Hi all

i am looking for an Asheville local to help me with some of the finer points of my itinerary for a girls trip I am organizing in April. We are a group of seven 40-something pretty athletic females. First, let me clarify we are well aware that the area is in recovery and are looking forward to helping out the local economy.

Loose-ish Itinerary:

1) Arrive in Asheville around 2pm - staying at Elevation lofts down town. Walk around downtown, have some wine/beer and get dinner (I will list restaurants that have been recommended to us below - I would love a thought as to which restaurant would be best for a lunch or a dinner time).

2) Day 2 - Hike in the morning. I was originally going to do Chimney Rock but it looks like it is still inaccessible. Anyone know of a 3ish mile hike with some elevation/views that is within 1.5 hours from Asheville? We are going to get massages starting at 4pm so we have all morning to get somewhere.

3)Day 3 - Biltmore - anyone have a recommendation for what yours would be interesting? Are the grounds walk-able post the hurricane? Is the village open for shopping?

4) Day 4 leave

Restaurants that have been recommended to us: The Bull and the Beggar, The Admiral, Tall John’s, Table, Cuchina 24, OWL Bakery, and Grove Park Inn.

Thanks in Advance for any all help!

Asheville is an amazing place, HeaAndrews. Here's my pre-covid TR for some ideas:

Arty Asheville NC

Please note that art area we visited was completely destroyed. We had all visited the Biltmore home but it's incredible and I suggest you look online for all the other places to visit on the property. Our dinner at Bistro B at the winery area was excellent.

Please share your trip!

Thanks TDudette! Good info on the restaurants. Yes, we are aware that the Arts district is inaccessible/no longer there. Looks like Biltmore is up and going so we have booked our tours but it would be helpful to know if shopping in the Biltmore Village area has recovered. Anyone? I am currently also thinking of hiking Catawba Ridge Loop since it looks open and that is our speed but I would love other suggestions in the area (I have hiked Catawba before but a LONG time ago).

HeaAndrews, here's from an Asheville pal's email today:

"Biltmore Village is still empty. The word is that most businesses will return but there's not much visible work going on, except at McDonald's and the Grand Bohemian Hotel. We finally drove along the River Arts District and it's like a scene from one of the recent tornadoes where all that's left is sticks and piles of debris. Asheville really took a hit."

Sorry to send sad news about BV.