Weekend Itinerary: What To Do in Asheville During The 2025 SoCon Volleyball Tournament
From November 20–23, the Southern Conference Volleyball Championship returns to Harrah’s Cherokee Center, bringing four action-packed days of athleticism, teamwork, and serious hang-time to the mountains.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan loyal to your team or simply here for the drama of five-set comebacks and crowd energy, Asheville offers the perfect complement: art-lined streets, seasonal flavors, scenic escapes, and a warm southern welcome. Between serves and spikes, this city invites you to serve up local craft brews, dig into Appalachian cuisine, and set aside time to explore.
Thursday | Serve Up Your Arrival
Ease into the tournament weekend with a perfect pre-game warm-up. Grab an early dinner at Cúrate or Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse, two downtown spots where flavor combinations are as dynamic as a championship rally. Then, stroll through the River Arts District, where artists’ studios and galleries glow with creativity (and holiday lights start to twinkle).
Evening highlight: Catch a live show at The Orange Peel or The Grey Eagle — both known for crowd-pleasing lineups that spike the energy in all the right ways.
Show You Might Like: November 21-22, 2025: Watchhouse at The Orange Peel
Friday | Match Point Meets Mountain Vibes
Between games, trade your bleachers for blue skies. Take a quick drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, where late-season color still paints the ridgelines and mountain views stretch for miles. Or, if you prefer to keep the pace relaxed, walk off the adrenaline with a gentle loop through Botanical Gardens at Asheville, just minutes from downtown.
Dinner game plan: Keep it local. Try Chai Pani, Chestnut, or The Market Place, where Asheville’s downtown Foodtopia scene shines as bright as the championship lights.
Saturday | Power Plays & Local Playlists
Start the morning with a coffee crawl — High Five Coffee, Summit, and Rowan are all downtown favorites. If the team’s energy needs a reset, head to Well Played Board Game Café or Asheville Retrocade for some friendly competition that doesn’t require knee pads.
Between semifinal matches, check out Asheville’s South Slope District, where breweries like Burial Beer Co., Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium, and Hi-Wire Brewing are just a short walk apart. You might even say the craft beer scene here sets the bar high.
Evening calls for dinner and a stroll — wander through Grove Arcade’s shops, then toast to your team at Battery Park Book Exchange, where champagne meets good stories in an iconic Art Deco setting.
Sunday | Championship & Chill
Game day glory meets mountain calm. Before the final match, fuel up with brunch at Tupelo Honey or Early Girl Eatery, both beloved for Southern comfort done right. After the trophy is raised, take one last Asheville victory lap:
- Walk the Urban Trail a self-guided downtown route through Asheville’s architectural and cultural landmarks.
- Stretch out those cheering muscles with a visit to Sauna House or Shoji Spa, two local favorites for post-tournament relaxation.
- Pick up souvenirs with soul at Appalachian Craft Center or East Fork Pottery — lasting reminders of your SoCon stay.
Extend Your Stay | From Courts to Creeks
Don’t let the final whistle signal the end of your Asheville story. Extend your visit into a mountain mini-vacation:
- Biltmore Estate: Wander the gardens and enjoy seasonal wines at the winery.
- Black Mountain: Just 20 minutes east, this small town pairs cozy cafés with big-hearted mountain views.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Stretch your legs (and your perspective) with scenic overlooks and short hikes like Craggy Gardens or Graveyard Fields.
After all, in Asheville, every match point is just the start of something new.