Spring Break to do

Open daily, Pink Dog has 33 artists working in their studios, Grind Coffeehouse & 2 fantastic restaurants. Fresh West Pizza is open noon-8pm Wednesday–Sunday. Crusco Restaurant is open Wednesday–Sunday 5:00–9:00pm.

Pink Dog Creative shares the neighborhood with New Belgium & the Wedge Breweries and hundreds of local artists.

Pink Dog Creative

Plant is Asheville’s go-to for innovative, chef-driven vegan cuisine that’s anything but boring. They serve up scratch-made, organic, plant-based dishes with flavors that impress vegans and non-vegans alike. This spot’s known for using local, seasonal ingredients to create standout dishes like house-made ravioli, seitan Marsala, and one of the best vegan cheese plates you’ll find. 

The atmosphere is modern and inviting, with friendly service and a wine and cocktail list that perfectly complements the menu.

Locals digt Plant’s bold, creative flavors and cozy but lively vibe. Many say it’s worth the trip even if you’re not vegan because the food is just that good. 

The menu doesn’t change often, but when it does, it’s a treat—they’ve mastered dishes that keep people coming back year after year. Plant’s allergy awareness and thoughtful service make it a favorite for diners with special dietary needs.

Plant was voted one of the best vegan restaurants in the country!

plant

Asheville Pinball Museum

12 Bones Smokehouse and Brewing is a must-visit if you’re into classic Southern BBQ paired with a solid selection of house-brewed beers. Open since the brewery addition in 2019, it offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, including a pet-friendly spot near the train tracks. 

The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it a perfect spot to kick back with friends, enjoy smoky ribs, pulled pork, and a rotating lineup of craft beers.

They keep things simple but satisfying with great daily specials and a menu full of Southern favorites that pair well with their beers. It’s a casual setting where the focus is on good food, good drinks, and a chill vibe.

Locals appreciate how accessible and friendly 12 Bones feels, with many saying it’s a top spot for BBQ in Asheville. The ribs especially get a lot of love, with popular sauces like chipotle blueberry giving the usual smoky flavors a fun twist. 

The sides like mac and cheese and smoked potato salad round out meals nicely, making it a favorite for both casual dinners and weekend meetups.

The brewery taps bring in a steady crowd of craft beer fans who enjoy trying new ales and lagers brewed on site. It’s a place where regulars and visitors alike feel comfortable and welcome.

12 Bones Smokehouse and Brewing

Asheville Retrocade, located at 800 Haywood Road in West Asheville, is a nostalgia-packed arcade featuring more than 5,000 classic video games, pinball machines, skee-ball, foosball, air hockey, and racing games spread over two floors. 

For a flat fee of $10, visitors enjoy unlimited play from noon until 2 AM, with free admission for children under 5. The arcade offers a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere until 9 PM, after which it transitions to a 21+ venue with a full bar serving local craft beers, wine, and soft drinks. 

Along with arcade favorites like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, Retrocade also features nostalgic memorabilia and a cozy patio area, making it an ideal spot for gamers and nostalgia enthusiasts alike.

Locals love Asheville Retrocade for its well-maintained classic games and lively environment that caters to all ages and skill levels. Visitors praise the unlimited access model, friendly staff, and the mix of nostalgic and challenging games that keep guests entertained for hours. 

The arcade’s unique transition from a family-oriented daytime spot to an adult-focused nightlife venue is noted as one of its distinct charms. Many rave about the bar’s craft beer selection and the welcoming vibe, making it a go-to destination for both casual visitors and serious pinball players.

Asheville Retrocade

Blue Spiral 1 is a light-filled, three-story contemporary art gallery in the heart of downtown Asheville featuring diverse works from over 100 artists. Visitors can wander through 15,000 square feet of curated exhibitions, including paintings, glass, ceramics, wood, printmaking, metal, and fiber art. With over 20 group shows and solo artist showcases scheduled annually, there’s always something fresh for art lovers and collectors. 

Admission is free, making it a must-stop for both locals and visitors looking to soak in the creative energy of Asheville.

Locals dig that Blue Spiral 1 is the top spot to experience the best of Southern contemporary art without feeling stuffy or rushed. Reviews highlight the gallery’s friendly, insightful staff and the welcoming, peaceful atmosphere. 

The multi-level space encourages wandering and discovery, whether one’s browsing or searching for a piece to add to their collection.

Blue Spiral 1

Just 20 minutes from Asheville in Fairview, Hickory Nut Gap Farm is a vibrant family-owned farm and farm store with a rich heritage dating back to 1916. Known for regenerative farming practices, the farm offers visitors a unique chance to explore pastures, apple orchards, and heritage breed animals while shopping for premium, 100% grassfed beef, pasture-raised pork, and fresh farm goods. The Farm Store is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, welcoming guests for self-guided tours and picnics.

Locals rave about the delicious farm-to-table products, especially the quality meats and convenient Farm Store selections paired with an inviting farm environment. Many highlight the friendly staff and the opportunity to connect with Appalachian agricultural traditions. Visitors appreciate the annual barn dances, outdoor kids’ activities, and seasonal events that deepen community ties.

