Editor Grace, here. The 2026 Winter Olympics have got me itching for a slice of Italy without the price of airfare. With the help of some local businesses, you can make the Land of the Sky feel like “la capitale morale” for just one day, no Duolingo needed.

Morning

Wake up and smell the caffe and cornetto (croissants). Fuel yourself the Italian way with espresso and flaky pastries from OWL, Mattie Lou's, or The Rhu.

Afternoon

Take a self-guided tour of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, one of the largest freestanding elliptical domes in North America and the only basilica in WNC. Designed by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino + Richard Sharp Smith, the basilica reflects classical church design traditions rooted in Rome, including statues of saints and decorative relief tiles crafted in Italy.

Now that you've worked up an appetite, head over to Piccolina in the RAD for Neapolitan sandwiches, pizzas, and housemade zeppole to finish on a sweet note.

Now what's a day in Italy without a little shopping? Downtown's Dolce Vita boutique has a stunning selection of Italian leather bags to suit your style.

Evening

Wine down with a glass of vino at WALLS Wine Bar or sip on a spritz with a view at Soprana before an evening pasta-making class with Cottage Cooking or The Asheville Kitchen. If a class isn't in the stars, our readers have plenty of recs for perfect pasta.

Don’t forget la dolce finale. Cap off the evening with a nightcap and tiramisu from Old Europe or Potential New Boyfriend.

Hit the road

Spend a sunny day soaking up the Italian vibes at a vineyard outside of Asheville. According to Southern Living, Addison Farms, Marked Tree, and Stone Ashe are some of the best.