Asheville is a gem any time of year, but it really shines during the winter season. The large crowds of tourists are gone, and things move at a slower pace. But make no mistake – slower doesn’t mean boring. The eclectic city of Asheville, nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, provides ample opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique culture of local art, music, food, beer and nature.
You can hone your creative skills with a cooking or art class, enjoy high-quality theater, jam out to local live bluegrass music, taste some of the best cuisine in the area, pamper yourself at a relaxing spa, and discover a fantastic winter wonderland of natural wilderness. Escape to the mountains and enjoy all the best this unique city has to offer on an enchanting Asheville winter getaway.
Make the Most of Your Visit to Asheville in Winter
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The Biltmore Estate
Hands down, the most popular attraction in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate, and you can spend an entire day exploring this incredible home and surrounding grounds. One of the largest privately owned homes in the US, the 8,000-acre estate is an awe-inspiring place to visit. Discover this icon without the crowds and capture the historic majesty of the Gilded Age. Admire the stunning architecture, world-class art collection, antique décor, and over 10 square miles of breathtaking grounds.
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Downtown Asheville:
Get lost in the captivating streets of Downtown Asheville. This eclectic community is home to over 200 shops, 30+ art galleries and museums, dozens of antique stores, and over 70 delicious restaurants. Quirky coffee shops provide a warming tonic to fuel your exploration, and live music can be heard coming from entertainment venues as well as eccentric street buskers and local drum circles.
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Arts & Crafts:
Art lovers can’t wait to immerse themselves in the art scene that defines Asheville. The city boasts over 100 galleries and multiple artist studios, giving you plenty of places to feed your imagination. Head to the River Arts District and sign up for a class in painting, photography, pottery, or glass-making. No matter what kind of art you enjoy, you’ll find something around every corner to inspire you and get those creative juices flowing.
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A Foodie Paradise:
When it comes to delectable cuisine, Asheville is a foodie’s dream. There are a wide variety of options that will satisfy any palate. Pop into Bouchon for delicious French bistro fare, savor chic small plates at upscale spots like Curate, enjoy an updated twist on Mexican food at Limones, and get the fresh farm-to-table favorites that Asheville is known for at Chestnut.
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Asheville’s Beer Scene:
Asheville, NC is often called “Beer City USA” and with good reason. With more breweries per capita than any U.S. city, its incredible selection of craft breweries and pubs make this a mecca for beer connoisseurs. You can sample over 100 local brews in places whose atmospheres are just as unique as the tastes. Asheville Brewing Company, Highland Brewing Company, and White Labs Kitchen & Tap are a few great places to start your beercation in Asheville.
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The Blue Ridge Mountains:
You can’t visit Asheville without exploring the surrounding natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take to the trails for a breathtaking winter hike, where you can find stunning waterfalls and gorgeous mountain views. Go for a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway and catch a glimpse of spectacular winter scenery that stretches on for miles. Or hit the slopes at local nearby ski resorts like Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley.
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Spa Day:
Whether you’re in town for a winter escape, on a romantic Valentine’s getaway, or you simply want a few hours of me-time, Asheville delivers with amazing options for health and wellness. The Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn is a serene mountain retreat that will have you feeling refreshed and restored in no time. Nearby Hot Springs, NC is known for its restorative mineral springs, or you can slip away to the man-made Asheville Salt Cave for therapeutic rest and relaxation.
