2 Days in Asheville Itinerary: The Best Things to Do, See, and Eat

This 2 days in Asheville itinerary includes a choice of trails, scenic drives and must-see attractions you can squeeze into a weekend visit.

Gardens, mansions, waterfalls and mountain views are all in store on this weekend in Asheville NC itinerary. The North Carolina town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is best known as the home of the Biltmore Estate, but it also has a thriving arts scene, global cuisine, locally-owned shops, and Art Deco architecture. 

I visited Asheville recently to check out the downtown attractions and drive part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This itinerary rounds up the coolest spots I found and dishes I tried along the way — from Korean beef bulgogi tacos to waterfall hikes to a Victorian-era Asheville bed and breakfast.

Keep reading for my 2 days in Asheville itinerary!

This post is sponsored by The Black Walnut Inn Bed and Breakfast, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one or buy something, we might receive a commission for telling you about it, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Asheville Map of Attractions

Use this map to start planning your 2 days in Asheville itinerary. I’ve pinned all the places I went in town and along the Blue Ridge Parkway, plus where to stay in Asheville NC.

Where to Stay in Asheville NC

When you’re planning a short weekend in Asheville, picking the perfect hotel is so important. I wanted to prioritize a location close to downtown and accommodations with character and cozy vibes.

Whether it’s a girls trip to Asheville, a romantic getaway, or a solo trip like I did, checking into a downtown Asheville bed and breakfast elevates the charm of the mountain town.

I was recently invited to stay at the Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast Inn and instantly fell in love with the big front porch and uniquely themed rooms. The Inn was designed in the late 1890s by the supervising architect of the famous Biltmore Estate (which you’ll visit on this itinerary), so it’s really the perfect representation of historic Asheville.

These are just a few of the things I loved most about the Asheville b&b that I think you will appreciate, too.

Ideal Location

The Black Walnut is located in Montford, one of Asheville’s oldest neighborhoods with homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Parts of it are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Strolling the sidewalks under blooming dogwoods, you’ll notice Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, and Colonial Revival style architecture.

Beyond the storied setting, the Black Walnut is perfectly situated near downtown while maintaining a quiet, residential feel. The Asheville Visitor Center is just half a mile away and downtown Asheville about a mile, which means you could leave your car at the inn and walk to shops and restaurants to avoid traffic and paid parking.

All the Amenities

From the moment I walked into the Black Walnut Inn and saw a check in table with baked cookies and candies, I knew this Asheville bed and breakfast was the sort of place that wants guests to feel welcomed and at home.

The owner, Alicia, dreamed about running a b&b for years while working a corporate job, and her thoughtful touches are weaved throughout your stay — from the delicious breakfasts she prepares to the self-serve hot and cold drink bar to an afternoon wine hour in the parlor. 

The practical pieces like private parking and high-speed WIFI are, of course, included, but it’s the little extras like reading material in your room, board games in the common spaces, and blankets on the porch rockers that really elevate your stay.

Delicious Breakfast

The gourmet breakfast at the Black Walnut Inn deserves its own special mention, especially since the morning meal is such an important piece in an Asheville b&b stay. I appreciated how the menu was displayed on the welcome table the afternoon prior so I could get excited about the yummies I’d be trying the next day.

While the spread will vary, guests can expect freshly brewed coffee and tea, a selection of juices (I loved the cider), and three courses that typically involve a warm muffin, fruit dish, and hot cooked entrée. Every bite was scrumptious but the lemon ricotta pancakes and almond-apricot French toast were standouts.

As for the ambiance — natural light streams into the dining room from a bay window while sweetly adorned tables feature crocheted cloths and delicate tea cups. Antique furniture, frames and fixtures complete the setting.

Unique and Cozy Rooms

The eight guest rooms at the Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast are named after plants and trees and each is uniquely designed. Six of the spaces are upstairs and downstairs in the main house and two, including an ADA-compliant suite with a kitchenette, are in the detached carriage house, which is a rare pet-friendly bed and breakfast in Asheville.

The rooms have attached bathrooms with necessities like lux toiletries (the lotion smelled so good) and hair dryers, and several include soaking tubs perfect for bubble baths after a long day hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

And while the house’s common spaces have plenty of couches and chairs for evening reclining, most of the rooms also feature fireplaces and comfy seating for a private place to relax. Plush bedding and pillow-top mattresses are the icing on the cake.

