biltmore-village
Biltmore Estate runs the most-visited US winery and three restaurants in Antler Hill Village (Cedric's Tavern, the Bistro, Village Social). Estate admission.
Tip: Buy estate tickets in advance. The winery tour is included; Cedric's Tavern lunch needs a 1-week reservation.
east-asheville
Black Mountain, 15 miles east of Asheville, is a walkable downtown with 40+ restaurants and bars. The Pure and Proper, Trailhead and Foothills Grange anchor.
Tip: The Sourwood Festival the second weekend of August is the time to visit. Park downtown and walk.
biltmore-village
Hendersonville's pedestrian-friendly Main Street, 25 miles south of Asheville, runs a deep downtown restaurant scene.
Tip: Labor Day weekend's North Carolina Apple Festival is the busiest visit. The Henderson County strawberry fields open you-pick May-June.
biltmore-village
Brevard, 35 miles southwest of Asheville at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest, runs a five-brewery downtown anchored by Oskar Blues. Editor pick.
Tip: Combine with a Pisgah waterfall drive (Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock).
biltmore-village
Sierra Nevada's Mills River brewery campus, 15 miles south of Asheville, is the East Coast production brewery for the California-based Pale Ale icon.
Tip: Free 45-minute tours need a reservation. Weekend afternoons add free regional bluegrass at the amphitheater.
biltmore-village
Cherokee, NC, 50 miles west of Asheville, is the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Cherokee food traditions live at the Oconaluftee Indian.
Tip: The Oconaluftee Indian Village runs May through October. Combine with a Great Smoky Mountains National Park drive.