DO
Take a drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile path that leads through meadows, mountains and historic farm lands, and stop for a picnic at one of the many lodges and camping grounds. On your drive, make sure to stop by Craggy Gardens Lookout Point, a majestic and popular mountain lookout.
Downtown Asheville has many different trendy clothing stores that offer a wide range of lesser-known designers and labels. Some of the most popular clothing shops for women are Minx, Zakya and Honey Pot. Honey Pot offers dresses, shirts and skirts designed and made by local Asheville artists. For the more environmentally-conscious shopper, Spiritex offers solely clothing made out of organic and all-natural cloth.
For nightlife, check out the band listings for The Orange Peel, a popular venue that hosts both national and local acts. It’s having a local musician showcase on March 7, and tickets are reasonably priced. There are also some bigger bands and names performing during spring break at The Orange Peel. Meshell Ndegeocello, a singer/bassist who concentrates on issues of gender and race, will be performing March 9, and Built To Spill is scheduled to play March 11.
If the ticket prices at The Orange Peel are a little too steep, check out the other lesser-known venues in Asheville. The Grey Eagle is a venue that hosts independent alternative, indie, folk and bluegrass bands and has prices fitting to students on a budget. The Warehouse hosts little known bands with styles ranging from underground rap to electronic.
CONSUME
After hiking and shopping all day, it’s time to check out some of Asheville’s downtown restaurants and nightlife. Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company offers $3 movies all day with many varieties of pizza available for order and also serves locally brewed beer.
For the non-carnivores, Laughing Seed Café and Rosetta’s Kitchen are popular vegan/vegetarian restaurants downtown. They both offer international vegetarian dishes and are moderately priced. The New French Bar is a trendy, new wave-themed restaurant that serves as a local favorite. After dinner, stop by Old Europe Café to drool over the extensive European dessert bar and have an espresso before going next door to the adjacent nightclub.
STAY
When looking for a place to stay, first check Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel. It offers reasonable rates and room choices with many amenities included in the nightly price. There are kennels on the premises if you want to bring your dogs and there is a back-deck hot tub available for guest use on chilly nights.
If the hostel is full and you are still searching for a place to stay, The Comfort Suites at The Biltmore Mall offers decent rates and is located close to downtown.