I stayed in the Dogwood room, overlooking the front garden in the turret of the house. While it’s the only setup without a fireplace, it more than makes up for it with a separate cozy reading nook, clawfoot tub, and night-sky painted ceiling above the bed. Not to mention — the room has a streak of fame since Sandra Bullock stayed here while filming a movie in town!

Book a stay at the Black Walnut Inn

2 Days in Asheville Itinerary

This two days in Asheville itinerary and guide features activities in the city and just outside along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can squeeze it all in for an action-packed weekend, or spread the first day out for a slower pace if you don’t want to do the outdoorsy stuff on the second day.

Day 1 — Biltmore Estate and Downtown Asheville

The first day is devoted to downtown Asheville and the famous Biltmore Estate nearby. If you have a three-day weekend in Asheville, you can stretch these activities out to spend more time at the Biltmore.

Biltmore Estate

Start your day early with a morning tour at the Biltmore Estate, an expansive property with a Gilded Age chateau built for George Washington Vanderbilt and family in the 1890s. With some 250 rooms, the mansion is known as the biggest privately-owned home in the U.S. (it’s more than three times the size of the White House, for comparison). 

Tickets are required to visit the estate, and the basic option includes an hour-long house tour with an audio guide, access to the grounds and gardens, and a wine tasting. While the massive mansion and elaborate rooms are certainly interesting, you don’t want to miss a walk through the beautiful gardens just outside, which transition from an Italian Garden with ponds to a walled garden with seasonal blooms to open space with an extensive network of trails. 

If you have extra time, the Deerpark area in the central part of the 8,000-acre property offers carriage and trail rides, and Antler Hill Village has a popular winery, shopping and dining. You can also book bike rentals and experiences and lessons in falconry, clay shooting, fly-fishing and more.

On a short Asheville itinerary, I advise keeping your visit to around half a day, but you could easily spend a full day here exploring and walking the garden trails.

Downtown Asheville

Head to downtown Asheville by mid afternoon to check out some of the shops and galleries before they close for the day. The city has a 1.7 mile Urban Trail that serves as a sort of outdoor history museum with 30 bronze plaques marking significant cultural and architectural landmarks.

Pop by the Art-Deco style Grove Arcade, the town’s first indoor mall that opened in 1929 and now holds shops and restaurants. Nearby, the Woolworth Walk has a Soda Fountain with 50s flair and a gallery selling watercolors, jewelry, crafts, photos and more from some 170 local artists.

Lexington Avenue and Broadway/Biltmore Avenue are great spots to stumble upon tea and coffee shops, local boutiques and global cuisine. And if you’re looking for some quirky fun, the Asheville Pinball Museum has an arcade of classic games, the Moogseum is an immersive sound museum, and the Friday night drum circle at Pritchard Park is a crowd favorite.

River Arts District

To delve into Asheville’s eclectic and creative scene, head over to the River Arts District. Old industrial spaces and mills along the French Broad River have been transformed into studios for more than 200 artists, and the whole neighborhood explodes with colorful murals. Come for an evening stroll or bike ride along the water or to dine at popular spots like the White Duck Taco Shop. 

Day 2 — Blue Ridge Parkway and Waterfall Hikes

While you could easily spend 2 days in Asheville without ever leaving the city, the proximity of the Blue Ridge Parkway begs for a quick day trip. Trails, waterfalls, mountain views and state parks are in every direction around Asheville, so it’s hard to pick which way to go. I’m outlining a quick road trip to the east full of Asheville waterfall hikes. 

If you start early, you can squeeze them all in. Otherwise, scratch off Linville Falls as it’s the furthest away. Not all of these attractions are directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but they make an easy loop with the BRP.

Catawba Falls

Start with an easy morning hike of about 3 miles round trip at Catawba Falls, one of the most popular waterfall trails near Asheville about 30 minutes outside the city off Interstate 40. The walk through a shady forest leads to a 100-foot tall cascading waterfall. (This attraction will be closed for improvements through spring 2023).

