If you’re looking for a charming getaway that combines stunning natural beauty with a vibrant arts and culinary scene, look no further than Asheville, North Carolina. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and culture lovers alike.
With two days to explore, you can experience the heart of Asheville and its surrounding neighborhoods, as well as take in some of the breathtaking scenery that makes this region so special.
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There is tons to do in Asheville and it is a great place to find lots of family friendly activities to spend your summer or long weekend vacation! We recently visited Asheville and spent two days exploring the area. Western North Carolina was full of great restaurants, natural beauty, local shops, and there’s more than a week’s worth of activities to do here!
I will detail our sample itinerary below, which turned out to be a great mix of exploring the natural beauty of the area with historic local sites, and then give some additional options to see if you have more days to visit.
Asheville Itinerary Highlights
- Asheville, North Carolina offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, culture, and culinary delights.
- Spend your first day exploring the historic downtown and River Arts District, and your second day taking in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville’s diverse neighborhoods.
- There’s lots of great nature activities within the region, everything from waterfall hikes to kayaking and floating the river, depending on what your family likes to do.
- With so much to see and do, two days in Asheville is just enough time to get a taste of what makes this city so special.
Asheville Travel Itinerary Summary
Download this free printable itinerary to use when planning your trip to Asheville!
You can use this travel itinerary to adapt to your family’s activities and preferences and I’ve noted the times that it took us to drive between locations and complete the different activities. I felt like the itinerary worked out great to see a variety of things in the region, and it was a great sampling of all that Asheville has to offer!
There are lots of ways to explore Asheville. Start your day with a stroll through the historic downtown area, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved Art Deco and Beaux-Arts buildings. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Grove Arcade, a stunning indoor market that’s been a fixture of the city since the 1920s. From there, head to the River Arts District, where you can watch local artists at work in their studios and browse their unique creations.
You’ll also want to plan in time to experience the natural splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at scenic overlooks to take in the panoramic views. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a hike in Pisgah National Forest, where you’ll find miles of trails that wind through lush forests and past cascading waterfalls.
Back in town, explore some of Asheville’s eclectic neighborhoods, like West Asheville or the up-and-coming South Slope, where you’ll find a mix of trendy bars, breweries, and restaurants.
Asheville, a charming city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a plethora of activities to fill your two-day itinerary. There are numerous breweries, art galleries, nature activities, delicious food options, mountain viewing spots, and more, making this a spot that would appeal to a variety of families. We enjoy taking in a bit of the nature activities along with seeing some of the spots more known for tourism in regions when we travel, so we opted for a good mix of both.
Asheville Travel Summary
Here is a look at our detailed Asheville weekend itinerary, and how we divided up our time to do different types of activities. I’ve also noted driving times on the sample itinerary as well, so that you can accurately plan how much time it takes to get from place to place.
Day 1: Travel Day and Arriving in Asheville
Our first day was primarily a travel day and we arrived at Charlotte Airport (CLT) as it was the closest and most economical airport to arrive at with a direct flight from our regional airport. We rented a vehicle and there is a short (2 hours 15 minute) drive from the Charlotte area to the Asheville region. There are multiple routes you can take, depending on whether you staying to the north of Asheville, more centrally in Asheville, or in one of the towns south of Asheville.
In the evening we had time to explore downtown Asheville to have dinner. We headed to Burial Brewery in the South Slope district and had a great dinner, the location offered not only hops and food but was a dog friendly location as well and my girls loved meeting all of the local pooches!
We strolled down to a local ice cream shop, Sunshine Sammies, for some delicious ice cream sandwiches and this was a great start to our Asheville adventure. A big part of our first day in the region was taking in all of the natural beauty of the mountain town and getting a sense for where everything was located.
Day 2: Exploring the Heart of Asheville
A must see during your visit should be scheduling a time to take in the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the United States. The Biltmore Estate combined with taking in some nature activities were our main itinerary goals for our first full day in Asheville.
Found in photo: Pink Maxi Dress / Personalized Tote / Sandals
We started our first full day in Asheville with breakfast at the hotel, and then took a 50 minute drive out to the Pisgah National Forest. There’s lots to do in this area, and we decided to break up our activities over two days to make the most of it. (Note: It gets more crowded as the day goes on, so we highly recommend putting this activity at the beginning of your day.)
