Iconic Asheville

Tucked between the Blue Ridge and the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its award-winning restaurants, thriving artisan community, and breathtaking natural beauty. If you’re planning an East Coast vacation, check out these attractions and scenic spots in what's often referred to as the Paris of the South.

Courtesy ExploreAsheville.com

The Biltmore Estate

The biggest attraction in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate — George Vanderbilt's 250-room castle and America's largest private home. Completed in 1895, this architectural marvel is set on 8,000 acres of meticulously groomed grounds and gardens. You can transport yourself back to the Gilded Age as you take in the European artwork and restored furnishings on a self-guided audio tour of the estate. Don't forget to visit the soaring, glass-ceilinged conservatory to see a vast array of tropical plants and exotic orchids. Included with your admission is a complimentary tasting and tour of the estate's Antler Hill Village & Winery, where you can sample merlot, chardonnay, and other varietals from the estate's collection.

Got a sweet tooth? The Biltmore was one of the first homes in the country with the capacity to create and store ice cream. Because of this, the grounds are known for a creamy custard made right on-site. You can even enjoy your snack in an old cow barn. Each season offers something special, but the mansion and grounds are especially festive — and busy — during the Christmas holidays.

Hiking and Outdoors

Downtown Asheville is enhanced by the surrounding wonder of the Appalachian Mountains, making it the perfect destination for a fresh-air workout. The 1.5-mile Max Patch is a moderately difficult hike along the Appalachian Trail. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway is a favorite route among cyclists, as the section of the parkway that wraps around Asheville is fairly flat (outside of one strenuous climb of 3,000 feet). From Asheville, the ride to the Mount Pisgah Overlook at milepost 407.6 is well worth the 27-mile distance for the sweeping views of Pisgah National Forest. For a less strenuous — but no less beautiful — outdoor experience, visit the North Carolina Arboretum, offering cultivated gardens and trails to explore. 

River Arts District

Just outside of downtown Asheville is the River Arts District, where former mills and factories have transformed into artist studios featuring wares created by some 280 makers. You can browse among fine art, jewelry, and collectibles, as well as take hands-on classes and workshops to make sterling silver and enamel charms or craft your own stackable silver rings. Each month, the River Arts District hosts Second Saturdays, offering demonstrations, workshops, live music, and food trucks, with a free trolley available to transport visitors.

Courtesy ExploreAsheville.com

Dining and Nightlife

Start your morning at Early Girl Eatery, a classically Southern, farm-to-table restaurant known for their homemade biscuits and decadent dishes like an apple waffle bread pudding with vanilla sauce. For lunch, celebrated Chai Pani serves innovative Indian street food. Fill your table with chaat, sharable street snacks like matchstick okra fries and chicken pakoras (chicken seasoned with Kashmiri spices in a curried chickpea batter) followed by traditional butter chicken or saag paneer.

For dinner, plan ahead and get a reservation at Cúrate, a Spanish tapas-style restaurant from James Beard award-winning chef Katie Button. You can cap off the night with carefully crafted cocktails in a former-pharmacy-turned-modern-day-apothecary bar at Sovereign Remedies. To catch a range of musical acts in an intimate setting, head to the Orange Peel or the Grey Eagle.

Where to Stay

The beauty and splendor of the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville is second only to the Biltmore itself. Intricate detail and luxury are found in every inch of the hotel. From the tudor-inspired exterior and rich colors and fabrics of the lobby and dining areas to rooms which boast a rustic 19th century feel, your stay is truly unforgettable. When it’s time to dine, follow your stomach to the Red Stag Grill. Embossed in lush reds and bronze, this restaurant provides European comfort with a Southern twist. The Red Stag also features a full bar for a comfortable and upscale end to an evening of city exploration.

Use Club Points to book your stay.