10 Relaxing things to do in Asheville, NC
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
At one point, Asheville was predominantly known as a low-key, artsy Bohemian city, surrounded by beautiful scenery, with close access to the Blue Ridge mountains. Today, the city is more well known for its’ craft brewery and foodie scene. It’s become quite the popular tourist destination with over 13 million visitors per year.
Some choose to stay and explore the various attractions around town including the Biltmore, award-winning restaurants and coffeehouses, and art galleries. Others choose to hop in the car and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. With all this traffic comes congestion, heavy traffic, and more often than not very overcrowded attractions and restaurants. Oftentimes, it’s difficult to even find parking downtown (especially at night!). Fortunately, there are still a few places where you can kick back and avoid the crowds, if only for an hour or 2. As a resident, I had the advantage of visiting popular attractions and restaurants on weekdays and off periods.
For everyone else, here are the best places where you can relax in nice surroundings without dealing with tons of tourist traffic (for now anyways!). Of course, it’s best to visit during the colder months or on a weekday to avoid the crowds!
1. Take a stroll around the Botanical Gardens of Asheville
This small 10 acre local oasis is a beautiful place to take a stroll, anytime of year. Along with a half mile nature trail, there is a small gift shop. Pick up a birdwatching book to accompany you on your walk as this park is excellent for sightings of diverse species. My favorite time to visit is during the colorful fall season, although right after a winter storm is also a magical time. While summertime sees some crowds, the traffic is considerably lighter than that which you will find on more popular trails. And because you do not have to drive on the Parkway, you can cut out some added time and stress.
Location: 151 W. T. Weaver Blvd.
Admission and parking are both free (donations suggested).
Other peaceful parks for a nature walk include the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary and Collier Cove Nature preserve. Fletcher Park (although a bit of a drive) offers a nice long path with woodsy views.
2. Soak your achy feet at the Wake Foot Sanctuary
This luxury spa offers specialized foot soaks, available in 10 creative varieties. After a few days exploring trails in the nearby Blue Ridge mountains, your feet will probably be aching and in need of some rest and recovery. Wake Foot Sanctuary is a beautiful foot spa located inside the historic Grove Arcade building. Foot soaks are $30+ – a bit on the pricey side – but worth it if you are seeking a vacation indulgence. You also have the option of adding on a massage.
The Salt Beach Rose soak is particularly relaxing. This invigorating soak features detoxing rose salts, lavender and jasmine. The scent is amazing. The room is dim and gorgeously decorated, the bath super warm and cozy (the staff will refill hot water as needed), and the ambiance just perfect for ultimate relaxation. Your feet will feel so soft and refreshed after your 45 min soak. To make the experience even more relaxing, consider adding on a fresh pot of hot tea.
I highly recommend scheduling an early morning soak so you can beat the crowds. The downtown is much more peaceful early in the morning, plus parking is a breeze to find!
Location: 1 Page Avenue
Check out the full specialty soak menu
3. Relax with a cup of tea at Dobra
Dobra is the best place in Asheville to enjoy a high quality cup of tea in a relaxing environment. Here’s why they are the best. First off, they offer dozens of varieties of loose leaf tea. Second, the presentation is fabulous. No paper cups – but rather a beautiful presentation with a personal tea pot and mug(s). And finally, the space is quite big and beautifully decorated. It’s easy to find your own quiet nook here. Bring a book, relax with a friend, or simply enjoy a flavorful healthy cup of tea and de-stress for a bit. The extensive menu includes many varieties of green, yellow, Pu-erh, oolong, black, and herbal teas. Specialty chai drinks are another delicious option.
Location: 78 N. Lexington Avenue
Check out the full menu of specialty teas at Dobra
4. Explore nature at the North Carolina Arboretum
Asheville’s premier arboretum is located about 20 minutes outside of downtown, and thus, does not receive as much tourist traffic as it should. Although admission is free, the high parking fee ($16) may also keep some budget friendly tourists away. Despite the cost, this is a gorgeous place to enjoy nature. I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list especially if you love nature/gardening. While most Parkway hikes and waterfalls are located at least an hour away, the 10+ miles of maintained trails here are relatively close to town in comparison.
The 1 mile Natural Gardens loop is one of the most relaxing and lush hikes you will find in the area. The 2 mile Carolina Mountain/Bent Creek loop is also a wonderful easy trek which sees very little foot traffic. I love hiking here during the peak of fall. Hands down, the arboretum is the best leaf peeping destination in the area. Visiting before 10am almost guarantees you a solitary hiking adventure. Also of interest is a world-class bonsai garden and a beautiful Quilt Garden which changes seasonally. If you have the time, take a cruise along the Parkway, located adjacent to the entrance. This portion of the drive is particularly scenic and a bit less congested.
Location: 100 Frederick Lam Olmstead Way
More info on Arboretum hikes & gardens
5. Savor a cup of coffee at Sweeten Creek
Asheville is home to a number of fantastic local coffee shops. Many of these are located in the busy downtown district, and thus, are quite popular with tourists. Old Europe and City Bakery serve delicious homemade pastries, although both often have a lengthy line just to get in. One local choice which is quite laid-back is Sweeten Creek, located far away from the downtown crowds in a cozy little house. This place is never overly busy and the inside décor is cute and cozy. There is also a nice large patio which you can enjoy during the warmer months.
They serve excellent coffee from Crimson Cup, a Columbus company which won Roaster of the Year a few years back. Local pastries and bagels, and a whole lineup of specialty espresso drinks, are also on the menu. Anyone with a sweet tooth will want to indulge in the Mocha Magic featuring espresso layered with chocolate and topped with mocha whip cream and drizzled chocolate – it’s a chocolate lovers dream!
A few other more relaxing local coffeehouses in town include High Five on Broadway and All Day Darling in the quiet Montford neighborhood. Fletcher Bakery Cafe, about a half hour outside of Asheville, is also one of the best.
Location: 330 Sweeten Creek Road
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