If you’re looking for the perfect escape where you can enjoy nature, great food, history and a vibrant arts scene, Asheville, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect place for a weekend getaway and it also makes for a great road trip stop on the East Coast.
Asheville, NC has been on my USA bucket list for a few years at this point. I was so excited to finally make this trip happen in late March 2021. My Asheville trip was combined with a trip to the Smoky Mountain region of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. (Discover the best things to do with 3 days in Great Smoky Mountains.) I also had the opportunity to explore part of Charlotte, North Carolina before my weekend in Asheville. I did this wonderful Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains trip with Hannah of Hannah Liz Weaver.
During my weekend in Asheville, I stayed at the stunning Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown, which is now DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown. Since Asheville is known as a renowned foodie city, I got to eat delicious meals at amazing restaurants; hike a picturesque trail and enjoy the breathtaking views along Blue Ridge Parkway; visit the beautiful Biltmore Estate and wine taste on the property and also enjoy the craft beer scene.
I am so excited to share the best weekend in Asheville itinerary! Read all about the adventures I did during my time in this fun Western North Carolina mountain city.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Asheville, Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown (which is now DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown) hosted me for two nights. The Montford Rooftop Bar also hosted me for a dinner during my time in the city.
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Traveling to Asheville, North Carolina for a Weekend Getaway:
Since my full itinerary for this specific trip was Charlotte to Asheville to Pigeon Forge, I flew from Newark Airport in New Jersey to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC. Asheville does have a regional airport, but if you’re traveling from anywhere in the United States (outside of North Carolina or nearby states) or the world in general, you will most likely need to book your flight into Charlotte, rent a car and drive from there. It takes around two hours to drive from Charlotte to Asheville, North Carolina.
Even if you aren’t planning on traveling around North Carolina or even into Tennessee, I still recommend renting a car because a lot of things are spread out in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are plenty of great hiking spots and breathtaking overlooks outside of Asheville and you definitely don’t want to miss out on seeing them!
If you choose not to rent a car, you can get around Asheville via the bus, take a city taxi, Uber or Lyft. Asheville is also a great place to ride a bike around! Click here to learn more about Asheville’s public transportation services.
I flew back home to Newark via Knoxville, Tennessee’s McGhee Tyson Airport, since I ended my trip in Pigeon Forge, TN.
(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)
Staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown during a Weekend in Asheville, NC:
During my 2 day Asheville itinerary, I stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown in their incredible Bridal Suite! This stunning suite is the ultimate room for a girl’s trip. It features custom designer furnishings and amazing panoramic views of the city along with the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
In addition, the Bridal Suite also had a spacious bathroom with a soaking tub and window that overlooks the mountains. The bathroom also had a nice rain shower and two sinks. The suite also offers plenty of space to relax with additional soft seating as well as a lot of areas to get ready.
This beautiful room also includes a king-sized bed that was absolutely comfortable. It is the perfect room for a bride-to-be and her bridal party.
I absolutely LOVED staying in this luxurious room! It was picturesque, a great place to get work done and a wonderful spot to celebrate with some Champagne. I didn’t want to ever check out of it!
In addition to the Bridal Suite at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown, there is also a Groom Suite for a groom and his groomsmen, which is similar to the Bridal Suite, except there isn’t a bathtub and instead, a 3-seat wet bar.
The other suites and rooms to choose from at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown during a weekend in the city are the One Bedroom King Suite, Accessible One Bedroom Suite/Tub (with a sofa bed), King Bed Mountain View room (with a sofa bed), King Bed City View room (with a sofa bed), King Bed High Floor room (with a sofa bed), Two Queen Beds High Floor room (with a sofa bed), King Bed room (with a sofa bed), Queen Beds room (with a sofa bed), Accessible King Bed Mountain View/Roll-in Shower room (with a sofa bed), Accessible Two Queen Beds/Tub (with a sofa bed) and an Accessible King Bed/Roll-in Shower (with a sofa bed).
Not only does every room at DoubleTree Asheville Downtown feature a cozy corner with a sofa sleeper, they also have HDTV, a coffeemaker and tea setup, mini-fridge and a working desk.
Another reason why DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown is the perfect hotel to stay at during a weekend in Asheville is because it is in walking distance (or a close driving distance) to more than 200 locally owned restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. It is also in close proximity to the famous Biltmore Estate in the Blue Ridge Mountain city.
I loved how clean the entire hotel was and enjoyed the free breakfast! DoubleTree also has free Internet access throughout the entire building, a restaurant onsite called The Montford Rooftop Bar, a café called Dogwood Café, a fitness center, indoor pool, meeting spaces for business trips and more. There are also plenty of relaxing lounge areas and a nice fireplace to warm up to.
Asheville Weekend Itinerary:
Friday Afternoon and Evening during an Asheville Girls Trip:
Enjoy Dinner and Drinks at The Montford Rooftop Bar at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown:
The both of us arrived in Asheville in mid afternoon after spending a morning in Charlotte. We first checked into our room at the DoubleTree and spent time enjoying the beauty of it.
