A Perfect Weekend in Asheville, NC: A 2 Day Itinerary 2023

Asheville, North Carolina is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States! This mountain city is filled with amazing attractions such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore Estate, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and numerous outdoor activities. There are also plenty of unique restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions to explore. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Asheville has something for everyone! Now let’s explore the perfect 2 day Asheville itinerary you will love.

Where to Stay in Asheville

Asheville, NC is such a great place to visit! There are so many wonderful accommodations to choose from. If you’re looking for something luxurious, you could try The Omni Grove Park Inn, a historic hotel in the mountains with stunning views. For something more affordable, you could try a cozy Airbnb in the city or a hotel like the DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore. If you’d prefer a camping experience, you could try the Pisgah National Forest or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No matter what you decide, you’re sure to have an amazing time in Asheville!

The Asheville Hotels

The Grand Bohemian

Self-Care Hotel Retreat

The Grand Bohemian is a personal favorite of mine. It offers a unique historical and art flair that inspires me.

Upon arrival, you are greeted with a glass of champagne in a Grand Bohemian Hotel glass. In the lobby, you will find artwork with both a unique and historical touch.

When walking to your room, it feels like you are walking through a curated art gallery.

Once in your room, you will notice locally sourced lotions and soaps to indulge on during your stay. The best part of your room is the spa tube with open windows that allow you to overlook the scenic view from your room while enjoying a good soak.

While spending 2 days in Asheville, make sure you take some time to visit the art room in the lobby of the Grand Bohemian.

There are so many unique places to stay in Asheville, but one of my favorites is the Grand Bohemian Hotel. It is located directly across from the Biltmore Estate and is within walking distance of restaurants and shopping.

This hotel is a part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, and it is full of artistic and historical characters. The thing I lost the most about this hotel is the self-care luxury that offers rooms with full-size tubes for a relaxing soak.

Asheville, NC Itinerary

Asheville is a western North Carolina gem, and it is a great place to visit. Here’s a sample itinerary for a fun-filled day in the area:

2 Days in Asheville Itinerary

If you have 36 hours to explore Asheville, NC, spend some time to explore the rich history, embrace the breathtaking nature trails, experience the artful downtown scene, and enjoy the curated local food.

Here is your 2 days in Asheville itinerary:

Visit Historical Sites in Asheville

Start your day off with a visit to the Biltmore Estate. Built in 1895, this 8,000 acre estate is the largest privately-owned home in the United States. Visiting the Biltmore estate is a wonderful way to step back in time and explore the fascinating history of the Vanderbilt family. Every inch of the magnificent estate is filled with breathtaking sights and experiences, from the grand chateau to the sprawling gardens.

You can take a tour of the house to get a glimpse of how the Vanderbilts lived or stroll the grounds and take in the stunning views. There’s also an award-winning winery, a farm village, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique experience, the Biltmore Estate is a must-visit destination.

How long is the Biltmore Estate tour?

An expert-guided tour of the Biltmore Estate takes 1.5 hours and can be pre-purchased on the Biltmore Estate website, here. There are two different tour options — Winter and Spring. When purchasing your tour package, you can choose an audio-guided visit, audio-guided visit plus, and expert-guided visit plus. Each option includes a daytime visit to the Biltmore House, access to the 8.000 acres of gardens and grounds, as well as access to the Antler Hill Village & Winery. Plan 2-3 hours to explore everything the estate has to offer.

After touring the house and grounds, and then take a break at the winery or enjoy lunch on the property. If you decide not to eat at the Biltmore, take a short drive downtown.

For lunch, during your 2 days in Asheville, head to the historic Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar. Enjoy a unique book-shopping experience, and then refuel with a delicious meal.

Things to Do in Downtown Asheville

Next, take a stroll in the River Arts District. This eclectic area is home to hundreds of artists, galleries, restaurants, and shops. Don’t forget to check out the graffiti murals and sculptures!

5 Things to Do in Downtown Asheville

1. Explore local arts by visiting the Asheville Art Museum, the Black Mountain College Museum, or Asheville Community Theater.
2. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Pack Square Park and take in the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
3. Take in in the graffiti murals, street art and sculptures.
4. Experience a self-guided “scavenger hunt” to learn more about Asheville’s history on the urban trail.
5. Take a leisurely walk along the French Broad Riverwalk to experience the city’s natural beauty.

While walking around downtown in Asheville on the weekend, take in the live music and delicious food truck experience you can find throughout the city.

Where to Eat in Asheville

3 Great Places to Eat in Asheville

Asheville offers great restaurants for any occasion. After exploring downtown, here are my top 3 recommendations for great food during your 2 days in Asheville:

1. Limones is a local favorite! It is Mexican cuisine with a French twist for a unique experience.
2. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, check out Cantina Biltmore.
3. For an upscale experience, the Admiral is an excellent choice with locally sourced dishes.
4. Head over to Cornerstone if you’re looking for both a sweet and savory experience. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 2 in Asheville

For the second day, spend the day practicing self-care and connecting with nature. Let’s start the day with a special breakfast from Bebettes that includes a beignet sandwich and curated latte with the perfect amount of caffeine you need to get through the day.

Best Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants in Asheville

1. Bebettes
2. Tupelo Honey Cafe
3. Cornerstone

The second part of the day will be spent having a spa experience. If you plan on visiting the national park’s hot spring, grab a sandwich to go for lunch!

Unique Spas in Asheville

Asheville has a variety of spa activities that you can’t find anywhere else. Here are the best places for a unique Asheville spa experiences worth checking out:

1. Shoji Spa
2. Treehouse of Serenity
3. Pisgah National Forest Hot Springs

The Shoji Spa has some of my favorite things when looking for the perfect spa experience. This is a Japanese-inspired spa that offers private hydrotherapy spa pools outside overlooking scenic mountain views. The Fall and Spring is a great time to visit this spa.

During your visit, you can also schedule a massage for yourself if you are taking a solo trip. And, they offer couple massages if you are going with a friend or partner.

Make sure you make your reservation prior to going to Asheville.

The Best Nature Walks in Asheville

In the afternoon, take the Blue Ridge Parkway for some breathtaking views at sunset. That is the best time to enjoy the scenic views in Asheville. Stop at the Folk Art Center to see some of the best mountain crafts.

For dinner, try the flavorful dishes at The Admiral or one of the other restaurants listed above.

End your day of exploring with a visit to the Asheville Urban Trail. This 1.7-mile self-guided tour takes you to 30 different sites that illustrate Asheville’s history.

Another option is visiting the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center. This is the home of an amazing floral display along the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway corridor. The best time to visit is on the first day of Spring or at the start of the season. Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi, is also within walking distance and worth the visit.

Waterfalls Near Asheville

The great thing I love about national parks near Asheville is that there are so many waterfalls to explore along your journey. Here are a few waterfalls you should know about for your trip:

1. Looking Glass Falls
2. Sliding Rock
3. Bridal Veil Falls
4. Catawba Falls
5. Hooker Falls
6. Rainbow Falls
7. Moore Cove Falls

For more information about waterfalls to explore near Asheville, check out this article: Asheville Waterfalls.

Be sure to check the websites before visiting to ensure there are no closures due to weather or maintenance.

Wine in Asheville

I recently went back to Asheville to explore the wine countryside, and if you can, add it to the list of things to do! You can find my full breakdown here: 16 Wineries to Explore While in Asheville.

I hope you have a wonderful trip to Asheville!