Oh, so many choices…

For an inclusive list of area attractions check out Explore Asheville and also learn about Fairview, NC.
Below is a list of guest favorites in the categories of Art, Brews, Food, Wine, Music, Hiking & Nature, and Day Trips.

Arts

If you love all types of artisan work, then River Arts District is a must see to visit working studios and galleries of hundreds of artists– painting, pottery, jewelry, glass, metal, wood and much more! In Fairview, check out Signs for Hope a non-profit that sells some beautiful local and international items. Into unique vintage? The Regeneration Station, The Screen Door, and Sweeten Creek Antiques & Collectibles. The Marquee is a collaborate art market with a variety of vendors.

Brews

The Greater Asheville area is home to over 50 (the last time we counted) breweries and cideries. Our Fairview favorites are Turgua and Whistlehop. On the South Slope try out Burial, Bhramari, Catawba, Green Man, High Wire, Twin Leaf, and the Wicked Weed Funkatorium, Downtown check out DSSLVR and One World. In the River Arts District, go for The Wedge. In West Asheville, look for Cellarest Brewing Project, The Whale Beer Collective, and Archetype. The fan favorite cidery (and for meads) is Noble Ciders.

Food

Retro Metro Deck House is within and area that’s known as a foodie paradise with over 250 independent restaurants, 20 tailgate markets, and at last count - 46 food trucks. Our Asheville dining favorites are Nine Mile, 12 Bones (River Arts District location), Red Ginger, Itto Ramen, Jerusalem Cafe, Chai Pani, All Day Darling, and Biscuit Head. If you are a chocolate or dessert fan, French Broad Chocolate is a MUST. They have a “drinking chocolate” that is amaaaaazing. Try the salted caramel with a dark chocolate base. Our favorite chicken place (better than Tupelo Honey and half the cost) is Rocky’s Hot Chicken. The S & W Market food vendors and a taproom. Farewell coffee house is a quiet space with yummy coffee and next door is the South Slope Cheese Co.

Fairview favorites are Sky Mountain Pizza, The Local Joint, Trout Lily Market (yummy pimento cheese), Piazza, and Rise Above Bakehouse. Oh, and Turgua Brewery has great food trucks (see the site for current rotation).

Finer dining options are Curate (reservations needed), Rhubarb, Forestry Camp, Sovereign Remedies, and Plant.

Less than a mile away from Retro Metro Deck House is some of the finest pasture raised grass fed meat at Hickory Nut Gap Farm, a working farm that offers tours as well. The store sells beef, pork, chicken, eggs. and more. Try the beef sticks, seriously. You can order online as well. HNGF supplies many of the local finer dining restaurants.

Flying Cloud Farm has “honor system” fruits, herbs, vegetables, and fresh cut flowers at their roadside stand. They take cash & Venmo. Summer strawberries are always yummy and the salad greens are delectable.

Wine & Cocktails

For yummy wine try Leo’s House of Thirst (great food as well), Bottle Riot, and 5 Walnut, Cocktails rock at The Bull & Beggar, The Crow & Quill (bring cash), Storm Rhum Bar, and Sovereign Remedies,

Hiking & Nature

Favorite spots include Catawba Falls and Bearwallow Mountain Trail (also listed via this URL are many other trails). Here’s a list of the area’s top ten trails and Romantic Asheville’s 75 Blue Ridge Hikes.

Shopping

There are so many unique shopping experiences in Asheville and the surrounding areas. Walk around downtown Asheville and you’ll find a plethora of locally owned businesses. The Mast General Store, built in 1883 has sports gear, clothing, barrel candy, and funky little gifts. The Asheville Emporium has an eclectic mix of goods - great place for gifts and to sample local arts. Horse and Hero is an art/print/design shop that has awesome funky local work, mono prints, cards, and stickers. The Grove Arcade, constructed in 1928 to be America’s first shopping mall, is a unique historical building with several shops.

Day Trips

Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are beautiful places to visit while staying at Retro Metro Deck House. Within 20 minutes, you can be at either place. The Biltmore Estate is a tradition and a spectacular historic site. The North Carolina Arboretum is acres of botanically diverse plants and cultivated gardens and during the winter they have a great light festival. Nearby is The Biltmore estate and gardens where you can spend a couple of hours or a full day. The Grove Park Inn is a historical hotel with a grand fireplace, restaurants, and an incredible view of the Blue Ridge mountains-great spot to snag a panoramic view of Asheville (they require paid parking). This is a list of “50 Things to Do in Asheville” and there’s something for everyone here. The locals say, “If it’s too weird for Asheville, it’s too weird” which describes the overall peaceful, funky, vibe of the mountains and the unique styles you’ll encounter in the area.