Nestled along the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, Asheville has plenty to offer to visitors of all ages. Featuring a thriving arts community, an abundance of stunning natural beauty, and a whole lot of history, you’ll never run out of things to do and see in Asheville. Book a stay at one of many incredible Asheville vacation rentals today. Here are 10 of the most unforgettable places to stay at while you’re in the Asheville area.
1. Downtown
If you want to get the full Asheville experience, you need to spend some time in the downtown area. Start by taking a stroll through the city’s unique outdoor historical museum that lines the sidewalks. There are 30 stations within a 1.7-mile radius, each with information on the city’s history and culture. Is there a better way to get a feel for the area? The downtown area is also packed with shops, restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues. If you want to stay right in the thick of it all, the downtown area is a great place to look for vacation rentals.
2. Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a wonderful neighborhood surrounded by glorious mountains. If you enjoy nature, you’re sure to fall in love with scenic areas such as Lake Tomahawk, Red Rocker, Old Fort, and Montreat. Store your mountain bikes at your vacation rental, and hit the trails whenever you’re feeling adventurous. Make sure you put aside some time to explore the area’s many gift shops, galleries, and upscale restaurants. Visitors of all ages are sure to appreciate the Appalachian style craft stores, where you can watch craftspeople making pottery, forging iron, turning wooden bowls, and other unique trades.
3. River Arts District
Asheville is known for its thriving arts scene, and the ultra-hip River Arts District is the heart and soul of it all. While the nearly 200 active artist studios and warehouse lofts are the main attraction, there’s a whole lot to do if you’re lucky enough to find a vacation rental in this vibrant area. If you enjoy viewing art, this area is a haven. Many galleries also offer hands-on classes. The area offers wonderful restaurants, breweries, bars, and cafes. Get to know the area better with a haunted comedy tour, or rent a boat and head to the French Broad River for your favorite water sports.
Find the perfect Asheville vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Woodfin
Located just a few minutes away from Asheville, Woodfin is a great place to stay if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life, while still staying close to the action. Woodfin Riverside Park is the perfect location for a picnic and a stroll around the river. The kids are sure to love Play Station, a fun spot with arcades, mini-golf, and even a go-kart track. Enjoy a relaxing getaway when you choose Woodfin vacation rentals.
5. Fairview
When you really want to escape to some peaceful rural farmland, Fairview is the perfect destination. Foodies are sure to fall in love with the WNC Cheese Trail, where you can enjoy a scenic stroll while sampling some of the finest local cheeses. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family to Bearwallow Mountain Trail, a gorgeous open mountain meadow with stunning views of the French Broad River Valley, Mount Pisgah, The Great Balsams, Mount Mitchell, the Black Mountains, and Hickory Nut Gorge.
6. Montford
History buffs and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the historical Montford neighborhood. The area has many beautiful homes, including Victorian, Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, Neoclassical, and Colonial Revival houses — perfect for a one-of-a-kind vacation rental. Show up in May for the popular Montford Arts and Music Festival, or enjoy some delightful festivities in September at the Greek Festival. Head to the Montford Hills for a breathtaking experience at The Botanical Gardens.
7. Biltmore Park
Biltmore Park is Asheville’s newest neighborhood, and it’s a fantastic addition. Head to the local Farmer’s Market to grab some fresh produce, and enjoy a relaxing homemade dinner at your vacation rental. This area has wonderful shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and other gathering spots. Whether you want to catch a movie or enjoy a concert in the park, there’s always something going on. Biltmore Park is a great neighborhood to explore on foot, so leave the car keys at your vacation rental, and bring the whole family for an adventure on foot.
8. Weaverville
Weaverville is situated just north of Asheville in the rolling hills of the Reems Creek Valley. It has a thriving downtown area with plenty of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. Bring the whole family to Lake Louise Park where you can grill up a hot meal to eat at the picnic tables while the kids have a blast on the playground. If you’re feeling daring, explore the picturesque hills by zip line. Pack a camera and take a scenic drive down Blue Ridge Parkway, appropriately nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive.”
9. Biltmore Village
This quaint neighborhood has many shops and cafes housed in charming cottages, making it a magical place to visit and explore by foot. Boutique shops, craft breweries, and mom-and-pop restaurants give this area an authentic vibe that you’re sure to love. New Morning Gallery is a great place to grab a souvenir, featuring handcrafted gift items from over 500 local artists.
10. West Asheville
West Asheville has a very mellow, trendy vibe. It’s close enough to provide easy access to the downtown area, yet it’s a bit more relaxed. West Asheville is perfect if you’re traveling with kids, as the Haywood Road is often recommended as a more family-friendly alternative to Asheville’s busy downtown area. Even if you’re just going to get a scoop of local ice cream, you can be sure your walk will be enjoyable, as the area is filled with natural beauty, unique shops, music venues, and plenty more.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Asheville vacation rentals on Tripping.com.