramari, Catawba (among many)…
• … or the coffee scene — Pollen, Gallivant, Grind, Rowan (but wait, there’s more).

📚 Travels with a library in their carry-on

• Check out the Asheville Art Museum’s nationally-acclaimed collection of architectures + American art.
• Stroll through downtown and see some incredible public art.
• Experience some of Asheville’s history at the YMI Cultural Center and the North Carolina Room at Pack Memorial Library.
• Learn something new with a class at NC Glass Center.