things to do in Asheville...besides Biltmore?

[cricketwife]

We're spending the weekend in Asheville. We've already done Biltmore so recs for other things would be appreciated. I have a hot air balloon ride booked for one morning. Other than that, I haven't planned anything. Ideas? And I should mention that we aren't super outdoorsy. TIA!

[librarygirl]

I want to preface this with that neither of my husband and I are outdoorsy but we really enjoyed our visit to Chimney Rock State Park (it was about a 30 minute or so drive from downtown Asheville). In addition to the lookout point which offered incredible views, there are also a couple of trails ranging from easy to more advanced, one of which leads to a waterfall.

Here's a link to my blog post on CRSP:

www.theredheadedtraveler.com/2011/09/rate-o-attraction-chimney-rock-state.html

You could also drive along a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There's the farmer's market which is located a little outside of the downtown (we ran out of time to visit).

We also found the food scene to be great-Tupelo Honey Cafe and Luella's were our favorites.

[sunny]

ride horses in the mountains, beginners can do this

[beer]

If you like craft beer, there are tons of small breweries in the area. They do have some brew tours or you can just visit on your own.
Whitewater rafting is nearby as well, they do have beginner trips with guides in the boat.

[ddi741]

If you are going to go to Chimney Rock, you can also go to Lake Lure and do the boat tour.
Even though you've done Biltmore, you can still go. We are season pass holders and sometimes just drive up for lunch or to go to Cedrics and walk the grounds. Maybe do brunch at Deerpark Restaurant.

[shaynaatl]

What about a massage? There are some nice spas in Asheville. If you can splurge, Grove Inn is supposedly amazing.

[cricketwife]

Great ideas, thanks! I had forgotten about Chimney Rock - haven't been there in ages. DH loves beer so a brewery could be fun.

[Deleted]

Asheville is our favorite place for weekend trips. We aren't outdoorsy, and typically don't even do Biltmore.

You can spend a lot of time browsing the shops downtown. Don't miss Woolworth Walk, which is now an art gallery with great local artists. Grab lunch or an ice cream float at the old time soda fountain in Woolworth Walk.

If you like chocolate, check out Chocolate Fetish and also French Broad Chocolates. A cool bookstore with a coffee shop inside is Malaprops. Walk through the shops in the Grove Arcade. It's a cool old building. Have breakfast, lunch or dinner at Tupelo Honey Cafe (breakfast is the best meal there). All this stuff is downtown. You can easily spend the good part of a day downtown.

If you like Antiques, there is a big warehouse type place full of antiques called Antique Tobacco Barn that can be fun. www.atbarn.com/

If you aren't staying there, head over to the Grove Park Inn. If you go in the evening, you can get a drink at the bar lobby and then walk around a little to check out the historic hotel. The spa there is amazing, but you need at least 4 hours to dedicate to the spa to fully enjoy it.

[merrhosyn]

Shameless plug...a college friend is the chef at www.curatetapasbar.com/ and it has been getting rave reviews (Food & Wine, James Beard, etc.).