Where to Stay, Eat & Explore During a Weekend Trip to Asheville, NC
If you're craving a weekend escape filled with art, mountain views, unforgettable eats, and cozy charm, Asheville is calling your name! While the area is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, the city's resilience and warmth are front and center. Businesses are open, welcoming visitors, and ready to share what makes this mountain town so special.
One of the best ways to support this incredible community is simply to show up! Eat, explore, stay awhile, and shop local. Here’s how to spend a fun and creative weekend in Asheville, NC!
Plus, check out our IG reel showcasing all of these amazing spots!
Where to Stay:
Nestled in the heart of downtown, Embassy Suites Asheville makes the perfect home base. You'll get gorgeous mountain views, walkable access to Asheville’s best shops and restaurants, and a rooftop restaurant with cocktails that pair perfectly with sunset. Click here to get a glimpse at what it’s like to stay here!
Perks of staying here:
Complimentary hot breakfast (hello, Southern-style biscuits!)
Heated indoor pool + oversized fitness center
Rooftop dining at Soprana Rooftop Cucina
Stylish, spacious suites with cozy vibes
Prime downtown location for exploring Asheville’s charm
Where to Eat & Drink:
Located on the rooftop of Embassy Suites, Soprana offers wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and Italian small plates with a view that’s hard to beat. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between upscale and approachable, making it great for date night or dinner with friends. Don’t skip an espresso martini as the sun dips behind the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A hidden gem in Asheville’s River Arts District, Huli Sue’s brings a unique twist to traditional barbecue by blending Hawaiian flavors with Southern cooking techniques. Think tender brisket, crispy pork belly, and tropical sauces that add a bright, fresh contrast. The laid-back, casual setting makes it a great spot for lunch between art galleries or breweries. Their sides alone—mac salad, slaw, and cornbread—are worth the visit.
The Battery Park Book Exchange
Bookstore meets wine bar, Battery Park Book Exchange is one of Asheville’s most charming and unique spots. Tucked inside the historic Grove Arcade, this cozy hideaway invites you to sink into a velvet chair, sip champagne or a local wine flight, and get lost in a good book. Shelves wind through intimate nooks and crannies, giving you that feeling of being tucked away from the world. Pair your glass with a cheese plate or light bite, and you've got the ultimate literary-lounge vibe. Whether you're there to read, chat, or people-watch, it’s pure Asheville magic.
Tucked into a charming corner downtown, The Rhu is part café, part bakery, and all-around cozy corner of Asheville. Their baked goods are made from scratch and pair beautifully with expertly brewed coffee and espresso. Whether you're grabbing a quiet breakfast or stopping in for an afternoon pick-me-up, The Rhu’s warm and rustic vibe makes you feel instantly at home. Try the iced honey, vanilla latte and a chocolate croissant, you won’t regret it!
Things to Do:
Asheville is one of those places where every corner reveals something new… be it a hidden gallery, a mountain mural, or a sidewalk musician. Here are a few standout ways to fill your weekend:
Visit Mark Bettis Gallery & Studio
Step into Asheville’s creative side at Mark Bettis Gallery, located in the River Arts District. Here, you’ll get a chance to mingle with local artists, sip on mimosas, and wander through stunning galleries that showcase everything from abstract paintings to mixed media pieces. It’s the kind of space that invites you to slow down, soak in the beauty, and maybe even leave with a piece of art to take home.
If you do one thing in Asheville, make it a ride on the La Zoom Comedy Bus Tour. These purple buses are impossible to miss, and once you hop on, you're in for an outrageous mix of local history, hilarious characters, and improv-style comedy. It’s part sightseeing tour, part comedy show, and 100% unforgettable. Choose from the classic City Comedy Tour, the Haunted Comedy Tour or even an Asheville Fender Bender Beer Tour. Whether you’re a first-timer or a local, it’s a totally unique way to see Asheville!
Watch a Glass Blowing Demo at NC Glass Center
Glass art feels magical—and watching it come to life in real time is an experience in itself. At NC Glass Center, artists lead 30-minute demonstrations showing how molten glass is transformed into colorful, delicate creations. It’s mesmerizing, educational, and a beautiful look at Asheville’s hands-on art scene.
Beer Tasting at Wedge Brewing Co.
Asheville is known for its breweries, and Wedge Brewing is a must-visit. Located in a converted warehouse, this laid-back spot has a killer lineup of craft beers, a welcoming patio, and rotating food trucks. Whether you're into hoppy IPAs or smooth, malty ales, there's something for every palate. It’s a great stop after lunch or before heading back into downtown for dinner.
Skinny Beats Sound Bath +Drum Experience
For something totally unique and grounding, join a morning sound bath session at Skinny Beats Drums. Owner Billy Zanski leads a vibrant drum experience that blends rhythm, mindfulness, and fun. It’s energizing, communal, and one of those “only-in-Asheville” experiences you’ll be talking about long after your trip.
The Grove Arcade is a historic architectural gem filled with independent shops, artisan vendors, and cafés. It's a great place to grab a gift, browse handmade goods, or simply enjoy the ambiance. The building itself, restored with ornate details and elegant light fixtures, is worth a visit even if you’re not in a shopping mood.
Why Your Visit Matters
After Hurricane Helene, Asheville is still healing, but its heart is stronger than ever. Every coffee you sip, boutique you shop, and restaurant you dine in is a meaningful way to support local businesses and help this incredible community thrive.
So come for the mountains, the music, the murals, and the magic, but stay for the people, the passion, and the joy of being part of something beautiful.