Day One: Roam the Arts District and Biltmore Estate

Morning

Wake up at AutoCamp Asheville and check out your digs for the next few days. Head to the Clubhouse where you’ll find complimentary coffee, tea, and granola, plus local snacks and treats in the General Store.

Then jump in the car for the short 20 minute drive to West Asheville for a visit to Sunny Point Café (local legend) serving award-winning breakfast, brunch, and lunch since 2003, or Rowan Coffee for something quieter with quality, fresh-roasted coffee.

Once caffeinated, make the 5 minute drive or 30 minute walk to the center of the River Arts District–the creative heartbeat of Asheville.

Day One

Afternoon

Wander through the River Arts District, where you can browse studios and galleries, and grab a craft draft while you listen to live music at Wedge Brewing Company.

Check out the Hi-Wire Brewing’s RAD Beer Garden for outdoor craft beer and local events, Butterpunk AVL for Asheville’s loudest, flakiest, butteriest biscuit experience, or Ultra Coffee Bar for a range of coffee flavor shots made in-house.

No trip to Asheville is complete without a stop at the esteemed Biltmore Estate. As the largest privately-owned home in the U.S.A., this late-1800’s Vanderbilt property offers a unique blend of grand architecture, rich history, and captivating cultural exhibits. Be sure to check their website before visiting to see what’s happening–admission gates close at 4PM!

Day One

Evening

Then waltz through Downtown Asheville to explore the Asheville Art Museum for a local, modern focus and the Grove Arcade–Asheville’s original mall opened in 1929 with a fascinating story behind its construction, government takeover, renovation, and grand reopening in 2002.

Looking for authentic New York Italian cooking? Swing by Piccolina to experience a menu where the old-world streets of Italy meet the spirited kitchens of New York’s Italian-American communities–you won’t want to miss it.

After an artsy evening, head back to AutoCamp to get cozy. Our fully-stocked General Store has everything you need for a fireside dinner—local beers and wines, plus our signature grill and s’mores kits. On certain evenings, live music and hands-on workshops keep things lively—an easy way to unwind and meet new friends before you hunker in.

Day Two: Tackle trails and explore Blue Ridge Parkway

Morning

Rise and shine with a fresh cup of coffee from the Clubhouse (the granola’s on us, too). If it’s a Saturday, roll out your mat for morning yoga with a local instructor—consider it a mellow wake up before a day in the mountains.

Looking for something more? Check out Smokee’s Breakfast and Lunch, with out-of-this-world morning eats like the Wake N Bacon and the Hash Stash casserole.

Next up: adventure time. Set out along the Blue Ridge Parkway from the center of Asheville and head south for one of the most scenic drives in the country, winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains into the heart of Appalachia.

Day Two

Afternoon

Stop for a short hike to Craggy Pinnacle, where a quick climb (seriously, it’s only about 20 minutes) rewards you with panoramic views of the endless ridgelines and gorgeous rhododendrons, depending on the season.  One of the best high-elevation views in the area—especially beautiful if there’s morning fog.

Next, venture to Pisgah National Forest for waterfall hikes like Looking Glass Falls or Moore Cove—each offers an easygoing trail and truly spectacular water views. Or Graveyard Fields, with 2-3 mile loop options equipped with boardwalks and waterfalls.

Before heading back towards town, stop at Pisgah Tavern–the place to stop after a day of hiking in Pisgah, with beers, a daily food truck and live music. Or, refuel with a late lunch at Salt Face Mule, a family-friendly brewery with a hearty food menu (kids and adults love the 36-hole mini golf course!), or Wag Bar – dog-friendly bar with a sprawling playground for your fur babies and local pours for their two-legged companions (you!). If you’re sticking closer to town, Burial Beer Co. and Highland Brewing both serve up great vibes, cold beers, and that signature Asheville charm.

Day Two

Evening

When you feel like a night out, treat yourself to dinner at Cúrate Bar de Tapas, a lively, traditional Spanish spot with an inviting buzz. Locally sourced, seasonal plates take center stage, supported by standout craft cocktails and excellent wines. Just be sure to book ahead, it fills up fast

Then head back to AutoCamp to grab your favorite nightcap, share stories around the campfire, and stargaze into the fresh, dark night sky above.

Day Three: Float the French Broad River and unwind

Morning

Carve out time for one last outdoor excursion. Float, rent a kayak, or go whitewater rafting with Asheville Adventure Company on the French Broad River that flows freely just minutes from camp.

There’s no better way to experience Asheville’s charm than the French Broad River that runs right through the heart of the city, and right past the riverfront shores of AutoCamp. Choose your own pace–drift downstream on a self-guided tubing or kayaking trip, or join expert guides for rafting adventure full of splash and scenery. This local crew takes pride in helping you experience the river with ease and insider knowledge.

Looking for more? Visit Explore Asheville’s Water Sports guide and paddle your own path to Asheville’s waters.

Day Three

Afternoon

After working (or sweating) up an appetite, head into town for brunch. Early Girl Eatery is a crowd favorite for its Southern comfort dishes with a farm-to-table twist (hello, specialty biscuit french toast), or try the patio at All Day Darling for coffee and a legendary buddha bowl.

Craving something more chill? How about a wellness reset with a view. Enter Drip Nordic Sauna—Asheville’s only wood-fired sauna and cold plunge overlooking the French Broad River. Cycle between the heat and the cold, breathe in the mountain air, and leave feeling totally recharged for the journey home.

Day Three

Evening

For your last evening on this unforgettable nature escape, make a trip just minutes from AutoCamp to Stoney Knob Cafe–an eclectic hideaway with cuisine from near and far since 1962.

Still have room for a sweet treat? S’mores kits are calling your name back at AutoCamp Asheville. Who can resist an ooey, gooey, perfectly toasted marshmallow? Not us. Whether you spent your time hiking waterfalls, hopping breweries, or just chilling by the fire, you’ll leave Asheville feeling recharged, inspired, and maybe a little reluctant to head home.

Looking to dive deeper into the Blue Ridge Mountains? Check out Wildsam’s field guide to the Western Carolinas: 128 pages of mountain towns and arts hotbeds, highland retreats and hidden city gems, river guides and thru-hikers, craft masters and chefs.home.