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With scenic hikes, a vibrant arts scene, standout local food and plenty of ways to unwind, Asheville has it all.

Key Points

• Named EatingWell’s Best Wellness Town for 2026.
• Boasts sweeping mountain views, ample trails, a thriving arts district and a walkable downtown.
• Visit in the fall for peak foliage or in springtime to see wildflowers in bloom.

Set in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, Asheville offers something for every visitor. With hiking trails for every skill level, a thriving arts district, a lively downtown boasting locally owned restaurants, plus a music venue that hosts big-name acts, it’s easy to see why Asheville earned the top spot as EatingWell’s 2026 Best Wellness Town.

Asheville is a year-round destination, but it’s especially popular in the fall, when the leaves shine in vibrant hues and crisp air makes getting outside even more appealing. Spring brings peak wildflower blooms, summer is ideal for floating or paddling on the French Broad River, and winter feels extra festive with elaborate decorations at the historic Biltmore Estate.

To help kick-start your trip planning, here’s a wellness-focused itinerary highlighting some of the best things to do and see in Asheville, from scenic walks to a stunning subterranean spa.

Morning

Fuel Up for the Day at Taco Temple

Set in a former gas station, Taco Temple serves a wide range of tasty tacos, tortas and salsas. Breakfast tacos are available from 9 a.m. to noon, with standouts including the tepito (house chorizo, scrambled eggs, red salsa, Jack cheese) and vegano (sweet potato hash, black beans, red salsa and vegan crema). Add bite-size churro tots and a coffee, and you’ll be ready for an adventure-filled day. Order at the counter or pull up to the drive-thru if you’re eager to hit the trails.

Hike or Bike the Trails or Frolic Through the Flowers

There’s no shortage of trails in and around Ashevillebut for easy access and parking, the North Carolina Arboretum is a great place to start. Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the 434-acre property features gorgeous gardens with colorful blooms year-round and more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. Many paths are stroller-friendly, plus there’s a dedicated area for kids called Playing Woodsmaking it a popular spot for families. Admission is free, though there is a parking fee.

Midmorning

Explore the River Arts District

Hundreds of artists have galleries and studios in this funky Asheville neighborhood nestled alongside the French Broad River. And while it’s great to visit anytime, the River Arts District really comes alive during its monthly Second Saturday Art Strolls. Grab a coffee at one of the many cafés (like a savory-sweet miso caramel latte at ButterPunk). Then stroll through the streets to admire the murals, watch live glassblowing demonstrations and pick up a piece of western North Carolina art to take home.

Lunch

Grab a Bite at Cedric’s Tavern

The BiltmoreGeorge Vanderbilt’s sprawling 8,000-acre estate, now includes not only the largest privately owned house in America but also a winery, its own village with shops and restaurants, and so much more. Cedric’s Tavern at Antler Hill Village, named after the Vanderbilts’ St. Bernard, is a solid choice for farm-to-table fare. The menu features estate-raised beef and pork burgers paired with frothy beers, plus some lighter fare like a Farmer’s Green Salad featuring lettuce grown right on the estate. The seasonal dessert lineup is worth a look, with gems like a pistachio éclair dotted with raspberry rose gel and a scoop of honey-apricot sorbet.

Midafternoon

Tour the Historical Biltmore Estate

After lunch, take some time to explore more of the Estate grounds. The Vanderbilts’ historical home, a French Renaissance-style château, has 250 rooms and spans an impressive 175,000 square feet. Get your steps in during a self-led tour of the house or by taking a leisurely stroll through the gardens. Biking and horseback riding are also available, with 22 miles of trails.

Dinner

Enjoy Seasonally Inspired Plates at Chestnut

Chestnuta downtown Asheville restaurant owned by the same duo behind another local favorite, Corner Kitchenserves Southern-inspired fare with ingredients sourced from local growers and makers. Staples like their scratch-made lobster bisque are always available, while the dinner menu changes monthly to highlight seasonal flavors. Zero-proof cocktails and nonalcoholic wines round out the beverage menu.

Night

Explore Downtown Asheville

Asheville’s walkable downtown is home to great restaurants, shops, an independent movie theater and a park that hosts concerts, festivals and other community events. Pick up chocolate bars or bonbons from local bean-to-bar maker French Broad Chocolatebrowse the eclectic goods at the longstanding Mast General Store, or grab a flavored latte from the double-decker coffee bus after dinner.

Catch a Show at The Orange Peel

An enduring local club that’s hosted big-name acts like Bob Dylan, The Killers, the Beastie Boys and Post Malone, The Orange Peel is the perfect place to cap off a day exploring Asheville. The intimate downtown venue has standing room for 1,050 people, and shows range from up-and-coming acts to established names, themed dance parties, improv shows and stand-up comedy.

Where to Stay

The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa feels remote despite being just a short drive from downtown. Sunsets are truly spectacular, whether you’re watching from the multilevel terrace, one of the hotel’s restaurants or your guestroom.

The 513-room resort has a distinct mountain lodge feel, with roaring fireplaces and stonework in the sprawling lobby, a sports complex with tennis courts, a pool and a gym, and a gorgeous 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa. Soak in the mineral pool framed by cavernous rock arches, swim in the lap pool under the light of 6,500 fiber optic stars (with soothing music playing underwater), or take in the surrounding mountain views from the outdoor pool and hot tub.

The Foundry Hotel

Just a short walk from downtown, The Foundry Hotel in Asheville’s historical Black neighborhood, The Block, blends industrial elements with modern design—a nod to its history as the former foundry that forged steel for the Biltmore. Amenities include a 24/7 fitness center and The Refinery, an on-site restaurant specializing in Appalachian soul food.

The Restoration

In the heart of downtown, The Restoration offers multiple shared spaces to relax, from a cozy library stocked with antique books, magazines and art journals to a basement bar with a bowling alley and a garden rooftop bar serving botanical cocktails. Extras include a complimentary breakfast basket, concierge service and Jeep rides within a 2-mile radius.