If you’re looking for the next vacation spot any time of year, you must add Asheville to your list. It’s one of our favorite places to explore, eat, drink, and experience all that this wonderful region has to offer. We love sharing our favorite things to do here, and if you ever visit, you just might see us there! You can Visit Asheville here and see why we’re in love with this special place. Our article is Sponsored by Explore Asheville. All opinions are our own. Photography is all our own too, and there was so much beauty to capture when we were there!

Table-scene on farm in Asheville

Always Asheville All Year Long

This special place offers robust and vibrant food and adventures all year long.  When we visited last, the produce was at its peak and so delicious! As travelers, we love returning to Asheville for the breathtaking views, year round outdoor adventures, bountiful events, and a rich food culture. Every breath of fresh air in Asheville’s natural beauty and every bite of farm-focused food remind us of why we always loved our Asheville visits. But beyond what you’ll find in the guidebooks, what is really endearing about Asheville is its people. Every visit we continually meet people with such warm hearts that treat us like loving family. And the kind and vibrant community of artisans, farmers, and chefs are so passionate about and excel at what they do. Everyone cares deeply about their craft, and it shows. Every visit has left us with memories we will never forget. An unforgettable chocolate, or pork belly, or wood-fired pastry, or ice cream. And the origin stories from the folks creating the deliciousness are so often as extraordinary as the experience.

Wood burning oven and breads cook in the oven

Asheville Food Culture known as Foodtopia

We’ve spent quite a bit of time in Asheville over the years, and returning is like two kids in a candy store. What blew us away back then and continues to do so is the vibrant food culture. The community of chefs, farmers, and artisans is truly a Foodtopia that’s rich in farm-driven foods and lifestyle. We had visited a few farms, met with farmers, and each visit built a strong connection to all these authentic folks. The chefs are an extension of that, and each plate we experienced was a story of passion and love for their craft.  Everyone was so kind, caring, nurturing, and truly excited to share their genuine stories. They are such a beautiful blend of people from those who grew up there and love it so much to those whose souls have helped them find Asheville and now call it home. It has such an energy that draws in amazing people and allows them to follow & share their passion.

Basket of flowers and fresh picked vegetables

Four Seasons of Breathtaking Beauty

Asheville is cradled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and wow, it’s truly breathtaking. We hiked for a bit when we were there, and it was our first time experiencing the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We had always read about it, but to finally feel, smell, and see it for the first time was so memorable. One thing we didn’t get to do but will the next time is to experience the fly fishing of the Asheville area. The abundance of streams and river life has us yearning for a return trip soon. Kayaking, chasing waterfalls, and finding fireflies are definitely at the top of our list.

Box of French Broad chocolates

Road Trip Through Asheville “Land of Sky”

We love our road trips, and a bucket list trip is to do a road trip through Asheville. We had hiked, walked, and eaten our way through, but we hadn’t truly experienced all of it. So a road trip is on our bucket list with our dogs. They love road trips, and what better place to spend it at with our dogs than Asheville. There are amazing gardens to visit, National and State parks, and lots of rivers for them to drink out of. The food will keep us full, and we’re sure to find lots to experience together between the parkway of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the grand wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Board with blue cheese

Our List of Things to Do in Asheville

Ok, so this dream list is super long. But here’s a list of our top ten things to do when we’re there for our next trip. Add this to your list, and if you have some other fun things that we haven’t listed, please let us know!

  • French Broad Chocolate stores, cafe, and factory is always at the top of our list.
  • The cocktail scene, craft breweries, & cideries are amazing.
  • You must visit farmers markets to experience firsthand the people who bring this community to life.
  • Sign up for a food adventure and foraging tours that give you a up close and personal connection to the people who feed us.
  • Visit a local Asheville farm for a tour. It’s the real deal and always inspiring.
  • Love cheese? OMG, the Western NC Cheese Trail is beyond amazing.
  • If you love gardening like we do, then a visit to botanical gardens is a must.
  • We’d love to hike more of the waterfalls. Or maybe some whitewater rafting or even just a relaxing paddle down the river. The list for watersports seems to be endless.
  • There’s so much fly fishing to enjoy. We might have to live there part-time just to experience it!
  • We’ve always wanted to experience the bioluminescent magic of fireflies. And the Asheville area is an amazing place to find a firefly adventure.