Asheville transformed from a pioneer outpost into a resort city within a century of its founding in 1797. By the late 1800s, people flocked to this Western North Carolina destination to take in the fresh mountain air, go horseback riding, hiking, or picnicking, and enjoy the luxurious accommodations of the Grove Park Inn and the Battery Park Hotel. During this era of booming growth, one of the wealthiest and most famous Americans of his time, George Vanderbilt, constructed the palatial Biltmore Estate as a “summer home” in Asheville. It remains the largest – and among the most opulent – private residences in the United States to this day.

What is it about this place that draws travelers from far and wide? Does its beauty really possess restorative powers? What is it about Asheville that appeals to such a wide variety of people, and what brings them back time and time again? 

To answer these questions, it’s most important to ask, first, what do its residents love about the place they call home? Ashevillians are as unique as the visitors they readily welcome. They are craftspeople, musicians, foodies, and explorers. Inside the city, it’s as easy to join a community drum circle and brewery hop as it is to attend a fine art exhibition and sit down to a meal prepared by a James Beard Award-winning chef. Head outside of town, and opportunities to hike, cycle, kayak, and camp abound in the nearby Pisgah National Forest, Linville Gorge, or on the French Broad River. 

Fall in Asheville presents even more offerings to indulge in the city’s varied festivities while taking in surrounding landscapes dappled with stunning, warm autumnal tones. What better season to plan a trip to Asheville, and what better expert travel planning advice could a person receive than listening to the locals who make up the Mast Store Asheville staff? 

Check out how several of our very own Mast employees recommend spending a fall day in town. Take it from us: Asheville is a place that welcomes all people with a cozy embrace! 

Bailee, Sales Associate since 2021: 
I'd go to the Biltmore. It’s so beautiful, and I love its history. It's a great place to enjoy the changing leaves. Biltmore in the fall is cozy! A good hike would be Catawba Falls in Old Fort or Lovers Leap in Hot Springs. On a rainy day, you could visit the art galleries downtown. There are huge fireplaces at the Grove Park Inn, and the Blue Ridge Dining Room there is amazing, too! 

Emily W., Mercantile Lead Sales & employee since 2022: 
I like to get those sweaters out and start making soup! My favorite short hike is the Asheville Botanical Garden, which has easy parking and is very close by (but, sadly, they don’t allow dogs). For a great meal away from home, I really like Red Ginger, the dumpling house downtown. They serve tapas style, the owners are so nice, and it's an amazing environment. 

Brigid, Visual Merchandise Coordinator & employee since 2016: 
The Black Mountain Farmers Market on Saturday mornings is great. Zillicoah Beer Company is also a favorite of mine. You're by the river, there's easy parking, and they usually have a taco truck. This brewery recently reopened after almost a year of rebuilding following Hurricane Helene. Check them out on Instagram @zillicoahbeer and pay a visit to welcome them back! I also love the Asheville Botanical Garden over by UNCA, or the North Carolina Arboretum. My rainy day picks are the Asheville Museum of Science if you're with kids, or Fired Up! Creative Lounge to paint your own pots.  

Laura, Sales Associate since 2024: 
I love to smell the apples at the WNC Farmers Market, and then, eat at the Moose Café. The corn maze at Eliada is also awesome. Rain or shine, the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center is incredible. You can hike from there to Craven Gap. You could also go to Pisgah, hike there, and eat at the deli or at the Pisgah Inn. Closer by, you could go to Richmond Hill Park for hiking. Downtown, I love to go to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge and rustic, woodsy Pack's Tavern. For a dive bar, I recommend One World Brewing or The Barrelhouse in North Asheville (Visit @thebarrelhouseavl on instagram!), where I’d tell anyone to get the Brussels sprouts or the steak... MmMmm!  

Joey, General Manager & employee since 2013:  
In the fall, I'd take the kids to the Haunted Trail at The Asheville Adventure Center. The North Carolina Arboretum is a great place for a short hike with kids. My kids love driving on the parkway, too. Pack's Tavern is a great place for dining when you have a group, and Table is a great place for a date night. As far as breweries, Oskar Blues in Brevard is a favorite, and Whistle Hop in Fairview is perfect for families and kids.  

Emily Q., Fashion Lead Sales & employee since 2022: 
I tell all my friends who are visiting to go to Flying Cloud Farm in Fairview for you-pick produce and Sweets & Seats for pastries… They have amazing mango mousse cake and macarons! 

Mark L., Mercantile/Candy Area Manager & employee since 2022: 
Scout the Blue Ridge Parkway for fall colors, then head back downtown to eat at the Shanghai Dumpling House, Sweets & Treats, and Miyako House.  

Melanie, Sales Associate since 2024: 
I love Bear's Smokehouse for BBQ downtown. I love hiking off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and going to see Triple Falls down in DuPont State Forest. 

Shane, Outdoor/Footwear Area Manager & employee since 2023:  
I'd drive up to Mt. Pisgah or to Mt. Mitchell (the state park and this section of the Parkway are currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene) on the Blue Ridge Parkway, then eat at the Pisgah Inn. (Check the open/closed status of the Parkway HERE.)

Avery, Sales Associate since 2025:  
I'd hike near Sam's Knob off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Downtown, I'd head to Burial Beer Co. to sit outside and enjoy the crisp air, or to Chestnut for a more upscale meal with lots of local food. For a sweet treat on a fall morning, I'd go to Vortex Doughnuts + Coffee. I follow their Instagram feed @vortexdoughnuts, so I can see which seasonal creations they’re serving fresh every day. 

It's clear that Asheville isn’t in short supply of places to visit or things to do on a fall day – or any day, for that matter. What’s even clearer is that Mast Store and its people love and take pride in this mountain oasis they call home! 

Please, include Asheville in your upcoming travel plans. It was one of the hardest hit cities during Hurricane Helene, and some of its businesses – including a few mentioned here – have fought resiliently to reopen their doors to the community. Welcome them back and show them your support and generosity, just as Asheville itself will treat you! For even more travel information, head over to Explore Asheville for events, places to stay, and more.