Asheville Weekend on a Budget

Hand-basilica

Asheville is like a cosmopolitan hippie town in the mountains, known for its breweries, Southern restaurants and adorable boutiques. Not everyone can afford to live like a Vanderbilt, the family known for the sprawling Biltmore Estate, but that doesn't mean you can't get the full Asheville experience. Eat some delicious barbecue, catch a bluegrass performance and soak up the scenery you've seen in movies like Last of the Mohicans, Bull Durham and The Fugitive.

A hostel named after two goldfish may sound like an odd place to stay in Asheville, but you can't find prices cheaper than Bon Paul & Sharky's. Dorm rooms are $24 per night, private rooms are $65 per night and you can camp in the backyard for only $15. Linens are included, as is internet, lockers and access to the kitchen and hot tub. ... More >
A hostel named after two goldfish may sound like an odd place to stay in Asheville, but you can't find prices cheaper than Bon Paul & Sharky's. Dorm rooms are $24 per night, private rooms are $65 per night and you can camp in the backyard for only $15. Linens are included, as is internet, lockers and access to the kitchen and hot tub. The hostel is less than ten minutes from downtown, so you can enjoy all the perks of Asheville without the price tag.
If you're interested in gorgeous architecture and can't afford the hefty price of a ticket to Biltmore Estate, the Basilica of St. Lawrence is free and open to the public. The basilica is named after a deacon of the Catholic Church who was martyred in Roman times. You can visit it for mass every day and admire the stained glass windows... More >
If you're interested in gorgeous architecture and can't afford the hefty price of a ticket to Biltmore Estate, the Basilica of St. Lawrence is free and open to the public. The basilica is named after a deacon of the Catholic Church who was martyred in Roman times. You can visit it for mass every day and admire the stained glass windows and arched roof.
It holds over 900 people and was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top venues in the country.
This bookstore and cafe offers a selection for every type of bookworm. Whether you're interested in travel, GLBT, political, fiction or non-fiction, Malaprop's has you covered. The store is also known for their book signings and events and have hosted notable authors like Elizabeth Gilbert and Chuck Palahniuk. If you're having trouble ... More >
This bookstore and cafe offers a selection for every type of bookworm. Whether you're interested in travel, GLBT, political, fiction or non-fiction, Malaprop's has you covered. The store is also known for their book signings and events and have hosted notable authors like Elizabeth Gilbert and Chuck Palahniuk. If you're having trouble deciding, check out the Staff Picks section.
After completing the Grove Park Inn, millionaire E.W. Grove designed this elegant shopping center, which remained unfinished for many years due to World War II, but was restored to its former glory in 2002. The Grove Arcade has restaurants and gourmet groceries, art galleries and boutiques. The bustling Portico Market outside offers ha... More >
After completing the Grove Park Inn, millionaire E.W. Grove designed this elegant shopping center, which remained unfinished for many years due to World War II, but was restored to its former glory in 2002. The Grove Arcade has restaurants and gourmet groceries, art galleries and boutiques. The bustling Portico Market outside offers handicrafts by local vendors.
Why not catch some live music while you're in town? The Orange Peel is the most popular venue in town and has hosted famous acts like Bob Dylan, Lauryn Hill and the Beastie Boys. It holds over 900 people and was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top venues in the country. If you want something authentic, check out a bluegra... More >
Why not catch some live music while you're in town? The Orange Peel is the most popular venue in town and has hosted famous acts like Bob Dylan, Lauryn Hill and the Beastie Boys. It holds over 900 people and was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top venues in the country. If you want something authentic, check out a bluegrass act.
The Grove Arcade has restaurants and gourmet groceries, art galleries and boutiques.
If you're looking for a bite before a show at the Orange Peel, Mamacitas is right next door. You can get a variety of fillings for your taco, including pork, chicken, steak, fish or veggies for all those vegetarians. For those who want something more hearty, Mamacitas also offers burritos, nachos, quesadillas and even fresh salads.  More
If you're looking for a bite before a show at the Orange Peel, Mamacitas is right next door. You can get a variety of fillings for your taco, including pork, chicken, steak, fish or veggies for all those vegetarians. For those who want something more hearty, Mamacitas also offers burritos, nachos, quesadillas and even fresh salads.
Map View Hide Map

About the Author

Caroline Eubanks
Caroline Eubanks
Caroline Eubanks is a freelance writer and travel blogger living in Atlanta, GA. She is Southern by birth, but a traveler by fate. She enjoys drinking Cokes for breakfast, shamelessly flashing press passes and adding pins to her travel map. Follow her on Twitter (@cairinthecity).
×
×
Uptake

Did you know that your Internet Explorer is out of date?


To get the best possible experience using our website we recommend that you upgrade to a newer version.

Close