We’re kicking off our summer road trip series — Hit the Road — with an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Asheville, NC. Surrounded by nature, this area is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.

Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.

Drive time: ~4.5 hours

Est. population: 93,600

Avg. high in June: 82°

🥾Things to do

Take a hike

Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Trail on foot with one of Asheville’s many hiking trails. Our picks: Craggy Gardens, Looking Glass Rock, John Rock, Sam Knob, Max Patch.

Chasing waterfalls

Hike or drive to one of AVL’s many natural water features like Skinny Dip Falls + Rainbow Falls. If you’re looking for a guided adventure, try a waterfall hike led by Asheville Adventures.

Rock climbing

Give bouldering a try at Rumbling Bald. If you’d rather climb indoors or the weather looks bleak, try to send it at The Riveter or Climbmax.

🍽️ Fuel up after hiking

Ultra Coffeebar

Head to the River Arts District for a cup of Counter Culture Coffee and a bagel. Try his: The “RAD” on an everything bagel.

Biscuit Head

It’s worth the wait in line (arrive early). Try This: The Filthy Animal — a buttermilk biscuit topped with fried chicken, pimento cheese, bacon, and scrambled eggs smothered in gravy.

Salsas

Our friends at AVLtoday told us that this spot makes the best burritos in Asheville.

Ukiah

Perfect for a celebration or date night, this restaurant serves elevated plates inspired by Japanese soul food and Southern barbecue. Don’t sleep on the Japanese sweet potato (it’s topped with miso butter, brown sugar, parmesan + umami salt). Good news: Its patio is dog-friendly.

Rankin Vault

Try an award-winning burger and drink from this downtown favorite.

Noble Cider

Thirsty? Try a pint from Asheville’s first cidery. Hang out at the downtown taproom or take some cans to enjoy by a bonfire at your cabin (see below).

Antidote

Top off the perfect day with a craft cocktail. A “Bee’s Sneeze” on the rooftop lounge sounds great to us. Pro tip: To enter, you must be a member. Don’t worry — it’s just $1.

Chemist Spirits

Stop by this distillery (next door to Antidote) to buy its citrus-forward gin, which just so happens to be the official gin of the 2022 daytime Emmy Awards.

The log home has a handcrafted stone fireplace + a large game room. | Photo via VRBO

🏕️ Cozy campsites + cabins

Treehouses of Serenity, North Asheville

These unique stays are perched on the side of a mountain. There are seven different rentals to choose from + each sleep up to four people. Prices vary depending on selection and date.

Tiny Home, Weaverville, NC

This spot is the perfect home base for one or two people + costs $99 per night. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, this charming one-room cottage has a lofted bed and small bathroom.

Retro Resort, North Asheville

Stay in a vintage camper nestled in a private valley; they can sleep 2-6 people. Camper rentals start at $130.

Log Cabin, Lake Lure, NC

This private cabin with access to Lake Lure can sleep 10 people with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. For $242 a night, guests can enjoy amenities like a stone fireplace and a large deck with rocking chairs.

Looking for more recommendations? Head to the link below or check out AVLtoday. Plus, stay tuned for the July installment of our Hit the Road series. We’ll be highlighting a 60-mile road trip.