Ashville, NC is a town we keep coming back to. It’s half southern charm, half Brooklyn hipster vibe sets it apart from other southern cities. With a vibrant food, craft beer, and arts scene, there’s always plenty to do (and calories to consume).

There’s no bad time to visit Asheville, but there’s something extra special about Asheville in the fall. The changing leaves and cooling temperatures make for the perfect time to explore the town and the many hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Here are some of our favorite places to sleep, eat, drink, and play:

Sleep

1. Cedar Crest Inn: A quaint, pink B&B well located between downtown Asheville and Biltmore Village. We love relaxing on the porch with a glass of wine after a long day exploring! The B&B also offers several packages throughout the year that include your Biltmore tour tickets.
2. Omni Grove Park Inn: This historic hotel is definitely the nicest in town. It has a golf course, spa, and several restaurants. If you don’t stay here, make sure you at least stop by for cocktails on their terrace and take in the Blue Ridge Mountain view.
3. Aloft Asheville Downtown: For those of us with Marriott points. Located right in downtown.

Eat

1. Chestnut: Farm to table “craft” food and cocktails with a monthly rotating menu. We have dinner here every trip – it’s always different and always delicious!
2. Biscuit Head: The “put a little south in your mouth” tagline says it all! Fluffy, oversized biscuits topped with pork, fried chicken, poached egg, or whatever else your heart (or stomach) desires!
3. The Corner Kitchen: Good southern breakfast spot in beautiful Biltmore Village by the same group that owns Chestnut.
4. Red Ginger: Dim Sum in downtown Asheville
5. Little Bee Thai
6. Blue Dream Curry House: Pan Asian mix of Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese
7. Red Stag Grill: Traditional steakhouse in the Grand Bohemian Hotel
8. Curate: Tapas
9. Buxton Hall BBQ

Drink

1. Wicked Weed & other craft breweries: There are more breweries that you can count. Wicked Weed is one of the biggest, but walk into the smaller ones- you may just find your favorite new beer!
2. Urban Orchard Cider Company: We love the cider flights! After a few breweries, it’s nice to round out the day with something sweeter.
3. Top of the Monk: Craft cocktails. Don’t let the “Members Only Club” keep you from going in. This is only to comply with NC alcohol laws and only costs a couple of $$ to become a member
4. Sovereign Remedies: Craft cocktails
5. Trade and Lore Coffee

Played

1. Biltmore Estate: Go November-December to see the estate all dressed up for Christmas.
   • Estate Tour
   • Grounds
   • Winery
2. Blue Ridge Parkway: Hop in the car on a beautiful fall day and drive along the parkway. There are plenty of places to stop along the way for a hike. Check out craggy Gardens and Pisgah National Forest.
3. Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne: Books & champagne? Two of my favorite things in one place! Go for a quick drink or spend an afternoon.
4. French Broad Chocolate Shop: Chocolate everything. And ice cream. I tend to spend a lot of time here.
5. North Carolina Glass Center: For glassblowing classes
6. River Arts District: Art studios & boutiques
7. Asheville Treetops Adventure Park: for zip lining