Black Mountain

The Dripolator Coffee

A vibrant roastery and coffee shop located in the downtown historic district. Offers a range of coffee, smoothies, and pastries. Open 6:30 AM - 6 PM daily. Tip: It's an ideal spot to settle in and get some work done; wifi is available.

Foothills Grange

A bar and eatery with an outdoor space with seating for 250 people featuring covered picnic tables, a large patio, a kids' play area, and a permanent food truck serving Foothills' classic menu complemented by an indoor bar. Open 11:30 AM - 8 PM, Thursday-Tuesday; closed Wednesday. Tip: The locals rave about the irresistible beef tallow fries.

Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar

A sanctuary nestled in the heart of Battery Park for bibliophiles and connoisseurs. Offers delicious wines and delectable bites within a two-story bookstore decorated with art and antiques. Visit our theur Facebook page for current schedules and special events!

Louise's Kitchen

A local favorite serving breakfast and lunch that feels right at home in a charming old house built in 1904. Vegan and gluten-free options plus kids menu are available. Breakfast and lunch served daily from 7:30 AM to 2 PM; Sunday brunch from 10 AM to 2 PM. First come, first served.

Wicked Weed Brewing

A hip brewery with a tasting room plus a restaurant serving elevated, locally sourced New American fare. They have a diverse beer selection, featuring their brews poured from 56 taps across two levels. Open 11 AM - 11 PM, Sunday-Thursday; 11 AM - 12 AM, Friday-Saturday.

Hole Doughnuts

A popular destination known for made-to-order doughnuts using locally sourced ingredients; flavors include vanilla glazed, toasted almond sesame cinnamon, cinnamon sugar, and a weekly seasonal variety. Guests can witness the entire process in the open kitchen. Open 8 AM - 1 PM from Wednesdays to Sunday.

Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse

A trendy dining spot which offers a stylish fusion of Japanese soul food with American BBQ influences. Features indoor and outdoor seating, a central bar, dog-friendly patio, and a casual atmosphere. Open 5 PM - 9 PM, Sunday-Thursday; 5 PM - 9:30 PM, Friday and Saturday.

White Duck Taco

A unique Mexican dining experience with a range of taco options, picnic tables alongside the river, and alcoholic slushies. Vegetarian options are available. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9 PM.

BattleCat Coffee Bar

An independent coffee house that is known not only for its blends but also for its artsy vibe, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere of the eclectic city. Fun fact: All their coffee comes from Pennycup Coffee. Open 7 AM - 6 PM daily.

Cúrate Tapas Bar & Restaurant

A downtown classic Asheville staple known for its jamón Ibérico, vermuterías, and lively tapas culture. Hours, menu, and more information are available on their website. Due to the restaurant's high demand, reservations are highly recommended.

Sunny Point Cafe

A family-owned independent restaurant offering upscale comfort food, allowing you to enjoy breakfast for lunch or indulge in a scrumptious dessert for breakfast. Opens daily from 8 AM to 2 PM. Tip: Expect a wait; upon arrival, add your name to the list, and take the opportunity to explore the town while waiting.

Sassafras Bookstore

A historic two-story building filled with books, toys, and gifts, complemented by a bustling espresso cafe. Open 10 AM - 6 PM, Monday-Saturday; 12 PM - 5 PM on Sundays. Tip: A virtual tour is available on their website!

Black Mountain Adventure Zone

An indoor glow arena with activities for all ages and groups like laser tag, sword duels, virtual reality games, immersive escape rooms, AR escape games, and more. Hours vary based on activity. Tip: The Black Mountain Adventure Zone operates on a pre-registration basis, so secure your spot by registering online at least 24 hours in advance.

Greybeard Trail

A challenging 14.8-mile out-and-back trail in the Montreat area of Black Mountain which takes an average of 5 hours and 13 minutes to complete. Best times to visit this trail are March through January. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center

A museum that preserves and interprets the social, cultural, and natural history of the Swannanoa Valley by developing dynamic programs and engaging exhibitions; also offers immersive hiking programs year-round. To know more about hours and admission plus exhibits and events, visit their website.

Biltmore Estate and Biltmore Estate Winery

An 8,000-acre oasis nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with an esteemed winery on the estate grounds. A variety of activities, restaurants, shops, and events are also available. Tip: With your admission ticket to Biltmore, you can get a complimentary wine tasting (reservation required).

