Every year, Keegan’s division hosts a client event. Spouses are invited, and it’s always in a gorgeous destination. For us, it’s typically a quick trip, but this time, it was even quicker. We landed Sunday at 2:30 PM and flew out Tuesday mid-morning. So, while this is not a comprehensive guide, it will give you an idea of how to best spend 24 hours or less in Asheville, NC.

Let me start by saying you could easily take a weekend or longer to explore Asheville. It is lovely and in fact, would be the perfect destination for a girls’ trip.  It offers a little something for everyone – spas, great food, hiking, shopping, breweries, wineries and art. Are you ready to book your tickets? If so, I’m happy to come along as your tour guide.

24 Hours or Less in Asheville

• Start your day by exploring downtown Asheville. Some of our favorite stops were East Fork and Nest, but truly, the number of cute, local shops was astounding. I can’t even remember every place we stopped. We could have spent an entire day here.
• Have lunch at Chai Pani. I had the butter chicken, and my friend, Jamie, ate the lamb burgers. Both were crazy good.
• Then, if you can, book a chocolate and red wine tasting at the Biltmore Winery. The service is a little bossy, but I still really enjoyed trying the wine.
• Take a guided tour of the Biltmore Estate. Call ahead to make a reservation or ask your hotel to book one for you once you’re in town. That seemed to be less expensive than purchasing ahead of time. Online, tickets are $69, but our guided tour was $25.
• Head out to Sierra Nevada’s Brewery. The property is gorgeous. If you can, leave time to explore the grounds and try the pimento cheese.

What We Missed

• Buxton Hall BBQ – This restaurant is highly rated and looks delicious.
• French Broad Chocolate Lounge – You can just stop in for a short visit or do a tour/tasting at their factory.
• Battery Park Book Exchange  – A bookstore and CHAMPAGNE bar!!!!
• Omni Grove Park Inn’s Spa – The spa is pricey, but one of a kind. If I’d had the time, I would have booked a service here, just to experience their pools.
• Curate – The most recommended restaurant. Plus, they serve tapas.
• Cucina 24 – Italian food
• Rhubarb

P.S. The weather was perfection while we were there – low 80’s late afternoon and cooler before and after.