A Day in Asheville
On September 25th, 2024, our content team was putting finishing touches on a blog and email about our dream day in Asheville. Fall is the town’s busiest season for tourism, mostly for the leaves and the beautiful weather. But before we could hit send, we lost power and internet. The region we couldn’t wait to brag about was hit by Hurricane Helene.
Now, as we emerge from a slow winter, local businesses—especially restaurants—are in a ‘wait and see’ moment, uncertain about what comes next in a place that relies so heavily on visitors. If Western North Carolina has been on your list, consider this your nudge to come see us.
And if you need ideas for your trip, we finally get to share that dream day in Asheville with you.
Morning
Start your day with a coffee at Farewell, a tucked-away gem where you can enjoy a perfect cortado or one of their seasonal specials—and if you’re lucky, your drink will come in an East Fork Mug!
Photos by @farewellavl
Next, head to All Day Darling in Historic Montford for a laid-back breakfast at a true neighborhood spot. Bring a light jacket and eat a market-fresh meal on the charming patio. You can’t go wrong with the Shakshuka or The Standard, a classic breakfast sandwich.
For a true local experience, head downtown and wander the Saturday Morning Asheville City Market. Pick up fresh produce, a second coffee, or a bouquet of flowers as you browse local vendors.
Once you reach the top of the market, take a right on Walnut Street to head to our downtown shop. If you’ve never seen our pots in person, this is the perfect opportunity! We even have some in-store only items you won’t want to miss.
While downtown, stop by some of our favorite shops: Malaprop’s Bookstore, Horse and Hero (great for local art finds), and The Bee Charmer for a unique honey tasting experience.
Mid-Day
For lunch, venture to South Slope and try East Fork Friend, Ashleigh Shanti’s, Good Hot Fish for the Good Hot Fish Sandwich. Pro tip: Bring her cooking home with her cookbook, Our South.
Looking to wind down for a bit and stay close to town? Spend the afternoon at Sauna House - cedar and infrared saunas, a cold plunge, heated lounge chairs and icy cold, bubbly, adaptogen beverages.
Ready to do some exploring? Take a tour of the historic Biltmore house then stroll the grounds. During the spring, the gardens are bursting with beautiful blooms. The Arboretum is another great place to wander, right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and less than 15 minutes from downtown Asheville.
Evening
End your day in West Asheville for dinner at Leo’s House of Thirst, a wine bar with an incredible menu. Enjoy an evening in their outdoor garden under the soft glow of string lights, no reservations needed. The offerings rotate but they are known for their chicken liver mousse, deviled eggs and house made pasta. Be sure to ask for the dessert menu!
Photos by @leos_houseofthirst
After dinner, wander down Haywood Road to The Low Down, a cozy underground lounge, for dim lights and craft cocktails. Still looking for more? Continue on Haywood and end the night at The Golden Pineapple. Chances are, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
And if a day isn’t enough to hit all the spots on your list, spend the night in a charming riverfront a-frame at Wrong Way Cabins and make it an Asheville weekend.