Hickory Nut Gap Farms

Formerly Bhramari Brewhouse. 
Bright, crisp beers. 
Amazing food.
An elevated space. 
Asheville's South Slope.

Terra Nova Beer Co

Asheville Free Walking Tours is the best way to get to know the city from a local perspective! We walk through the cities rich history, while also learning about some of the best shops, restaurants and bars and even getting a taste at a few spots!

Asheville Free Walking Tours

Oak and Grist Distilling Company is a small-batch, grain-to-glass artisan distillery just outside Asheville. They take pride in using locally grown and malted barley to craft unique whiskey and gin that capture the flavors of Western North Carolina. 

Oak and Grist Distilling Company is a small-batch, grain-to-glass artisan distillery just outside Asheville. They take pride in using locally grown and malted barley to craft unique whiskey and gin that capture the flavors of Western North Carolina. 

The distillery has a relaxed vibe with a covered patio and garden space overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for sipping their award-winning spirits and enjoying the outdoors.

Locals appreciate Oak and Grist for its handcrafted approach and genuine connection to the Appalachian region. Their whiskey and gin have distinct flavor profiles that reward both casual tasters and connoisseurs. 

Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere make visits enjoyable whether you’re on a tour, tasting, or grabbing a cocktail on the patio.

Oak and Grist Distilling Company

Looking Glass Falls is a roadside waterfall and swimming hole with a super easy hike for the whole family. The watering hole is 100% free and great to visit even on chillier days.

Looking Glass Falls

The Hop Ice Cream has been an Asheville institution since 1978, with imaginative and locally-influenced flavors. Owners Ashley and Greg Garrison opened their first downtown location at S&W Market. The menu features homemade dairy and vegan ice creams, classic milkshakes, sundaes, desserts, and made-from-scratch waffle cones. The Hop’s flagship flavors (Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean, and Chocolate) will be offered alongside a variety of staples and rotates flavors — often featuring local ingredients and collaborations with Asheville businesses.

"The Hop is by far our favorite ice cream place in Buncombe County. We love their homemade ice cream varieties, friendly atmosphere & the support they give to the community..."

~Sharee Perciful

The Hop Ice Cream

The Garage On 25 in Fletcher is a vibrant artisan marketplace featuring over 80 local makers, vintage collectors, upcyclers, and artists all under one roof. Housed in a repurposed garage, this creative hub offers everything from handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, and furniture to quirky home decor and unique gift items. 

Plus, you can grab a great cup of coffee and sometimes catch live music while you browse two floors of thoughtfully curated booths.

Locals dig The Garage On 25 for its eclectic mix of treasures and welcoming, laid-back vibe that makes every visit a little adventure. Friendly staff and artisans create a community feel that keeps people coming back for fun shopping trips or meaningful gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Garage On 25

The Antique Tobacco Barn is a massive treasure trove that’s been a staple of the Asheville antique scene for decades. With over 77,000 square feet and 75+ vendors, it’s the kind of place where you can lose yourself for hours exploring everything from vintage furniture to quirky collectibles, original art, and unique home décor. 

This barn isn’t your typical antique shop—it’s more like a huge, eclectic community where there’s always something new to discover and great prices to match.

Locals love that the Tobacco Barn feels like a blend between a giant estate sale and an ever-changing museum. Whether you’re hunting for antique glassware, mid-century finds, rare books, or those perfect conversation pieces, you’ll find a spot that fits your style and budget. 

The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and full of fellow treasure hunters who know there’s always a gem waiting around the corner.

Antique Tobacco Barn

Home of unique up-cycled furnishings, re-purposed artist-designed pieces, antiques, salvage materials, industrial items, home decor and consignment. Located near The Biltmore Estate and Biltmore Village.

The Regeneration Station

Small outdoor Farmers Market offering fresh produce, plants, baked goods, live music & more on a Wednesday afternoon.

River Arts District Farmers Market

Uncommon HOLIDAY Indoor Market
At WNC AG Center 
DECEMBER 14th 9-4
DECEMBER 15th 10-4
Asheville’s largest antiques, vintage & handmade market.

We just attended our third flea as vendors and are hooked. Great turnout, quality merchandise, friendly people and very well organized!

Uncommon Market

Woolworth Walk is downtown Asheville’s iconic art gallery and crafts emporium, set inside the historic F. W. Woolworth building on Haywood Street. Featuring more than 170 local artists, this two-story marketplace showcases handmade jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, painting, photography, metalwork, and more. 

The gallery is celebrated for its approachable vibe, variety of price points, and commitment to exclusively representing Asheville’s creative community. At the heart of the space is a fully restored old-fashioned soda fountain—a beloved spot for classic egg creams, ice cream sodas, light lunches, and nostalgic charm.

Locals dig Woolworth Walk for mixing Asheville history, friendly staff, and diverse, ever-changing artwork. Visitors note that it’s a must-stop for discovering new talent, picking up unique gifts, or simply wandering both gallery levels for an immersive indoor arts experience. The soda fountain remains a favorite for retro treats and a quick lunch in the heart of downtown.

Spring Break to do

Chapin T.

4/4 - 4/8

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