10 reasons to plan a trip to Asheville, NC this fall

In too many cities, fall seems to slip away in the blink of an eye. Then there is Asheville.

Given the wide range of elevations of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, the North Carolina town dubbed “Sky Country” rewards visitors with one of the most kaleidoscopic and longest leaf seasons in the world. (This year, fall colors should peak around late October.)

There are other reasons to visit, too, from a thriving craft beer scene—Asheville has an incredibly high number of craft breweries per capita—to a diverse and progressive local community that embraces everyone. And while Asheville is a lovely year-round destination, now is an especially stellar time to visit. So, beyond the spectacular natural scenery, here are 10 other reasons to plan a trip to Asheville in the coming weeks.

Kimpton Hotel in Arras

If you’re looking for a stay that covers all the bases, and more, book the Kimpton Hotel Arras. Conveniently located downtown in the iconic BB&T Bank building, this relatively new property (it opened in late 2019) sports an original design that fuses natural materials such as wood and stone with locally inspired elements such as ironwork and striking art from local designers. The thoughtful aesthetic extends to the 128 spacious rooms and suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a soothing palette, and quirky metal pieces depicting the French Broad River — which hang above the beds — by Asheville artist Catherine Murphy.

In addition to the free perks you get at all Kimpton properties (no pet fee, daily social hour with beer and wine, yoga mats in all rooms), the hotel has a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes and a stylish space. just for massages called Urban Exhale Arras. Downstairs at the Bargello, chef Tyler Slade sends out crowd-pleasing pastas — don’t miss the twirled Cacio E Pepe with homemade bucatini — and creative pizzas finished in the open hearth, while District 42 adjacent is a perfect lounge for a day snack or nightcap. (It’s also one of the few places in Asheville that pours champagne by the glass.)

La Bodega by Cúrate

Equal parts café, market and wine bar, La Bodega by Cúrate is the latest endeavor by beloved chef Katie Button and her husband Felix Meana. The concept celebrates traditional Spanish wine bars (hence the name) in a friendly split-level space embellished with vintage posters and original paintings by Félix’s father. The floor is suitable for all sorts of occasions, whether you want to sip vermut and savor pintxos at the bar or sit down at a table for a heartier meal. And downstairs, you can grab a grab-and-go bite like bikini croissant sandwiches and the irresistible Xuixos, deep-fried, sugar-dusted pastries filled with Catalan cream, as well as well-prepared bottled wines, tinned fish and other essentials of the Spanish pantry.

Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn

While luxury hotel spas are pretty much a given, the spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn stands out for several reasons. First of all, no electronic devices of any kind are allowed on the premises. The strict demand makes it much easier for customers to truly unplug. Additionally, treatments are only available to resort guests. Finally, the facilities feature an almost otherworldly design with craggy caves, cascading waterfalls (perfect for neck and back massages), hot and cold pools, and plenty of discreet nooks to dive into a deeper state of relaxation. And when it’s time for a bite to eat, keep your bathrobe on and slip into the Spa Café.

Neng Jr.

Opened this summer by chef Silver Iocovozzi, Neng Jr. is hard to resist but easy to miss. But once you’ve identified the building’s back door, climbed a narrow flight of stairs, and spotted the host’s booth, you’ve come to the right place. The space is intimate and beautifully appointed with an oversized painting by Silver’s friend and Brooklyn artist Drake Carr, a cozy bar (the best seats in the house), and bright pops of color. The food (imagine the adobo oysters, pork lumpia, and smoked Pinoy spaghetti) is also a deeply personal affair, rooted in the home-style Filipino dishes Silver grew up with.

Leo’s Thirst House

Founded by Drew Wallace, the mastermind behind city staples The Admiral and The Bull and Beggar, comes Leo’s House of Thirst. Open during the throes of the pandemic, this impossibly charming wine bar and restaurant on Haywood offers many interesting and lesser-known wines by the glass, many on tap, as well as very pairable plates of chicken liver mousse, steak tartare and spicy seafood campanelle.

The wrong direction

For a stay like no other and off the beaten track, discover The Wrong Way. Just unveiled in the waterfront River Arts District, this sustainability-focused urban “campground” by longtime friends Shelton Steele and Joe Balcken is home to 16 adorable A-frame cabins with contemporary (but no TV), communal lodge stocked with bites from Ashley Capps and Travis Schulz of Newstock Pantry, and of course, plenty of outdoor space to help you connect with your surroundings.

Chai Pani

Everything you’ve read about Chai Pani by Meherwan Irani (Indian meaning “tea” and “water”), winner of the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, is true. The staff are knowledgeable and equally important, warm and friendly. The atmosphere is refreshing and relaxed, with no reservations accepted. (Because there’s almost always a line, your best bet is to arrive before it opens and wait.) As for the menu, it celebrates the diversity of India’s street food culture. in the form of discusssavory snacks combining textures (crispy, creamy, soft) and flavors (sweet, spicy, tangy) for a deeply irresistible effect.

Founded Street

If there’s one place that encapsulates the thug spirit of Asheville, it’s Foundy Street. Located in the city’s River Arts District, this quirky, graffiti-strewn 13-acre collective occupying formerly abandoned warehouses exudes energy and creativity. Set aside an afternoon to explore all of the independent vendors, including 12 Bones Smokehouse, one of the most popular barbecue places in the area, Foundation Studios (a community art center), and even a public skatepark.

Buxton Chicken Palace

Another laid-back concept from Meherwan Irani, Buxton Chicken Palace – which is tucked away in The S&W Market, a food hall in a historic 1920s structure – specializes in fried chicken sandwiches, a surprising best-seller at sister restaurant Buxton Barbeque hall. In addition to the beloved original with crispy buttermilk fried chicken breast, two types of cheese and pickles on a squishy bun, you can also dig into Nuggets, Seasoned Waffle Fries and Cheerwine Slushies.

Donuts with holes

There are donuts, then there are Hole Donuts. The tiny but much-loved husband-wife team shop of Hallee Hirsh and Ryan Martin takes the humble treat to new heights with a single yeast dough mixed with quality ingredients like Lindley Mills organic stone-ground flour, organic, cage-free cane sugar. eggs. On top of that, each donut is lovingly handcrafted and fried fresh to order in non-GMO rice bran oil so every bite is warm, tender, and incredibly delicious.