According to recent studies, women are more likely to be more stressed than men by 8%. Essentially, what this entails is that a girl’s weekend is absolutely justified at any given point in the year, and what better place to spend your weekend than in the eccentric mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina?
Whether you’re strolling through the downtown boutiques or enjoying the beautiful mountainous views, this town serves as the perfect location to pack up a bag and spend a weekend with your best gal pals. Here is your weekend guide with all the best tips and tricks to navigating Asheville without missing a thing (with fab spots for insta pics, of course):
FRIDAY
If you arrive early in the morning or at lunch time, you definitely need to make a stop at the infamous Biscuit Head. This restaurant has two locations both in West Asheville and on Biltmore Ave. It features any type of biscuit platter you could imagine, proving to be a tried and true favorite to locals. Of course, this is the perfect place to get a brunch-themed Instagram pic!
Next, you have to stop in downtown Asheville. With little artisan-owned boutiques (check out L.O.F.T and Ten Thousand Villages), and unique art everywhere you look, simply strolling through downtown and taking it all in is an adventure in itself. Also make sure you get a pic writing on the ‘Before I Die’ wall, before you die. Here are some perfect locations for Insta pics that display downtown Asheville’s best: Definitely make a stop at Tupelo Honey for dinner. It is a southern cuisine restaurant located in the heart of downtown. If it is warm out, it is right outside the free-spirited drum circle, where you can listen to music and even partake in some of the dancing!
If you’re willing to drive 25 minutes north of Asheville, definitely make a stop at Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Here you can get a mineral hot tub large enough for you and all of your girls for affordable pricing. Pack up a bottle of wine & relax after a day of travel!
SATURDAY
Waking up a little early to take a tour of the Biltmore Estate is definitely worth it! Holding the title as the largest privately owned estate in America, this large estate offers fabulous wine tastings and miraculous tours. If you say you have been to Asheville, people will ask you about this mansion, so definitely make the time to go.
After the Biltmore endeavour, check out the Biltmore Village nearby. Here you can find well-known favorite shops such as Lululemon or J.Crew, or cute little Christmas shops like the one pictured below!
Definitely hit up Corner Kitchen in Biltmore Village for an amazing lunch and an aesthetically pleasing table setting (VSCO cam?? I think yes).
After a day of exploring the extravagant Biltmore area, check out the River Arts District near downtown. This little area is a spot absolutely made for the best pictures. With train tracks, graffiti walls and a river nearby, you will have a hard time trying to find the perfect postable pic out of all the great ones you will get here.
Holding the title of Beer City USA, Asheville has amazing breweries and bars. You can check out the Sierra Nevada Brewery located a little out of town, or partake in the vibrant downtown bar scene for a night of fun with your best friends!
SUNDAY
So it’s your last day in Asheville (bummer). If it is warm out take a drive out to Max Patch! This grassy bald patch on the top of a mountain has not only breathtaking views, but only requires a relatively easy, quick hike. Here, you can get amazing pictures and take in all the beauty these mountainous views provide.
Afterwards, if you have the time before heading out, make a trip out to Dobra Tea where you can get yummy snacks and have an authentic teahouse experience. This includes getting to sit on the floor on elaborately made cushions, take your shoes off, and relax to perfect tumblr-esque vibes before you hit the road!
Till next time, Asheville!
Sources:
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2010/gender-stress.aspx