Simply Wanderfull
Table of Contents
As snowbirds make their annual journey south in search of sunshine and warmer days, Asheville, North Carolina shines as the perfect stopover along the way. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming city offers the ideal blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and cozy comfort. With its walkable downtown, farm-to-table dining, and breathtaking mountain views, Asheville invites travelers to slow down, stretch their legs, and soak in a little Southern hospitality before continuing on their route to warmer destinations. Whether you’re savouring craft brews, exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, or browsing local art galleries, Asheville delivers the perfect mix of relaxation and inspiration—just what every snowbird needs on the road south.
Leaving from Windsor, Ontario, our journey south to Fort Myers, Florida takes about 21 hours by car. Roughly halfway between Detroit and our destination lies Asheville, North Carolina—a perfect stopover at around the 10-hour mark. We chose to spend two nights here, and it turned out to be the ideal break in our drive. With its vibrant craft beer scene, stunning mountain views, and incredible local food, Asheville truly has something for everyone. I absolutely love this charming town—its warmth, creativity, and friendly people make it a place you’ll want to linger a little longer.
When Hurricane Helene swept through Asheville, the city faced flooding and damage that tested its spirit. But in true mountain-town fashion, the community came together—neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers rebuilding, and local businesses supporting one another. Now, in October 2025, Asheville has not only recovered but renewed itself. We spoke with so many locals, and they all shared the same heartfelt message — everyone came together to help one another. It was hard to imagine the water ever rising as high as they described. I’m so grateful to see the city thriving again and open for business! If you want to read more about the amazing efforts.
When planning your snowbird stopover in Asheville, I highly recommend checking out the Broken Plates Substack article “Asheville is Open.” I actually met the author back in April at a local brewery, and her enthusiasm for this beautiful, vibrant, foodie-friendly town was contagious. Her article is full of insider tips and thoughtful insights, making it well worth a read for anyone wanting to truly experience Asheville beyond the usual sights.
Where To Stay
Asheville has plenty of accommodations to suit any budget. We have visited Asheville a few times now and each and every time we have stayed at The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection By Hilton. We absolutely love this hotel it and it was nice knowing that you are staying at a beautiful hotel after that long drive in the car. It has a 4.7 google rating. The property is immaculate. The bed, linens and pillows are super cozy and luxurious. The hotel is in a quiet area and very walkable to the downtown area where everything is happening. We enjoyed breakfast in the restaurant and I had the granola bowl with fresh fruit and chia pudding. Oh my goodness it was so good! Our waitress was so gracious to ask the chef for the recipe with which he shared with us. I absolutely love this hotel!
Other notable hotels within the downtown Asheville area are: Kimpton Hotel Arras, AC Hotel Asheville Downtown, and The Restoration Asheville.
Things To Do In Asheville
If you have just 2-days in Asheville, you’ll find plenty to fill your time with beauty, flavour, and mountain charm. Start by exploring downtown Asheville, where local art galleries, boutique shops, and street performers bring the city’s creative spirit to life. Don’t miss a visit to the iconic Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home, with its stunning gardens and winery. Spend your afternoon tasting craft beers along the South Slope Brewery District or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the River Arts District, where you can watch artists at work. On your second day, take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks and possibly taking a guided hike for breathtaking views. Wrap up your stay with a farm-to-table dinner at one of Asheville’s cozy restaurants—because here, good food, local love, and mountain magic are always on the menu.
Asheville has so many things to do and I wished that we had more days here. For some more fun things to explore you may want to test your skills at the Pinball Museum, relax at the Asheville Salt Cave Spa, or sample local flavours on an Asheville food tour, there’s something fun and memorable for every kind of traveler.
The Asheville Foodie Trail
If you’re a foodie exploring downtown Asheville, here’s your must‑eat list for great food and cocktails — all easy to hit in a weekend:
Cúrate – Spanish tapas done right; order the jamón ibérico and a gin tonic.
Limones – Upscale Latin‑California fusion with killer margaritas and ceviche.
