ASHEVILLE

18-seater mainstay is Silver Iocovozzi's singular vision of American South and Philippines eating.

Indian street snacks, spiced sandwiches and traditional platters—thalis—are served at this bright city favorite.

Inspired by Southern fish camps, Top Chef contender Ashleigh Shanti's take on Black Appalachian.

Family-owned taqueria pulls in the crowds with handmade corn tortillas, sopes, tortas, tamales.

Perfectly tender butts, sweet racks, and a smorgasbord of Southern sides are why this joint always has a line out the door.

Industrial-glam sets the stage for elegant cocktails, seasonal wood-fired menu.

A 2024 James Beard nom and 45 years as an Asheville fixture, the place to go for farm-to-fork fare.

Jamón Ibérico and croquetas, a bevy of exquisite tapas and wines, an authentic taste of Spain

A mighty brunch crowd shows up for piled-high huevos rancheros, cardamom-flecked carrot hotcakes, word-of-mouth Bloody Mary. 

Classic double cheeseburger, done just right (housemade bread and butter pickles, Dukes mayo and caramelized onions).

Coffee, naturally leavened breads and European-inspired sweet and savory pastries that are almost too pretty to eat.

Local baked goods and brunch plates alongside classic and house specialty coffees (in three cool locales).

Sleek downtown roastery produces Santa Cecilia, Embassy, Encore—and expertly crafted pour-overs.

Nestled in South Slope, an open air favorite that serves up natural wines, too.

In addition to much-loved coffee, the founders build supportive community, lead Asheville’s Black Wall Street Initiative.

Fried-to-order yeast doughnuts in a pretty little coffee cafe; don’t miss the toasted almond sesame cinnamon dunker.

Bakery, cafe and wine shop named for sourdough culture—don't sleep on rustic loaves, herbed focaccia.

A bright, airy cafe offers multi-roasters—like locals Rowan and Cooperative—alongside single blooms and bouquets.

Tucked behind legendary Double Crown and with passcode entry only (found on their Instagram), a speakeasy known for natural wines.

Intimate wine bar with an elevated, seasonally fresh menu and wines on tap, by the glass, by the bottle.

Since 1994, Asheville’s original brewery pours from its downtown taproom at the S&W and sprawling East Asheville brewery.

River oasis brews Heirloom, Second Peach—don't miss resident food truck Master BBQ.

Wine bar, restaurant, Spanish market, and bakery—Cúrate's all-day counter service spot. 

Dive of dreams, plus a big bourbon list and much-coveted gospel night.

Glowy, cozy cocktail haunt with regular vinyl spinning on the patio—perfect for dancing, people-watching.

One of the first skyscrapers built in this booming mountain town during its 1920s heyday, The Flat Iron dominated the Asheville skyline when it was completed in 1927.

Owner Morgan Owle-Crisp named this local favorite for the matrilineal system of the Eastern Band of Cherokee tribe.

Rare mezcals directly shipped from Oaxaca; pint-sized, River Arts digs.

DeWayne Barton guides visitors and locals alike through the past, present and future of African American life in Asheville. 

Woodblock, lithography printing and Coptic bookbinding behind bright red double doors.

This short-lived institution captured avant-garde lighting in a bottle: Rauschenberg, Cage, Asawa, and Twombly are among its alumni.

Representing Appalachian-based stars like Stacy Kranitz, McNair Evans.

Landmark modern museum, with peerless permanent collection and deftly curated rotating exhibitions.

This three-story gallery is credited with establishing the city’s contemporary art scene.

Historical center for the city's African American community is still going strong with events like the annual Goombay Festival.

Contemplative exhibitions of craftspeople and movements taking hold, plus an Engagement Studio with activity table, research library.

Eclectic decor in a mix of styles sets this 14-room bed and breakfast apart from the rest—plus, walking distance to downtown.

A mix of Airstreams and cabins with all the amenities along the French Broad River—and on-site general store.

1913 inn holds a world-renowned spa, Donald Ross-designed championship golf course, celebrity guest list—and one of the best views overlooking the city.

This luxe four-star delivers a level of service befitting of the Vanderbilt legacy.

Downtown stunner has a bowling alley that draws locals and guests alike.

The building’s industrial past as a steel foundry meet modern luxury. Its restaurant, Benne on Eagle, serves Appalachian soul food.

A hidden gem on downtown’s South Slope summons the Jazz Age glamor, creative essence of Zelda Fitzgerald.

1920s industrial warehouse-turned-hotel is artsy, edgy. Rooftop overlooks the River Arts District.

Grab a postcard, print, or other easy-to-mail memento from this downtown spot focused on indie–and often cheeky–printmakers.

Comforts and handsome home goods—think retro Le Bon Shoppe socks and handmade ceramic incense holders—collected by owner Mindy King. 

Beautifully curated collection of one-of-a-kind modern art jewelry from nearly 150 regional and national artists.

Highest-caliber works in clay, glass, metal, and more from some 800 members of the venerable namesake craft guild.

Asheville’s beloved independent bookstore, with a large curated selection of books and events for literary inclined.

Eclectic mix of antique furnishings and original finds from over 75 dealers across 77,000 square feet of space.

Storied radio station studio, recording and record pressing—plus a post-browse bar and cafe.

Elegant, rustic pottery, industrially produced with integrity—using regional materials and paying workers a truly livable wage. Founded by Alex Matisse of, yes, that Matisse. 

Austin is rife with secondhand clothing shops. This is among the best. Original Nike Waffle on display (not for sale), but plenty of gems can be found.

The oldest federal experimental forest east of the Mississippi River encompasses nearly 6,000 acres.

Zipline adventure, mountain biking, off-roading in a 124-acre tree preserve—red and white oaks as far as the eye can see.

Just east of the city, a 2.7-miler through a mossy, shady forest valley reveals a series of waterfalls on the Catawba River.

Multi-pitch and top rope guided climbs at Rubling Bald and Looking Glass Rock. 

Surrounded by the Great Smokies, this unspoiled lake is the region’s largest and has the tallest dam east of the Rockies—very worth the day trip. Boating is one of the best ways to experience the 240+ miles of scenic shoreline.

Paddle or float the French Broad River through Asheville.

From the trailhead near Montreat College, it’s a short .6-mile steep hike to outstanding views over the Swannanoa Valley and Seven Sisters ridge.

The country’s first fly fishing trail plots 15 pristine spots for catching brook, brown and rainbow trout.

High elevation summits best hiked in June (and on a less-trafficked weekday), when the pink blooms of Catawba rhododendrons blanket the mountaintop.