There are so many Asheville attractions. The area is full of unique offerings for things to do. We brought this page together with our personal favorite places to save you some search time – and show you things that most other guides don’t.
Food Scene
The scene is huge in this “foodie” town. These are our personal recommendations for accessible restaurants – meaning places that are really good that you can actually get into without too much hassle or wait. Even though, you can still plan on a wait or reservations required at most Asheville restaurants. Visit the websites or call ahead to check.
Andaaz – Indian Fine Dining
Excellent Indian fare! If you have a big appetite, try the lunch buffet. Andaaz Asheville website
Biscuit Head – “Put Some South in Your Mouth.”
This place gets big recognition for scratch-made biscuits and all the fixins! Because of this, sometimes there are big lines too. Pro Tip: Call ahead for carryout. Biscuit Head website
Huli Sue’s – BBQ and Grill
This is NOT your typical BBQ place! This is Hawaiian and island fusion food with homemade brisket, seafood, amazing sauces, and unique preparations. Delicious and fun! Huli Sue’s website
Mountain Madre – Mexican Kitchen & Agave Bar
Delicious Latin food and an amazing selection of tequila – order a flight if you’re adventurous. Mountain Madre website
Nine Mile – “Laid-back vibes and fresh flavors”
Neighborhood feel with Caribbean-inspired fresh food. All the sauces are amazing!
Red Ginger – Dimsum & Tapas
A wide assortment of delicious and authentic Asian cuisine in a trendy atmosphere right downtown. Red Ginger website
Strada Italiano – Traditional Family-owned
Notable Italian food with a super-cool adjoining rooftop bar. You can wait there for your table because there’s almost always a waitlist. Strada website
Table – New American Restaurant
Want a great meal for a special night out? These folks will take care of you and feed you delicious farm-to-table food with creative preparations. Table website
Taco Billy – “Tacos for all the People”
You want tacos? …Go here! The breakfast tacos are especially notable. Taco Billy website
12 Bones Smokehouse – BBQ and Home Cookin’
This is often noted as one of the best BBQ places in the nation. We recommend going at off hours because at prime times there’s always a waiting line. 12 Bones website
Wasabi – Japanese Restaurant
You want sushi? …This is the place. Always hopping, but the supper-friendly staff takes it in stride. Wasabi website
White Labs – Kitchen and Tap
This place breeds the yeast for other breweries, and they also make darn good beers themselves! They have a farm-to-table food menu to go along with the beers. White Labs website
Beverage Scene
Yes, Asheville is “Beer City USA”. But there’s more to it than just beer. Aside from the 50+ breweries in the area, there is an amazing selection of creative cocktails, ciders, and locally produced wines. We recommend you do not attempt to try them all in one visit! These are our favorites to get you started…
Burial Beer Co.
This was a brewery the locals liked to keep to ourselves… until it exploded in popularity. A diverse selection of beers – many with long names you will never remember. Burial website
Burning Blush – Victorian-era Beers & Taproom
If you’re in this area for some outdoor adventure, this is the place for your post-activity beverages. They brew true-to-style European lagers and pilsners. Burning Blush website
Burntshirt Vineyards
Sip some tasty local wine in amazing settings! If you want to check out a local winery, this is the one not to miss. Burntshirt website
Hillman Beer
This is a standout local brewery with a diverse selection of beer styles, locations with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and a very good kitchen too! Hillman Beer website
Sierra Nevada Brewery – Mills River Taproom
AKA, “The Disney World of Beer”. This brewery must be experienced. Simply gorgeous with amazing outdoor spaces and really darn good beer too! Sierra Nevada website
Wedge Brewing Company
Great beers and a hoppin’ outdoor space. Check out both locations in the River Arts District. Wedge Brewing website
Antidote – Craft Cocktail Bar
Amazing South Slope location with “Three stories of early 1900s Apothecary Style & Aesthetics with a craft cocktail selection to match!” Antidote website
Top of the Monk – Rooftop Cocktails
Cocktails on the rooftop with a mountain view. The 2nd floor is a taproom. The downstairs is a Belgian beer grotto. You really can’t go wrong here. Top of the Monk website
Urban Orchard Cider
Many different styles of handcrafted cider here – from tart to sweet, dry, or spicy… you’ll find a favorite here. Urban Orchard website
Shopping
Local businesses are what make Asheville a unique shopping destination. You can find something to suit about any style or person on your gift list. We’ve pulled together several places where you might find things you don’t see anywhere else.
Dog and Pony Show
This shop is without a doubt “a curated collection of unique goods”. There’s so much to look at here! Dog and Pony Show website
Folk Art Center
Both an exhibition center and shop. Established in 1895, “it is recognized as the oldest craft shop in America”. Shop wares from over 400 regional craftspeople. Folk Art Center website
Grove Arcade – Historic 1929 “Mall”
Worth the walk-through just for the architecture and ambiance. And you’re sure to find something unique in one of the many shops. Grove Arcade website
Lexington Glassworks – Working Studio and Gallery
This place is an experience as much as a shopping destination. Watch glass blowers at their craft and take home a one-of-a-kind piece. Lexington Glassworks website
Marquee – Vendor Marketplace
This European-style market features art, home décor, and other creative local vendors. Located among the murals of the River Arts District. Marquee website
Provisions – “A Modern Day Mercantile”
A new twist on the old general store concept. You will find everything from food items to clothing with a focus on locally made goods. Provisions website
Experiences
Asheville has long been a destination for the arts, wellness, and outdoor adventure. You could build an entire vacation around any one of those categories – and still need to revisit multiple times to even begin experiencing everything there is to do! We’ve also partnered with some of the best activities in the area that you can book directly.
Asheville Art Museum
It’s no surprise that the city with such a vibrant arts scene has one of the best small-town art museums in the country. Lots to do here! Asheville Art Museum website
Asheville Pinball Museum
A museum where you can play the exhibits! Seventy different classic pinball machines and video games. Pinball Museum website
Botanical Gardens at Asheville
Ten acres of wooded walking trails and over 600 species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Botanical Gardens website
North Carolina Arboretum
Award winning displays and educational events with abundant hiking trails connected to the vast Pisgah National Forest. NC Arboretum website
WNC Nature Center
Rehabilitated animals from the region are cared for and housed here in this park-like, educational atmosphere. Great for animal lovers and kids! Nature Center website