After a first day spent getting to know the downtown area, your second day in Asheville should be about exploring the great outdoors. And some more beer, because this is one of the best brewery cities on the East Coast and it’s impossible to try them all on your first day.
Breakfast
Pack in the calories because you’re going to be out and about today. Head to Five Points Restaurant in the Montford Area Historic District for a taste of classic diner food.
Get active
Photo: Jennifer Cahill Blalock/Shutterstock
Make your way to the River Arts District for some water sports. French Broad River Outfitters rents stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and tubes for between $7 and $15 a day. If you or someone in your party would rather stay dry, hang out on the greenway under a shady tree or ride bikes through French Broad River Park.
Lunch at a brewery
Photo: New Belgium Brewing (Asheville, NC)/Facebook
Stay in the area and head to New Belgium Brewing Co. The Colorado-based brewery opened an Asheville outpost in 2016, and has a regular list of food trucks that stop by. Check out the schedule before heading over and grabbing a beer to take the edge off all that exercise.
Play some outdoor games
Find a ride north of the river to Salvage Station, a riverfront bar, concert, and event space with plenty of outdoor seating, open grass, and games like ping pong and disc golf.
Dinner
Wash up and dress up for dinner at Vivian. The American restaurant has some European flare. It’s fine dining without too much pretense, and the perfect way to wind down after a day of activities. Be sure to try the bacon-wrapped steak cooked in foie gras.
Relax at a wine bar
Photo: District Wine Bar/Facebook
Go to District Wine Bar after dinner while still dressed to the nines. The exposed brick, plush velvet and leather furniture in the front of the bar, long wine list, and moody lighting make it a nice place to end a busy day.
If you have more time to spare in Asheville, check out our itinerary for day three.