Asheville Weekend Itinerary: What To Do In 48 Hours?
You have 48 hours and need a simple Asheville weekend Itinerary. Well, you’re in luck because I got you.
Asheville has so many things to offer and is a super convenient getaway especially if you are coming from Raleigh, North Carolina.
From the variety of breweries to all the hiking options, you will not run out of things to do.
You can honestly get away with brewery hopping the entire 48 hours, but I know you’d want to know all your options.
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Asheville Weekend Itinerary: Where To Stay?
BUDGET
I am cheap, and I have always stayed at Sweet Peas, which is a local hostel downtown.
I love this place because you are literally in the heart of downtown and can walk everywhere.
Super close to restaurants and all the shopping.
I know how some people feel about hostels, but it’s actually such a great way to meet people, and you can even book a private room for a small additional amount.
MEDIUM
If you’re thinking of staying outside of Asheville, then this Airbnb is perfect for you. It is located in Brevard, NC which is about 30-40 mins away from downtown Asheville.
I personally stayed here with a huge group.
I recommend this place because of the amazing patio with the panoramic view of the mountains. It looks insane.
Aside from the stunning view, the Airbnb itself also has everything you could ever need for all the cooking, and there’s even a washer and dryer.
Our friends and I really loved our stay here.
The owner was also super responsive and nice.
BOUGIE
Why not stay in a luxury tent?
This luxury tent through Airbnb takes glamping on a whole new level.
The best way I can describe this is if a modern home had a baby with a tent, this would be the result.
Did I mention that it comes with a hot tub?
Sign me up. My friends stayed in the airbnb, and they enjoyed it so much.
Just staying here is a whole experience.
Do You Need A Car In Asheville?
I’ve been to Asheville with and without a car.
This really depends on the vibe of the trip you are going for.
If your hotel or airbnb is in the downtown area and you plan on mainly exploring the city, then you can walk or catch an uber.
If you want to do a lot of hikes outside of Asheville, then I suggest renting or bringing car.
It depends on your preference.
Asheville Weekend Itinerary Examples
Below are 3 suggestions for your Asheville Weekend Itinerary.
I am someone who likes to be flexible with my schedule, so feel free to add, change, or ignore any of these suggestions.
For food and more specifics in breweries, continue scrolling to the restaurant and drink sections where I provide more details.
SUGGESTION 1
Day 1: Asheville Estate/Conservatory, lunch, Brewery tour, dinner
Day 2: Hike Chimney Rock, brunch, River Arts District, dinner, beers at Wedge
SUGGESTION 2
Day 1: Hike Rainbow falls in Brevard, drive and check out downtown Asheville, shopping, lunch, brewery tour, dinner
Day 2: Hike Catawba falls, brunch, brewery hop, dinner
SUGGESTION 3 (If you’re arriving late Friday and leaving early Sunday)
Day 1: Sierra Nevada and dinner
Day 2: River Arts District, late lunch/snacks, walk around downtown Asheville, dinner
Day 3: Bruch at Funkatorium, tea and snacks at Dobra Tea Room
Asheville Weekend Itinerary: Where To Eat?
I lived in North Carolina for about 17 years, and most of my friends were born and raised in there too.
I would not recommend places if I have not personally or my friends have not tried them.
Over the years, my friends and I have visited Asheville countless of times.
These are our favorite spots to eat or have snacks.
If you have difficulty choosing, I highly recommend Salsa and Red Ginger. You should not skip these places!
If you’re on a budget, it’s always an option to pack some sandwiches or charcuterie and have a cute picnic at Blue Ridge Parkway or Mt. Mitchell.
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH:
- Double D’s Coffee & Dessert (it’s a double decker bus coffee shop)
- Twisted Crepe
- Sunny Point Cafe
- Biscuit Head
- Early Girl Eatery
LUNCH & DINNER
SNACKS & DESSERT
Asheville Weekend Trip: Breweries
You cannot go to Asheville without going to the breweries!
If you’re not a beer drinker, some of these places also offer ciders, mixed drinks, and other options.
I know some people just go for the social aspect and the food.
I’ve ordered these breweries so that you can easily go walk and brewery hop.
These are some of favorite breweries and beer hopping suggestions for the perfect Asheville weekend itinerary:
BREWERY HOPPING OPTION 1
BREWERY HOPPING OPTION 2
BREWERY HOPPING OPTION 3
BREWERY HOPPING OPTION 4
This brewery is a little bit far from the rest, but the brewery itself has its own brewery tour.
Asheville Weekend Getaway: Activities
What I love about Asheville is it caters to people who want to get away from the city, but you do not have to be a super outdoorsy to love it.
Yes, Asheville is known for all the hiking and camping, but there are so many sites to explore.
Biltmore Estate + Conservatory
You can pretty much spend the entire day in the beautiful Biltmore Estate from doing wine tasting, touring the Biltmore house itself or simply walking around the property.
The garden and the greenhouse and the gardens house so many amazing plants and all the greenery. The rose bushes in the summer are insanely gorgeous.
Many people choose the Biltmore Estate for engagements and weddings.
In fact, one of my friends got engaged here!
Brewery Tour
This is no surprise. If you do not want to DIY your brewery hopping, then you should book a brewery tour.
Go To McDonalds
This sounds a bit random, but this particular McDonalds in Asheville has a grand piano and a fireplace.
I repeat, it has a grand piano and a fireplace.
Address: 35 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Hiking
Where are my nature lovers at?
Immerse yourself in nature and go hiking. Below are some of the hikes and tails I recommend:
- Chimney Rock
- Dupont Falls
- Rainbow Falls (Brevard)
- Looking Glass Falls
- Pisgah National Forest
- Black Balsam Knob Art Loeb Trail
- Craggy Gardens
- Catawba Falls
(Honestly, you can’t go wrong anywhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains)
For those who love art and going to museums, check out the River Arts District.
You can honestly spend a whole day here.
Meet all kinds of artists and see a myriad of galleries from pottery and mixed media and from photography to ceramics.
Go Tubing
If you’re more of a chill adventurer then I highly recommend going tubing down river.
There are several Asheville companies that rent out all the water sports equipment.
Bring some drinks, snacks, sunscreen, yourself, and enjoy.
Shopping
If you’re not the outdoorsy type person, then maybe you can go shopping instead.
As mentioned previously, there’s so many opportunities to shop in Asheville because a lot of the local and popular stores are walking distance downtown.
You’ll also come across little performances on the sides of the street like dancing or a band playing music.
Great for people watching for sure.
Other shopping suggestions:
Outside of Asheville
I recommend staying in Brevard, NC if you’re looking for a place outside of Asheville.
It is a little farther away if you are coming from the city, but it’s so worth it.
You can explore downtown Brevard which has a lot of cute shops, restaurants, and art.
You can also hike Rainbow Falls.
Planning Your Next Trip?
Say less. Here are other guides that you might be interested in:
I hope this guide helps you in planning your next Asheville weekend trip!
Asheville has everything you can ask for in a mountain town.
Whatever you do, I am sure that you will have such a great time.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Do you have other recommendations when visiting Asheville?
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