Welcome to Asheville! Visiting midweek means you’ll enjoy a slower pace, less crowded attractions, and a chance to experience the city like a local. Here’s your guide to the best places to eat, drink, and explore, along with a few insider tips to make your midweek stay truly memorable.
Where to Eat: Savor the Flavors of Asheville
Limones: This downtown gem is tucked into Eagle Street around the corner from Wortham Center and the Fine Arts Theatre. Tuck into the bar or a table in this warm, inviting space and savor dishes inspired chef/owner Hugo Ramirez's Mexico City roots and French culinary technique. It's open 7 days a week so midweek dinners are the way to go.
Little Chango: Blink and you might miss this perfect little lunch spot on Coxe Avenue on the South Slope. Just look for the golden yellow, cheerful building with a handful of seats indoors and out. The entire lunch menu is great, you can’t go wrong!
Tall John's: This Montford neighborhood spot offers an impeccable wine list and European-American classics inside a 1906 historic building. Every seat is the best in the house, and there's an airy courtyard patio for outdoor dining. The laid-back local vibe makes it an ideal choice for a leisurely midweek meal or a cozy date.
La Bodega by Curate: Missed a dinner reservation to Curate? You're in luck. La Bodega by Curate, located one block behind their famous sibling restaurant, is open all day for breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and dinner and offers several of the same delicious menu items, along with a mouthwatering vermouth and cocktail selection. Peruse the cozy shop downstairs, then head upstairs for a table and relaxing meal.
Copper Crown: Located in East Asheville, Copper Crown is a neighborhood favorite offering a cozy, casual atmosphere with a menu that blends Southern comfort food with New Orleans flair. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty dinner or just want to relax with a cocktail at the bar, Copper Crown provides a warm and inviting spot to enjoy a delicious meal without venturing too far from our modern cabins in East Asheville.
Where to Drink: Craft Cocktails and More
Antidote: Step back in time at this apothecary-style cocktail bar in the heart of the South Slope. With a focus on classic cocktails made with house-made syrups and bitters, Antidote offers a sophisticated drinking experience.
Burial Beer: How do we even begin to describe the atmosphere? Moody, lore-laden, with brew names as long as a Led Zeppelin song. It’s a delicious experience if you like beer, and venture over to their new VISUALS rooftop deck for sips and views in the South Slope. There is a lot of room to spread out.
Little Jumbo: This cozy neighborhood bar in the Five Points area is a best-kept secret and offers a great selection of craft cocktails and a rotating list of creative specials. The vibe is laid-back with a literary nod and very welcoming, making it a perfect midweek hangout.
Leo’s House of Thirst: Nestled in the charming neighborhood of West Asheville, Leo’s House of Thirst is a cozy wine bar with an eclectic selection of natural wines, craft beers, and inventive small plates. The outdoor tables and multiple fire pits are great year-round. Whether you're looking to enjoy a glass of wine paired with a cheese board or explore something new, Leo’s offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere perfect for a midweek evening.
Indoor Activities: Explore Asheville’s Arts and Culture
Asheville Pinball Museum: If you want to head out of the cabins at Firelight but it’s raining, try a nostalgic trip through the history of pinball at this fun, interactive museum. With over 35 machines to play, it’s a great way to spend a rainy afternoon or just enjoy some retro fun.
Center for Craft: Dive into the world of craft and design at this downtown Asheville institution. The exhibitions highlight both contemporary and traditional craft, offering a unique perspective on the role of craft in our lives.
Lexington Glassworks: Watch master glassblowers at work in this downtown studio. Lexington Glassworks offers live demonstrations daily, and you can even purchase a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.
Asheville Symphony Orchestra: If your visit aligns with a performance, the Asheville Symphony is a must-see. They offer a mix of classical and contemporary music, and midweek performances are often less crowded.
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts: Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Wortham Center offers a diverse array of performances, from theater and dance to music and comedy. The intimate setting and world-class productions make it a cultural gem, perfect for a midweek evening out. Have dinner at Limones is right around the corner! Whether you’re into contemporary performances or classical music, there’s always something interesting happening here.
Outdoor Activities: Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Graveyard Fields: Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this popular hiking area offers stunning waterfalls and beautiful views. The loop trail is moderate and perfect for a midweek hike when you’re likely to encounter fewer people.
The NC Arboretum: Wander through beautiful gardens and explore miles of trails at the North Carolina Arboretum. The Bonsai Exhibition Garden is particularly impressive, and midweek visits allow for a more peaceful experience.
Bent Creek Experimental Forest: This area offers a variety of trails for hiking and mountain biking, all within a short drive from downtown Asheville. It’s a great spot for an outdoor adventure without the weekend crowds.
Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary: Located in North Asheville, this peaceful sanctuary is perfect for birdwatching and a leisurely walk. It’s a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown and you’ll meet a lot of locals on afternoon strolls.
Navitat Canopy Adventures: If you’re up for some adrenaline, try zip-lining through the treetops with Navitat. Their midweek tours are often less crowded, allowing for a more personalized experience.
Little-Known Tips for a Great Midweek Trip
Explore Asheville’s Bookstores: Asheville has a thriving literary scene, and midweek is the perfect time to explore local bookstores like Malaprop’s Bookstore and Battery Park Book Exchange without the crowds.
Visit the RAD Farmers Market: Held on Wednesdays, this market features local produce, goods, and more. It’s a smaller, more relaxed version of the weekend market, offering a taste of local life.
Check Out the RAD Greenway: The River Arts District (RAD) Greenway is a scenic path that runs along the French Broad River. It’s perfect for a morning jog or a leisurely bike ride, with plenty of art studios to explore along the way.
Take a Midweek Yoga Class: Asheville has numerous yoga studios offering drop-in classes. Midweek sessions are usually less busy, making it easier to find your zen.
Take Advantage of Midweek Specials: Many restaurants and bars in Asheville offer midweek specials on food and drinks. Keep an eye out for these deals to make the most of your visit.
Why Travel Midweek?
Midweek travel in Asheville means fewer crowds, shorter wait times, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Be wary of Mondays and Tuesdays when it comes to making certain restaurant reservations…make sure they are open! You might find that accommodations (yes, including us!) and activities are more affordable compared to the weekend. Whether you’re here to explore the outdoors, dive into the local arts scene, or simply unwind, visiting midweek lets you experience the best of Asheville at your own pace.
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