24 Hours in Asheville, NC: Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink for a Fast Weekend Trip

Coordinating calendars for three couples is its own small miracle.

Somehow, we pulled it off. One night, one quick trip, no kids, just the six of us in Asheville, North Carolina.

Roots in Asheville

Asheville and I go back a long way.

I spent a year living there right after college working for the daily newspaper.

My wife and I stayed in B&Bs there back before Airbnb existed. We had a babymoon at the Grove Park Inn. We’ve seen shows at the Orange Peel that I still think about.

Even as it evolves (and as much as Asheville traffic frustrates me), it’s a place that will always be near and dear to my heart.

Here’s everything we did during our quick 24 hour stay in Asheville.

Afternoon Drinks and Snacks at Leo’s House of Thirst

We started in West Asheville at Leo’s House of Thirst, a wine bar and neighborhood spot that’s earned its reputation as one of the city’s better-kept gems.

We ordered deviled eggs, oysters, and a tomato salad while the group split between wine and, in my case, a bottled Coke.

It’s a quick drive or rideshare from downtown, and it’s worth the detour. If you’re the type who likes to ease into a trip rather than sprint into it, this is the right first stop.

Checking In: The AC Hotel Asheville Downtown

AC Hotel Asheville Downtown was the perfect spot to stay for this trip.

The location is hard to beat, right off Pack Square, with shops, restaurants, and coffee within a few steps of the front door.

The hotel has its own self-park garage (tight spaces, so a smaller car makes life easier) and despite being in the middle of downtown, we didn’t deal with any street noise.

Complimentary Starbucks coffee is available each morning on the 9th floor. You know I love a free hotel coffee.

One practical note worth filing away: if you’re leaving the parking garage after checkout, your room key won’t open the gate anymore. Don’t reach for your credit card. Hit the Help button on the screen instead, give them your name and room number, and they’ll open it for you.

Drinks and Catching Up at Capella on 9

The AC Hotel’s rooftop bar, Capella on 9, is where we landed first for drinks and the kind of catching-up conversation that’s the entire point of a trip like this.

My wife had a rosé. One friend ordered a classic gin and tonic, while another went for the house recipe version made with their own proprietary tonic syrup and club soda. Citrus notes, a hint of ginger, and worth ordering on its own merits.

Capella on 9 is spacious enough for a group of six with room to spare, and while we sat indoors, there’s plenty of outdoor seating with spectacular city and mountain views.

It’s been recognized as one of the best rooftop bars in the world by Mandoe Media, and it earns that kind of attention honestly.

Pre-Dinner at Rhubarb

Before dinner, we stopped at Rhubarb, a Pack Square staple that consistently delivers on service, drinks, and location.

The bread appetizer alone is worth the stop.

Rhubarb works whether you’re settling in for the night or just passing through on your way to somewhere else.

Dinner at Bargello in the Kimpton Hotel Arras

I’m always going to say yes to an Italian meal, and Bargello (inside the Kimpton Hotel Arras) delivered.

The ambiance carries the room: high ceilings, an airy feel that never tips into noisy or echo-y.

Their homemade pasta menu is deep, and I had the gnocchi in a fresh red sauce with meatballs. I’d order it again without hesitation.

One friend ordered the mussels appetizer as his entree, which turned out to be the smartest move at the table.

It came with a stack of toasted bread built for sopping up the broth.

The Kimpton’s lobby bar also looked like a solid spot to duck into next time we need a minute to recharge.

Morning Coffee at High Five Coffee and Old Europe Pastries

Mornings on a trip like this move in waves as each type of sleeper wakes up.

I grabbed a latte for my wife at High Five Coffee with the one other early riser in the group, then once everyone else was up and moving, we regrouped at Old Europe Pastries, right next to the hotel.

It’s charming, the pastries are excellent, and if you can snag a seat at the bar stools while the sliding windows are open, take it.

While we were sitting there, a guy stepped up in front of us, did two magic tricks, then went on his way without a word.

That’s Asheville for you.

Brunch at The Med

The Med runs as a Mediterranean diner during its normal hours, but the weekend brunch menu is where it earns its reputation.

I struggled to choose between the fish and grits and the Pisgah Bowl.

My wife had a chicken biscuit she was thrilled with. I took a sip of a friend’s spicy Bloody Mary and can vouch for it if you can handle a little kick.

This is the kind of place that puts you back together if you’re a little banged up from the night before, and the diner atmosphere is unpretentious.

Shoe Shopping at TOPS for Shoes

TOPS for Shoes is an Asheville fixture that’s been around as long as I can remember, winding through three or four connected buildings.

It’s a throwback in the best sense: a store with salespeople who actually know their products and work for commission, in an era where that’s increasingly rare.

The men’s section covers everything from running shoes to hiking boots to dress loafers.

If you’re hunting for mainstream sneakers, this isn’t your stop. If you like exploring brands you won’t find everywhere else, it is.

Afternoon Beer at DSSOLVR

While the group’s better half hit Anthropologie, a few of us posted up at DSSOLVR (pronounced “dissolver”) for an afternoon beer. Great selection, pinball machines, Golden Tee, and music loud enough to keep the energy high.

An Afternooncap at Periscope in the S&W Market

We closed things out at Periscope, upstairs in the historic S&W Market.

It’s a quiet hideaway from the energy of the street below, set in a beautiful Art Deco space with pre-batched cocktails on tap.

Clean bathrooms, cozy nooks, and exactly the kind of low-key setting you want when the trip is winding down and you’re just trying to plan the next stop, or accept that there isn’t one.

Quick Answers: Asheville Overnight Trip Essentials

Where should I stay in Asheville for a quick trip? The AC Hotel Asheville Downtown puts you within walking distance of Pack Square, the S&W Market, and most of downtown’s best restaurants and bars.

What’s the best rooftop bar in Asheville? Capella on 9, atop the AC Hotel, has been named one of the best rooftop bars in the world and offers both mountain and city skyline views.

Where’s a good spot for brunch in Asheville? The Med is a longtime local favorite for weekend brunch, known especially for its grits and Bloody Marys.

Where can I find unique shoe brands in Asheville? TOPS for Shoes, a downtown fixture, carries footwear brands you won’t find in most mall stores, with old-school personalized service.