10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Asheville

The beating heart of North Carolina, City centre Asheville draws visitors to its colourful streets with its groovy bohemian vibe, international dining scene, and diverse entertainment options. Featuring rooftop bars, boutique art galleries, indie shops, and over 100 restaurants, this effervescent district is awake at all hours.

Stop by the kaleidoscopic Lexington Glassworks to watch glassblowers at work while enjoying local craft beers in the adjoining taproom. The historic Grove Arcade showcases some of the best eateries and stores in all of Asheville, while its al fresco Makers Market offers a diverse range of regional craftspeople.

Set on the banks of the French Broad River, Asheville’s River Arts District is lined with historic mills and warehouses that have long ago been converted into hip galleries and working studios. This hub of creativity features everything from wheel-thrown pottery and handcrafted jewellery to suncatcher glass, basketry, and textiles.

Foodies will fall in love with this très chic area due to its fine selection of epicurean haunts where one can enjoy a refreshing drink and a bite to eat. Swing by New Belgium Brewing for a thirst-quenching pint or 12 Bones Smokehouse for the juiciest meats.

A National Register Historic District, Montford is distinguished by its eminent old-world architecture (including more than 600 characterful buildings that were erected between 1890 and 1920). Take a gentle stroll through the neighborhood’s picturesque streets to take in residential styles that span Queen Anne and Neoclassical to Arts and Crafts and Victorian.

Stop by evocative Riverside Cemetery to visit the resting places of some of Asheville’s most famous residents, including famed American novelist Thomas Wolfe, writer O. Henry, and colour field painter Kenneth Noland. Every May, Montford hosts its annual Music and Arts Festival (featuring Chinese Dragon dancers, food trucks, and live bands) so make sure you mark it in your calendar.

It might be known for its opulent estate, The Biltmore (the sprawling former residence of George W. Vanderbilt), but its aptly titled surrounding area is also rich in art, culture, and food. An antique collector’s paradise, Biltmore Village is home to over 500 independent dealers that trade their wares across 10 independent shops and boutique malls including the Tobacco Barn and Sweeten Creek Collectables.

Visit Finch Gourmet Market and Wine (hidden inside an old-world carriage house) to enjoy 50 varieties of world-class wine alongside individual charcuterie boards and homemade cookies. Finish your day at the Eda Rhyne Distilling Company where you can sample an artisanal collection of small-batch spirits, including Rustic Nocino and Appalachian Fernet.

A funky residential district incorporating the Burton Street, Bear Creek, and Hall Fletcher areas, West Asheville is renowned for its eclectic independent retailers stocking everything from collectible vintage clothing to rare vinyl records. Hit Haywood Road for craft breweries, quirky cafes, and after-dark music joints including the Alleycat Social Club and the AyurPrana Listening Room.

Shop ‘all day long at Provisions Mercantile or find yourself a retro treasure at Twice Round Vintage (home to old-school Converse trainers and colourful 80’s windbreakers). Afterwards, enjoy a Lebanese feast at Gypsy Queen Cuisine or a round of Mexican bites at the laidback Taco Billy.

North Asheville is a residential haven encompassing a number of affluent areas including Beaverdam, Grace, and Lakeview Park. Lush and leafy, the district is peppered with multi-million-dollar estates and romantic little bistros serving artisan pizza, hand-rolled sushi, and vegetarian delicacies.

Wander the shady pavements to see a plethora of architectural styles including Midcentury Ranch and Tudor Revival. The Botanical Gardens of Asheville showcase 10 acres of glorious flora including more than 600 species of Southern Appalachian plants.

Located 15 miles from central Asheville in Buncombe County, Black Mountain features a cinematic backdrop of rolling green hills and a lively city centre that’s packed with charismatic galleries and charming bistros. This is small-town North Carolina at its best: a Southern Appalachian wonderland with deep Native American roots.

Known for its numerous hiking and biking paths, venture along the historic Greybeard Trail for panoramic views from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Alternatively, enjoy a restful afternoon on the banks of Lake Tomahawk where you can picnic in the pavilion, fish from the pier, or practice your forehand on a number of tennis courts.

A characterful little industrial district, South Slope was once a magnet for brewers, chefs, and artists who gravitated towards its affordable warehouse buildings. Today, the area stands transformed as a fashionable urban hub that’s filled with art galleries, drinking joints, and award-winning restaurants.

Everything can be reached on foot here, including a vast array of street art murals that are ready to be discovered on garage doors, under bridges, and along alleyways and walls. Hop lovers will have a great time sampling beers at the district’s many breweries including Green Man, Twin Leaf, and the Burial Beer Company.

Widely considered one of the most stunning manmade bodies of water in America, Lake Lure makes the perfect weekend vacay spot, especially in the warmer months. 27 miles from Asheville and nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this rural retreat is celebrated for its golden sand beach, annual festivals, and panoramic walking trails.

Golf aficionados will enjoy a day on the fairways at the Lake Lure Golf Club (a nine-hole course that’s famed for its striking vista of Hickory Nut Gorge). The annual Dirty Dancing Festival kicks off with a screening of the Patrick Swayze classic and features music, food, beer, and watermelons!

Known for its densely wooded hills, impressive feats of architecture, and wealth of historic attractions, the upscale area of Grove Park-Sunset will appeal to holidaymakers looking for a leafy escape from Asheville’s busy centre. At the heart of this district lies the luxurious Grove Park Country Club which features a landmark hotel and an 18-hole golf course designed by Scottish architect Donald Ross.

Wander the streets to view Tudor Revival and Prairie-style dwellings before booking a table at an upmarket restaurant serving a sumptuous Southern buffet or New American cuisine. Visit Edison Craft Ales + Kitchen for hearty regional cooking or the chic Sunset Terrace for juicy steaks and seafood.