Before the Big Day

Famed for its foodie culture, eclectic art scene, and “keep it weird” vibe, Asheville boasts over 50 breweries and countless well-known and award-winning restaurants. With gorgeous natural surroundings, endless outdoor activities, and an energizing yet relaxed feel, this compact city provides the perfect backdrop for a pre-wedding getaway with your closest guys or gals. Discover some of the best this mountain locale offers for a memorable escape before your big day.

Out-of-the-box Accommodations 
Kickstart your stay at one of the hottest new spots in town, The Radical. Located in the thriving River Arts District, this defunct riverfront factory has been transformed into an industrial-chic marvel, complete with the much anticipated new restaurant, Golden Hour, a chic rooftop bar, The Roof, and the espresso bar by morning/party lounge by night, Afterglow, with an unmistakable posh-punk atmosphere. theradicalavl.com

Urban Oasis 
With tons of innovative microbreweries and local restaurants, it’s impossible to go wrong with a dining option in Asheville. Chai Pani’s bold and colorful new location downtown makes long waits for this famed Indian spot a thing of the past. Soprana Rooftop Cucina offers sweeping panoramic views with rustic Italian fare and housemade limoncello cocktails in a casual setting. chaipani.com; sopranarooftop.com

Navigate your way to the hip, hidden gem, Crucible, a blink-and-you-miss-it cocktail bar with moody red lighting and Negronis on tap. Tucked away inside High Wire Brewing (grab a pint there first!), The Tiki Easy Bar transports you to island time, where tropical-themed cocktails and periodic simulated storms, complete with thunder and wind make you feel like you’re a world away. @ _cruciblebar_; hiwirebrewing.com; tikieasybar.com

Outdoor Adventure
With the Blue Ridge Parkway, and both Pisgah and Dupont National Forests just a short drive away, there is no shortage of breathtaking hikes of many durations and challenge levels. Pick up a trail guide at Second Gear, Asheville’s hub for new and used outdoor apparel and gear. For a twist on urban adventure, try stand-up paddle boarding the French Broad on a guided four-mile tour through the River Arts district with Wai Mauna Tours. Grab and pint and join the pickleball craze at Asheville Sports Club, where you can hang out, enjoy local beer, and play on their two outdoor courts seven days a week. secondgearwnc.com; waimaunaashevillesuptours.com; ashevillesportsclub.com

Pampering
Sauna House boasts a cool Scandinavian style with immersive cold plunge and sauna experiences on two levels that will restore and rejuvenate your entire crew. At Wake Foot Sanctuary, signature herbal soaks arrive in deep copper tubs complemented by optional seated massages. Book a private salt-water tub in nature at Shoji Spa and Retreat, a Japanese-style spa nestled in the forest, just minutes from the downtown bustle. saunahouse.com; wakespa.com; shojispa.com

Entertainment
Catch a show at the iconic Asheville establishment, The Orange Peel, which hosts live music of many genres almost every night of the week. For a flat fee, ($17) play over eighty classic video games (think: Pac-Man) and pinball machines for as long as you like at the Asheville Pinball Museum. theorangepeel.net; ashevillepinball.com

Unique Tours
A ride on one of the LaZoom’s comedy bus tours guarantees you won’t be able to catch your breath as a raucous (and sometimes irreverent) guide takes you through sites of the city. Housed in The Asheville Citizens Times newspaper building, Citizen Vinyl offers tours of their modern vinyl record processing plant with a record store and cafe on site. Sip your way across the city with skyline views on a three-hour cocktail tasting tour stopping at various rooftop restaurants with Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours. lazoomtours.com; citizenvinyl.com