One of the most perfect places for a weekend winter getaway is Asheville and now is a great time to visit to help support the local communities as they are working to rebuild after Hurricane Helene. Here are my top 5+ things to do in Asheville NC in the winter and a few honorable mentions for the Asheville area.
Please check local listings for the most up-to-date information on places in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene and the devastation she caused Asheville and surrounding areas. This is a great resource for planning your trip.
This article was originally published in January 2022 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2025.
The Best Things to Do in Asheville NC in the Winter
Enjoy 2 of my Favorite Things at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
During one of my weekend getaways with my best friend, we stumbled upon Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar in Grove Arcade. This gem of a spot is a used bookstore and champagne bar that also serves anything from charcuterie to quiche to sandwiches to pie. They also have a great wine list, beer, sparkling wine cocktails, and tea service.
Grab a Lavender Honey Latte at Double D’s Coffee & Dessert while Strolling Downtown
While you are strolling around downtown, pop into iconic Double D’s Coffee & Dessert for a lavender honey latte. They also have a variety of specialty coffee drinks to try out. There is seating both in the bus and on the surrounding patio. Just know that it it cash only so you will want to have some handy.
Explore the Beautiful Gardens and Conservatory at Biltmore Estate and Catch a Sunset
While I know the house is usually the main attraction for people, I personally could spend all day in the gardens and the conservatory. It is such a beautiful space and the plants are simply stunning. Be sure to catch a sunset from the path beside the house. You can grab a drink, whether it is a beer, a Biltmore glass of wine, or a coffee or tea drink from the cafe by the stables and then take it in with the mountains in the background.
Take a Mental Trip to Spain with the Spanish Experience and Wine Pairing at Cúrate
Cúrate was on my list of places to try for years and let me tell you, it is completely worth the hype! It is such a cozy and welcoming restaurant. Try the Spanish experience and wine pairing. The server might ask your preference if you prefer to know the pairings in advance or be surprised, and I always opt to be surprised. Each course was better than the last and I was thrilled to try things I might not have ordered on my own. North Carolina is lucky to have such a charming, delicious restaurant like this! Cúrate is an award-winning restaurant, including the James Beard Award for Best Hospitality in 2022. I visited Barcelona in 2024 and returned to Cúrate a month later for a solo lunch, and I got a little teary-eyed from items the restaurant offers that are directly from Spain.
Warm Up at the Grand Bohemian Hotel with a Cocktail from Red Stag Grill
One place that I cannot get enough of in Asheville is the Grand Bohemian Hotel. Their entrance and lobby is so inviting with that signature fragrance and the big stone fireplaces. Grab a cocktail and take a stroll through the art gallery before cozying up in front of the fire. Or, grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a drink and dinner. It is such a warm and inviting spot and I thoroughly enjoy spending a winter evening here.
Note: Grand Bohemian is temporarily closed while they rebuild from Tropical Storm Helene. Please monitor their website for when they reopen to give them a visit and some extra love.
Grab a Rocker at the Great Hall Bar in the Omni Grove Park Inn and Enjoy the Fire
There is no better place to visit than the iconic Great Hall Bar at the Omni Grove Park Inn. The Grant Hall Bar features an extensive drink list and a curated small plates and handheld food menu. Pull up a rocker in front of one of the 36-foot fireplaces and enjoy a drink. If you visit around the holidays, be sure to check out the annual National Gingerbread Competition! It is such an impressive display!
Book a Stay at Kimpton Hotel Arras
If you are looking for a place to call home base, stay in vibrant downtown Asheville at the Kimpton Hotel Arras. This hotel is walking distance to so many great shops and restaurants, including French Broad Chocolates, The Orange Peel for live music and concerts, and so much more. The hotel is super luxe and lovely and in the perfect location for walking around and exploring.
Other Ideas for a Winter Getaway to Asheville
Visit the North Carolina Arboretum
This 434-acre public garden is a unique part of the Pisgah National Forest. It is located just south of Asheville adjacent from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393. There are 65 acres of cultivated gardens plus 10 miles of hiking trails. Additionally, there is an on-site bistro and a gift shop. Do be sure to check the site for when everything is open, especially in the event of inclement weather.
Take a Winter Hike
Okay, listen. You won’t find me hiking in the winter unless the temperatures are above 50 degrees. But if you are into winter hiking, this article offers great winter hikes to consider including the popular Max Patch Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This hike offers views of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. Also, during the winter, the Blue Ridge Parkway is often closed to vehicles and stays open to hikers. This offers a really unique opportunity to experience the overlooks and trails along the parkway! Be sure to check out the most up-to-date closure information on the parkway here.
Check Out One of the Local Ski Areas
If you are into skiing, check out one of the local ski areas. Cataloochee Ski Area is located in Maggie Valley, less than an hour drive from Asheville. If you opt to head here, consider a stay at Cataloochee Ranch, a short 5 minute drive from the ski area and a luxe member of Relaix & Chateaux.
Honorable Mentions
- Adventure Center of Asheville: Located 5 minutes from downtown Asheville, check out their ziplines or their biking trails. It is open all 4 seasons and great for families with kids.
- The Folk Art Center: This is another spot located 5 minutes east of downtown Asheville and every March, offers live demonstrations in the Folk Art Center lobby. This space has been around since the 1930s and highlights local artists across 11 different craft mediums.
- River Arts District: Situated along the French Broad River, this area was especially devastated by Hurricane Helene. That said, follow along here to see as businesses begin to open up during the rebuild. This area is special — and is truly the heart of Asheville. Be a part of their come back and make sure to stop by on your trip once it begins to open back up to visitors.
