Welcome to the Perfect Weekend section of the Asheville Adventure Guide. Below you will find a two day itinerary that includes the best of the best outdoor adventure and culture in Asheville, NC. From biking on the Blue Ridge Parkway, to sampling local brew, to canopy tours, to hiking on Mount Mitchell-we’ve got your Perfect Weekend covered!
Hot Stretch
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Start the weekend by replenishing your body and soul with a session at Bikram Yoga Asheville. The heat and intensity of this 90 minute session will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. The Saturday class starts at 10:00.
Info: Bikram Yoga Asheville / 802 Fairview Rd. Ste. 800 / 828-299-7003 / www.hotyogaasheville.com /
Directions: I-240 E to Exit 8. Left off the highway. Left at the second light into River Ridge Business Center.
Head to the Biltmore for Outdoor Adventure
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Now that you’ve got your morning work-out in, time to explore the 8,000 acres at NC’s most popular attraction – The Biltmore Estate. Take a tour of the house, grab some lunch on site, and head to the Outdoor Center to check out numerous outdoor options including hiking, biking, fly-fishing, horseback riding and float trips.
Info: 877-BILTMORE / www.biltmore.com
Directions: Head south on McDowell St./US 25 S for 1.3 miles. Turn right on Approach Rd. into the Biltmore Estate
Real Entertainment
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Enjoy a 90-minute historic comedy tour of Asheville on LaZoom’s purple, biodiesel bus. If looking for some nightlife, this is one you can’t miss out on. We guarantee Jen and Jim (and their cast of characters) will show you a good time.
Info: LaZoom Tours / 77 Coxe Ave. / 828-225-6932 / www.lazoomtours.com
Bike the Blue Ridge Parkway
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Rise and shine, grab your road bike and head to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Folks come from all over to cycle the Parkway and test their mettle on the grueling climbs with spectacular mountain views. If you head north towards Mount Mitchell pack a lunch because there is some serious elevation gain. If you looking for a little less pain head south. The Folk Art Center is a prime base camp for this adventure.
Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 E to Exit 7/Tunnel Rd./US 70. Take Tunnel Rd./US 70 E (left off the exit) for about 3 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take a right off Tunnel Rd./US 70 E to get on to the Parkway. At the stop sign turn right onto the Parkway. The Folk Art Center is about 1/4 mile on your left.
Appalachian Art & Culture
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After the ride, be sure to stop by the Folk Art Center to take in renowned Appalachian arts and crafts. Additionally, check out their web site for special events and workshops.
Info: Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild) / 828-298-7928 / www.craftguild.org /
Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 E to Exit 7/Tunnel Rd./US 70. Take Tunnel Rd./US 70 E (left off the exit) for about 3 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take a right off Tunnel Rd./US 70 E to get on to the Parkway. At the stop sign turn right onto the Parkway. The Folk Art Center is about 1/4 mile on your left.
Lunch at the Grove Arcade
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The Grove Arcade on 1 Page Ave has several dining/restaurant options for a solid lunch. If you are on a budget, check out Cats & Dawgs, or if you are looking for a little more flair hit Chorizos.
Info: Cats & Dawgs / 828-281-8100 * Chorizos / 828-350-1332 - Restaurants
Hike Deep Gap Trail
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If the Biltmore Estate is the must see attraction in Asheville, then Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, is the must see outdoor destination. The drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway has some of the best views in the area. Once there, lace up those boots and get your blood pumping by tackling four peaks over 6,000 feet.
Directions from Asheville: Head north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 388 to the entrance of Mt. Mitchell State Park. The trail starts near the picnic area at the beginning of the parking area.
Catch Some Air
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Time to top off the weekend with something a little different. Head over to Waynesville (30 minutes) and try the Appalachian Amusement Center’s vertical wind tunnel. This simulated skydiving experience will give you the thrill of flying without having to jump out of a plane.
Info: Appalachian Amusement Center / 49 Adventure Park / 828-926-WIND / www.verticalwind.com
Directions: I-40 W to Exit 20
Get High in the Trees
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Get up close and personal with the Blue Ridge by taking a local canopy tour. While canopy tours originated in Costa Rica, the US is embracing them by combining an adventurous zip line tour with educational and environmental elements. Your best bet is Navitat Canopy Adventures located just 20 minutes north of town.
Info: Navitat Canopy Adventures / 242 Poverty Branch Rd., Barnardsville / 828-626-3700 / www.navitat.com
Local Brew
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Time to sample the plethora and variety of local brew. Asheville is home to nine local breweries and is consistently ranked among the best beer towns in America. We like the recently opened Craggie Brewing Company but also suggest hitting The Wedge Brewery and Asheville Pizza & Brewing.
Info: Craggie Brewing / 197 Hilliard Ave. / 828-254-0360 * The Wedge Brewery / 125B Roberts St. / 828-505-2792 * Asheville Pizza & Brewing / 77 Coxe Ave. / 828-255-4077
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