Linville Falls

Next up, Linville Falls is the farthest point you’ll drive on this Asheville day trip at about 60 miles outside the city. The hike here is just under 2 miles to see four different overlooks of upper and lower falls and canyons.

Little Switzerland

Circling back toward Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can stop for lunch in the town of Little Switzerland or pause at overlooks like Table Rock Mountain and Three Knobs before the next must-do waterfall hike in Asheville.

Crabtree Falls

Carve out a couple of hours to hike to Crabtree Falls, about 45 miles outside Asheville. The trail can be done as a 2.5 mile loop or about 1.8 miles out and back on a moderately difficult route with some steep incline and bumpy terrain.

Mount Mitchell State Park

The summit at Mount Mitchell State Park is the highest one east of the Mississippi River, and an accessible (but steep) walk leads to an observation deck with 360-degree views. If it’s toward the end of the day, you can make this your sunset stop, but otherwise there’s one more short hike I recommend squeezing in.

Craggy Pinnacle

The Craggy Pinnacle summit is just 20 miles outside of the city and perfect for an Asheville sunset hike. A 1.2-mile roundtrip trail with 250 feet of elevation gain leads to a lookout deck with panoramic vistas of the parkway and rolling mountain peaks for miles in the distance.

Tips for an Asheville Weekend Getaway

Use this mini 2 days in Asheville travel guide to help plan your trip with ideas for when to go, where to stay, and what to eat.

Best Play to Stay in Asheville

Downtown Asheville is a great place to stay to be near to restaurants, shops, galleries and the famous Biltmore Estate. If you want to be near the city center without the noise and traffic, I recommend the historic Montford neighborhood, where my favorite Asheville bed and breakfast is located.

The Black Walnut Inn Bed and Breakfast is full of charm, featuring uniquely designed rooms, an afternoon wine hour, and delicious gourmet breakfasts. Plus, it’s only about a mile from the bustle of downtown Asheville. 

Where Do I Fly Into for Asheville?

The fast-growing Asheville Regional Airport is about 15 miles south of downtown and serves a handful of airlines and a couple dozen locations with direct service. For a 2 days in Asheville itinerary, this local airport is your best option to get here quickly!

What is the Best Time to Visit Asheville?

The best time to go to Asheville depends a bit on what you hope to do. Since it’s surrounded by mountains and just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, fall is a particularly scenic time for leaf peeping in Asheville and daytime temps typically top out in the upper 60s to mid 70s in this time. Most of the action happens in October.

If you want to avoid the fall road-tripping crowds, late spring can be a great time for mild weather and fresh budding leaves on the trees. The winter low season is the best time to find deals on hotels for an Asheville weekend getaway, but keep in mind that parts of the parkway may shut down when conditions are icy. 

How Many Days Should You Spend in Asheville?

If you’re road-tripping the Blue Ridge Parkway, plan to spend a minimum of 2 days in Asheville to see the sights downtown and visit the Biltmore. I recommend at least 3 days though, if you’re flying in so that you have time for a hiking or waterfall day trip from Asheville.

Where to Eat in Asheville

With over 250 independent restaurants, it can be hard to decide where to eat when you only have 2 days in Asheville. I got so many recommendations from friends that I didn’t have time to try them all, but here are a few standouts and commonly suggested spots.

While I was in town, I had incredible spicy ramen at Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas downtown, creative concoctions at White Duck Taco Shop in the River Arts District, and a yummy curry bowl from Bun Intended at the S&W Market Food Hall. I had lunch at the Stable Cafe at the Biltmore when I was there and I recommend it for the cool environment but the food was just OK. Since I ate at my Asheville bed and breakfast each morning, I didn’t get to try any bakeries or coffee shops.

A lot of people recommended Biscuit Head for loaded biscuits, Tupelo Honey Cafe for Southern cuisine (it always has a massive line), and Vortex Doughnuts and Hole Doughnuts for coffee and baked goods.

Is Asheville North Carolina Worth Visiting?

Asheville is absolutely worth visiting, even if you only have time for a 2 day itinerary. Aside from the cute down, great restaurants, and impressive Biltmore Estate, the scenery around the city is breathtaking and there are so many incredible places to hike or drive for a view.

After spending 2 days in Asheville, you’ll want to come back for more!