Asheville, NC

Travel Guide
Asheville showing shopping
Artists, gourmets and outdoor enthusiasts will all feel right at home in North Carolina’s “Paris of the South.”

Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville is renowned for its lively arts scene and spectacular offering of outdoor activities. The city is located between the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. Trek up Mount Pisgah to enjoy the wilderness and gorgeous views. During the fall, the mountainous landscape explodes into a spectrum of colors many visitors plan their visit around the changing leaves.  

Often referred to as “Paris of the South,” Asheville is, at its core, an artists’ colony. A creative spirit pervades the lively community, offering a ceaseless stream of exhibits, concerts and plays.  The town has enough restaurants and cafés to satisfy even the most devout food connoisseurs. It is also well-known for its beer production, offering over a dozen craft breweries within walking distance of the downtown.

Stroll down Asheville’s River Arts District to understand why it is called the “San Francisco of the East.” Outdoor performances are a daily occurrence. Sidewalks are peppered with local artists vending their wares. Settle down at an outdoor café along the French Broad River to enjoy the scene. Spend a rainy afternoon in Grove Arcade to browse regional crafts, dine at local eateries and hear live music.

Drive a few minutes outside the downtown to the historic Biltmore Estate. Built by George Vanderbilt II at the turn of the 20th century, it has 250 rooms and takes the title as the largest privately owned home in the U.S. The estate offers guided tours, a winery and luxurious accommodation. Plan for an entire afternoon to explore the house, gardens and grounds the visit is well worth it. Pre-book a Christmas tour of the beautifully decorated main building.

Visitors can fly into Asheville Regional Airport, which offers direct flights to destinations throughout the U.S. Located 130 miles (190 kilometers) from Charlotte, Asheville can be accessed by car via Interstates 26 or 40. The drive to and from this western North Carolina town spans the Blue Ridge Parkway and is renowned as being one of the most scenic routes in the U.S.

Where to stay in Asheville

Asheville

Downtown Asheville

4.5/5(969 area reviews)

Travelers to Downtown Asheville praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Grove Arcade and Pack Square.

Downtown Asheville
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Biltmore Village

Biltmore Village is beloved for its majestic mountain landscape. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Historic Biltmore Village and Cathedral Of All Souls.

Biltmore Village
I search for interesting businesses in the middle of nowhere. Hole is in an isolated area of the go to city of Asheville,NC. Go here for your donuts.

West Asheville

The picture-perfect mountain views and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to West Asheville. A stop by New Belgium Brewing Company or French Broad River might round out your trip.

West Asheville
This photo was taken from the window of a room in the Biltmore Village Hotel. The hotel and staff were fantastic and the estate grounds are beautiful. The grounds are huge so make sure you give yourself at least four days if you want to see them all. All the restaurants on the estate are "farm to table" and the winery offers free tastings. #BvSApplication

Historic Montford

5/5(34 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Historic Montford, Riverside Cemetery and Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Montford
If you’re in Asheville definitely check out White Labs! They’re a company specializing in yeast and sell to many of the top breweries. They opened a restaurant and their menu is full of all sorts of delicious foods and drinks that are made from...their yeasts! #trovember #asheville #food

East End - Valley Street

While visiting East End - Valley Street, you might make a stop by sights like McCormick Field and Memorial Stadium.

East End - Valley Street
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South French Broad

When in South French Broad, you can plan a visit to Grey Eagle and Downtown Market Asheville, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

South French Broad
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road
3 out of 5
199 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC
The price is ¥13,843 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥13,843
per night
May 13 - May 14
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Asheville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,708 reviews)
"Beautiful property newly renovated, and breakfast was good"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road
The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn
4 out of 5
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC
The price is ¥45,416 per night from May 29 to May 30
¥45,416
per night
May 29 - May 30
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Our first stay. The staff and other hospitality personnel were friendly,courteous, attentive and knowledgab"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

The Omni Grove Park Inn
Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel
Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel
3.5 out of 5
31 Woodfin Street, Asheville, NC
The price is ¥18,356 per night from May 29 to May 30
¥18,356
per night
May 29 - May 30
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Good location at the edge of downtown Asheville. Easy walk to downtown stores and restaurants. Close access to expressways and the Biltmore. Convenient paid parking. Room was recently renovated, except the bathroom, which had old style tub/shower and toilet. Shower water valve handle broken when ..."

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy home w/Hot Tub in trendy West Asheville!
Cozy home w/Hot Tub in trendy West Asheville!
Asheville
Stay at this vacation home in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Biltmore ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (378 reviews)
Great location, super clean and cozy!
"We stayed for a weekend with our best friends and our 2 miniature dachshunds. The house was extremely clean, comfortable and well appointed. We brought a doggy gate for the back deck to keep our boys in, highly recommend bringing one if your dogs are stubborn with no recall like ours! We accidentally ..."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024

Cozy home w/Hot Tub in trendy West Asheville!
Kasa Downtown Asheville
Kasa Downtown Asheville
42 Furman Ave, Asheville, NC
Stay at this aparthotel in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Biltmore Estate and Harrah's Cherokee Center ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
"This is a new concept. Electronic reservations and check in. The room was well appointed, clean, quiet and close to downtown and well priced. I would stay at Kasa again."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Kasa Downtown Asheville
The Pines Cottages
The Pines Cottages
3 out of 5
346 Weaverville Road, Asheville, NC
Stay at this cottage in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and concierge services. Popular attractions Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville and The Orange ...
9/10 Wonderful! (309 reviews)
Very Clean and Convenient
"Very clean and more than enough room for a couple and a large dog. Less than a 10 minute ride to downtown Asheville and a 5 minute ride to downtown Weaverville (which was unexpectedly cute)."

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2024

The Pines Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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