Our stop on our first day at the Pisgah National Forest was to head to Looking Glass Falls, a popular waterfall viewing spot in Western North Carolina. It is easily accessible from the road and offers a picturesque view of the 60-foot cascading waterfall.
The name “Looking Glass” comes from the way the water freezes in the winter, resembling a mirror or “looking glass.” The falls are a popular spot for tourists and hikers, and there is a viewing platform at the base of the falls for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. As mentioned above, arrive early in the day (by 9am to 10am) so you can more easily get a parking spot as the area gets more crowded as the day goes on.
To head back to Asheville from the Pisgah National Forest, we took the slightly longer (yet more scenic) drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains. There are many lookout spots where you can pull off the road to take in the view. Plan in some extra time to stop and take photos!
For lunch, we headed to the River Arts District in Asheville and the highly regarded White Duck Taco Shop! Located right along the river, this was a delicious lunch spot with a variety of taco options, gluten free options, and a yummy watermelon mint side! I would definitely eat here again, and this restaurant was a hit with the whole family!
Afternoon: Biltmore Estate Tour
Take a self-guided audio tour of the Biltmore House and learn about the fascinating history of George Vanderbilt and his family. The audio guide provides a wealth of information about the architecture, art, and lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family. Don’t forget to explore the gardens, including the Italian Garden, Rose Garden, Shrub Garden, and Walled Garden, which offer a stunning display of flora.
We reserved a ticket time for 2:45pm and that worked out perfectly to have enough time to arrive at the estate after lunch, take the shuttle to the main building, and have some time to look in the shops before our ticket time was called.
We did arrive around 2:00pm, as you need to park and take a shuttle to the main grounds, and then go through security. If you allow around 30 minutes for this portion, it should give you ample time to arrive at the estate at your ticketed time.
The estate is massive and the public is able to tour the building while listening to an audio tour describing the different rooms and what they were used for. My girls were 12 years old and 14 years old at the time of the tour, and I am the person most interested in architecture and history in our family.
While they thought it was neat at the beginning, we did start to lose their interest about 3/4 the way through the tour. I would recommend this activity is best for ages 10+ and especially if the children are interested in either history or architecture, it will be of interest to them.
I could have spent all day there and I would love to return to the Biltmore Estate during the holidays to see it decorated. The rooms were elegant and I enjoyed learning more about the Vanderbilt family. The house is situated with a sweeping view of the mountains and you would need 3-4 hours to tour both the house and grounds extensively.
We were sightseeing at the Biltmore Estate for about 2.5 hours, seeing most of the house that is accessible to the public and a brief look at the gardens, before we called it a day and it was time to head to dinner.
For dinner that evening, we met a friend at Farm Burger Asheville – and although this restaurant isn’t exclusive to Asheville (they are located all over the south) – it was still a great location to have great conversation and catch up! We went to the local shop Whit’s Custard for a sweet treat afterwards and that was a great way to end the evening.
Day 3: Nature and Neighborhoods
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to explore the natural beauty and charming neighborhoods of Asheville. Our third day in the Asheville region included another trip out to the Pisgah National Forest, this time to go to a water activity at Sliding Rock, and then heading into Asheville for lunch at Tupelo Honey Cafe.
Morning: Pisgah National Forest and Sliding Rock
We again started out our day in the Pisgah National Forest, and this day we arrived with swimsuits and towels to do some water activities! I intentionally split apart this activity from our Waterfall Hike, because on our Biltmore day I didn’t want everyone to be soaked from the morning activities and I also knew that we needed to arrive early in the National Forest for each activity. This turned out to definitely be the best plan, as the day before when we had driven past Sliding Rock at around 11:30am to head to the Blue Ridge Parkway – it was already full and closed for any additional cars to enter until some of the visitors left. (I wasn’t kidding about arriving early!) So plan accordingly depending on what the rest of your day’s activities look like.
Sliding Rock is a natural water slide located in the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. It is a popular tourist attraction and offers visitors the opportunity to slide down a 60-foot gently sloping rock face into a pool of cold mountain water at the base. The area is surrounded by beautiful forest scenery and is a popular spot for families and thrill-seekers during the summer months.
Lifeguards are on duty during peak season to ensure the safety of visitors and there are charging rooms on site. The natural waterslide provides a unique and refreshing outdoor experience for visitors to the Pisgah National Forest. Our girls LOVED this activity and it was a great way to spend the day.
