How to Spend 3 Days in Asheville

Three days in Asheville give you enough time to enjoy the city’s hip art scene, sample an abundance of microbrews, and explore the surrounding mountains and rivers. Read on for how to make the most of three days in Asheville. 

Day 1: Explore the History

Kick-off your Asheville experience with an electric bike tour that takes you along the city’s greenways, through downtown, and to historic attractions such as the Basilica of Saint Lawrence and Grove Park Inn. 

For a deeper dive into the area’s history, head to Biltmore Estate for a self-guided tour of the historic mansion and its grounds. For a unique view of the Biltmore, book a stand-up paddleboarding trip along the portion of the French Broad River that flows through the estate’s grounds. Wrap up the evening with dinner at the Biltmore Estate’s dining room, where the menu focuses on local, estate-raised ingredients. 

Day 2:  Experience the Adventure

Start your second day with a white-water rafting trip. Depending on your appetite for adventure, opt for a scenic float on the French Broad River or increase the excitement during an adrenaline-filled rafting trip on the Watauga River. Follow up your white-water adventure with a horseback trail ride along the scenic Fern Forest Trail. Or, head back to town to challenge yourself on a city-wide scavenger hunt adventure. The clue-finding quest takes you past city highlights such as art galleries, parks, and historic buildings. 

After dinner in one of Asheville’s many downtown eateries, join a paranormal tour to discover Asheville’s ghosts and mysteries. Ghost tours typically reveal the dark side of the Basilica of St. Lawrence and visit the Asheville Mystery Museum in the basement of the Asheville Masonic Temple.

Day 3: Blue Ridge Essentials

Get up early to embark on a hiking tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains. To maximize your time and ensure you don’t miss top sights, book a tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway that covers the region’s top waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. If you visit in the summertime, book a swimming-specific tour that takes you to secluded swimming holes that are difficult to find on your own. Many hiking adventures include a picnic lunch. 

Conclude your stay with a walking and brewery tour. Or, if you’re tired from your day of hiking, skip the walking tour and book an electric bike brew crawl that enables you to glide effortlessly from one brewery to the next.