Land of the Sky

Head to the hills to support WNC. 

Western NC still needs our help. Thoughts and prayers aren’t going to cut it if we want Asheville and the surrounding locales to ever grow back into the bustling stretch she once was. The region relies heavily on tourism, and the impact of Hurricane Helene has already caused a 70% decline in visitor spending. Area retailers, bars, restaurants, venues and hotels need tourists to come stay and play to fill the gap. And what’s better than a gorgeous getaway with a positive impact? 

Although we know and love the plethora of majestic Asheville-adjacent hikes (looking at you, open Black Balsam Knob, Max Patch and Graveyard Fields), our picks focus on supporting local businesses rather than sending you outside. Naturally, of course, we rec you make time to catch some mountain air. As a WNC native, I implore you to take a drive and take in my fave spots to sip, sup and play in the Land of the Sky.

DO

Downtown Books and News 
Since 1988, this used bookstore and newsstand has been a mainstay for locals and a staple bucket list fixture for visitors. Feed your brain with every genre imaginable—from French fiction to zines and illustrated works—amid quirky decor and oodles of character. Wooden stools, a green bank safe and ghost sightings are just some of the historic leftovers from the shoe store, jewelry store and livestock auction the building formerly housed. In short, it’s a culture vulture’s haven. dbnbooks.com

The Orange Peel 
Asheville is the up-and-coming music city—and if you want to face the noise, this fruity music hall is the place to start. Named one of the best venues in the Southeast, the lovable-meets-sleazy locale is the perf size—large enough for big names to come through, but small enough you can arrive an hour after doors and grab a beer with ease. Artists and comedians alike are regularly slated to take the stage, with upcoming shows including Inhaler and Duncan Trussell. theorangepeel.net 

Asheville Pinball Museum
Retro fun found at the endearing neon-lit play palace cramped with ~80 games, including pinball and old arcade games like Frogger and Pac-Man. Don’t stress about finding quarters—for a flat fee, you’re able to try your hand at however many games you fancy for as long as you want. ashevillepinball.com

EAT

Old Europe Pastries
Whenever anyone asks for Asheville recs, this posh-yet-homey bakery and coffee shop always tops my list. Asheville’s longest-running cafe, the pastry menu has been perfected by founder Melinda Vetro after almost three decades—and, in turn, the taste and quality of these almost-too-pretty-to-eat treats shines. The chocolate éclair is the best one you’ll try in the continental U.S.—and don’t sleep on the cakes and tiramisu. oldeuropepastries.com  

Jargon
Akin to its name, this mod American restaurant is always evolving. Taking inspo from near and far, the unconstrained-by-borders menu features everything from NC trout with grit cakes to golden beet risotto and chicken leg confit. Meanwhile, the gold-trimmed-mirror-adorned walls of the small historic structure create a bright and elevated atmosphere to wine and dine. jargonrestaurant.com 

Early Girl Eatery
Tomato girl summer came early (!). AVL’s staple farm-to-table eatery is guided by the motto “More Than Made From Scratch”—and you can taste the dedication. Multigrain pancakes, sandwiches and salads rounded out with an array of mimosas grace the fresh-focused menu. And for a post-meal stroll, check out the walkable Wall Street, oft filled with pop-ups boasting the work of local makers and artisans. earlygirleatery.com

DRINK

Antidote
Life’s antidote? Three stories of 20th century apothecary-style lounge space—think starry-tiled flooring and rustic wooden furniture illuminated with soft yellow lighting from chandeliers—and classic and signature cocktails, natch. Pick your poison from ops like a vesper martini, Manhattan and The Navigation (aka a twist on an aviation). antidote.bar 

Double D’s Coffee & Desserts
More than just a pretty red bus—although we can’t deny it’s perfect for an Insta pic—this double-decker will double deck you out with the likes of coffee, smoothies, milkshakes and desserts. Once a bevvy and sweet treat is secured, level down to the patio to sip and snack with a view of lush plants and passersby. Pro-tip: The bus is cash only, so bring some bills. doubledscoffee.com 

Wicked Weed Brewing
When in Asheville, you drink IPAs—and the original home of Wicked Weed is just the spot to get your fill of the hoppy bev. The OG 15-barrel brewery doubles as a beer garden and bottle shop, complete with two pup-friendly outdoor patios (so bring Bark Obama along!), plus a full-fledged restaurant in case you get the munchies. Hoppy drinking! wickedweedbrewing.com

STAY

Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins
“It’s the wrong way…” Tap into sublime with an elevated glamping experience on the edge of the French Broad. Created by two rafting guides who felt Asheville’s unconventional outdoor personality wasn’t represented in lodging, the luxe lodges and A-frame cabins connect with your crunchier side while still boasting private bathrooms, AC and Wi-Fi—so after you get your outdoor fix, you can catch some Z’s in comfort. wrongwaycampground.com

Blind Tiger
Less a hotel and more “the home of a well-connected friend” in the heart of the city, this unique-but-unpretentious inn blurs the lines between art and living with tile-adorned bedroom walls, avant-garde seating and bedside fireplaces. Not to mention the venues, local boutiques, bars and restaurants just steps away. larkhotels.com

The Radical 
This abandoned 1920s warehouse-turned-hotel has opened its doors once again after Helene demolished the River Arts District. Now on the path to revive the area, the “living art installation” treats visitors and locals alike to a lush lobby, marble and gold bathrooms, and—bringing the creative landscape of the artsy area to your bedside—graffiti-embellished walls. A rad escape, indeed. theradicalavl.com