This itinerary is perfect for a weekend in Asheville, and the best part is, you won’t need to take time off work! Head to Asheville right after work on Friday and enjoy a full weekend exploring the city. Below, I’ve included top recommendations for where to stay, eat, and hike to make the most of your getaway!
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Where to Stay
There are a few different options of where to stay when visiting the area. If you want to be within walking distance to restaurants/shops, then downtown Asheville is the place to stay! On thing to note is accommodations prices will be higher in downtown and a lot places won’t have free parking.
Black Rock Town– We stayed at this Airbnb in Swannanoa, just 5 minutes from Black Rock Mountain and about 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. It’s the perfect spot—close enough to explore the city, yet far enough to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Henderson- Another option outside the city is to stay in Henderson, NC, about a 20 minute drive outside the city. During another visit to the area, we stayed at Skylaranna Resort & Spa, a beautiful resort featuring a fire pit, pool and hot tub.
Friday- Arriving in Asheville
If you’re coming in after work, you likely won’t be able to do very much on Friday other than grab dinner and check into your accommodation, If you have a little extra time, you can also explore downtown and checkout a few shops.
We made it in town in time to eat dinner at Soprana’s Rooftop Cucina (more on this below) and catch sunset from the roof top.
Saturday- Time to Explore
Wake up early and hit the trails to make the most of your time in Asheville!
Crabtree Falls
Start your day at Crabtree falls, a stunning 60 foot waterfall located off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This waterfall is about 45 minutes from Asheville. The trail can be done as a 3 mile loop or, if you choose turn around at the waterfall, 1.8 miles. Checkout this article for everything you need to know about this trail!
Craggy Pinnacles
Next drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway and hike the Craggy Pinnacle Trail! This trail is only 1.2 miles round trip and offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. If you visit on a cloudy/fog day, its best to skip this trail as you want get any of these gorgeous mountain views! (pictured)
Sauna House
Back in Asheville, enjoy a relaxing visit to Sauna House to recover from the hiking. There are two options here: the public bathhouse or a private sauna room, If you choose the public bathhouse, you’ll have access to two saunas, a cold plunge pool, and a refreshing cool mist. For a more private experience, enjoy your own personal sauna and ice bath in a private room. Whichever option you choose, relaxation is guaranteed!
Sunday- Leaving Asheville
On your way out of Asheville chase some waterfalls on Waterfall Byway.
Cullasaja Falls
This waterfall located just off Highway 64 with a small pullout that fits 3-4 cars. Right in front of the pullout, there’s a short trail that leads to an overlook of the falls. While you can take the trail down to the base, I wouldn’t recommend it—it’s quite steep and requires using ropes, making the descent more of a scramble.
Dry Falls
Just 11 minutes down the road is Dry Falls, an impressive waterfall that you can actually walk behind! There is a $5 parking fee that can be paid online or onsite at the Kiosk. Once you park, it’s just a short stroll down the paved path to the falls. The entire length of the trail is 0.25 miles round trip, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for all.
Bridal Veil Falls
Continue on this same road and you’ll come to bridal veil falls, which is admitting a little underwhelming compared to the other two waterfalls. Like Dry Falls, you can walk behind this waterfall, though it has a much smaller flow. Since it’s right off the road, you can easily admire it as you drive by or make a quick stop to snap a photo before heading on your way.
Where to eat in Asheville
Soprana Rooftop Cucina: located on the rooftop of Embassy Suites, Soprana’s offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas, a variety of Italian appetizers, and a selection of crafted cocktails!
Luella’s Bar-B-Que: a popular barbecue spot in Asheville, Luella’s is known for their smoked meats and house made sauces. The restaurant has a casual, laid back vibe with a large outdoor seating area. While the food was quite tasty, we experienced an extremely long wait. If you plan to visit, try going during off-peak hours for a quicker meal.
Ultra Coffeebar: for a quick and delicious breakfast, stop by Ultra Coffeebar. They offer a variety of specialty coffees made with house made syrups. They also serve a range of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. I recommend trying the Joey and Rad bagel—both were absolutely delicious!
Sunshine Sammies: if you are in the mood for some ice cream, head to Sunshine Sammies. They offer handmade ice cream sandwiches where you can mix and match your choice of cookie and ice cream flavors. They’re incredibly delicious, and I definitely recommend stopping by!
Owl Bakery: if you have the time, you’ve got to stop by one of the two Owl Bakery locations in Asheville. They serve European-inspired pastries made with locally sourced ingredients, ensuring you’re getting only the best! We tried three different pastries, and each one was so delicious. It’s definitely a spot I’ll be visiting again next time I’m in Asheville.
Hole Doughnuts: a must-visit in Asheville, Hole’s is famous for its unique, homemade doughnuts. They offer just four flavors, but the selection changes seasonally. Since they’re super popular, especially on weekends, it’s best to arrive early or be prepared for a bit of a wait—it’s totally worth it though!
A Weekend in Asheville
Asheville is a nature lovers paradise, with so many amazing hikes and views within one hour of the city! After spending the day outside, retire to the city to relax and enjoy some tasty food. With its blend of outdoor beauty and vibrant city life, Asheville makes for the perfect weekend getaway.
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