Gracie’s Guide to Asheville, North Carolina (on a Budget)
Asheville, North Carolina. I spent four days in this unique city nuzzled in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. Asheville is buzzing with art, nature, and an energy unlike anywhere I’ve been before. Although this city is quite expensive, my friend and I scoured the best free activities and cheap (but delicious) eats. This city has been on my bucket-list for a while, and its central location is in driving distance from most midwest and southern states. Asheville had two faces: one is a bohemian, progressive, vegan art scene tucked into every corner street and the other is typical southern charm, with old money and beautiful nature that captivates you. I love both of its faces and was happily surprised to find a southern city that is as progressive as Asheville seems to be. Grab a spontaneous companion and road trip to this beautiful, quaint city if you need a brain break from reality. That’s what I did!
Travel Tips
Like I mentioned before, Asheville is located in western North Carolina, close to Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and South Carolina. I drove ~6 hours from Ohio, and towards the end the views from the mountains were incredible! The sunroof down, wind blowing in our faces, and stunning views of mountains make Asheville a great roadtrip destination.
You definitely need a car. Although the city of Asheville itself is very walkable, the best hikes and other attractions require a car. No fear, though! There is plenty of parking.
Get an airbnb close to the city center. We got this studio apartment airbnb for $35 / person / night. It is a 3 minute walk to downtown Asheville where all of the restaurants and shops are located! For reference, we went in mid March. The weather was spectacular – mid 50s and bright blue Carolina skies. Perfect hiking weather!
Activity Tips
Asheville is ~40 minute drive from some of the most beautiful hiking terrain that I’ve ever been on! If you don’t enjoy hiking, you must at least drive up the Blue Ridge Highway. The winding roads lead you up hundreds of feet of elevation into the mountains, with lookout points every few miles to stop and take pictures / soak up the view. It felt like traveling up highway one in California. You have to stay vigilant to make sure you don’t fly off the side of the mountain! After some research we did the Mt. Pisgah hike (tallest mountain in the Blue Ridge range) which took ~1 hour. It is strenuous and you gain a couple hundred feet of elevation, so do this hike first before you get too tired. The view at the top is serene and surreal. The view is even better because you worked hard for it.
We got on an adrenaline rush on the (much easier) trip down, and decided to drive 10 minutes to the Fryingpan trail. The trait that makes this trail famous is its 70 foot steel fire lookout tower that look out into the mountainous landscape. This is not for the faint of heart- it was windy as heck up there! It took us ~40 minutes to do Fryingpan.
Walk around the city center! There are hundreds of shops and restaurants in a small area. The street that we almost missed (but is the coolest) is North Lexington Ave. There’s this bookstore called Downtown Books and News that me and my friend spent hours in. It has the dopest collection of old books and interesting pamphlets to peruse. I bought beautiful art decor in this store that looks great in my room. There’s also an Urban Outfitters and tons of curated vintage stores to browse.
Another great free activity is visiting the Omni Grove Park Inn. There is free parking for the first few hours you’re there, and the hotel itself is spectacular. Old family money at its finest. Go at sunset and enjoy a perfect golden hour drink outside. Me and my friend snuck down to the gardens and found rocking chairs where we peacefully rocked in for 2 hours as the sun was setting. Good vibes! One day I will come back and stay in this hotel.
Okay, so I know Asheville is famous for the Vanderbilt estate called Biltmore but as broke college students, we couldn’t afford the steep $70 entrance fee (ridiculous!). We opted for the North Carolina Arboretum and laid on a rock near a stream in the sun for a few hours, which was just as fun in my opinion! Tip: look up “We’re Not Really Strangers Questions” to get some great deep conversation starters.
Food Tips
Asheville is a total foodie town. We were overwhelmed by all of the options, but we ended up spending minimal money on some great eats! Something awesome about most of the restaurants is that they have vegan and gluten free options as well.
White Duck Taco Shop. A modern, edgy taco shop with tons of unique taco options. In the center of downtown with great outdoor seating and filling, delicious tacos. Get the queso on the side! I could have drowned in that queso.
Red Giner Dimsum & Tapas. This place is a great authentic dimsum Chinese restaurant that is well priced with a friendly atmosphere. Also in the downtown area.
Mamacita Taqueria. A more traditional Mexican place, this restaurant has great margaritas and yummy tacos. You order from a line and get to pick what you want on each taco. Definitely get the Avocado and Cauliflower Al Pastor tacos – they were spectacular!
Manicomio Pizza and Food. This restaurant is perfect for a quick pizza-by-the-slice lunch option. The slices are huge and there’s also a great outdoor eating area.
Double D’s Coffee and Desserts. A coffee shop that works out of a bus! This fun, unique coffee shop brings out the kid in us. Everyone that walks by does a double take. I ordered a delicious iced vanilla latte with oak milk and took great pictures at the outdoor tables, people-watching and enjoying the atmosphere. Although a bit expensive, you have to go here at least once.
27 Club. This edgy, rock-and-roll dive bar is awesome for a few drinks after a long day outdoors. The bartender was hilarious and they have delicious North Carolina ciders on tap.
Ah, just revisiting my time in Asheville makes me eager to go back! This place has it all- a cool bar and art scene, gorgeous hiking, and unique & delicious food. Southern charm fused with vegan hippie. I’d classify it as a southern town with an extra sprinkle of pizzazz. Make this place a priority roadtrip. We all need a break every once in a while, and Asheville is the perfect place to unwind and explore.
xx Gracie
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