The easy part of planning a weekend getaway is thinking of all the fun things you might like to do – hike a new mountain, taste new cuisine, sip a locally brewed libation, or just explore a new downtown. The not-so-easy part is finding that perfect destination like Asheville, North Carolina, which we think is, among other things, one of the best spring break destinations in the US.
Nestled in North Carolina’s western Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville was incorporated in 1797 and named after the state’s Governor, Samuel Ashe. Today, nearly 100,000 “Ashevillians” call it home.
But don’t let the population fool you. This North Carolina gem is as charming as any small town gets and as robust as a major city.
When planning your weekend itinerary, you’ll find your options are in abundance. So let’s think them over with a beer. Or, rather, let’s just talk about beer. Asheville is proudly home to more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the USA.
With upwards of 10 breweries packed into the South Slope district, and all within walking distance from one another, this is where beer drinkers flock to. However, to truly taste Asheville’s roots and for a bit of history, head over to Highland Brewing Company.
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It was the first legal brewery in Asheville since Prohibition and is currently the largest independent, family-owned brewery native to the Southeast.
Asheville is also home to a remarkably vibrant and eclectic art scene. Visiting art lovers should make their way to the River Arts District to access some of the city’s most unique galleries.
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Notable stops include free glassblowing demonstrations at the North Carolina Glass Center and a visit to CURVE Studios & Garden.
Despite downtown Asheville having so much to offer, many visitors dedicate a morning or afternoon to nearby hiking. With access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, the vistas are limitless.
After a long day of brewery hopping, art studio visiting, and vista-chasing hiking, you’ll be ready for some local cuisine to dig into. For a palette in search of Southern comfort food, head over to Asheville’s family-friendly Moose Café, where each meal is scratch-made with local ingredients.
For more upscale dining, Pack’s Tavern is locally-owned and set in a restored tavern.
Though you may not want the day to end, there are plenty of inviting accommodations for you to rest and recoup for the next day’s festivities. Rich with history and with complimentary afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres, the Princess Anne Hotel & Breakfast is just a short walk away from downtown.
Have you grabbed your calendar to mark off a weekend for your Asheville escape yet? If you have visited in the past, what was your favorite part of the city?
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