Asheville, North Carolina is a hidden gem for digital nomads, with its stunning natural beauty, thriving arts and culture scene, and abundance of outdoor activities. From local coffee shops and restaurants to lesser-known hiking trails and scenic drives, there are many hidden gems in Asheville that are worth exploring. So if you’re looking for a unique and vibrant city to call home, consider making Asheville your next destination.
Coffee Shops
Asheville is known for its thriving coffee culture, and there are many great coffee shops to choose from. Some of the best local spots include:
- High Five Coffee – This cozy coffee shop in downtown Asheville serves up delicious coffee and espresso drinks, as well as pastries and light bites. With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s a great spot to work or relax.
- Trade and Lore – Located in the River Arts District, Trade and Lore is a hip and trendy coffee shop that also serves beer and wine. With its industrial-chic decor and ample seating, it’s a great spot to work or meet up with friends.
- BattleCat Coffee Bar – This funky coffee shop in West Asheville has a retro vibe and serves up delicious coffee and espresso drinks. With its colorful decor and outdoor seating area, it’s a fun spot to hang out and get some work done.
Restaurants
Asheville is also known for its thriving food scene, with a wide range of restaurants and cafes to choose from. Here are some local favorites:
- Buxton Hall Barbecue – This popular barbecue joint in South Slope serves up delicious smoked meats and Southern sides. With its casual atmosphere and outdoor seating area, it’s a great spot to grab a bite with friends or family.
- Curate – This upscale Spanish tapas restaurant in downtown Asheville is a must-visit for foodies. With its delicious small plates and extensive wine list, it’s a great spot for a date night or special occasion.
- Nine Mile – This Caribbean-inspired restaurant in Montford serves up delicious dishes like jerk chicken and plantains. With its laid-back atmosphere and outdoor seating area, it’s a great spot to grab a bite and soak up the local vibe.
Hiking Trails
Asheville is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and there are many great hiking trails to explore. Here are some lesser-known trails that are worth checking out:
- Rattlesnake Lodge Trail – This 3.2-mile trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. With its moderate difficulty level and beautiful scenery, it’s a great spot for a day hike.
- Craggy Pinnacle Trail – This 1.4-mile trail in the Craggy Mountains offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. With its relatively easy difficulty level and beautiful scenery, it’s a great spot for a quick hike.
- Bent Creek Experimental Forest – This 6,000-acre forest near Asheville offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs. With its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, it’s a great spot to explore for an afternoon or a whole day.
Scenic Drives
Asheville is also home to many scenic drives that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Here are some local favorites:
- Blue Ridge Parkway – This iconic scenic drive offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding valleys. With its many overlooks and hiking trails, it’s a great spot to explore for a day or a weekend.
- Craggy Gardens – This scenic drive in the Craggy Mountains offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. With its beautiful scenery and easy accessibility, it’s a great spot for a quick drive or picnic.
- Elk Mountain Scenic Highway – This winding mountain road offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. With its challenging twists and turns, it’s a great spot for a scenic drive or motorcycle ride.
Arts and Culture
Asheville is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, museums, and performance venues to explore. Here are some local favorites:
- The Asheville Art Museum – This museum in downtown Asheville features a wide range of contemporary and modern art, as well as rotating exhibits and educational programs.
- The Orange Peel – This popular music venue in downtown Asheville hosts a wide range of local and national acts, from indie rock to hip hop.
- The River Arts District – This historic neighborhood along the French Broad River is home to many galleries and studios, showcasing the work of local artists and artisans.
Outdoor Activities
Asheville is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. Here are some local favorites:
- Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures – This zipline tour in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and forests, as well as a thrilling adventure.
- French Broad River – This scenic river offers many opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing, as well as fishing and swimming.
- Pisgah National Forest – This vast wilderness area near Asheville offers many opportunities for hiking, camping, and mountain biking, as well as stunning waterfalls and scenic drives.
Local Events
Asheville is also home to many local events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and community. Here are some annual events to check out:
- Asheville Beer Week – This week-long celebration of craft beer in Asheville features many events and tastings, showcasing the city’s thriving brewery scene.
- LEAF Festival – This biannual music and arts festival in Black Mountain features local and national acts, as well as workshops and activities for all ages.
- Biltmore Blooms – This annual event at the Biltmore Estate features stunning displays of spring flowers and gardens, as well as special tours and events.
In Conclusion
Asheville, North Carolina is a hidden gem for digital nomads, with its stunning natural beauty, thriving arts and culture scene, and abundance of outdoor activities. From local coffee shops and restaurants to lesser-known hiking trails and scenic drives, there are many hidden gems in Asheville that are worth exploring. So if you’re looking for a unique and vibrant city to call home, consider making Asheville your next destination.