City break (noun): a short holiday spent in a city, such as when on business travel.
Before there was bleisure travel, there was the city break—the short space of leisure time that grants you access to the cultural and culinary amenities that big cities offer. In this series from TripIt, we explore some of the world’s best cities for planning a quick getaway or extending a work trip.
Here are our tips for making the most of your city break in Asheville, North Carolina.
Where to fly into Asheville
Asheville is served by Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located 20 minutes (12 miles) south of downtown. Once on the ground, you can take route S3 on the ART (Asheville Rides Transit) busline to downtown Asheville.
Want a more direct route to your final destination? Taxis and rideshares are available from AVL. You can also rent a car.
Best hotels and places to stay in Asheville
If you favor the boutique hotel experience, you’ll feel right at home at The Radical, located in the city’s River Arts District. Each room features a colorful display of art and design that perfectly complement the comfort you’d expect from a chic hotel. The hotel also features a rooftop bar, on-site cafe, and farm-to-table restaurant helmed by a James Beard-nominated chef.
You might also enjoy a stay at The Flat Iron Hotel, located right in the heart of downtown Asheville. The hotel blends historic features with modern design, offering amenities such as a rooftop bar, an underground bar with a nod to the Prohibition Era, and an on-site restaurant featuring rustic Italian fare.
Looking for a luxury stay in Asheville? The Omni Grove Park Inn is steeped in history and charm. By day, relax at the resort’s world-class spa (tip: book your spa appointment early!). And by night, head to your dinner reservation on the Sunset Terrace—aptly named for its stunning sunset views over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Or, book a stay at the iconic Biltmore Estate, featuring a variety of accommodation options: the Village Hotel, The Inn, and the Cottages. Overnight guests have access to 8,000 acres of mountain oasis, fine dining, self-guided tours of the Biltmore House, and much more.
Vacation rentals, like those booked through Airbnb, are also available in Asheville.
Getting around Asheville: Transit, walking, and more
Part of downtown Asheville’s charm is its walkability. Plan accordingly by packing comfortable shoes for walking from place to place.
When walking isn’t feasible or desirable, you can take ART buses throughout the city of Asheville. Bus fare is just $1.00 per ride. You can pay in cash (exact change only) when you board. Or, you can buy an 11-pack of tickets for $9.00 at the ART Station at 49 Coxe Avenue with cash or a credit card.
Taxis and rideshare programs, like Uber and Lyft, are also available to take you where you need to go.
Looking to explore beyond downtown? Renting a car is likely your fastest and most efficient option to get where you’re going.
Where to eat in Asheville
From casual eats to fine dining, downtown Asheville has it all. Head to Leo’s House of Thirst for all-day dining: they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner—and most notably, an outstanding wine program.
Part bookstore, part wine bar, Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar is a great spot to try a variety of wine or champagne by building your own flight. You can even sample wine made at the nearby Biltmore Estate. They also offer a seasonal menu, featuring sandwiches, salads, as well as cheese and charcuterie boards to share.
Looking for more than a nibble? Head to The Blackbird for farm-to-table fare, including a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options. (Tip: don’t skip their decadent dessert list!)
Or, book a dinner reservation at Luminosa, The Flat Iron Hotel’s on-site restaurant, for a taste of Italy in the Appalachians (think: wood-fire pizza and house-made pasta).
Nearby, James-Beard nominated chef Jacob Sessoms offers everything from girl dinner boards (yes, really) to burgers to locally caught fish at Golden Hour.
Tip: Use TripIt’s Nearby Places feature to easily find places to eat and grab a drink within walking distance from where you’re staying. For example, if you’re looking for a restaurant that’s close to your hotel, simply tap on the restaurants option in Nearby Places to view an interactive map with each option tagged. Tap the tags to view useful information like the restaurant’s contact details, hours, reviews, and more. If you find a place you want to visit but can’t get there right away, you can save it to your trip itinerary in TripIt to visit later.
Best things to do in Asheville on a city break
If this is your first time in Asheville, plan a day at the Biltmore Estate. There, you can explore its 8,000 acres of woodlands, gardens, walking and bike trails. You can also pay a visit to Biltmore Winery—sample a variety of whites, reds, rosés, and sparkling wines in the tasting room, or head to the wine bar for wines by the glass and light bites.
Want to plan a relaxing day at the spa? Look no further than The Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn. You can opt for a service (think: massage, facial, or pedicure), or a day pass—both of which grant you access to the myriad pools, saunas, hot tubs, and more. The spa also has an on-site cafe and boutique.
Speaking of boutiques, downtown Asheville has lots of great shops—from clothing stores to bookstores to art galleries. Grove Arcade, originally opened in 1929, is home to a charming mix of stores where you can shop for local art, vintage goods, fine jewelry, and more. Not in the mood to shop? Take a stroll through the arcade anyway—the gorgeous architecture is worth it.
Feeling outdoorsy? Head to The North Carolina Arboretum where you can explore the peaceful gardens, curated exhibits, and miles of hiking trails—suitable for hikers of all ages and levels.
Want to up the hiking ante? Take a look at these 10 best hikes in Asheville for inspiration. But, be mindful that some trails are still closed after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Plan your hiking—and road—route ahead of time to ensure your safety and trail accessibility.
Summary: Planning a trip to Asheville
- Where to fly in: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is just 20 minutes from downtown, with buses, rideshares, taxis, and car rentals available.
- Where to stay: From boutique hotels like The Radical and The Flat Iron to luxury stays at The Omni Grove Park Inn or the Biltmore Estate, Asheville has options for every traveler.
- Getting around: Downtown is walkable, with ART buses, rideshares, and taxis for longer trips. Rent a car if you plan to explore beyond the city.
- Where to eat: Highlights include Leo’s House of Thirst, Battery Park Book Exchange, The Blackbird, and fine dining at Luminosa or Golden Hour.
- What to do: Explore the Biltmore Estate, relax at the Grove Park Inn Spa, shop the Grove Arcade, visit the Arboretum, or hike nearby mountain trails.