At the time we visited, the entrance fee was $5 per person, so make sure to bring some cash if you’re heading to this activity. Also it should be noted that anyone that plans to water slide should be able to swim, as the water pool at the bottom is quite deep. However there are more shallow water areas to the side of the slide area.
Afternoon: Tupelo Honey Cafe and Asheville Neighborhoods
After the morning outdoor adventure, we wanted to spend some time exploring the vibrant neighborhoods Asheville. We headed to the Biltmore Forest area of Asheville to look around the region and have lunch
One of the places I knew I wanted to try when we were in Asheville was Tupelo Honey Cafe, and it did not disappoint! There are two locations, one right downtown and the one further south down by Biltmore Forest, we opted for the more southern location because parking seemed a bit easier.
Tupelo Honey Cafe is a popular restaurant chain that originated in Asheville, North Carolina, and has since expanded to other locations in the Southeastern United States. The restaurant is known for its Southern-inspired cuisine, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and a focus on comfort food with a modern twist. The menu includes a variety of Southern classics such as fried chicken, biscuits, and shrimp and grits, as well as creative takes on traditional dishes.
It’s a popular restaurant choice for both locals and tourists looking to experience Southern hospitality and cuisine.
It was almost time to head over to our hotel in the Charlotte region, where we would spend the evening to be closer to the airport for the next day. We spent some time driving around the neighborhoods in Asheville to get a sense of where different types of houses were located, and it was a great way to spend our final hours in the region.
That evening, our hotel was the Hampton Inn and Suites in Belmont, North Carolina. Again, I had booked based on points I had available and the convenient location being just 15 minutes away from Charlotte International Airport. We had dinner at The Lodge in Belmont, which offered a delicious assortment of taproom food and beverages.
Day 4: Travel Day from Charlotte Douglas International Airport
On our final day in North Carolina, we checked out of our hotel in Belmont and headed to the airport. As it turned out, we could have spent a few more hours exploring because our flight ended up being delayed by 7 hours, but unfortunately didn’t know that until we were already in the airport and had dropped off our rental car.
Luckily Charlotte Airport is a large airport with lots of food options, and many places with rocking chairs to sit and take in the scenery.
Adjusting Your Stay to Fit Your Needs
One of the most delightful things about Asheville is the wide range of activities, restaurants, and attractions offered in the region. From farm-to-table fare to international cuisine, there’s a restaurant for every palate. You could stay in a 4 star hotel in one trip and a rustic cabin the next. Truly take the time to think about the mix of activities that your family enjoys the most or will get the most out of seeing.
Below we’ll explore some of the many options available if you want to alter the itinerary I’ve shared above! Asheville offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.
Accommodations: Staying in Asheville
When planning your two-day trip to Asheville, you’ll want to find accommodations that match your family’s goals for the trip. Luckily, Asheville offers a variety of accommodations to suit any traveler’s needs and preferences.
We personally opted to stay at a local hotel chain, Country Inn & Suites, one because I had rewards points that I could use to help offset the cost of the nightly stay, but also so that we were centrally located to get a “lay of the land” on our first trip to the region. For future trips, I found lots of great cabin options, some even within the middle of the city, and there’s everything from glamping to luxurious hotel suites offered in the region.
Here are some additional options to consider:
Luxury and Historic Hotels
If you’re looking for a luxurious and historic stay, The Omni Grove Park Inn and Biltmore Hotel are two excellent options. The Omni Grove Park Inn is a AAA Four Diamond resort that boasts stunning mountain views, a world-class spa, and numerous dining options. Biltmore Hotel located right near the Biltmore Estate, on the other hand, is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau that offers guided tours, wine tastings, and outdoor activities.
Charming Bed and Breakfasts
For a more intimate and charming stay, Asheville’s bed and breakfasts are a great choice. The city is home to numerous bed and breakfasts, each with its own unique character and charm. Some popular options include the 1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage, the Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast, and the Carolina Bed & Breakfast.
We came across this cute little hotel in downtown Asheville in the South Slope district, located in historic buildings.
Boutique and Downtown Options
If you prefer to stay in the heart of downtown Asheville, there are several boutique hotels to choose from. Hotel Indigo is a trendy and modern option that is located just steps away from the city’s best restaurants, breweries, and shops. Other popular options include the Aloft Asheville Downtown and the Kimpton Hotel Arras.
No matter where you choose to stay, Asheville’s accommodations offer a comfortable and convenient home base for your two-day adventure.
