Asheville, North Carolina is a charming mountain town that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, world-class cuisine, or unique shopping experiences, Asheville has it all. Recently, my girlfriends and I decided to take a road trip from Nashville to Asheville for a much-needed girls’ weekend. In this blog, I’ll share our itinerary and review each of the activities we did during our trip.
The Drive
First off, let’s talk about the drive from Nashville to Asheville. The journey took us around 4 hours and 30 minutes, which is a manageable distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. The drive is scenic, and we enjoyed the views of the Appalachian Mountains as we made our way towards Asheville.
High Five Coffee Shop
Our first stop upon arriving in Asheville was at the High Five Coffee Shop. This cozy coffee shop is a must-visit for any coffee lover. We ordered lattes and took a seat at one of the outdoor tables to enjoy the warm sunshine and people-watching. The coffee was excellent, and we loved the laid-back vibe of the shop.
Downtown
After our caffeine fix, we headed out to explore the downtown area. Asheville has a vibrant downtown, filled with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. We spent a few hours wandering around, popping into boutiques and souvenir shops. One of our favorite shops was the Old North Clothing Company, which offers vintage-inspired clothing and accessories for both men and women.
Lunch at PennyCup Coffee Co.
We worked up an appetite and stopped for lunch at PennyCup Coffee Co. This coffee shop and cafe offers a range of delicious sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. We ordered a variety of items and shared everything family-style. The standout dish was the grilled cheese sandwich, which was made with tangy pimento cheese and thick slices of bacon.
Bookstore
After lunch, we made our way over to Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe. This independent bookstore is a gem and offers a vast selection of books, including local and regional titles. We spent some time browsing the shelves, and I ended up picking up a new cookbook and a few novels to take home. The cafe area of the store is also worth a visit, as they offer a range of drinks and snacks.
Dinner at Suwana’s Thai Orchid Restaurant
For dinner, we had reservations at Suwana’s Thai Orchid Restaurant. This authentic Thai restaurant is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, and it’s easy to see why. We started with the Tom Yum soup, which was spicy and flavorful. For our entrees, we ordered a variety of dishes, including Pad Thai, Panang Curry, and Green Curry. Everything was delicious, and the portions were generous.
Post-day Catan
After dinner, we headed back to our Airbnb and played a few rounds of Catan. It was the perfect end to a fun-filled day, and we all agreed that Asheville is a great destination for a girls’ trip.
Conclusion
Overall, we had a fantastic time in Asheville and would recommend all of the activities we did during our trip. High Five Coffee Shop and PennyCup Coffee Co. are both great spots for coffee and light bites. Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe is a must-visit for book lovers, and Suwana’s Thai Orchid Restaurant is a great choice for dinner. If you’re planning a trip to Asheville, be sure to carve out some time to explore the downtown area and take in the mountain views.