During Hannah and I’s first evening in Asheville on Friday, we enjoyed dinner and drinks with a view at The Montford Rooftop Bar, which is located at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown. It was very convenient getting dinner at this lovely spot since we were staying right at the hotel.
Overall, the views at The Montford were absolutely stunning as we watched the sunset over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For dinner, I savored the kale pistou gnocchi that consisted of crispy gnocchi, kale pistou sauce, apple chips, almonds and homemade apple sauce. It was absolutely incredible and it was also my first time consuming crispy gnocchi and I loved it! Hannah enjoyed the buffalo chicken wings, which she said was also delicious.
The Montford Rooftop Bar features a seasonal menu with small bites and craft drinks (even though my meal was considered a small bite, it definitely filled me up as a dinner). The menu changes monthly, so it gives everyone a reason to return!
Whether you’re enjoying happy hour drinks with coworkers; savoring a nice dinner with friends and family or catching a romantic sunset during a date night, The Montford is one of the top rooftop spots in Asheville that you cannot miss out on during a girls trip to this vibrant city.
(We also witnessed an engagement proposal during sunset at The Montford Rooftop Bar! It was so special.)
Saturday in Asheville – Weekend to Remember Itinerary:
Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway:
Not only is Asheville, North Carolina an amazing city that offers something for everyone, but it is also located near the famous Blue Ridge Parkway that feature some of the oldest mountains in the world. It’s the perfect place to visit during your Asheville, NC weekend trip.
Also known as “America’s Favorite Drive”, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive along the Appalachian Mountains on the East Coast that goes from Northern Virginia, near the start of Shenandoah National Park, to Southwestern North Carolina, near the start of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (I actually was on the Blue Ridge Parkway once before during my four years at James Madison University in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. It is absolutely gorgeous!)
There are so many ways adventure enthusiasts can enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, whether you want to experience the whole road or certain areas of it. You can either drive your vehicle, motorcycle, bike or hike the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are also a plethora of campsites along this awesome road and wonderful outdoor adventures for you and your loved ones to enjoy!
If you plan to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, definitely check out Mount Mitchell, which is the highest mountain peak on the East Coast of the United States that is located 19 miles northeast of Asheville; New River, which is the oldest river in North America that runs through Central West Virginia, Southwestern Virginia and Western North Carolina; Linville Gorge, which is the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon and is situated between Asheville and Charlotte in Pisgah National Forest and then Whitewater Falls, which is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and is located near the North Carolina and South Carolina state border.
During a weekend in Asheville, I highly recommend exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and the best part is that you don’t have to travel too far to experience beautiful nature and see abundant biodiversity.
On our first morning in Asheville, Hannah and I headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville to get a hike in. Hannah had traveled to Asheville before during fall 2020 and said that the foliage is absolutely incredible during that time of the year. No matter when you choose to do your weekend getaway in Asheville, the Blue Ridge Mountains are gorgeous, but if you’re someone who is an autumn lover, then definitely save your trip for then because you won’t be disappointed.
We did a basic hike called Rough Ridge Trail at Grandfather Mountain, which is popular for Asheville visitors, but offers exceptional views at the overlook! It is a great hike to do along Blue Ridge Parkway if you have a full day planned and can’t commit to a longer hike. (This hike is located at mile point 302.8 on Blue Ridge Parkway and it is 1.2 miles.)
Discover other great hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina.
Savor an Asheville Brunch during Your Girls Trip:
After our hike, Hannah and I made our way back into the city to enjoy a lovely brunch at Isa’s French Bistro. This lovely French-inspired restaurant combines French cuisine with North Carolina cooking. Everything on the menu features seasonal harvest and local produce from the Asheville area.
During our morning brunch at Isa’s French Bistro, both Hannah and I got a mimosa flight that consisted of three small glasses of different flavored mimosas. I had the lavender-lemon, blood orange and pineapple mimosas. Everything was delicious, but I liked the pineapple mimosa the best!
For our meal, I savored the North Carolina chicken and French toast that came with sourdough French toast, fried chicken breast, maple syrup and fresh berries. (This was the first time I had chicken and French toast. I’m normally used to eating chicken and waffles when I visit the South.) Hannah had the Caesar salad. It was the perfect treat after a hike and to fuel us for the rest of the day.
Tour the Biltmore House during your Weekend in Asheville:
Known as America’s Largest Home®, the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina is the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Built in 1889 and finished in 1895 on Christmas Eve, the Biltmore House is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau that features 16th Century tapestries all throughout, a magnificent library with over 10,000 volumes, a stunning banquet hall, indoor pool, bowling alley and a fascinating kitchen.
There are quite a few Vanderbilt mansions that you can visit in the United States, but the three I have been to so far are The Breakers and Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island as well as the Biltmore House in Asheville. All of them are fascinating! Visiting the Biltmore House should always be included in an Asheville weekend itinerary!
