The Ultimate Guide to a Girlfriends Getaway in Asheville
By Shayla Martin
A Five-Day Itinerary for a Fun-Filled Girls Trip to Asheville
Mastering the perfect girlfriends getaway is a bit of an art. A mix of personalities means that the ideal destination needs to have a range of activities and dining options for everyone. Lucky for you,
Asheville has it all! From world-class dining and shopping to outdoor adventures and spas that make you say “ahhhh," Asheville is one of the best girlfriend getaway destinations in the U.S.
To help you plan your girlfriend retreat, here’s the perfect long weekend itinerary for an Asheville girls trip.
Day 1
Ease into day one by hitting the shops and boutiques in downtown Asheville. Start at the Kress Emporium which hosts fine art, jewelry, stunning photography and other handmade items from local artisans, to snag a memento from your trip. Afterward, head to fashionable Lexington Avenue and visit Minx and Nest, two boutiques specializing in high-fashion dresses, tops, jewelry and scarves.
After scoring some great fashion finds, take in the crown jewel of Asheville with a self-guided tour of the Biltmore Estate. Pretend to be ladies of the Gilded Age as you appreciate the architecture and artwork of America’s largest home. Included in the Biltmore House tour ticket is a tasting and tour of Antler Hill Village and Winery to sample Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals from the Biltmore collection.
In the evening, you all can don your new threads and take in a concert at The Orange Peel, named one of the “Top Five Rock Clubs in the Country” by Rolling Stone magazine.
Day 2
Grab workout gear and head out early to explore Asheville’s beautiful natural surroundings with a mid-morning SUP – that's stand up paddleboarding – class on the French Broad River with Wai
Mauna Asheville SUP Tours. Or, embark on an outdoor yoga hike with Asheville Wellness Tours or Namaste in Nature.
After working a sweat, fuel up for an active afternoon with lunch at Rosetta’s Kitchen which specializes in organic vegan and vegetarian comfort food or check out the Laughing Seed Cafe in downtown where vegan options abound.
For the afternoon, lace up your hiking boots and hike the 2.4 mile Max Patch bald, a short, scenic hike along the Appalachian Trail boasting 360-degrees views.
Day 3
Catch Asheville's creative vibes by heading out to the River Arts District for a stroll through the art galleries and studios in former factories and historic buildings. If you can, time your visit for the Second Saturday of the month between May and December, a day of special events. No matter when you visit the River Arts District, you'll be able to watch artists at work and maybe even create your own piece of art.
For lunch, since its so hard to choose where to eat in Asheville, grab a ticket for an Eating Asheville food tour so you and your ladies can sample appetizers and drinks from six of Asheville’s best restaurants.
Although you’ll be stuffed, Asheville is known as Beer City, USA so it wouldn’t be right to leave without tasting some of the city’s most distinctive brews. Round out the evening with a trip to the Funkatorium, a tasting room from the brewers at Wicked Weed, to try unique beers like the Black Angel Cherry Sour or the hoppy Freak of Nature Double IPA. Or, head next door to Antidote at Chemist Spirits - a three-story apothecary style bar that specializes in craft cocktails, fine beer and wine from around the world.
Day 4
It wouldn't be a proper trip to Asheville without indulging in a delicious brunch. Thankfully, many restaurants in Asheville serve breakfast all week long. Dig into huevos rancheros at Sunny Point Cafe or the creative benedict dishes at Early Girl Eatery. If you're feeling extra hungry, order Asheville's famous cathead biscuit at at Biscuit Head.
Walk off your breakfast by taking a stroll in the nearby town of Black Mountain. Located only 15 miles away from downtown Asheville, Black Mountain is the perfect place to spend a day eating, drinking and strolling through galleries. For lunch, stop by one of the local favorites -- Trailhead Restaurant & Bar. Here you can find sandwiches, salads, tacos and entrees named after Western North Carolina’s gorgeous hikes and waterfalls. Afterwards, hit the trail at Lookout Mountain in nearby Montreat to experience stunning 360-degree views.
For a more chill afternoon, go to the north of Asheville to Weaverville, where the main street is like something out of a movie and the food, drinks and atmosphere are the perfect relaxing contrast to Asheville's vibrant energy. Stop by the Yellow Mug for a smoothie or go over to Zebulon Ales for some inventive brews.
Head back downtown to toast your final evening by visiting one of Asheville's many wine bars. Botanist & Barrel offers natural wine and ciders that you can sample in the store or take a bottle home as an Asheville keepsake. La Bodega by Cúrate -- the sister restaurant of the James Beard Award-winning restaurant, Cúrate, is an all-day Spanish café, market and wine bar, that specializes in a carefully curated Spanish wine list along with decadent charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and small plates. Or, post up to the open window bar at 5 Walnut while you listen to live music and sip on a glass of vino.
Day 5
After four days of adventure, ease back into "real life" by having a spa day to round out your trip to Asheville with friends. Take the traditional route and pamper yourselves at The Spa at Grove Park Inn – an 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa where you can take a swim in two therapeutic waterfall pools or indulge in an outdoor massage overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, or check out the Shoji Spa & Retreat for treatments and tea-time. Visit the Grove Arcade and dip your toes in at the Wake Foot Sanctuary before relaxing at Battery Park Exchange and Champagne for an afternoon of chatting, drinks and good books. End the day with a patio dinner at Posana and watch Asheville's nightlife blossom.
