If you, like me, have friends that live across the country, a girlfriend getaway can often be a great way to reconnect with friends while exploring a new city. During a recent trip to Asheville, NC, I was so impressed with all of the fun activities that would be perfect for a girlfriend getaway.
Disclosure: I attended a complimentary press trip to Asheville, NC as a guest of Holiday Inn. All opinions are my own.
Girlfriend Getaway to Asheville, NC
Asheville, NC is located in the western part of the state, right in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The local airport is a short ride from downtown and is serviced by Delta and American Airlines, making it a convenient destination.
LaZoom Band and Beer Bus
I don’t drink beer, so I wasn’t sure what to expect with the LaZoom Beer and Band bus. This entertaining journey starts in downtown Asheville, and travels to two separate breweries around town. It ended up being one of my absolute favorite activities.
Each day, a different local band is hosted on the bus. Our band played lots of popular party music, and made the trip to the two local breweries so entertaining. There’s also a host aboard the bus. We made two 45 minute stops each at the Highland Brewing Company and the Wedge Brewing Company (which also sells hard cider). Guests can also purchase packaged alcohol at the LaZoom room to bring along on the trip. It’s definitely a must-do on any Asheville girlfriend getaway trip.
Beautiful Waterfall Hike with Asheville Hiking Tours
You’ll probably want to balance all of the brewery/winery visits and delicious food with some physical activity. To get some exercise and spend some time in nature, book a group waterfall hike with Asheville Hiking Tours. This guided trip takes you to Catawba Falls, in the Pisgah National Forest. The entire walk takes about 3 hours and is approximately 2 miles. It’s a moderate hike, and the payoff of seeing the falls is absolutely worth it. Bring along sneakers or boots if you choose to do this – you’ll definitely want to have appropriate footwear.
Tour the Biltmore Estate
Asheville is most famous for the gorgeous Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in the United States. Guests are able to take a self-guided tour of the home, or choose to add-on an audio tour. While the home is absolutely gorgeous, the grounds are also beautiful and worth visiting.
Guests purchasing a ticket to the house also receive a complimentary tasting at the Biltmore Winery. While it’s a bit of a distance away (you won’t be able to walk), definitely don’t miss it. There’s also a wine bar, if you’d prefer to sit and order a glass. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
Take a River Arts District Tour with Asheville Art Studio Tours
If you want to see the studios of the many Asheville artists, you’ll want to head to the River Arts District. For a more in-depth experience, book a tour of the district with Asheville Art Studio Tours, led by artist and guide John Miguel Almaguer.
We did the experience tour which included the Clay Experience. At the beginning of the tour, we learned how to make our own pot on a pottery wheel. After making the pot, you’ll be guided to several of the studios where you can meet the artists and learn about their process.
Visit the Battery Park Book Exchange
I love books and wine, so I absolutely love the concept of the Battery Park Book Exchange. This downtown used bookstore also features a wine and champagne bar. You can grab a glass at the bar, or get waiter service at the tables dotted throughout the space. There are tons of books, and you could easily spend an afternoon shopping and sipping.
Where to Eat in Asheville
Asheville is home to a bustling food scene, with tons of delicious options within a small radius.
Aux Bar features southern-inspired cuisine, including catfish, pork cheek, and fried chicken. I especially loved the smoked trout dip appetizer.
Table Asheville offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. We dined for brunch and enjoyed the delicious food and atmosphere.
Wicked Weed Funkatorium is one of the several locations of Wicked Weed. Located in the South Slope Brewery District, the Funkatorium offers indoor and outdoor seating. Wicked Weed offers sour beers, so if you are looking for something different, this is a great option. They offer salads and sandwiches, although we went after dinner for a drink.
My favorite meal in Asheville was the delicious Italian and seafood cuisine at Cucina24. This upscale restaurant is located right downtown and is the perfect spot for a special dinner.
Where to Stay in Asheville, NC
During our trip, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Asheville Biltmore East hotel. This boutique hotel is the recipient of the prestigious Torchbearer Award for fabulous service. It offers a beautiful pool area, as well as a delicious restaurant with local wines and beers. The rooms are a nice size, with very comfortable beds.
Guest author Jodi Grundig understands what it’s like to lug suitcases, a double stroller, and car seats through an airport. She resides west of Boston and has two children (age 12 and 14). Read about her family travel experiences on Family Travel Magazine.
I went years ago with 16 girlfriends and it was sooo much fun. Besides the Biltmore, we did a wine tasting, went river rafting and visited a spa.
This is an amazing list. Thanks for sharing!
As a Asheville native i watch people getting into the French broad river and I wonder if they realize that MSD (sewage treatment plant) has dumped millions yes millions of gallons of raw sewage into the river. That’s just one of many things I could tell you about Asheville. Go to Vegas y’all will have more fun without a doubt