Nestled amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville has truly captured the hearts of travel aficionados. For years, Forbes, Lonely Planet, and Condé Nast Traveler have lauded Asheville as a top destination.
And it’s no wonder, considering the region’s artistic vibrancy, culinary and craft beer scenes, and scenic outdoor adventures in the gorgeous mountains surrounding the downtown region.
Welcome to North Carolina. (Photo Credit: Wes Hicks)
The Blue Ridge Mountains surround the city of Asheville. (Photo Credit: Stephanie Klepacki)
Fresh air and picturesque beauty are guaranteed when visiting this scenic gem. (Photo Credit: Stephen Ellis)
Kimpton Hotel Arras, tucked inside the heart of downtown Asheville, is a breath of fresh air in this unique Blue Ridge Mountain town, making it the perfect perch for exploring all of the nuanced intrigues of Asheville.
The Art of Asheville
There are more than 30 galleries in downtown alone, and two of our favorites are Lexington Glassworks — look for the gorgeous Appalachian Budvase collection — and dinnerware makers East Fork, co-founded by the great-grandson of Henri Matisse.
Over on the banks of the French Broad River, meander through the bustling River Arts District, and see 200-plus working artists creating their wares right before your eyes. The freshly renovated Asheville Art Museum is right across the street from Kimpton Hotel Arras, showcasing 8,000-plus works of American art including finely crafted objects made by Cherokee Natives.
Neoclassical architecture is everywhere in Asheville. (Photo Credit: Casey Lovegrove)
Even history is artsy in this town. The Asheville Urban Trail is a walking tour of the past by way of public art sculptures. Look for the pocket watch and the comb from the short story The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, who lived in Asheville for a time. Note the Art Deco, Beaux Arts, and Neoclassical architectural masterpieces along the way.
The Food and the Brews
Creative flair extends to cafes, restaurants, and breweries, many of which are committed to using sustainable ingredients from local farms. Here are some of our favorites, moving in the general direction of morning till evening:
- Rite Rite — Matcha or an oat milk latte, anyone? For your daily fix, you won’t be disappointed.
- OWL Bakery — European pastries made of local grass-fed milk and organic flour.
- Flora Botanical Living — Floral shop locale serving botanically infused beverages and bites.
But first, coffee. (Photo Credit: @hotelarras)
The foodie scene in Asheville is strong. (Photo Credit: Lee Campbell)
- Biscuit Head — Order the obvious, with espresso red eye gravy.
- Chai Pani — Indian street food: Hello, fritters in curried chickpea batter
- Posana — Posh ambience and nationally recognized gluten-free cuisine drawing inspiration from local ingredients.
The explosion of craft beer in Asheville is nothing short of FOMO-inducing. Over at Burial Beer you’ll find old European beer styles and one-offs like Drop the Guillotine. If you prefer barrel-aged sour and wild ales, don’t skip Hi-Wire Brewing.
Explore the Great Outdoors
All those scrumptious calories are best burned off while pleasantly distracted by Asheville’s natural beauty. Among countless yoga studios, Namaste in Nature combines tree pose with mountain hikes. And speaking of hikes, Catawba Falls Trail is a 3-mile round-trip past 100-foot cascading waterfalls that is well worth the trip.
Take a trip to the magnificent Biltmore Estate. (Photo Credit: Stephanie Klepacki)
The lavish mansion is an architectural marvel. (Photo Credit: Stephanie Klepacki)
And don’t forget to swing by the botanical gardens. (Photo Credit: Sarandon Williams)
If you’re in Asheville during the spring or summer, explore the Botanical Gardens, a 10-acre wonderland of native North Carolina ecosystems. And while the Biltmore is known for its lavish 35-bedroom mansion, you can also go horseback riding, biking, hiking, and fly-fishing on the estate’s 8,000-acre grounds.
We can’t wait to see you in Asheville.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Arras
