Get the girls to Asheville for five fun-filled days of music, food, art, shopping, and self-care in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Creating the perfect girls' getaway is truly an art form. With a variety of personalities and interests in the mix, you need a destination that can balance all the individual tastes with ease. Asheville is it! This city offers a melange of experiences, from award-winning dining and shopping to thrilling outdoor adventures to rejuvenating spas to melt away stress.
Recognized as one of the top spots for a girls' trip in the nation, Asheville is ideal for your escape. Get inspiration for your next trip from this five-day itinerary.
Day 1: Shopping, Historic Landmarks, and Live Music
Start your first day in Asheville with a leisurely shopping spree in the heart of downtown. Begin at the Kress Emporium, a hub for fine art, jewelry, striking photography, and other handcrafted treasures from local artisans—a perfect spot to find a keepsake from your trip. Then, make your way to the chic Lexington Avenue to explore Minx and Nest, two boutiques known for their trendy selection of dresses, tops, jewelry, and scarves.
Once you've indulged in some retail therapy, dive into the historic splendor of Asheville with a self-guided tour of the Biltmore Estate. Step back in time and imagine yourselves in the Gilded Age while admiring the grand architecture and exquisite artwork of America’s largest home. Your tour ticket also includes a visit to Antler Hill Village and Winery, where you can taste a selection of wines like Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Biltmore’s own collection.
Cap off the evening by showing off your new fashion finds at a concert at The Orange Peel, celebrated by Rolling Stone as one of the “Top Five Rock Clubs in the Country.”
Day 2: Get Outside in Asheville
Don your workout gear and head out to immerse yourselves in Asheville’s stunning natural landscapes. Kick off with a mid-morning stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) class on the French Broad River, offered by Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours. Alternatively, you could join a rejuvenating outdoor yoga hike with Asheville Wellness Tours or Namaste in Nature.
After building up a sweat, it’s time to refuel. Enjoy a hearty lunch at Rosetta’s Kitchen, known for its delicious organic vegan and vegetarian comfort food. Or, drop by the Laughing Seed Cafe in downtown where you'll find a plethora of healthy options.
In the afternoon, grab your hiking boots for a trek up the 2.4-mile trail to Max Patch bald. This short but scenic route along the Appalachian Trail offers breathtaking 360-degree views, making it a perfect cap to an active day.
Day 3: Foodie Favorites and Artsy Exploration
Asheville's vibrant creativity is woven throughout the city but shines brightest at the River Arts District, where you can wander through art galleries and studios set in converted factories and historic buildings. Plan your visit for the Second Saturday between May and December to enjoy a day filled with special events. Any time of year you'll have the chance to observe artists at work and perhaps even create your own masterpiece.
For lunch, try a little of everything when you join an Eating Asheville food tour. This experience allows you and your gal pals to taste appetizers and drinks from six of Asheville's top restaurants.
Asheville is known as Beer City USA, so cap off your evening at the Funkatorium, a tasting room by Wicked Weed, to sample unique beers like the Black Angel Cherry Sour or the hop-forward Freak of Nature Double IPA. For a more ‘spirited’ experience, visit Antidote at Chemist Spirits next door. This three-story apothecary-style bar specializes in expertly crafted cocktails and offers a selection of fine beers and wines from around the world.
Day 4: A Day in Black Mountain
No trip to Asheville is complete without indulging in a hearty brunch, and luckily, many local restaurants serve breakfast throughout the week. Start your day with huevos rancheros at Sunny Point Cafe or try the inventive benedict options at Early Girl Eatery. If you’ve got a big appetite, don't miss the famous cathead biscuit at Biscuit Head.
After brunch, take the girls for a leisurely stroll in the charming town of Black Mountain, just 15 miles from downtown Asheville. It’s the perfect spot for a day of dining, drinking, and gallery-hopping. For lunch, visit the local favorite, Trailhead Restaurant & Bar, where the menu features sandwiches, salads, tacos, and entrees inspired by the stunning hikes and waterfalls of Western North Carolina. A hike up Lookout Mountain in nearby Montreat afterward offers impeccable Instagram-worthy 360-degree views.
For a more laid-back afternoon, head north to Weaverville. Its quaint main street seems straight out of a movie, and its relaxing vibe contrasts nicely with Asheville's bustling energy. Pop into the Yellow Mug for a refreshing smoothie or visit Zebulon Ales for some creative brews.
End the day by celebrating your final evening at one of Asheville’s many wine bars. Botanist & Barrel offers natural wines and ciders—perfect for sampling in-store or taking a bottle home as a keepsake. Alternatively, visit La Bodega by Cúrate, an all-day Spanish café, market, and wine bar from the team behind the James Beard Award-winning Cúrate. Here, you can enjoy a meticulously selected Spanish wine list along with lavish charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and small plates. Or, settle into the open window bar at 5 Walnut, where you can enjoy live music and a glass of wine in a vibrant setting.
Day 5: Spa Time
After four days filled with adventures, prepare for the transition back to "real life" with a rejuvenating spa day as your trip to Asheville comes to an end. Consider the luxurious The Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn, a 43,000-square-foot subterranean sanctuary where you can swim in therapeutic waterfall pools or enjoy an outdoor massage with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or, visit Shoji Spa & Retreat for a selection of treatments paired with a serene teatime.
Make a stop at the Grove Arcade and treat yourselves to a soothing foot soak at Wake Foot Sanctuary, followed by a relaxing afternoon at Battery Park Exchange and Champagne Bar, where you can unwind with drinks, good books, and great conversation. Cap off your day with a patio dinner at Posana, watching Asheville's vibrant nightlife come alive around you.
