Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a city of contrasts — wild and rugged in one moment, slow and soulful the next. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls and adrenaline highs or craving biscuits, books, and a crackling fireplace, Asheville knows how to deliver. So why not do both? Here’s how to spend two perfect days exploring Asheville: one for the outdoor thrill-seeker, and one for the culture-loving cozy-core traveler.
Day One: For the Outdoor Adventurer
Vibe Check: Hiking boots on, wind in your hair, tacos in hand.
Morning
Start your day with something solid. Early Girl Eatery in downtown serves up Southern breakfast staples with a local twist — think eggs, grits, and biscuits that don’t mess around. If you’re feeling indulgent, the cinnamon apple and bacon waffles are a must. More of a coffee-and-avocado-toast person? Head to Ultra Coffeebar in the River Arts District. The coffee is strong, the vibes are low-key artsy, and the toast is way better than it needs to be (we’re talking red onion, arugela and balsamic drizzle).
Once you’re fueled up, it’s time to hit the trails. Just 30 minutes out of town on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Craggy Gardens Trail is a short and sweet hike (1.4 miles round trip) with ridiculous mountain views. It’s easy enough for beginners, but it still gives you that “I did something cool today” feeling.
Want to move faster? Bent Creek Experimental Forest has a network of singletrack trails perfect for mountain biking or trail running. You’ll get that Pisgah National Forest magic without driving too far out. Or, if you’re more water-inclined, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and float down the French Broad River. It’s super chill, and you’ll pass by street art, bridges, and maybe a few lazy tubers.
Afternoon
By the time lunch rolls around, you’ll want something casual but satisfying. White Duck Taco Shop delivers weird-in-the-best-way tacos (buffalo chicken, lamb gyro, Bangkok shrimp) with a side of river views. If you’re more in a pizza mood, All Souls Pizza is known for sourdough crusts and seasonal toppings — cozy and delicious.
Still got energy? Crank it up with a zipline tour at Navitat Canopy Adventures. It’s all high-speed lines, treetop platforms, and insane mountain views. If you want something a little more grounded, go waterfall-hopping in DuPont State Forest. Triple Falls and Hooker Falls are both easy to reach and highly photogenic.
Evening
For dinner, go to a place that gets Asheville’s mix of creativity and comfort. Burial Beer Co. turns the brewery concept on its head by mixing it with a gastropub and art installation. Try a flight of their small-batch beers and order whatever’s on the rotating seasonal menu. They’re serving dishes such as poutine, jackfruit po’boys, and Italian beef. Or, check out Pack’s Tavern in downtown for fried pickles, their famous breaded wings drenched in blackberry porter BBQ and a scoop of house-made gelato.
Finish the day with a killer sunset from Craggy Pinnacle Overlook, then head back to town for live music at The Grey Eagle. Want to sleep under the stars without sacrificing comfort? Check out Asheville Glamping for geodesic domes, mirror houses, or canvas tents with actual beds. Or go classic and pitch a tent in Pisgah National Forest.
Day Two: For the Cozy Culture-Seeker
Vibe Check: Artsy strolls, bookstore hangs, spa soaks, and wine by the fire.
Morning
After a day outdoors, it’s time to slow down — but not too slow. Start with breakfast at Tupelo Honey, where the biscuits are buttery, the pancakes are sweet potato-based, and the hot coffee is flowing. If you want something more local and laid-back, Liberty House Coffee & Café in Montford has great pastries, strong lattes, and a dreamy little garden patio.
From there, head to Biltmore Estate. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s 100% worth it. The mansion is next-level grand, and you can take an audio-guided tour of the grounds. Rotating exhibits add a touch of culture to the elegance, and you can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting.
Back in downtown Asheville, the Asheville Art Museum gives you a modern look at Southern art — it’s small but super well-curated. Just a few blocks away, the Grove Arcade is a mix of indie boutiques, galleries, and local vendors, all inside a historic building that looks like it belongs in a Wes Anderson film. Don’t miss the little bookstore tucked in the corner — it’s cozy in all the right ways.
Afternoon
Ready for lunch? 12 Bones Smokehouse in the River Arts District is a BBQ legend, and the brown sugar dry rub ribs live up to the hype. Dig into pulled pork sandwiches, a rack of baby back ribs, or smoked turkey tipped with sugar bacon, brie and pesto mayo,
Afternoon plans? You’ve got options. For full-on relaxation, book a private cedar hot tub at Shoji Spa & Lodge, tucked into the woods just outside of town. It’s quiet, peaceful, and yes, very Instagrammable. If you want to stay in town, spend the afternoon doing a DIY art crawl through the River Arts District — you can pop into open studios, watch glass-blowing or ceramics in action, and grab a beer or coffee along the way.
Before dinner, make time to swing by Malaprop’s Bookstore. It’s an Asheville classic — indie, queer-friendly, cozy as hell, and packed with good reads and better coffee.
Evening
Dinner options tonight are next-level. Cúrate is a Spanish tapas spot that’s buzzy, stylish, and consistently excellent. It’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu, but the jamón ibérico and gambas al ajillo are a must. If you want something quieter and a little more romantic, Jargon in West Asheville nails the intimate vibe, with creative seasonal dishes and a speakeasy feel.
Close out your trip with a cozy nightcap. Head up to The Grove Park Inn for a drink in front of their massive fireplace — the Great Hall Bar has some of the best mountain views in town. Or, if you’re feeling spooky, sign up for a ghost tour through downtown. It’s just the right amount of creepy, with local legends and haunted history that bring the city’s weird side to life.
