One of my goals over the last couple of years has been to lean into solo traveling more. I have friends who do it and do it well, and I found myself daydreaming about taking the types of trips they were going on and was wondering what was stopping me. Despite this popular trend, traveling alone can be challenging and overwhelming. I decided to try my hand at solo travel in Asheville, NC because it is a city I am familiar with, I have a running list of things I want to do and see whenever I am in town, and it is a great place to travel solo. Today, I am sharing a guide to help you explore and make the most of your time in Asheville, especially if you are traveling solo!
Travel Information: Please do be considerate of what the city is experiencing in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The city is welcoming guests back, and this website shares the most up-to-date openings.
For more Asheville favorites, check out this page.
Solo Trip to Asheville NC: The Ultimate Guide
I traveled to Asheville from Raleigh for a 3.5 day solo adventure in March 2024. I found it to be a nice time because I had a mix of warm and cool days while there and got to maximize my time outdoors on the warmer days. This guide will focus on places that I enjoyed visiting during my solo time and share some other favorites that might be worth your consideration as well!
Is Asheville NC Safe For Solo Travelers
It is worth noting that I am not a big hiker, so I cannot speak from personal experience on that subject. That said, I have hiked at Catawba Falls, outside of Asheville, and it is a popular hike with lots of foot traffic. Biltmore Estates has hiking trails on the property, so if you are planning to visit Biltmore, you could hike the trails there. I also loved driving out to Hendersonville to visit the Stable Spa at Horse Shoe Farm, and there are walking trails that you can access if you buy a farm day pass.
In terms of downtown, I find it safe, though, in any situation, I always recommend being aware of your surroundings. There is quite a bit of foot traffic on the main parts of downtown Asheville, especially during the day time.
What To Do In Asheville NC
Check out the Local Art Galleries
There is no shortage of amazing art galleries in Asheville, NC, no matter what your preference of mediums might be. It is always a great time to support local artists, though especially now in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Plan your trips with this list of galleries and enjoy immersing yourself in the talent and brilliance of Asheville’s artists.
Enjoy a Glass of Bubbly and Peruse Books at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
I simply cannot rave about Battery Park enough! This is simply a fabulous place to bring your book, snuggle up in one of the expansive booths and enjoy a glass of bubbles and one of their sandwiches or a dessert.
Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar is located in the Grove Arcade at 1 Page Ave #101, Asheville, NC 28801.
Spend a Day at Biltmore Estate
There is no shortage of things to do while visiting this 8,000 acre estate located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Whether you spend time exploring America’s largest home, strolling the gardens and conservatory, experiencing the award-winning Biltmore Winery, or participating in some outdoor activities while there, the estate offers something for everyone. Plan to spend a day here as it is quite the living history museum.
Biltmore Estate is at 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803.
Stroll the Biltmore Estate Gardens
One of my absolute favorite parts of Biltmore are the gardens. I got to experience them in early spring to see the tulips coming through and it was every bit of lovely as I hoped it would be. I bought a day pass that did not include the house tour just to do a little exploring. I cannot recommend this enough! By the way, one of my favorite North Carolina authors wrote this book that helps paint the idyllic picture of the gardens as well.
Try the Wines at Biltmore Estate Winery
Included in your ticket is a wine tasting at the Biltmore Estate Winery and you do not need reservations. The tasting are available on a first-come, first-served basis and the tasting room is open daily from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The tasting includes the Winery’s most popular and award-winning vintages and the wine hosts also share a brief history of the vineyards and wine operations.
You can also visit the Wine Bar to enjoy wine by the glass and some light snacks. Reservations are not required here either and feature an expansive outdoor seating area with a fire pit.
Explore Black Mountain
I cannot recommend a day trip (if not an overnight stay) to Black Mountain, a short 20-minute drive from Asheville. Black Mountain is such a charming, quaint mountain town that features some incredible food spots, art galleries, shopping, and more!
Catch a Sunset at Grove Park Inn
One of my favorite places to visit for a cocktail and a snack is Grove Park Inn. It offers an absolutely stunning view of the mountains and I recommend grabbing a seat in front of the large fireplaces in the Great Hall to unwind as well. I took a book and sat in one of the rockers to unwind after work one evening and it was perfect. Take your drink out to catch the sunset because it is one of the prettiest you will ever see.
Grove Park Inn is at 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804.
Listen to Live Music at Jack of the Wood Pub
Photo via Jack of the Wood Instagram
Jack of the Wood offers a delicious menu of locally sourced pub food and craft cocktails with a great line up of live music. Sundays are Irish music session days and a great spot to grab a pint and enjoy! Check out their full events calendar here. And whatever you do, order the pretzel knots.
Jack of the Wood Pub is at 95 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.
Try a Craft Cocktail at Sovereign Remedies
Sovereign Remedies is such a cool, hip spot in downtown Asheville that serves up tasty, seasonal cocktails and a great dining menu.
Sovereign Remedies is at 29 N Market St #105, Asheville, NC 28801.
Book a Spa Day at Stable Spa in Hendersonville
The Stable Spa is such a hidden gem in Hendersonville, a short drive outside of Asheville. Enjoy a massage and relax in the spa area taking in the gorgeous views. The massage with Melisa was hands down the best I have ever had. Grab a bite to eat after at The Silo Cookhouse, which serves up delicious seasonal dishes.
The Stable Spa is at 155 Horse Shoe Farm Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28791.
