If you haven’t visited Asheville, North Carolina before, it’s a MUST for your bucketlist. It has everything: beer, mountains, city vibes. So basically, the perfect weekend getaway!

I first went to Asheville by myself (my first solo trip ever!), and it was one of the most enjoyable places I’ve ever been. The city is small but has a unique, eccentric energy that you can’t find anywhere else. Even in the middle of the pandemic, I felt like there was so much to experience here.

Note: This city is very proactive in their COVID safety regulations, so you can expect all of your destinations to follow strict precautions.

1. Ginger’s Revenge

Asheville is the brewery capital of the east coast, so it’s no surprise that the city is home to quite a few unique breweries. Ginger’s Revenge produces alcoholic ginger beer, sourced from sustainable and organic ingredients. Their beers range in flavors from hibiscus lavender to lime agave to caramelized fig & vanilla. There’s a little something to fit everyone’s pallets—and they are super yummy!

Visit their tasting room Wednesday–Sunday.

Find it at: 829 Riverside Dr. #100

2. Double D’s Coffee & Dessert

Ever gotten your morning coffee out of a double decker bus? If you haven’t, Double D’s is the place to go! Located in the heart of downtown, you can’t miss this cute coffee shop. They’ve got everything from pastries to smoothies to ice cream (and coffee, obviously). While you can’t sit inside the bus, they do have a picnic area for you to enjoy your treats. Shaded by trees, it’s the perfect hideaway from the rest of the bustling downtown.

Find it at: 41 Biltmore Ave

3. Shoji Spa & Resort

Nestled on a mountainside and surrounded by woods, Shoji Spa is the perfect spot for some rest and relaxation. Inspired by traditional Japanese spa techniques, this spa has more than just massages and saunas. One of the winning features is the mineral soaking tubs. You and your friends can rent one of these private hot tubs for up to two hours, or you can use this as some solo time to meditate (that’s what I did!). The tubs overlook Pisgah National Forest, so no matter who you go with, your destined for some peaceful views.

PRO TIP: As an add on, you can order either a tea tray or a bottle of champagne as an extra way to let loose.

Find it at: 96 Avondale Heights Rd

4. Battery Park Book Exchange

A bookstore that also has a full champagne bar? Yes please! Spend a little time with your favorite classic authors by sipping a Gatsby inspired cocktail and tasting one of the Edgar Allan Poe pie slices, all right between the bookshelves. Battery Park Book Exchange is the perfect spot for an afternoon drink or hosting a literary party. The store collects used books and has a few cases stocked with some first editions. You never know what hidden gems you might find between the shelves!

Find it at: 1 Page Ave. #101

5. Biltmore Estate

This French-style chateau is hiding right in the North Carolina mountains! A former home of the Vanderbilt’s, this sprawling palace is the largest private home in the United States. It’s a bit pricey to tour, but totally worth it. The tour is self-guided and gives you access to the inside rooms, the gardens, and the winery. You could easily spend a whole day here since there’s so much to see and do. I recommend reserving your time slot as early as possible so you can beat the crowds and walk around the property at your leisure.

PRO TIP: The grounds have over 20 miles of walking trails. Take the Bass Pond path to a hidden waterfall.

Find it at: 1 Lodge St

6. Bee Charmer

Okay now this one is seriously cool. Bee Charmer is Asheville’s only honey-tasting bar. Yes, that’s right. A bar specifically built for sampling the best honey in the world (yeah, I said it). Sit down at their honey bar and sample a variety of honey flavors from your bee-tender. My favorites were the blackberry and the Lehua honey. They also sell other bee-inspired products, such as skin care products and home goods.

Find it at: 32 Broadway St

7. Namaste in Nature

Though my itinerary didn’t allow for this activity, it’s one experience I wish I could’ve done during my stay in Asheville. Namaste in Nature is a company that combines hiking and yoga in some of Asheville’s most beautiful mountain areas. You can sign up for either group or solo hikes, where your instructor will guide you on both a scenic and spiritual journey. Asheville has some of the most richly colorful sunsets I’ve ever seen, so don’t miss out on one of their sunset hiking tours.

Find it at: https://www.namasteinnature.com/

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