During the winter, my cousin Lara was having a baby shower where she’s living in Asheville, NC. I decided to take a road trip and pick up my cousin, Ashley (Lara’s sister) who lives in Pittsburg on the way. We had such a great time, taking an actual cousin road trip. Best idea ever! But aside from that, this was my third time visiting Lara in Asheville and I love how quirky and unexpected this little city is. So if you ever find yourself visiting Asheville and want to explore it like a local (not those touristy things like Biltmore…), this guide is for you! Here’s how to spend a perfect day in Asheville from start to finish:
🍳 Start Your Day with Brunch
Kick things off with brunch at Tupelo Honey, one of those places where you truly can’t go wrong. Everything on the menu is consistently delicious, so order whatever sounds good and I promise you’ll be happy. If you want a classic, the chicken and waffles are always a solid choice, and don’t skip the potatoes! They’re easily one of the best sides on the menu.
🛍️ Wander Through Downtown Asheville
After brunch, take your time exploring downtown Asheville. This is where you really start to get a feel for the city’s quirky and unique personality. When they say, “Asheville is Weird”, they really mean it. A few favorite places to pop into are Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe and Kress Emporium for a mix of vintage finds, quirky gifts, and local art.
I also have to mention that one of my favorite things about the city are all the aliens. And what I mean by that is: Everywhere you look you’ll find alien grafitti and paintings, or stores selling little green aliens. It’s so fun. So, keep an eye out as you walk around and you may see what I mean!
🍺 Spend the Afternoon by the Water
Head over to New Belgium Brewing Company for a laid-back afternoon. Set right along the river, it’s a beautiful brewery and place to hang out. Occasionally, you’ll find food trucks outside for a quick bite to eat, too! So, grab a beer, enjoy the outdoor space, and if you have time, take a brewery tour to see how everything comes together behind the scenes.
🪑 Add a Little Treasure Hunting
Before dinner, make a stop at Antique Tobacco Barn. It’s a bit off the typical downtown path, but absolutely worth it if you love antique and thrift shops. Give yourself time to wander as this place is packed with vintage pieces, antiques, and unexpected finds. Even if you’re not shopping for anything specific, it’s one of those spots that’s just fun to explore.
🌙 End the Day with Flavor + Music
Wrap up your day with dinner at Nine Mile, known for its bold, Caribbean-inspired flavors and laid-back vibe. Show up early so you don’t have to deal with a long wait time. I loved everything on my plate and was so hungry from all the adventuring, I ate the whole thing!
If you’re not ready to call it a night, we highly suggest you head over to One World Brewing West for live music and a nightcap.
