Oh, so many choices…

For a comprehensive list of area attractions, visit Explore Asheville and learn more about Fairview, NC.

Below is a curated list of guest favorites across categories, including Art, Brews, Food, Wine, Music, Hiking & Nature, and Day Trips.

Arts

If you love artisan craftsmanship in all its forms, the River Arts District is a must-see. Explore working studios and galleries featuring hundreds of artists specializing in painting, pottery, jewelry, glass, metal, wood, and more. The Marquee, a guest favorite, is home to an expansive collection of artists and makers, offering endless opportunities to browse and buy one-of-a-kind pieces. In Upper RAD, don’t miss Lexington Glassworks, Mark Bettis Gallery, RendezVous, and a vibrant mix of independent studios.

In Fairview, stop by Signs for Hope, a non-profit that offers beautiful locally made and international items for sale. Asheville itself bursts with creative spirit, ranging from mountain-hippie charm to contemporary fine art, from classical sculpture to inventive found-object pieces. Stroll the downtown streets and you’ll experience it all—often accompanied by the city’s beloved buskers: street musicians, artists, and performers who fill the air with color and sound.

Brews

Asheville has more than 50 brewery locations (the last time we counted!) and over 30 independent craft breweries in the greater area. The city has earned the nickname "Beer City USA" due to having one of the highest numbers of breweries per capita in the country.

Our local Fairview favorites are Turgua and Whistlehop, both known for great craft selections, family/pet friendly, and a laid-back vibe.

In Asheville’s South Slope, explore Burial, Catawba, Green Man, High Wire, Twin Leaf, and the Wicked Weed Funkatorium for an impressive range of local ales, sours, and seasonal releases.

Downtown, stop by DSSLVR and One World Brewing for creative small-batch brews in eclectic spaces. In East Asheville, visit Highland Brewing, Asheville’s original craft brewery with frisbee golf and a fun outdoor space.

In the River Arts District, grab a pint at The Wedge. For a taste of West Asheville, head to Cellarest Beer Project, The Whale, and Archetype. The fan favorite cidery (and for meads) is Noble Ciders. If you want to travel a bit further out of town, Salt Face Mule in Weaverville.

Check out the Asheville Ale Trail Guide which features comprehensive brewery guide and locator maps.

Food

Retro Metro Deck House sits in an area celebrated as a true foodie paradise -with over 250 independent restaurants, 20 tailgate markets, and more than 58 food trucks.

Our Asheville dining favorites include Nine Mile, 12 Bones Red Ginger, Itto Ramen, Jerusalem Cafe, Chai Pani, All Day Darling, Huli Sue’s, Taco Billy, and Biscuit Head. For chocolate or dessert lovers, don’t miss French Broad Chocolate and Asheville Chocolate, both offering rich “drinking chocolate” that warm the soul.

For super casual comfort food, Rocky’s Hot Chicken (better than Tupelo Honey and half the price!) is a local favorite.

Downtown, the S & W Market features multiple food vendors and a lively taproom. Stop by Farewell for a cozy coffeehouse vibe and delicious pastries, then wander next door, South Slope Cheese Co for artisan cheeses. For Italian fare, try Strada Italiano. The options are plentiful, and you will be plenty-full when finished. For Indian cuisine, Mehfil takes the win, and for inventive tacos, White Duck Taco Shop never disappoints.

If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, consider Curate (reservations needed), Rhubarb, Forestry Camp, Sovereign Remedies, and Plant - an excellent vegan option.


Closer to home in Fairview, local favorites are Sky Mountain Pizza, The Local Joint, Trout Lily Market (a cozy specialty shop with delicious pimento cheese), and Piazza, Turgua Brewery hosts a rotating lineup of fantastic food trucks - check their site for the current lineup. For coffee and a pastry, visit Daymoon Coffeebar, a relaxed spot with yummy brews and a charming little bookstore.

Less than a mile away from Retro Metro Deck House, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, offers some of the finest pasture-raised, grass-fed meats in the U.S. The accredited Hub of the Savory Global Network working farm sells beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and more, and supplies many of Asheville’s best restaurants. (Pro tip: try the beef sticks. You’ll want extras for the trip home!)

