Play Through the Mountains: A Day in North Asheville/Woodfin
North Asheville and Woodfin have golf in their bones and a river at their backs, which makes them prime territory during Biltmore Championship Asheville Week.
Up toward Sunset Mountain and along the French Broad just north, this itinerary pairs the historic, Donald Ross-designed course at the Omni Grove Park Inn with riverside breweries, a greenway, and a brewpub that keeps two mini-golf courses out back. Local spots on both sides have rolled out deals for the week. Tee off here:
Morning | Play a Piece of Golf History
Fuel up first on Merrimon Avenue at Green Sage Cafe, running tournament-week specials like the Birdie Breakfast Burrito and the 19th Hole Watermelon Cooler. Then head to hallowed ground for the game of golf. The Omni Grove Park Inn is home to a historic Donald Ross-designed course routed through the hills below Sunset Mountain, walked over the years by Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus, and open to the public by tee time. Book an early round while the light comes up over the Blue Ridge.
Late Morning | Craft and Curiosities
Right beside the Omni, stop into Grovewood Village, where the artisans at Grovewood Gallery keep the craft tradition alive across two floors of handmade work. Next door, the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is free to visit, open daily 10 to 5 with free parking, a low-key spin through vintage automobiles and old fire trucks. While you’re strolling the area, keep an eye out for monarchs: The Asheville Butterfly Trail has pollinator stations dotted around the area, including at Reems Creek Nursery and along UNCA's greenway.
Midday | Head North to Putt and Eat
Make your way up to Woodfin and Salt Face Mule Brewing Co., the only spot in the area where you can play a round of mini-golf with a house-brewed beer or a cocktail in hand. Its two 18-hole courses come with a cup holder at every hole, and the kitchen turns out Appalachian-inspired comfort food with a twist, from smoked brisket eggrolls to shrimp and grits. Or stop at Luella’s Bar-B-Que for special discounts on food, desserts, cocktails, catering and snacks throughout the week.
Afternoon | Down to the River or Up in the Sky
Trade four wheels for two: Wayout Adventure Rentals is taking 10% off a mountain bike rental, ideal for the riverside greenway and the parks that line it, including Silverline Park and Woodfin's Riverside Park. Drip Sauna is offering a 20% off sauna sessions. Asheville Fly Fishing Company guides trips on the region's rivers and streams if you’d like to cast a line, and Navitat Canopy Adventures, up the road in Barnardsville, sends you zipping through the treetops.
Cool off after with a scoop at The Hop Ice Cream Cafe on Merrimon, home of the Hole in One flavor.
Evening | Breweries on the Bank
Settle in along Riverside Drive, where the taprooms sit right on the eastern bank. Zillicoah Beer Company, Woodfin's first brewery, pours open-fermented farmhouse ales with a rotating cast of food trucks, while Riverside Rhapsody Beer Company turns out IPAs and Belgian-style brews and Ginger's Revenge keeps a bright ginger beer on tap nearby. Grab a table, watch the river slide by, and let the evening go long. End the night at 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House, which is offering a three-night stay and swing package including breakfast, charcuterie and wine.
