ICYMI, Asheville was named one of The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2025. The city is back and better than ever, thanks to the community’s dedication to helping one another in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

But don’t just take our word for it, road trip to see for yourself. From crisp mountain air to Asheville’s vibrant downtown, here are the top things on our WNC itinerary this summer:

Outdoor adventures

Mountains and waterfalls galore | Use the hike finder tool to filter by features like kid + pet friendly, possible wildlife encounters, lakes and waterfalls, and difficulty level

The NC Arboretum | Frolick through colorful summer blooms in the gardens, or mountain bike through the Arboretum’s vast trail system (Psst…it’s also dog friendly)

The Blue Ridge Parkway | 300+ miles of the iconic Parkway are now open for visitors to drive or bike

Golf | Take a full swing into mountain views, including the stunning Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa’s championship course

Award-winning dining in "Foodtopia"

Chai Pani | Try something new at this James Beard-winning Indian street food spot

Farmers markets | Pickup fresh produce from local WNC farms (you’ll likely be shopping among Asheville’s top chefs sourcing farm-fresh menus)

Too many breweries, cideries + rooftop bars to count | Sip everything from local microbrews and creative cocktails, to nationally recognized names like New Belgium and Sierra Nevada

Arts, culture + live music

River Arts District | RAD was one of the hardest hit areas of Asheville in the storm last fall — stroll + support local artists at area galleries, open studios, and interactive exhibits

The Big Crafty | This July festival has been voted “Western North Carolina’s favorite art festival” 16 years in a row

Asheville Yards | Catch outdoor concerts by favorite artists like Caamp, Iron & Wine, and Vance Joy

The Orange Peel | More live music, comedy shows, themed raves, and everything in between

Plan your mountain vacay