Please note that you need to make your reservations for the Biltmore House in advance. Hannah and I booked our tickets a week before we went and were able to get the 3:45pm tour reservation. (You can visit the Biltmore Estate® and explore the property such as the gardens, restaurants, winery, etc. anytime throughout the day. There are also three hotels at Biltmore Estate®.)
The tour through the Biltmore House is self-guided and it will take you around an hour (more or less) to walk through it. George Vanderbilt first visited Asheville, North Carolina in 1887 and fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains. Right away, he knew that it would be the best location for his country home.
A few years after the Biltmore House was opened to family and friends, George Vanderbilt married Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in Paris, France. They then enjoyed their honeymoon in Italy. In 1900, the couple’s first child was born, Cornelia. After that, a dairy and horse farm were built on the property, which is still there to this day. In 1914, George Vanderbilt passed away at the age of 51.
In 1971, the first grape vines were placed at the Biltmore and in 1983, the Biltmore Estate Wine Company was established! After touring the house and walking around the stunning gardens and admiring the cherry blossoms and other blooms, Hannah and I made our way to the winery.
Overall, walking through the Biltmore House is absolutely stunning. Please note that it did cost me around $80.00 USD for an adult admission ticket and the price ranges throughout the year, depending on when you visit the Biltmore. The admission ticket does include a complimentary wine tasting at the winery! If you decide to do your weekend in Asheville during the holidays, the Biltmore House is decorated festively.
Wine Taste at The Biltmore Estate Winery during your 3 Days in Asheville, NC:
There is nothing more rewarding than wine tasting after exploring the Biltmore House during a weekend in Asheville.
Located at Antler Hill Village at the Biltmore Estate®, you and your family and friends can experience a variety of great activities such as seeing the animals at the farm, going on a hike around the property, doing a relaxing meditation, enjoying a nice meal at one of the amazing restaurants and eateries, shopping at one of the stores or gift shops on the property and also wine tasting at the winery.
Overall, Biltmore Estate Winery is known for their award-winning reds, whites and rosés. When you first enter the winery, you will walk through the dreamy wine cellars that are splashed with Christmas lights. These cellars at the winery hold more than 20 different handcrafted vintages.
I loved sitting at the winery and relaxing after a full day of exploring. The winery itself is absolutely lovely with both an indoor and outdoor wine bar and you can also enjoy a delicious charcuterie board, small plates and snacks as well as a red wine and chocolate tasting!
Enjoy an Asheville Restaurant for Dinner:
Asheville is a massive foodie city and there are so many great restaurants to choose from during your North Carolina itinerary! A few places that were recommended to me were Biscuit Head, Vortex Donuts, Chai Pani (for Indian food), Cúrate (for tapas), Jerusalem Garden Café (for Mediterranean cuisine) and Red Ginger (for dumplings).
Hannah and I were undecided on where to eat dinner during our second night on our weekend getaway in Asheville because of all the great options, so we asked a local at the winery and she recommended we eat at Zambra. This eclectic tapas and wine bar in downtown Asheville is situated in a romantic amber-lit atmosphere and features an amazing menu of delicious Spanish tapas.
We both enjoyed sangria and I had three tapas dishes: the grilled garlic shrimp with chimichurri, piquillo bisque and garlic chips; octopus paella with Spanish chorizo, peas, squid ink aioli, scallion and bonito flakes as well as mixed sautéed mushrooms with peas, sherry, a slow poached egg and migas. Hannah had two tapas dishes – the border springs lamb albondigas (meatballs) in a sofrito BBQ sauce with idiazabal, cilantro and a baguette along with the brussel sprouts plate. Everything was incredible!
Have a Sunday Southern Brunch during your Asheville Girls Trip:
On our last morning in Asheville, Hannah and I decided to go out with a bang by savoring a delicious Southern comfort brunch at Tupelo Honey. I highly recommend putting this amazing Southern restaurant in your Asheville weekend itinerary! It is amazing.
There are two Tupelo Honey locations in Asheville. One of them is located in the downtown area and the other restaurant is located on the same road as Biltmore Estate®, but a little further down in South Asheville.
It is important to note that if you want to eat at Tupelo Honey that you make a reservation in advance because it is a popular place amongst locals and visitors. Hannah and I tried getting into the downtown restaurant location the day before, but there was a two-hour wait and we were hungry. It is definitely easier to get into the South Asheville location!
During our morning at Tupelo Honey we both got the Southern Hospitality mimosa that consisted of peach nectar and pineapple juice with Prosecco. For our main meal, I had the fried chicken and biscuit dish that came with honey dusted fried chicken, smoked ham and a fried egg and Hannah savored the Southwestern omelet that came with chorizo, avocado, white cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream, parmesan and rosemary potato cracklins. Everything was to die for!
Shop around Downtown Asheville during your Long Weekend Getaway:
After brunch, Hannah and I made our way back to downtown Asheville where we walked off our meal.
