12 Must-Do’s while visiting Asheville, North Carolina
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7. Get lost in nature at the Asheville Botanical Gardens
It’s quite small at just 10 acres, however, this garden comes in as the perfect little break from all the downtown congestion. It’s right in town so a good option for anyone not up for a big drive. Admission is free (donations accepted) and it’s almost never crowded. It truly is an oasis in a bustling touristy city. Views change along with the seasons, with April (wildflower season) and August being peak blooming periods.
Autumn is also quite spectacular as you stroll through the golden hinted landscapes. The cold crisp air, along with the changing colors of the season, brings new life and energy to the gardens. A winter storm transforms the gardens into a Narnia-like wonderland where the serene snow covered grounds add a tranquil element not found any other time of year. Nothing too fancy really, just a great place to enjoy a peaceful nature stroll anytime of the year. A gem for birdwatchers (ask the visitor center for a bird list). I like the Arboretum better but this is a nice free alternative!
8. Check out the local coffee scene
No need to hit the Starbucks drive-thru for your morning caffeine boost. The thriving independent coffee scene includes a variety of wonderful local roasters. Quality beans and an eclectic ambiance are 2 things you can expect at any local coffeehouse. I have my favorites, but really I haven’t been disappointed with any of the local cafes.
Old Europe is a wonderful local coffee and pastry shop downtown. Although this place is packed with people and short on space, they do brew up a nice cup of coffee and whip up the best desserts! If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to indulge in a macaroon or decadent slice of cheesecake!
Outside of the downtown region, you can kick back and relax at Izzy’s Coffee house. Due to its’ location, this place retains a local charm more so than the more popular downtown roasters. They serve delicious coffee from renowned roasters like Counter Culture (NC). Double D’s win the award for most unique ambiance in Asheville, or elsewhere for the matter. Where else can you sip an espresso in a funky double decker bus? And High Five serves the best espresso drinks and bagels in town (best veggie cream cheese I’ve ever tasted).
You can check out my coffee guide for full details.
9. Explore historic Biltmore Village
Biltmore Village is a charming shopping and dining area located just a few miles outside of downtown. You will find a number of great restaurants, galleries, and boutique shops here. The area is beautifully maintained with lots of mature trees and the historical architecture is incredible.
There are a number of great local cafes and restaurants. Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe is a great morning choice where you can enjoy a pastry or decadent treat and they also serve excellent homemade quiche. For lunch, I love Andaaz: a local Indian restaurant which serves a wonderful buffet is an amazingly designed dining room.
Old World Christmas Shoppe, is a festive year-round shop where you can beat the rush and stock up on a few early holiday gifts. I’ve found the best ornaments here. It’s small but jam packed with cool stuff.
10. Pick up a new book and enjoy a drink at Battery Park Book Exchange
Battery Park Book Exchange is one of the most popular tourist hotspots downtown – it’s always pretty crowded. Anytime I have had out-of-state guests visit, this is where they want to go. You can browse through rooms and rooms of books while enjoying a cup of coffee or even a glass of champagne. The ambiance is very luxurious and just perfect for anyone who loves wine and good books. This is a great place to find rare and exotic books, although it’s quite pricey.
11. Birdwatch at Beaver Lake Sanctuary
Beaver Lake Sanctuary is a hidden gem to escape the tourist commotion for an hour or so. I love the cool shady setting: it’s a perfect place to temporarily escape the summer heat for a bit. Keep your eyes peeled for an exotic variety of birds and other small mammals. This preserve is home to a number of short nature trails so you can get in a little bit of fresh exercise without going all out. I love taking a break from it all here via simply breathing in the fresh air and looking for all sorts of cool birds.
12. Treat yourself to a liquid truffle at French Broad Chocolate Lounge
French Broad Chocolate Lounge is a bit different than your ordinary coffeehouse as their specialty is the other most popular caffeinated beverage – hot chocolate. On a cold winter’s day, nothing really warms you up like the perfect mug of hot cocoa.
For an insanely decadent treat, try a Liquid Truffle, an extremely indulgent 4 ounce shot of pure chocolate available in many tempting varieties. I could barely finish the truffle pictured below it was so rich. Flavors include salted caramel or lavender and honey.
If you would rather go the traditional route, simply order a hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, Either way, you cannot go wrong. They also offer cakes, cookies, gelato, and chocolate treats so really this is the best place in town for a decadent dessert!
More must-do’s
Check out Woolworth Walk, a collection of 175 local art vendors housed in the historic department store downtown. I’ve found so many cool pieces here including this really cool Tabby Road art print (a cat version of the Beatles Abbey Road).
Stroll around The Grove Arcade. This historic Gothic Revival building downtown was built in the late 1920’s. It’s a beautiful place to stroll around and there are some great restaurants and shops to check out. I usually stop by Bebette’s for some authentic beignets.
Explore the Folk Art Center, an Appalachian crafts museum. It’s located on the Parkway near the Arboretum. Starting in March, you can watch live craft demos daily.
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