Another Fairview gem, Flying Cloud Farm, runs a self-serve roadside stand offering fruits, herbs, vegetables, and fresh-cut flowers on the honor system. They accept cash and Venmo. In summer, their strawberries are especially sweet, and the salad greens are crisp and flavorful.

Wine & Cocktails

For a relaxed glass of wine, visit Leo’s House of Thirst - a cozy spot with a yummy food menu to match. Bottle Riot offers a stylish atmosphere and curated wine list perfect for an evening out, while 5 Walnut Wine Bar. remains a long-time Asheville favorite for live music and great pours.

If cocktails are more your vibe, check out The Bull & Beggar, for elevated drinks in an industrial-chic setting, The Crow & Quil for speakeasy charm (bring cash), Storm Rhum Bar for global flair, The Whale, for unique spirits and conversation, and Sovereign Remedies for artful cocktails made with local ingredients.

Hiking & Nature

Western North Carolina offers some of the most scenic trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Fairview is perfectly situated to explore them all.

Local favorites include Catawba Falls, a stunning waterfall hike with plenty of photo opportunities, and Bearwallow Mountain Trail, an easy one-mile climb leading to panoramic views and grazing mountaintop cattle. Both are guest favorites and ideal for all experience levels.

For more options, check out Romantic Asheville’s Top 75 Blue Ridge Hikes and the Top Ten Trails of the Asheville Area for detailed maps and directions.

After hiking Catawba Falls, stop by Hillman Beer for a well-earned meal and craft brew. It's a local favorite and well above your average post-hike stop.

Favorite spots include Catawba Falls and Bearwallow Mountain Trail (also listed via this URL are many other trails). Here’s a list of the area’s top ten trails and Romantic Asheville’s 75 Blue Ridge Hikes. If you hike Catawba Falls, check out Hillman Beer for great beer and fantastic food (seriously above par).

Shopping

Asheville and its surrounding mountain towns are filled with one-of-a-kind shopping experiences that reflect the region’s creative spirit. Stroll through Downtown Asheville and you’ll discover a wide range of locally owned boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops..

A few favorites:

  • Mast General Store – Built in 1883, this beloved landmark carries everything from outdoor gear and cozy apparel to nostalgic barrel candy and quirky gifts.

  • The Kress Emporium – housed in a beautifully restored 1928 art deco building, showcases the work of more than 80 regional artists offering everything from fine art and jewelry to pottery, textiles, and handmade gifts.

  • Asheville Emporium – An eclectic mix of locally made goods, art, and Asheville-themed treasures—perfect for unique gifts or keepsakes.

  • Horse + Hero – A vibrant art and design shop featuring funky local prints, cards, stickers, and screen-printed creations by Asheville artists.

  • The Grove Arcade – Completed in 1928 as America’s first indoor shopping mall, this architectural gem now houses artisan boutiques, eateries, and local galleries within its historic halls.

Wherever you wander, you’ll find creativity and craftsmanship woven into every corner, proof that Asheville’s artistic heartbeat extends well beyond its studios and galleries.

Day Trips

Within 20 minutes of Retro Metro Deck House, you can explore two of Western North Carolina’s most beloved destinations, Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, both offering stunning mountain scenery, charming shops, and outdoor adventures.

A visit to The Biltmore Estate is a must. This spectacular historic landmark features the grand Vanderbilt mansion, acres of manicured gardens, and a year-round calendar of events. Nearby, the North Carolina Arboretum showcases acres of botanically diverse plants and cultivated gardens; in winter, its Winter Lights Festival is a local favorite.

For sweeping views of Asheville and a dose of history, head to the Grove Park Inn, a century-old mountain lodge with an enormous stone fireplace, fine restaurants, and an iconic terrace overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains (note: paid parking required).

For more inspiration, check out the guide to “50 Things to Do in Asheville.” You’ll quickly understand why locals say, “If it’s too weird for Asheville, it’s too weird.” The city’s easygoing, funky energy and creative spirit make every outing feel refreshingly one-of-a-kind.