48 Hour Guide To Asheville, North Carolina; CBS Houston, January 21st, 2016
It does not matter if you are an artist or an outdoorsy type. Asheville, N.C. has something that just about everyone will enjoy. Your vacation to Asheville can include live entertainment, visiting art galleries, dining in the finest restaurants and exploring the great outdoors. In addition to these activities, find out why so many are making their way to Asheville for the local beer and food. With so much to see and do, planning a 48-hour getaway will be jam packed with sightseeing, dining, exploring and of course some relaxation.
What To See
In downtown Asheville you will be able to stroll the streets exploring quaint boutiques, vintage shops, bookstores, lively bars and quite art galleries. All of the things to see and do in the downtown area are set inside historic buildings. All of these buildings have retained their 1920s charm.
You have to make time out of your 48 hours in Asheville to explore the Biltmore Estate. This estate is America’s largest private home that was built back in 1895. Tours of this home sitting on 250 acres will take you a few hours, but it is worth seeing, especially when you stop at the on-site vineyard and have lunch at one of the cafes.
If you are looking for artwork or to explore art studios you will want to check out the River Arts District. There you will find more than 165 artists showing off their clay pottery, hand-woven fabrics, blown glass vases and paintings. You will be able to shop from and meet artists at the turn-of-the-century warehouses that have been transformed into a market for the artists to show off their goods.
Other must-see sites in Asheville include the Asheville City Market, Mount Pisgah Trail, Appalachian Trail,Chimney Rock State Park, the Carl Sandburg Home, North Carolina Arboretum, Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Smith-McDowell House Museum and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.
Getting Around
Many who travel to Asheville take the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the sites at it winds on its way to Asheville. Those wanting to fly into the area can get flights to the Asheville Regional Airport that services most major airlines. From the airport taxis, airport shuttles and car rentals are available to take you to the downtown Asheville area. Other methods of transportation to get around town include the Asheville Transit System and the Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville.
Where To Stay
The variety of different accommodations available throughout Asheville is what gives this destination its unique charm. You will find accommodations from historic bed and breakfasts to lodges and resorts with spas to hotels. Some of the more popular places to
stay when visiting Asheville include The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast, Beaufort House Inn, The Omni Grove Park Inn, Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Abbington Green Bed and Breakfastand the Inn on Biltmore Estate.
Where To Eat
Start off the mornings during your 48-hour getaway by having brunch at Tupelo Honey, which is a cozy bistro and the perfect place to discuss what you want to do during the day. If you want to start off your day with some chocolate, make a stop for breakfast at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Popular restaurants that you must try to get to include The Admiral, Sunny Point Café, Corner Kitchen, Early Girl Eatery, The Lobster Trap and Mayfel’s.
Asheville is home to many microbreweries, giving you plenty of opportunities to sample and enjoy locally crafted beers. The best places to sample these local brews include Jack of the Wood, Lexington Avenue Brewery and French Broad Brewery. Also make reservations to take the Brews Cruise while in town, or take a Brewed Tour.
Asheville, N.C. offers something for everyone. Those wanting to experience the great outdoors will have access to parks, trails and many outdoor activities. Meanwhile, those wanting to shop and eat will have a variety of venues at their disposal in the downtown area. No matter what your vacation desires are, chances are you will find it during your 48 hours in Asheville.