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

A year-round mountain resort in Sugar Mountain, NC featuring 125 acres of skiable terrain across 20 trails and eight chairlifts, with the state’s largest vertical drop at 1,200 feet. Guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing, night skiing on 14 lit slopes, ice skating, snowshoeing, and summer lift rides with mountain biking. The base lodge includes a cafeteria, Last Run Lounge bar, gear shop, rentals, lockers, and shuttle service. Open 9 AM - 10 PM, Monday-Sunday.

Point Lookout Vineyards

A hillside winery and meadery near Hendersonville offering panoramic Blue Ridge views from its open-air tasting room atop Point Lookout Mountain. It produces estate wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, as well as handcrafted meads under the World’s Edge label. Open 12 PM - 6 PM, Monday-Thursday; 12 PM - 9 PM, Friday-Saturday; and 12 PM - 6 PM, Sunday.

Little Switzerland Orchard, Cidery, Winery & Brewery

A family-owned orchard, cidery, winery, and brewery in Little Switzerland offering small-batch ciders, wines, meads, and craft beers made on site at their mountain-top homestead with orchard and livestock. The casual setting features live music, outdoor seating, camping, and a relaxed atmosphere up a gravel road. Open 12 PM ‑ 5 PM, Monday‑Thursday; 12 PM ‑ 8 PM, Friday‑Saturday; and 12 PM ‑ 5 PM, Sunday.

Stone Ashe Vineyard and Winery

An estate vineyard in Hendersonville producing 100% estate-grown Bordeaux-style varietals at 2,700 ft elevation, set on steep, rocky slopes with floor-to-ceiling tasting room views. The tasting room serves flights of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc, with snack pairings and a smoke-free, adult-only property. Open 12 PM - 6 PM, Monday-Thursday; 11 AM - 6 PM, Friday-Saturday; and 12 PM - 6 PM, Sunday.

Sources

Massage On Wheels

A mobile spa based in Asheville, Massage on Wheels delivers affordable, same-day massage services to homes, rentals, hotels, and events with a focus on convenience, satisfaction, and professional care. Founded in 2017, the licensed team provides everything needed for a luxury experience—including heated tables, linens, and spa music—directly to you. Open 9 AM - 8 PM, Monday-Sunday (by appointment only)

Big Piney Ridge Trail

A challenging 1.6-mile hike that ascends to a view of Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley. This is a steep, technical trail that takes an average of 5 hours and 13 minutes to complete. Open year-round; leashed dogs are welcome.

Lake Tomahawk Walking Trail

A tranquil 0.6-mile loop trail ideal for birding, hiking, and running with additional amenities including a pavilion, fishing pier, playground, and more. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Lookout Trail

A steep one-mile trail with plenty of steps and rock inclines; considered a moderately challenging route. Best times to visit are March through October. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Black Balsam Knob

A recommended beginner-friendly hike for those who want to venture off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It offers a spectacular view of the mountainous landscape from its summit. Tip: It's one of the best places to catch a classic sunrise.

French Broad Chocolate Lounge

A chocolate specialist located in Pack Square, downtown Asheville. Offers a variety of meticulously crafted treats, including truffles, bars, housemade ice cream, bonbons, caramels, cookies, cakes, brownies, and an extensive menu of drinking chocolates.

Sierra Nevada Brewery

A legendary family-owned business that combines brewery tours, live music, dining options, and an expansive outdoor space. More information on tours and events may be found on their website.

French Broad River

An iconic landmark of the Appalachian region. Experience the ultimate summer adventure by leisurely floating down the French Broad River on innertubes, accompanied by a cooler of refreshing beers.

Hatley Pointe Ski Resort

A boutique mountain resort near Asheville with 54 acres of skiable terrain, 15 lighted trails, and a 700‑foot vertical drop served by a quad chair, double chair, and surface lifts. A full-service lodge includes dining at Smoke & Timber, coffee from Steeps Juicery, retail at South Knit, and après‑ski events. Open 9 AM ‑ 9 PM, Monday‑Thursday; 9 AM ‑ 9 PM, Friday; 9 AM ‑ 9 PM, Saturday; and 9 AM ‑ 9 PM, Sunday.

Cataloochee Ski Area

A mountain ski area near Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Ski Area offers 18 snowmaking-covered slopes for all skill levels, a terrain park, night skiing, snow tubing, and full rental and lodge services. A pioneer in North Carolina skiing since 1961 and the first resort south of Virginia, it features a 740‑foot vertical drop served by three chairlifts and two conveyor lifts. A base lodge includes cafeteria-style dining, a gear shop, lockers, shuttle to overflow parking, and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Open 9 AM - 10 PM, Monday-Thursday; 8:30 AM - 10 PM, Friday; 8:30 AM - 10 PM, Saturday; and 8:30 AM - 10 PM, Sunday.