The Art of Event Organization: How to Create a Memorable Vacation in Asheville, North Carolina

What to Know About Asheville

Asheville is unmistakably itself. It’s diverse and entertaining, full of life and originality, and steeped in tradition in all the finest ways, from the careful upkeep of its historic structures to the long-running celebrations of mountain bluegrass music at events like Shindig on the Green. The town’s proximity to the mountains makes for easy access to a wide variety of artistic expressions, both those created by humans and those created by nature.

When to Go to Asheville

While we can’t recommend a specific season as the best time to visit Asheville, there are certainly warmer months than others. Asheville experiences four distinct seasons, but its warm season, with average highs of 76 °F, lasts from late May through mid-September, as recorded by Weatherspark. July is the hottest month with average highs of 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

The opposite is true of its winters, which are brief but brutal. According to Weatherspark, the cold season is typically from late November to February, with average highs of only around 54°F.

Less people tend to visit during the winter, making it a good time to go. Hotels may offer better deals, visitors to local attractions may experience shorter waits, and it may be easier to secure a table at a popular restaurant.

However, there is a good reason why the summer and fall seasons are so well attended. The area’s attractions can be explored at will throughout the summer’s pleasant temperatures, and the fall months bring a breathtaking display of colour as the leaves change. According to Explore Asheville, the best time to see the leaves change is the first week of November.

Things to Do in Asheville

Are you looking for a fun, unique destination to visit? Look no further than Asheville, North Carolina. A hub for arts and culture, Asheville offers endless options for entertainment. Attend a concert at the Orange Peel, a famous music venue that has hosted artists such as David Bowie and Bob Dylan. Brush up on your knowledge of history with a visit to the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt’s historic mansion. Hungry? Head to one of the many local breweries, including Highland Brewing Company or Wicked Weed Brewing, for a taste of some delicious craft beer. And don’t forget to binge on delicious southern comfort food at the historic Tupelo Honey Cafe. With its plethora of options for entertainment, Asheville is the perfect destination for anyone seeking adventure and culture.

Discover the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s longest linear park at 469 miles, and while you may not be able to travel the full length during your stay, you may get a taste of it as it passes through Asheville. In Asheville, at Milepost 384, you’ll find a tourist centre; from there, you can take your time driving along the road and stopping at as many vistas as you wish. To get some fresh air and exercise, you can choose from a wide variety of trails. Explore several possibilities here, all categorised by distance travelled.

Soak in the culture at the River Arts District

The River Arts District is a vibrant area full of creative people. Painters, ceramicists, jewellers, potters, antique merchants, and many other types of artisans all set up shop in the various old and industrial buildings. The neighbourhood is great enough to spend a full day exploring, and luckily there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and pubs to keep you fed in between shows.

Stop and smell the flowers at The North Carolina Arboretum

You want even more of a breath of fresh air? The North Carolina Arboretum is a 400-acre park conveniently located near the centre of town. Ten miles of trails for hiking and bicycling can be found here, and they’re open year-round. The park also features a beautiful Bonsai exhibition. You may get some exercise and learn something new at the same time by checking out the garden’s art, culture, and science displays. (During the day, admission is free, but parking costs $16.)

Go on a tour of the Biltmore House

Perhaps you were unaware that there were castles in the United States. It’s best not to assume that. A real-life fairytale, the Biltmore Estate was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s and is now cared after by his descendants. The family takes great care to maintain the estate’s 8,000 acres, including the chateau, its classically stunning grounds, and its wineries. Children under the age of nine are admitted free of charge with a paying adult.

Take a brewery tour

The beer scene in Asheville is second to none. To be more precise, Explore Asheville claims to have “more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.” A brewery tour is a great way to sample the wares of the many excellent brewers in the area. Asheville Brewery Tours has a number of alternatives, including a downtown walking tour that takes place over the course of three hours and includes stops at three different breweries. If you want to see more, though, you can always arrange a private trip and visit four different breweries if you’re interested.

See the best craftwork in Appalachia at the Folk Art Center

Visit the Folk Art Center for one last taste of local culture. The Southern Highland Craft Guild, an organisation whose mission is to promote Southern Appalachian craftspeople, calls the centre home. Three elegant galleries are available for visitors to peruse the center’s displays and pick the perfect memento to take home. The months of March through December also provide daily craft demonstrations where guests can participate and pick up some new skills.

Hotels in Asheville

Asheville is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike, offering unique attractions and opportunities for adventure. When looking for accommodations, visitors have plenty of options to choose from. From historic bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts, Asheville has something for every preference and budget. For those seeking an authentic mountain experience, there are rustic cabin rentals nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or, for a more modern option, downtown Asheville boasts boutique hotels with on-site restaurants and chic rooms. No matter what kind of environment you’re looking for, Asheville has a hotel to match your needs. And with so many options available, it’s easy to plan the perfect getaway in this charming city.

The Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn, which boasts a “history of southern hospitality” and is set against the beautiful background of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the ideal place to indulge in some well-deserved luxury. This Asheville hotel features a fantastic underground spa, four restaurants serving local fare, and a golf course designed by Donald Ross, so guests may never want to leave.

The Biltmore Estate

Oh, you require much greater majesty! You should definitely reserve a room at the aforementioned Biltmore Estate. Guests at The Inn at The Biltmore can choose from three unique lodging options, including the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, The Inn at Biltmore Estate, and Cottages on Biltmore Estate, all of which are designed to replicate the luxurious lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family. While any of the options would be wonderful, the cottages provide a little more room to spread out and relax with loved ones.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Autograph Collection

Stay at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Autograph Collection for a more intimate experience. Location near to The Biltmore Estate is matched with equally grand design, with a lobby that seems like a hunting lodge and rooms that have deep soaking tubs and luxurious linens to let guests forget their cares. It doesn’t hurt that it also comes with a full-service spa to smooth out any remaining knots.

How to Get to Asheville 

Direct flights on Delta, Allegiant, American, and United to the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) depart from destinations including Atlanta, Denver, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, and more, making it easy for travellers to reach as close as possible (Jetblue also flies seasonally to the airport).

Flights are also available to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina, for those coming from further afield. The distance between the two airports is roughly 125 miles in each directions. Even if you’re flying into the smaller regional airport, renting a car is still recommended for your time in Asheville; many of the city’s top sights are located outside of town, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect for leisurely drives through beautiful scenery.