If you’ve never been to Asheville, NC, you should really add it to your list. It’s an unassuming little city tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a mix of an industrial, artsy vibe that is full of hidden treasures in the downtown and surrounding areas. After three and a half years of being told that I must make the two hour drive, my husband and I scheduled a weekend trip. It was a blast and we did a ton of cool stuff, but if I had it to do again, these are the five items that I would add to my trip to create my dream Asheville itinerary.
1. Relax at The Grove Park Inn Spa
I definitely didn’t know this existed the first time I visited Asheville or I would’ve been there!! The spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn is considered one of the top resort spas in the U.S. and I can see why. The cavernous aesthetic looks ever-so-peaceful and I can imagine my husband and I relaxing under the waterfalls, listening to the underwater music, and getting pampered in the 43,000 ft. subterranean spa.
2. Tour the Biltmore
Talk about a bucket list item. The Biltmore is America’s largest house and is basically like North Carolina’s own castle. History lover or not, exploring the family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt is an awe-inspiring experience. The imagery is so crisp that when walking through the rooms you can envision the hospitality and life that occurred amidst the themed parties and delectable meals prepared in the large butler kitchen, to name a few.
The Biltmore makes an excellent day trip! Not only can you tour the house, but you can also shop at Antler Hill Village, do a free wine tasting (reservations required in advance!!) at the Biltmore Winery, explore the breathtaking botanical gardens, and get your steps in with 20+ miles of walking trails. The summer is a great time to visit when the gardens are in bloom; however, I’ve also heard great things about the tree display at Christmas time! Check out my husband and I’s first visit in my YouTube video below!
3. Go Asheville Glamping
I have been dying to glamp in one of their properties for yearsssss! Some of my favorite ones to drool over are “The Nest” treehouse, which you access via an Instagram-worthy suspension bridge, and the Domes, particularly Dome 3, which has a huge blue spiral slide inside and great mountain views.
The places are so unique and Instagram worthy that you can even add on a photography package when booking! Check out their website or Instagram and see for yourself! Of note is that they book out wayyy in advance so plan your trip early (and bring me, please!). They also have a cancellation list that you can hop on if you’re really desperate to go.
4. Get a Coffee at Double D’s
I don’t know about you, but I’m obsessed with cute and cool coffee shops. Researching them is literally one of the first things I do when I’m somewhere new. Well my friends, Double D’s is a double decker bus that sells coffee and desserts and if that doesn’t scream fun, I don’t know what does.
On my next trip to Asheville I will 100% be prioritizing a trip to Double D’s and this time I will be prepared because of huge note is that it is cash only!!! My husband and I were literally there (it’s located downtown); however, unfortunately we didn’t have cash. At the time, the inside was closed due to the pandemic or you bet your buttons I would’ve marched right in and ordered a decaf Crème Brue Latte (2 shots espresso, vanilla, spiced brown sugar, steamed milk, and caramel drizzle 😍).
5. Visit the Graffiti Walls
If you watch my video above you will definitely get a good sense of the crazy amount of graffiti art in Asheville, NC… and I’m not talking about the vandalism kind.
Asheville takes pride in its almost never-ending stretch of designs and words that color the city. Not only is it entrancing to walk along and explore, but there are plenty of opportunities for photo ops! I highly recommend doing your research and making sure you seek out the concentrated areas and beautiful murals for that Insta-worthy content!
Have you ever visited Asheville? What are your favorite things to do there? Have you done any of the things on my dream itinerary or have you officially added them to yours? Let me know in the comments below!