Dining and Cuisine
When it comes to dining in Asheville, you’ll find an abundance of options to satisfy any craving. From local flavors to international tastes, there’s something for everyone.
Local Flavors and Farm-to-Table
Asheville is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, and you won’t be disappointed with the options available. Restaurants like Cúrate offer Spanish tapas made with local ingredients, while other eateries like Buxton Hall Barbecue serve up Carolina barbecue made with pasture-raised hogs. For a truly unique experience, head to The Admiral, where the menu changes daily based on what’s fresh and in season.
Cultura is also an awarding winning restaurant located right in the heart of downtown Asheville.
International Tastes and Craft Beer
If you’re in the mood for something international, Asheville has plenty of options. For a taste of France, head to Bouchon French Bistro, where you can enjoy classics like escargot and coq au vin. If you’re a beer lover, you’ll be in heaven with the craft beer scene in Asheville. Visit breweries like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium for a taste of their famous brews.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
No meal is complete without something sweet to finish it off. Asheville has plenty of options for dessert lovers, including the French Broad Chocolate Factory, where you can indulge in artisanal chocolates and ice cream. For a more unique experience, head to The Hop Ice Cream Cafe, where you can try flavors like lavender honey and brown sugar bourbon.
With its focus on local ingredients and international flavors, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch, you’ll find it in Asheville.
Activities and Experiences
Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Drives
Asheville is a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Start your day with a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a hike in the nearby Pisgah National Forest or take a guided tour of the area’s waterfalls.
Arts, Culture, and Museums
Asheville is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Visit the Asheville Art Museum to see a wide range of contemporary and modern art, or check out the Asheville Pinball Museum for a fun and unique experience. If you’re interested in traditional Appalachian crafts, head to the Folk Art Center to see local artisans at work.
Visiting the Biltmore Estate will be a must see on many families itineraries, but you may also want to consider a stroll through the Grove Arcade, a historic building with unique shops and eateries. Or a visit to Battery Park Book Exchange, a quirky bookstore and wine bar where you can browse books while sipping on a glass of wine. Art, culture, and architecture are a plenty in the region.
Artists will love to spend time exploring the River Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood filled with galleries, studios, and craft breweries. Take a stroll along the French Broad River and admire the street art and murals that adorn the buildings. Stop by one of the many craft breweries in the area, such as Wedge Brewing or New Belgium Brewing, to sample some of Asheville’s famous craft beer.
Relaxation and Wellness
After a day of exploring, take some time to relax and rejuvenate. Asheville is home to many spas and wellness centers, including the Foot Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a foot soak and massage. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, book a stay at one of the area’s many wellness retreats.
Asheville offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, arts and culture, or relaxation and wellness, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Transportation and Getting Around
When visiting Asheville, you have several options for transportation to get around the city. Here are the most popular ways to get around Asheville:
By Car and Parking Information
If you prefer to drive, renting a car is a great option to get around Asheville. You can rent a car from the Asheville Regional Airport, Charlotte International Airport, or from various car rental companies in the city. Parking is available in downtown Asheville, but it can be difficult to find a spot during peak hours. There are several parking garages and lots available, and some hotels offer free parking for their guests.
Public Transportation and Bus Routes
Asheville has a public transportation system called ART (Asheville Redefines Transit), which offers several bus routes throughout the city. The buses are clean and reliable, and fares are affordable. You can purchase tickets on the bus or at the ART Transit Center. The center also offers schedules and maps to help you plan your trip.
Guided Tours and Alternative Options
If you prefer a more guided experience, there are several tour companies that offer transportation services in Asheville. You can choose from walking tours, trolley tours, or even a Segway tour. These tours offer a unique way to explore the city and learn about its history and culture.
Another alternative option is to rent a bike or use a bike-sharing service. Asheville has several bike rental companies and bike-sharing programs that allow you to explore the city at your own pace.
No matter what transportation option you choose, getting around Asheville is easy and convenient. With so many options available, you can explore the city and all it has to offer without worrying about transportation.
Asheville Trip Highlights
As you can see above, there’s lots to do and see in Asheville, North Carolina! We will definitely plan to visit this beautiful region again, and it was the perfect vacation spot to bring tweens and teens that love nature! This trip was the perfect way to get some great family time in together and make memories as a family.
If you’re planning vacations to any of the cities below, I have travel itineraries and trip suggestions for all of these on the blog!
** All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Being Mommy with Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
