Americana

The Grove Arcade is one of the city’s hip and happening places
The Biltmore is one of Asheville’s must-see attractions
Pick up some homegrown goodies at one of the may tailgate markets

36 Hours in Asheville

Take a whirlwind tour of this eclectic North Carolina city.

San Felipe de Neri Church, Albuquerque, NM.

Asheville boasts an incredible collection of great restaurants, including Early Girl Eatery (top) and Tupelo Honey Cafe, both located downtown.
Photo by Antony Boshier

Friday

5 P.M.

Explore one of the last of the great arcades – the Grove Arcade – one of the city’s most hip and happening places. While you’re there, duck into Santé Wine Bar for a glass of Chardonnay or Merlot.

7 P.M.

An Asheville institution, Vincenzo’s Ristorante & Bistro is the kind of place that’s always busy. The upstairs dining room is a lovely Victorian setting, intimate and perfect for a romantic dinner. Downstairs is livelier, with nightly music and the din of spirited conversation.

9:30 P.M.

After dinner, take in an independent film at the Fine Arts Theatre downtown or check out the live music, theater or dance at the Diana Wortham Theatre.

Saturday

9:30 A.M.

Grab an outside table and dig into some homemade granola or sweet potato pancakes at Tupelo Honey Cafe. This popular dining spot on College Street churns out a great menu of Southern favorites with a creative twist.

11 A.M.

Another Asheville must-see is the historic Biltmore, known as America’s largest home, boasting 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley and much more. In nearby Biltmore Village, you’ll find tree-lined streets, antique shops and original houses from the 1900s.

1:30 P.M.

While you’re in Biltmore Village, drop by the Corner Kitchen for lunch. This 120-year-old, Tudor-style cottage has a glassed-in porch where you can dine “outdoors” year-round. Save room for the soufflé, one of the restaurant’s dessert specialties.

The Biltmore is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Photo by David Mudd

4 P.M.

Time for some visual relief. Wander around Blue Spiral 1, a three-story gallery that specializes in Southeastern fine arts and crafts, or Ariel Gallery, where you’ll find handmade works in clay, fiber, glass and wood.

8 P.M.

Take a well-deserved breather at Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa’s Sunset Terrace. The resort’s classic steakhouse serves prime beef and fresh seafood for dinner and a variety of salads, sandwiches and entrees for lunch – all with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Asheville skyline.

Sunday

8:30 A.M.

Get an early start with gourmet coffee or mimosas at the Early Girl Eatery, a sunny downtown cafe specializing in made-from-scratch Southern food. Try the multigrain buttermilk pancakes with organic maple syrup and a side of country ham. You won’t leave hungry.

11:30 A.M.

After a hearty breakfast, check out one of Asheville’s many Tailgate Farmers’ Markets, which are loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs grown on area farms. You can also find fresh-cut flowers, local honey, organic coffee, goat cheese, preserves, herb soaps and other goodies to take home.

Story By Rebecca Denton

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