Asheville has a lot of indie boutiques, regular everyday stores, vibrant art galleries, specialty food stores, antique and artisan shops and so much more. There is a lot to be discovered in Asheville during a weekend trip!
If you have more time, definitely attend an event at one of Asheville’s many music venues, visit the Asheville Pinball Museum and walk through the Asheville City Market.
Visit an Asheville Brewery or Cidery:
Right before we ended our weekend in Asheville to continue on with our Smoky Mountains itinerary, Hannah and I made our way to Wicked Weed Brewing in downtown.
This great brewery has a tasting room, outdoor seating with heated lamps and fire pits, plus a wide range of IPAs, stouts, sours, lagers and more! Wicked Weed also has another location called Funkatorium, which is a fun and unique spot to enjoy great crafted beers!
Other great cutting-edge spots to enjoy a drink in Asheville are Urban Orchard Cider Co. (cidery), Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co., Twin Leaf Brewery, Pleb Urban Winery, Bottle Riot (winery) and Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar (a wine/Champagne bar in a bookstore).
Check out these other awesome cities, similar to Asheville:
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I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best Asheville weekend itinerary and reading about my time staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
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If you’re looking for the perfect escape where you can enjoy nature, great food, history and a vibrant arts scene, Asheville, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect place for a weekend getaway and it also makes for a great road trip stop on the East Coast.
Asheville, NC has been on my USA bucket list for a few years at this point. I was so excited to finally make this trip happen in late March 2021. My Asheville trip was combined with a trip to the Smoky Mountain region of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. (Discover the best things to do with 3 days in Great Smoky Mountains.) I also had the opportunity to explore part of Charlotte, North Carolina before my weekend in Asheville. I did this wonderful Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains trip with Hannah of Hannah Liz Weaver.
During my weekend in Asheville, I stayed at the stunning Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown, which is now DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown. Since Asheville is known as a renowned foodie city, I got to eat delicious meals at amazing restaurants; hike a picturesque trail and enjoy the breathtaking views along Blue Ridge Parkway; visit the beautiful Biltmore Estate and wine taste on the property and also enjoy the craft beer scene.
I am so excited to share the best weekend in Asheville itinerary! Read all about the adventures I did during my time in this fun Western North Carolina mountain city.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Asheville, Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown (which is now DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown) hosted me for two nights. The Montford Rooftop Bar also hosted me for a dinner during my time in the city.
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Traveling to Asheville, North Carolina for a Weekend Getaway:
Since my full itinerary for this specific trip was Charlotte to Asheville to Pigeon Forge, I flew from Newark Airport in New Jersey to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC. Asheville does have a regional airport, but if you’re traveling from anywhere in the United States (outside of North Carolina or nearby states) or the world in general, you will most likely need to book your flight into Charlotte, rent a car and drive from there. It takes around two hours to drive from Charlotte to Asheville, North Carolina.
Even if you aren’t planning on traveling around North Carolina or even into Tennessee, I still recommend renting a car because a lot of things are spread out in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are plenty of great hiking spots and breathtaking overlooks outside of Asheville and you definitely don’t want to miss out on seeing them!
If you choose not to rent a car, you can get around Asheville via the bus, take a city taxi, Uber or Lyft. Asheville is also a great place to ride a bike around! Click here to learn more about Asheville’s public transportation services.
I flew back home to Newark via Knoxville, Tennessee’s McGhee Tyson Airport, since I ended my trip in Pigeon Forge, TN.
(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)
Staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown during a Weekend in Asheville, NC:
During my 2 day Asheville itinerary, I stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown in their incredible Bridal Suite! This stunning suite is the ultimate room for a girl’s trip. It features custom designer furnishings and amazing panoramic views of the city along with the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
In addition, the Bridal Suite also had a spacious bathroom with a soaking tub and window that overlooks the mountains. The bathroom also had a nice rain shower and two sinks. The suite also offers plenty of space to relax with additional soft seating as well as a lot of areas to get ready.
This beautiful room also includes a king-sized bed that was absolutely comfortable. It is the perfect room for a bride-to-be and her bridal party.
I absolutely LOVED staying in this luxurious room! It was picturesque, a great place to get work done and a wonderful spot to celebrate with some Champagne. I didn’t want to ever check out of it!
In addition to the Bridal Suite at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown, there is also a Groom Suite for a groom and his groomsmen, which is similar to the Bridal Suite, except there isn’t a bathtub and instead, a 3-seat wet bar.
The other suites and rooms to choose from at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown during a weekend in the city are the One Bedroom King Suite, Accessible One Bedroom Suite/Tub (with a sofa bed), King Bed Mountain View room (with a sofa bed), King Bed City View room (with a sofa bed), King Bed High Floor room (with a sofa bed), Two Queen Beds High Floor room (with a sofa bed), King Bed room (with a sofa bed), Queen Beds room (with a sofa bed), Accessible King Bed Mountain View/Roll-in Shower room (with a sofa bed), Accessible Two Queen Beds/Tub (with a sofa bed) and an Accessible King Bed/Roll-in Shower (with a sofa bed).