Fig – Cozy and refined, perfect for a relaxed dinner and a glass of wine.
Chestnut – Classic Southern comfort with craft cocktails and a neighborhood vibe.
Pack’s Tavern – Casual local favourite with hearty pub fare and local brews.
Rankin Vault – Don’t miss their Vault Burger — one of Asheville’s best — and solid cocktails.
White Labs Kitchen & Tap – Fantastic wood‑fired pizza, unique beers, and cocktails made with their own yeast cultures. The Pizza is so good!
The Admiral – Funky West Asheville spot with inventive, ever‑changing dishes and a great bar.
Posana – Contemporary American fare with seasonally‑sourced ingredients and an elegant cocktail/wine program. If you go here, you have to order the biscuits and butter as an appetizer. Oh my gosh were they good!
The Montford Rooftop Bar – End your night here with creative cocktails, small plates and sweeping sunset views of the Blue Ridge.
Each place brings something different — from craft cocktails to local flavor — making Asheville one of the South’s best small‑city food scenes.
The Brews of Asheville
If you’re a beer lover like us, Asheville is your beer paradise! The city proudly holds the title of having more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. In fact, there are nearly as many craft brews here as there are hiking trails—and that’s saying something. Whether you’re sipping a hoppy IPA after a day on the Blue Ridge Parkway or sampling local favourites downtown, Asheville perfectly blends two of life’s greatest pleasures: great beer and the great outdoors.
Get On The Brew Tour
1. Highland Brewing Company
12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200, Asheville, NC
highlandbrewing.com
Founded in 1994, Highland Brewing is Asheville’s original craft brewery and the cornerstone of its beer scene. The hilltop location offers sprawling outdoor space, mountain views, and regular live music. Try the Gaelic Ale or one of their rotating small-batch releases.
2. Burial Beer Co.
40 Collier Ave, Asheville, NC (South Slope) burialbeer.com
Burial has become legendary among beer fans for its creative, art-forward approach to brewing. Expect rich stouts, funky farmhouse ales, and one of the coolest brewery aesthetics in the country. The patio and food offerings make it perfect for an afternoon session. Burial was our favourite stop, the beer was delicious, the outdoor picnic tables was so inviting and fun! Highly recommend this brewery as a stop!
3. Green Man Brewery
27 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC greenmanbrewery.com
One of Asheville’s oldest craft breweries, Green Man has a loyal local following and a cozy English-pub vibe. It’s a great stop for traditional ales and relaxed conversation — and the rooftop bar offers great views of the South Slope neighborhood.
4. Wicked Weed Brewing Brewpub
91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC wickedweedbrewing.com
Wicked Weed made its name with bold sours and barrel-aged beers, and its downtown brewpub is a must-visit. Pair your beer with elevated pub fare on the patio or explore their Funkatorium (a separate sour-beer facility nearby).
5. New Belgium Brewing Company
21 Craven St, Asheville, NC (River Arts District) newbelgium.com
New Belgium’s East Coast home sits right on the French Broad River and offers a family- and dog-friendly beer garden. Try a flight of their iconic beers (like Fat Tire) and seasonal IPAs while enjoying the view.
6. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC (near Asheville Airport) sierranevada.com
Often called the “Disneyland of Breweries,” Sierra Nevada’s Mills River facility is massive and stunning. There’s a full restaurant, guided tours, and a beer garden with live music. Even if it’s technically outside downtown Asheville, it’s absolutely worth the short drive.
7. Hi-Wire Brewing
197 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC (South Slope) hiwirebrewing.com
Known for its approachable and balanced beers, Hi-Wire is a favourite among locals. The circus-themed branding adds fun flair, and they’ve expanded to multiple taprooms — but this original South Slope spot is where it all began.
8. Catawba Brewing Co.
32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC catawbabrewing.com
Catawba’s South Slope taproom offers a spacious setup and plenty of variety, from light lagers to juicy IPAs. It’s ideal for groups and brewery hopping, as several other taprooms are just steps away.
