Asheville Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Stretch your travel budget further with smart financial choices.

Local Deals & Online Discounts

Visitor Center: Inquire at the Asheville Visitor Center for multi-attraction passes or local discount books.
Online Research: Prior to visiting attractions or restaurants, search for online coupons or deals.
Bookings: Some businesses offer discounts for online bookings or email sign-ups.

Free Things to Do

Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive scenic sections and stop at overlooks without charge (check for winter closures).
Hiking: Numerous trails in Pisgah National Forest and Bent Creek Experimental Forest are free.
Downtown Exploration: Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Asheville's Art Deco architecture.
River Arts District: Browse artist studios and galleries without charge.

Dining Deals

Happy Hour: Many Asheville establishments offer happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers.
Lunch Specials: Lunch often has a more economical alternative to dinner at many restaurants.
Picnics: Purchase supplies at local grocery stores or the WNC Farmers Market for an outdoor meal.
Brewery Food: Discover affordable and delicious food at breweries, often from food trucks.

Smart Transportation

ART Buses: Asheville's public bus system is a cost-effective way to move around downtown and neighborhoods.
Walk: Downtown Asheville is walkable, saving transit costs and time.
Car Rental: If exploring outside the city, rent a car only for those specific days to save on rental costs and parking.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient planning maximizes your visit, especially for popular attractions.

Fast-Track Entry

Biltmore Estate: Purchase tickets online to select your entry time and bypass ticket lines.

Timing Your Visits

Biltmore Estate: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Weekdays are calmer than weekends.
Blue Ridge Parkway: For solitude and photography, drive popular sections early morning, avoiding mid-day on fall weekends.
Restaurants: Make dinner reservations, especially on weekend evenings, to avoid long waits.
River Arts District: Weekday visits are quieter than busy weekends or special event days.

Quick Travel Options

Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft): Quick point-to-point travel, especially for areas not well-served by public transit.
Walking: For short downtown distances, walking is often quicker than waiting for transport or parking.

Book Ahead

Accommodation: Book hotels, B&Bs, or rentals well in advance, notably for peak seasons.
Biltmore Estate: Pre-booking is important.
Restaurant Reservations: Secure spots for highly desired dining, especially weekend evenings.
Specialized Tours: Ziplining, whitewater rafting, or guided tours frequently fill up; book ahead.

Local Insights

Learning from locals enriches your trip.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Parking: Downtown parking can be difficult. Use public garages or public transit.
Biltmore Tickets: Book Biltmore Estate tickets online in advance; they sell out.
Walkability: Downtown is walkable, but a car is almost necessary for the Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and many attractions outside the core.
Breweries: Explore beyond one or two breweries. Asheville's "Beer City USA" title signals great diversity.

Local Customs

Laid-back: Asheville is welcoming. Politeness and genuine interest from visitors are appreciated.
Support Local: A strong local emphasis means choosing independent shops and restaurants is valued.
Environmental: Many residents prioritize environmental protection. Practice "Leave No Trace" outdoors.

Social Norms

Asheville Wave: On less busy mountain roads, drivers or pedestrians may offer a slight wave.
Homeless Population: A visible homeless population exists downtown. Interactions are generally harmless, but awareness helps.
Progressive Vibe: The city has a strong progressive, artistic, and open-minded spirit. Embrace its unique character.

Phrases to Impress

Lesser-known spots: Mentioning an unique local brewery, restaurant, or trail shows research.
Mountain Appreciation: Express genuine appreciation for the mountains and outdoor opportunities.
Uniqueness: A simple "I love how unique Asheville is!" often resonates.
Local Knowledge: Knowing facts about Asheville's history or local art scene.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Specific considerations for different travel groups.

Solo Traveler Advice

Safety: Asheville feels safe for solo travelers. Practice standard precautions: inform someone of your plans, be aware of surroundings, especially walking at night.
Social: Join a brewery tour, participate in the Pritchard Park Drum Circle, or stay at a hostel for social interaction.

Family-Friendly Travel

Attractions: Many Asheville breweries welcome families with outdoor spaces and non-alcoholic options.
Packing: Bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and activities for car rides and hikes.
Accommodation: Vacation rentals offer more space, separate sleeping areas, and kitchen access for meal preparation and budget.
Pacing: Avoid overscheduling. Allow downtime and flexibility in your itinerary.

Managing Group Travel

Book Early: For groups, book accommodation and popular restaurant reservations well in advance.
Transportation: A private tour or shuttle service simplifies group travel, especially for brewery tours or day trips.
Preferences: Clearly communicate group preferences and dietary needs when making bookings.
Planner: Appoint one person to manage bookings and logistics to streamline the process.

Accessibility Tips

For detailed accessibility information, consider venues' features.
Confirm: Call ahead to verify accessibility for specific venues, especially older establishments or smaller shops.
Transport: Utilize accessible transportation options like ART buses.
Routes: Plan routes avoiding steep hills or uneven sidewalks if mobility is limited.

Travel Tip: Stay Hydrated, Save Money

Pack a reusable water bottle. Asheville's tap water tastes good, and refilling it conserves money and lessens plastic waste.

Asheville Travel Hacks