Not only does every room at DoubleTree Asheville Downtown feature a cozy corner with a sofa sleeper, they also have HDTV, a coffeemaker and tea setup, mini-fridge and a working desk.
Another reason why DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown is the perfect hotel to stay at during a weekend in Asheville is because it is in walking distance (or a close driving distance) to more than 200 locally owned restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. It is also in close proximity to the famous Biltmore Estate in the Blue Ridge Mountain city.
I loved how clean the entire hotel was and enjoyed the free breakfast! DoubleTree also has free Internet access throughout the entire building, a restaurant onsite called The Montford Rooftop Bar, a café called Dogwood Café, a fitness center, indoor pool, meeting spaces for business trips and more. There are also plenty of relaxing lounge areas and a nice fireplace to warm up to.
Asheville Weekend Itinerary:
Friday Afternoon and Evening during an Asheville Girls Trip:
Enjoy Dinner and Drinks at The Montford Rooftop Bar at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown:
The both of us arrived in Asheville in mid afternoon after spending a morning in Charlotte. We first checked into our room at the DoubleTree and spent time enjoying the beauty of it.
During Hannah and I’s first evening in Asheville on Friday, we enjoyed dinner and drinks with a view at The Montford Rooftop Bar, which is located at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown. It was very convenient getting dinner at this lovely spot since we were staying right at the hotel.
Overall, the views at The Montford were absolutely stunning as we watched the sunset over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For dinner, I savored the kale pistou gnocchi that consisted of crispy gnocchi, kale pistou sauce, apple chips, almonds and homemade apple sauce. It was absolutely incredible and it was also my first time consuming crispy gnocchi and I loved it! Hannah enjoyed the buffalo chicken wings, which she said was also delicious.
The Montford Rooftop Bar features a seasonal menu with small bites and craft drinks (even though my meal was considered a small bite, it definitely filled me up as a dinner). The menu changes monthly, so it gives everyone a reason to return!
Whether you’re enjoying happy hour drinks with coworkers; savoring a nice dinner with friends and family or catching a romantic sunset during a date night, The Montford is one of the top rooftop spots in Asheville that you cannot miss out on during a girls trip to this vibrant city.
(We also witnessed an engagement proposal during sunset at The Montford Rooftop Bar! It was so special.)
Saturday in Asheville – Weekend to Remember Itinerary:
Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway:
Not only is Asheville, North Carolina an amazing city that offers something for everyone, but it is also located near the famous Blue Ridge Parkway that feature some of the oldest mountains in the world. It’s the perfect place to visit during your Asheville, NC weekend trip.
Also known as “America’s Favorite Drive”, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive along the Appalachian Mountains on the East Coast that goes from Northern Virginia, near the start of Shenandoah National Park, to Southwestern North Carolina, near the start of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (I actually was on the Blue Ridge Parkway once before during my four years at James Madison University in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. It is absolutely gorgeous!)
There are so many ways adventure enthusiasts can enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, whether you want to experience the whole road or certain areas of it. You can either drive your vehicle, motorcycle, bike or hike the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are also a plethora of campsites along this awesome road and wonderful outdoor adventures for you and your loved ones to enjoy!
If you plan to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, definitely check out Mount Mitchell, which is the highest mountain peak on the East Coast of the United States that is located 19 miles northeast of Asheville; New River, which is the oldest river in North America that runs through Central West Virginia, Southwestern Virginia and Western North Carolina; Linville Gorge, which is the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon and is situated between Asheville and Charlotte in Pisgah National Forest and then Whitewater Falls, which is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and is located near the North Carolina and South Carolina state border.
During a weekend in Asheville, I highly recommend exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and the best part is that you don’t have to travel too far to experience beautiful nature and see abundant biodiversity.
On our first morning in Asheville, Hannah and I headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville to get a hike in. Hannah had traveled to Asheville before during fall 2020 and said that the foliage is absolutely incredible during that time of the year. No matter when you choose to do your weekend getaway in Asheville, the Blue Ridge Mountains are gorgeous, but if you’re someone who is an autumn lover, then definitely save your trip for then because you won’t be disappointed.
We did a basic hike called Rough Ridge Trail at Grandfather Mountain, which is popular for Asheville visitors, but offers exceptional views at the overlook! It is a great hike to do along Blue Ridge Parkway if you have a full day planned and can’t commit to a longer hike. (This hike is located at mile point 302.8 on Blue Ridge Parkway and it is 1.2 miles.)
Discover other great hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina.
Savor an Asheville Brunch during Your Girls Trip:
After our hike, Hannah and I made our way back into the city to enjoy a lovely brunch at Isa’s French Bistro. This lovely French-inspired restaurant combines French cuisine with North Carolina cooking. Everything on the menu features seasonal harvest and local produce from the Asheville area.
