Locals know all the best spots to go have fun, eat delicious meals, and so much more. They often keep their favorite places close to the vest to keep them from getting overrun. So, if you can get the inside scoop, then you’re rather lucky and well on your way to having the time of your life. If that sounds like just what you need, then you’re in luck. All you have to do is use this guide to vacation like a local in Asheville.
Exceptional Accommodations
The best inns in Asheville are not only a great place to stay, but also offer incredible meals and fun experiences. Here are a few choice options:
The Omni Grove Park Inn
At the Omni Grove Park Inn, you can get the full vacation experience without stepping foot away from the resort. In addition to their comfortable suites, they have a dozen restaurants and dining experiences, including the popular Wild Food Foraging Tour. You can also kick back and relax at their spa and wellness center where they have all sorts of beauty treatments and massage options. When fun calls your name, get on over to their dueling piano bar to sing and dance to your heart’s content.
Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn
Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn is definitely an inviting home away from home. They offer all the creature comforts you might want during your stay, including a whirlpool tub, fireplace, and high-speed internet access. Each morning, they’ll serve you a decadent breakfast at a gorgeous table setting with china, crystal, and fancy linens. If you want to get out for a bit, you can hang out on their beautiful, covered porch and gaze upon the stunning gardens all around. Or take a short walk to their spa for a massage, facial, and other wellness treatments.
Biltmore Estate
You can stay at the Biltmore Estate for weeks without getting close to seeing it all. At this gorgeous manor, you can grab a room at the hotel, inn, or cottage to see what it’s like to live in the lap of luxury. Then, you can go shopping, visit the spa, and tour the house, gardens, and grounds. If you start to get hungry, you have many onsite restaurants to choose from, including Cedric’s Tavern and The Creamery.
Fun Things to Do
When you’re hankering for something exciting to do, there’s no better place to go than these three spots.
Asheville Pinball Museum
The Asheville Pinball Museum is a blast from the past that will keep you entertained for hours on end. Upon walking through the doors, you’ll see dozens of colorful machines and hear the pinging of the balls racing through the playing fields. You get unlimited plays with your admission and they sell many of their machines if you want to take one home.
Asheville Museum of Science
If you want to learn about the world around you using hands-on exhibits, there’s no better place to go than the Asheville Museum of Science. This museum features tons of excellent labs and displays to teach you about minerals, forests, and everything in between. You’ll love to check out their Terrabox elevation simulator before going over to the interactive STEM lab. They also have many excellent special events throughout the year, including adults-only maker space meetups.
Asheville Urban Trail
Photo Credit: @lowbrowhighart
Although it takes about two hours to complete, you’ll never tire of walking the Asheville Urban Trail. You’ll want to start at the first trail station at Pack Square to begin your journey through the history of the city. Then, you can wind your way through the rest of the 30 stations to see what this region is all about. Don’t forget to stop in at any restaurants and shops that catch your eye along the way to get the full tour experience.
Delicious Restaurants
When you go to Asheville, you know you’ll find great food at every corner. But where are the best spots in town? Check out these three restaurants for a meal to remember.
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack is well known for its mouthwateringly good fried chicken made just how you like it. You can choose between their eight spice levels, which include honey mild and medium right in the middle. No matter what spice level you get, you’ll want to pair your chicken with their four side plate. With that, you get to try their most popular sides, including collard greens, fried okra, and pimento cheese grits.
Isis Music Hall & Kitchen
At Isis Music Hall & Kitchen, you can grab a tantalizing meal and enjoy a show while you eat. Their menu is filled with meals you’ll want to write home about, like Fried Soft Shell Crab Poboy, Braised Duroc Pork Belly, and Grilled Guinea Fowl. They have a wide range of adult beverages to enjoy during your visit plus the best bread pudding you’ll ever try. Each week, they host their world-renowned Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions and have many other musicians come on stage throughout the month.
Tupelo Honey
Although it’s billed as just a café, Tupelo Honey is definitely so much more. This lowkey eatery serves an incredible array of Southern dishes, which are all made from scratch using fresh ingredients. You can start your meal with their Famous Fried Green Tomatoes before moving on to the main course. For that, you can choose from their sandwiches, supper plates, and so much more. They even serve brunch all day for when you just need French toast, eggs benedict, or omelets for dinner.
Now that you know where to go, it’s time to hit the road and start vacationing like a local in Asheville. You’ll love to see just what each spot has to offer and will quickly realize why they’re the fan favorites.