9. DSSOLVR
63 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC dssolvr.com
DSSOLVR blends high-concept art, weird science, and adventurous beer styles. Expect hazy IPAs, complex mixed-fermentation beers, and a highly Instagrammable taproom. For creative beer drinkers, it’s a can’t-miss stop.
10. The Wedge Brewing Co.
37 Paynes Way, Asheville, NC (River Arts District) wedgebrewing.com
Tucked under the railroad tracks in the River Arts District, Wedge is beloved for its laid-back atmosphere, local art, and perfectly balanced beers. It’s a great place to sip a pint while exploring Asheville’s creative heart.
11. White Labs Brewing Co.
172 S Charlotte St, Asheville, NC whitelabsbrewingco.com
White Labs Brewing is one of Asheville’s most fascinating stops — a brewery built by the world-famous yeast company White Labs, which supplies yeast to breweries across the globe. Here, science meets craft in the most delicious way possible. The space itself is sleek and modern, with a glass-walled lab, open kitchen, and excellent pizzas. Located just a few blocks from downtown, White Labs is a perfect mid-route stop between South Slope and the East Asheville brewery trail. If you go here I highly recommend the ordering the BIANCA pizza with added homemade sausage. Wow was it memorable!
12. The River Arts District Brewing Company
13 Mystery St, Asheville, NC (River Arts District) radbeer.com
Tucked away in Asheville’s creative River Arts District, The River Arts District Brewing Company (often called RAD Brewing Co.) blends laid-back vibes with genuine local hospitality. This brewery is all about community — from the friendly bartenders who remember your name to the welcoming regulars who make newcomers feel right at home. The beer lineup focuses on crisp, approachable styles like lagers, IPAs, and pale ales, all brewed with care and balance. It’s the kind of place where you can relax after exploring the nearby art studios or trails along the French Broad River. The staff here are truly wonderful — warm, knowledgeable, and always happy to share recommendations. Whether you’re a craft beer veteran or a casual taster, you’ll feel right at home at RAD Brewing Co.
Follow Our Asheville Brew Tour Here!
Hiking Around
Hiking in and around Asheville in the Blue Ridge mountains is a must if you have the time. On our 2-day visit to Asheville, we booked a hike through the Blue Ridge Hiking Company. Their shop is conveniently located in downtown Asheville. They focus on personalized hikes and overnight hiking are also available. Our guide Adam was great. He texted us multiple times before the hike to see what kind of hike that we wanted to see and do. We requested a hike with some views and waterfalls and not too far away from the city center as it was only a half day hike. Adam suggested that we take a hike around Catawaba Falls which featured stunning falls, and brooks, with gorgeous elevated views of the Blue Ridge mountains. The hiking trails were very well marked and the hike was easy but we definately got our heart rate up for the first part of the hike. Adam also gave us some background into the area, and had suggestions for things to do in and around Asheville. I would highly recommend the Blue Ridge Hiking Company if you plan to take a guided hike.
“There are as many trails as there are craft beers in Asheville”. -Adam, Hiking Guide
There are so many hikes in this area and that you could spend so many days here hiking around. It sure is lovely. Some of the other notable trails that Adam mentioned are: Graveyard Fields trail, Grandfather Mountain Trail, Craggy Pinnacle Trail, Sam’s Knob Trail, Black Balsam Knob trail and there are a plethora more. For a great website and resource finding trails around Asheville check out: Asheville Trails.
Asheville The Perfect Stopover
I hope my article conveys the charm of this incredible town. From Asheville’s warm and friendly locals to the breathtaking mountain views, the vibrant foodie scene, and yes, the perfectly cold beer — this city truly has it all. Asheville left a lasting impression on us, and we can’t wait to make our way back in April for another perfect snowbird stopover. Thank you, Asheville, for the wonderful memories!
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Wow 🤩 what an incredible guide! You’ve captured Asheville’s charm, flavours, and character beautifully — it feels like we’re right there with you. We absolutely love reading about your adventures and couldn’t be prouder of you both. 🌄🍺🛣️
Thank you💕 That means so much to us.