During our morning brunch at Isa’s French Bistro, both Hannah and I got a mimosa flight that consisted of three small glasses of different flavored mimosas. I had the lavender-lemon, blood orange and pineapple mimosas. Everything was delicious, but I liked the pineapple mimosa the best!
For our meal, I savored the North Carolina chicken and French toast that came with sourdough French toast, fried chicken breast, maple syrup and fresh berries. (This was the first time I had chicken and French toast. I’m normally used to eating chicken and waffles when I visit the South.) Hannah had the Caesar salad. It was the perfect treat after a hike and to fuel us for the rest of the day.
Tour the Biltmore House during your Weekend in Asheville:
Known as America’s Largest Home®, the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina is the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Built in 1889 and finished in 1895 on Christmas Eve, the Biltmore House is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau that features 16th Century tapestries all throughout, a magnificent library with over 10,000 volumes, a stunning banquet hall, indoor pool, bowling alley and a fascinating kitchen.
There are quite a few Vanderbilt mansions that you can visit in the United States, but the three I have been to so far are The Breakers and Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island as well as the Biltmore House in Asheville. All of them are fascinating! Visiting the Biltmore House should always be included in an Asheville weekend itinerary!
Please note that you need to make your reservations for the Biltmore House in advance. Hannah and I booked our tickets a week before we went and were able to get the 3:45pm tour reservation. (You can visit the Biltmore Estate® and explore the property such as the gardens, restaurants, winery, etc. anytime throughout the day. There are also three hotels at Biltmore Estate®.)
The tour through the Biltmore House is self-guided and it will take you around an hour (more or less) to walk through it. George Vanderbilt first visited Asheville, North Carolina in 1887 and fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains. Right away, he knew that it would be the best location for his country home.
A few years after the Biltmore House was opened to family and friends, George Vanderbilt married Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in Paris, France. They then enjoyed their honeymoon in Italy. In 1900, the couple’s first child was born, Cornelia. After that, a dairy and horse farm were built on the property, which is still there to this day. In 1914, George Vanderbilt passed away at the age of 51.
In 1971, the first grape vines were placed at the Biltmore and in 1983, the Biltmore Estate Wine Company was established! After touring the house and walking around the stunning gardens and admiring the cherry blossoms and other blooms, Hannah and I made our way to the winery.
Overall, walking through the Biltmore House is absolutely stunning. Please note that it did cost me around $80.00 USD for an adult admission ticket and the price ranges throughout the year, depending on when you visit the Biltmore. The admission ticket does include a complimentary wine tasting at the winery! If you decide to do your weekend in Asheville during the holidays, the Biltmore House is decorated festively.
Wine Taste at The Biltmore Estate Winery during your 3 Days in Asheville, NC:
There is nothing more rewarding than wine tasting after exploring the Biltmore House during a weekend in Asheville.
Located at Antler Hill Village at the Biltmore Estate®, you and your family and friends can experience a variety of great activities such as seeing the animals at the farm, going on a hike around the property, doing a relaxing meditation, enjoying a nice meal at one of the amazing restaurants and eateries, shopping at one of the stores or gift shops on the property and also wine tasting at the winery.
Overall, Biltmore Estate Winery is known for their award-winning reds, whites and rosés. When you first enter the winery, you will walk through the dreamy wine cellars that are splashed with Christmas lights. These cellars at the winery hold more than 20 different handcrafted vintages.
I loved sitting at the winery and relaxing after a full day of exploring. The winery itself is absolutely lovely with both an indoor and outdoor wine bar and you can also enjoy a delicious charcuterie board, small plates and snacks as well as a red wine and chocolate tasting!
Enjoy an Asheville Restaurant for Dinner:
Asheville is a massive foodie city and there are so many great restaurants to choose from during your North Carolina itinerary! A few places that were recommended to me were Biscuit Head, Vortex Donuts, Chai Pani (for Indian food), Cúrate (for tapas), Jerusalem Garden Café (for Mediterranean cuisine) and Red Ginger (for dumplings).
Hannah and I were undecided on where to eat dinner during our second night on our weekend getaway in Asheville because of all the great options, so we asked a local at the winery and she recommended we eat at Zambra. This eclectic tapas and wine bar in downtown Asheville is situated in a romantic amber-lit atmosphere and features an amazing menu of delicious Spanish tapas.
We both enjoyed sangria and I had three tapas dishes: the grilled garlic shrimp with chimichurri, piquillo bisque and garlic chips; octopus paella with Spanish chorizo, peas, squid ink aioli, scallion and bonito flakes as well as mixed sautéed mushrooms with peas, sherry, a slow poached egg and migas. Hannah had two tapas dishes – the border springs lamb albondigas (meatballs) in a sofrito BBQ sauce with idiazabal, cilantro and a baguette along with the brussel sprouts plate. Everything was incredible!
Have a Sunday Southern Brunch during your Asheville Girls Trip:
On our last morning in Asheville, Hannah and I decided to go out with a bang by savoring a delicious Southern comfort brunch at Tupelo Honey. I highly recommend putting this amazing Southern restaurant in your Asheville weekend itinerary! It is amazing.
