10 Things to do Over the Holidays in Asheville, North Carolina

6. Treat yourself to a wonderful brunch at the Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet

The best breakfast experience in Asheville is found at the luxurious Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Although quite pricey, it’s definitely worth the splurge for the diverse food assortment and amazing vistas of the Blue Ridge mountains.

The breakfast buffet is the best value at just $32 per person. The buffet features all your standard fare, along with a made-to-order omelet station, a delicious chia pudding bar, an oatmeal bar, fresh squeezed juices, and a doughnut bar.

Afterwards, I usually enjoy a coffee by the gorgeous stone fireplace in the lobby. During the holiday months, I love to stroll the property taking in all the decor. And of course, you have to see the winning gingerbread entries which you are here.

7. Enjoy a serene winter walk to a waterfall

Winter is a fantastic time to explore all the beautiful waterfalls and trails of Western North Carolina. As this region is home to more than 200 waterfalls and 100’s of miles of trails within the Pisgah National Forest, there really is no end to the available recreational opportunities.

Mike and I were busy pretty much every single weekend exploring. Anytime we would hike to another waterfall, it was better than the previous and so on. As crowds begin to taper off during the fall/winter months, the trails become much more peaceful. Also, parking is much less of a hassle.

A few of my favorite hikes include:

• Catawba Falls (a stunning 100 ft waterfall just a half hour away – this one is amazing in fall)
• Tom’s Creeks Falls (an underrated 2 tiered waterfall about an hr from the city – see pic above)
• Triple Falls (a 2.5 mile long hike to 3 incredible waterfalls located just an hr away)

These options are all perfect for the winter season. Bonus – all 3 are pretty easy to get to as they are not located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Be aware that the Parkway often closes down in the case of heavy snow and/or ice. It’s best to check the closures page before you head out.

You can also check out my guide to easy waterfalls near the city for more ideas.

8. Pick out your Christmas tree the old-fashioned way

While living in this gorgeous area, I knew I wasn’t picking up my Christmas tree at a Home Depot. There are too many farms in WNC to pick up a fresh tree. Enjoy the fresh country air and the nostalgic trip down memory lane as you search for the perfect Christmas tree at a real working farm. Depending on where we are living at the time, we always try to support a local farm. I actually love real and artificial trees and usually have one of both in my home.

There are several tree farms within an easy drive of the city, although the trees tend to sell out really fast in this area so you must plan ahead. If you are looking for a more rustic experience, check out a Choose N Cut Farm like Boyd Mountain in the charming small town of Waynesville.

If you are looking to keep it simple, Smoky Mountain Christmas Tree Farm (also in Waynesville) is a nice choice as well. The half hour drive is so rustic and beautiful, and the farm itself quite beautiful with the Blue Ridge mountains comprising the backdrop. Mike and I had a great time picking out our tree here; we felt like we were in a Hallmark movie.

And, if you want to keep the driving to a bare minimum, stop by the Western North Carolina Farmers Market where you can pick up some fresh local produce after choosing the perfect tree!

9. Take a walk around the North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is one of my top recommended attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway. With a variety of maintained trails, it’s a great place to work off those extra holiday calories. The 2 mile Nature/Carolina Mountain trail loop is my go-to trail. In addition, a festive Winter Lights celebration is held nightly from mid November until New Year’s. Admission to the gardens are free, although there is a $16 parking fee.

One free alternative I recommend is to stroll around the Botanical Gardens. This beauty is located right in town and it’s completely free to visit! It’s a non-profit whose mission is preserving plants native to the Southern Appalachian region. The gardens are peaceful most of the year with little in the way of tourist crowds. On a cold day, you might even find yourself alone. There is an on-site gift shop specializing in local goods.

The ambiance here is so peaceful – this place is a great escape from the city cluster for an hour or so. The gardens look beautiful any time of the year, particularly during the peak of fall and after a snowstorm.

Other nice parks with decent sized walking/jogging paths include French Broad River Park and Fletcher Village Park.

10. Relax at one of Asheville’s independent coffee shops

Coffee and cold wintry weather go hand in hand for me. A rich hot cup of coffee just doesn’t taste the same on a warm summer’s day. I tend to drink more coffee during the winter months and this is when I support the most local coffeehouses. I have found so many great local choices since moving here.

Enjoy your drink inside a unique double decker bus at Double D’s. At Malaprops, you can enjoy treats and locally roasted coffee while browsing endless rows of books. Enjoy the best bagels in town and homemade cream cheese at High Five. For the most relaxed setting, consider visiting Izzy’s, located just outside of downtown in a cozy old house.

Check out my guide to the city’s best coffeehouses instead of supporting a common chain.