Shop the Local Shops in Asheville
Photo via Mora Jewelry Instagram
While there are some shops that are still rebuilding from the destruction that Hurricane Helene unleashed on Asheville, the shops that are open need our financial support now more than ever. Downtown Asheville is full of locally owned businesses, including one of my favorites, Mora Jewelry. While I prefer to stroll around and find places to pop into, this site helps plan some of the shops if that is more of your speed.
Tour Chemist Distillers & Try a Cocktail at Antidote Bar
This chic, turn-of-the-century bar features a delicious selection of cocktails using Chemist Spirits and also features a full beer and wine list. There is a gorgeous, pet-friendly garden patio, and three levels, including a partially covered rooftop terrace. This spot is such a fun one and the cocktails are exceptional.
Antidote Bar is at 151 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.
Where To Stay In Asheville NC
The Flat Iron Hotel
Photo via the Flat Iron Hotel Instagram
This gorgeous hotel features a delicious Italian restaurant on the first floor, a rooftop terrace with amazing views of the Blue Ridge, and is an iconic skyscraper completed in 1927. Today, it boasts a luxury boutique hotel in a charming location that is perfectly walkable to many shops, restaurants, bars, and more.
The Flat Iron Hotel is at 20 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn is a quintessential hotel to call home while visiting Asheville. This resort features an award-winning subterranean spa, a golf course, a wide variety of restaurants and bars on site, and has been welcoming guests for over a century. It is not as walkable to many places given its location, so do plan on either grabbing a ride share or driving if leaving the property.
The Omni Grove Park Inn is at 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804.
Kimpton Hotel Arras
Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, this hotel is in the middle of it all. Kimpton is one of my absolute favorite hotel groups given their historic preservation and nods to the local area, and Arras is an excellent showcase of this. I have stayed here twice now, and it is a spectacular experience. The restaurant on site is also delicious.
Kimpton Hotel Arras is at 7 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.
The Restoration Hotel
Let’s talk about how absolutely stunning this hotel is! The hotel offers four on-site community spaces, including a coffee bar, two restaurants, and a rooftop bar. This new downtown hotel features stylish rooms and a great, walkable location.
The Restoration is at 68 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.
For more lodging options, consider one of the acclaimed Asheville bed & breakfasts, too!
Where To Eat In Asheville NC
Chai Pani
Chai Pani is an absolutely delightful dining experience! Since my solo trip last spring, Chai Pani moved to a larger location, though they still feature their amazing Indian street snacks and homemade platters in a funky, laid back space. Try their matchstick okra fries and one of their signature cocktails. I also loved their lavender lemonade.
Chai Pani is at 32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.
Cúrate
I will never not write about Asheville and not include a shoutout to the incredible food experience that Cúrate provides its guests. Make a reservation online if you prefer a table; though,I do recommend sitting at the bar to dine. I always recommend the Spanish experience with the wine pairing because it is the best way to experience the menu, in my opinion.
Cúrate is at 13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.
Leo’s House of Thirst
Photo via Leo’s House of Thirst Instagram
Leo’s House of Thirst is a true gem in West Asheville and has an extensive wine program, plus small plates, sandwiches, and more. They open at noon and offer a pre-fixe lunch offering in addition to their full menu. I love their deviled eggs and their caesar salad. Their patio is especially lovely in the warmer weather.
Leo’s House of Thirst is at 1055 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806.
Luminosa
This fabulous Italian restaurant adds the twist of mountain fare to the menu. I absolutely adored the bone marrow tots; this made one of my favorite meals of 2024.. I also cannot recommend any of their seasonal dishes and their wood-fired pizzas enough. I loved sitting at the bar to watch the food and drinks being made.
Luminosa is located in The Flat Iron Hotel at 20 Battery Park Ave Floor 1, Asheville, NC 28801.
Red Stag Grill
While the Grand Bohemian Hotel is temporarily closed while rebuilding from the damage sustained in Hurricane Helene, add this to your list of places to visit the minute it reopens. The bartenders are exceptional and I love their wedge salad and crab cake. Grab a drink and peruse the art gallery as well!
Red Stag Grill is located in the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville at 11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803.
Rowan Coffee
I worked from Rowan Coffee one day and enjoyed a delight piece of focaccia and a latte in this charming space. Rowan Coffee is opening a second location in West Asheville sometime in 2025 as well.
Rowan Coffee is at 66 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801.
The Rhu
Located on the backside of Rhuburb, the Rhu is a great spot for a casual breakfast or a cup of tea. It also features a delicious casual lunch menu, and the chicken salad sandwich is a great move! This spot also features a pantry that sells artisanal cheese and micro-creameries of the Blue Ridge. It also includes artisanal producers and housewares. It is such a charming spot to bring a little bit of the mountains home with you!
The Rhu is at 10 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.
White Duck Taco
I absolutely love White Duck Taco for a casual, quick lunch! The falafal taco and the chicken BLT are some of my go-to options, though the buffalo chicken and crispy pork belly are great. I also love their chips and queso.
White Duck Taco is at 12 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28803.
Wicked Weed Brewing’s Brewpub
Photo via Wicked Weed Brewpub Instagram
Wicked Weed is one of the more well-known breweries and their brewpub serves up their famous brews and pub food. Try their pretzel served with beer cheese and their wedge salad served with chicken.
Wicked Weed Brewing’s Brewpub is at 91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.
You can save the map below and use it as a guide for visiting Asheville, North Carolina. I color-coded it to help make it easy to navigate. If you discover something new that is not listed, please feel free to share it below so I can check it out on my next trip. I hope you enjoy Asheville solo or with friends!
Check out more of my North Carolina travel adventures, like things to do in Greensboro and things to do in Washington, NC here.