There are two Tupelo Honey locations in Asheville. One of them is located in the downtown area and the other restaurant is located on the same road as Biltmore Estate®, but a little further down in South Asheville.
It is important to note that if you want to eat at Tupelo Honey that you make a reservation in advance because it is a popular place amongst locals and visitors. Hannah and I tried getting into the downtown restaurant location the day before, but there was a two-hour wait and we were hungry. It is definitely easier to get into the South Asheville location!
During our morning at Tupelo Honey we both got the Southern Hospitality mimosa that consisted of peach nectar and pineapple juice with Prosecco. For our main meal, I had the fried chicken and biscuit dish that came with honey dusted fried chicken, smoked ham and a fried egg and Hannah savored the Southwestern omelet that came with chorizo, avocado, white cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream, parmesan and rosemary potato cracklins. Everything was to die for!
Shop around Downtown Asheville during your Long Weekend Getaway:
After brunch, Hannah and I made our way back to downtown Asheville where we walked off our meal.
Asheville has a lot of indie boutiques, regular everyday stores, vibrant art galleries, specialty food stores, antique and artisan shops and so much more. There is a lot to be discovered in Asheville during a weekend trip!
If you have more time, definitely attend an event at one of Asheville’s many music venues, visit the Asheville Pinball Museum and walk through the Asheville City Market.
Visit an Asheville Brewery or Cidery:
Right before we ended our weekend in Asheville to continue on with our Smoky Mountains itinerary, Hannah and I made our way to Wicked Weed Brewing in downtown.
This great brewery has a tasting room, outdoor seating with heated lamps and fire pits, plus a wide range of IPAs, stouts, sours, lagers and more! Wicked Weed also has another location called Funkatorium, which is a fun and unique spot to enjoy great crafted beers!
Other great cutting-edge spots to enjoy a drink in Asheville are Urban Orchard Cider Co. (cidery), Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co., Twin Leaf Brewery, Pleb Urban Winery, Bottle Riot (winery) and Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar (a wine/Champagne bar in a bookstore).
Check out these other awesome cities, similar to Asheville:
Planning a memorable USA trip? Find more USA travel tips here.
I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best Asheville weekend itinerary and reading about my time staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Basic Facts of the United States:
Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., NC State Capital: Raleigh, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
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33 Comments
Great blog Taylor! Ashville, NC looks like a fun place to visit and the Hyatt Place looked so beautiful! Ashville definitely has a lot of great food places, wineries and cideries to visit ~ The Biltmore is absolutely breathtaking ~ the grounds are so plush! I can imagine how gorgeous the interior must be. I remember visiting the Breakers and Marble House ~ now I need to make it to the Biltmore to see that fabulous mansion. Awesome guide and love all the beautiful photos ~ You always capture the special moments of your trips through your photos which makes me feel like I am actually at these places! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and educating us on amazing places to visit here in the U.S.
Love you, Mom xoxo <3
Loved the Blue Ridge Parkway. We stayed at Asheville, but didn’t really explore it at the time. I know my husband and son would want to visit the Asheville Pinball museum.
There are so many interesting places here Taylor, I had no idea about visiting Asheville! The food at The Montford looks so good as well!
Great post! I actually have a friend who recently moved to Asheville, so I’m going to keep this post handy for when I get the chance to go out and visit. It looks like a great place!
I adore your photos! Love this itinerary – it looks perfect for a weekend full of fun. I’d definitely be hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway. Those views are amazing! And the Biltmore looks like it’s a building from Europe somewhere! What a dreamy place. I can’t wait to get back to travelling!
What a nice blog post! Always wanted to visit Ashville and the Hyatt looks amazing!
I’ve been to the Blue Ridge area of Georgia but wish I had gotten the chance to go to Asheville after seeing your photos! I especially love the Biltmore Estate, it is so dreamy! I loved all the tips and recommendations you gave, such a thorough and useful guide!
Lovely post with stunning pics. The Bridal suite looks great. And the Biltmore Estate is amazing. Didn’t know about it.
Looks like an amazing weekend! I’m sort of obsessed with hiking so I’d love to check out Blue Ridge Parkway and all the amazing hiking opportunities in the Appalachian Mountains. The food looks yummy too!
I’ve been to Asheville often, and it’s definitely amazing? I think you touched on many highlights for first time trips! Although, admittedly, I’ve never been to the Biltmore because it’s so expensive and I am happy doing things outdoors!
Such a detailed guide about Asheville! It truly is an amazing gem of a city in the U.S.! I especially loved visiting the Biltmore and was so shocked at how large it truly was! And the food…!! Tupelo Honey has some of the best southern comfort food ever, and it looks like you hit up a lot of other great places! Well done, Taylor!
Wow that’s a detailed guide about Asheville.i would love to visit this place some time. Hope to travel soon
The Biltmore looks like an amazing place to spend a day. Thanks for the tips!
This looked like such a fun trip! Asheville is totally on my US bucket list. Saving this for later!
You seem to be wearing a different dress in each photo. How do you manage to pack so many outfits? Do you take more than one suitcase?
Such great photos! I’ve honestly never even had Asheville on my radar until now! The hotel you stayed at looked fantastic! Definitely adding to my fall travel list.
I love NC! Your photos are stunning. I’ll bookmark this for when I’m back in the states on the east coast
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Great blog Taylor! Ashville, NC looks like a fun place to visit and the Hyatt Place looked so beautiful! Ashville definitely has a lot of great food places, wineries and cideries to visit ~ The Biltmore is absolutely breathtaking ~ the grounds are so plush! I can imagine how gorgeous the interior must be. I remember visiting the Breakers and Marble House ~ now I need to make it to the Biltmore to see that fabulous mansion. Awesome guide and love all the beautiful photos ~ You always capture the special moments of your trips through your photos which makes me feel like I am actually at these places! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and educating us on amazing places to visit here in the U.S.
Love you, Mom xoxo <3
Thank you mom! It really is a great city for all to enjoy. You would definitely love Asheville! We have to go in the future. Love you too xoxo
Loved the Blue Ridge Parkway. We stayed at Asheville, but didn’t really explore it at the time. I know my husband and son would want to visit the Asheville Pinball museum.
It’s such a beautiful area and Asheville is so fun! 🙂
There are so many interesting places here Taylor, I had no idea about visiting Asheville! The food at The Montford looks so good as well!
Yes, it’s so fun Katie! If you make your way to Pigeon Forge for Dollywood, definitely head over to Asheville after! 🙂
Great post! I actually have a friend who recently moved to Asheville, so I’m going to keep this post handy for when I get the chance to go out and visit. It looks like a great place!
You would love Asheville! It is such a great city. So much to do and the foodie scene is awesome. 🙂
I adore your photos! Love this itinerary – it looks perfect for a weekend full of fun. I’d definitely be hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway. Those views are amazing! And the Biltmore looks like it’s a building from Europe somewhere! What a dreamy place. I can’t wait to get back to travelling!
Thank you so much Sarah! It really is a great city with so much to do. The Biltmore was really nice to see there and I loved the views from the Blue Ridge Parkway. 🙂
What a nice blog post! Always wanted to visit Ashville and the Hyatt looks amazing!
Thank you Talia! You would love Asheville! 🙂
I’ve been to the Blue Ridge area of Georgia but wish I had gotten the chance to go to Asheville after seeing your photos! I especially love the Biltmore Estate, it is so dreamy! I loved all the tips and recommendations you gave, such a thorough and useful guide!
Thank you so much Michela! Asheville really is a great city to visit and there is so much to do. The Biltmore is incredible! 🙂
Lovely post with stunning pics. The Bridal suite looks great. And the Biltmore Estate is amazing. Didn’t know about it.
Thank you Neha! It really is a beautiful place. 🙂
Looks like an amazing weekend! I’m sort of obsessed with hiking so I’d love to check out Blue Ridge Parkway and all the amazing hiking opportunities in the Appalachian Mountains. The food looks yummy too!
It definitely was a nice time Katy! We both had so much fun. 🙂
I’ve been to Asheville often, and it’s definitely amazing? I think you touched on many highlights for first time trips! Although, admittedly, I’ve never been to the Biltmore because it’s so expensive and I am happy doing things outdoors!
Yes, it is a great city and yes, wish the Biltmore wasn’t so expensive, but to me it was worth it! I loved the hikes as well. 🙂
Such a detailed guide about Asheville! It truly is an amazing gem of a city in the U.S.! I especially loved visiting the Biltmore and was so shocked at how large it truly was! And the food…!! Tupelo Honey has some of the best southern comfort food ever, and it looks like you hit up a lot of other great places! Well done, Taylor!
Thank you so much Alex! The Biltmore really was so fascinating and I loved all the foodie spots. 🙂
Wow that’s a detailed guide about Asheville.i would love to visit this place some time. Hope to travel soon
Thank you Madhu! Asheville is such a great city! 🙂
The Biltmore looks like an amazing place to spend a day. Thanks for the tips!
It definitely is a great place to enjoy during a trip to Asheville! So pretty! 🙂
This looked like such a fun trip! Asheville is totally on my US bucket list. Saving this for later!
You would definitely love Asheville Taylor! It’s so much fun. 🙂
You seem to be wearing a different dress in each photo. How do you manage to pack so many outfits? Do you take more than one suitcase?
Such great photos! I’ve honestly never even had Asheville on my radar until now! The hotel you stayed at looked fantastic! Definitely adding to my fall travel list.
You would totally love Asheville Linnea! It’s such a great city with so much to do. 🙂
I love NC! Your photos are stunning. I’ll bookmark this for when I’m back in the states on the east coast
Thank you so much Lindley! Asheville is so great. 🙂