waterfall with rocks and autumn leaves

3 Tips for Fall Trip to Asheville

August 17, 2022


Without a doubt, Fall is the busiest season in Asheville. Turning leaves call in visitors from all over the world. If you have never seen the city at its peak, you may be under-prepared for your autumn trip.

As always, the innkeepers of Asheville’s bed and breakfasts know all the tips to make your trip successful, and more importantly - ENJOYABLE.

TIP ONE: PLAN AHEAD

If you want to eat or sleep in Asheville in the month of October, just know that you’re not alone. Start making plans for your stay well before your departure from home. 

Here are three reservations you should make in advance:

  1. Where to stay. Chances are unless you booked that Pinterest Perfect vacation rental months ahead, someone else already did. Every designated sleeping spot in and around Asheville is already in hot demand, whether it's on a campsite or a luxury suite. Asheville’s bed and breakfasts are always popular, so it's best to claim your stay early.
  2. Where to eat. If you are looking to try Asheville’s most popular dining spots, book your reservation early. We can’t stress this enough. Wait times get long around town, but not for people who make a plan. It's fun to explore online menus, but if you ever need recommendations - just ask your innkeeper.
  3. Attractions and Activities. Want to zipline? Make a reservation. Tour Biltmore? Make a reservation. Enjoy mountaintop yoga at sunset? Yep, you guessed it. Make a reservation.

    mountain sunset with 2 women on a grassy slope
    Chasing sunsets in autumn!

TIP TWO: AVOID THE CROWDS

Nothing can ruin the vacation atmosphere quite as quickly as a big crowd. Whether it slows down your commute or creates long lines when you get there - congestion is a real mood killer.

How to avoid congestion:

-Don’t travel during peak hours, and check the traffic before you leave. Mid-week travel is ideal, especially if you’re driving. If you do decide to drive, make sure to check for detours before heading out. 

-Once here, if you intend to visit popular spots and restaurants, try to avoid going during peak hours. For example, if you plan to cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway, go in the morning before 11 so you can beat the crowds. Make a plan with your innkeeper, and they can provide a breakfast to-go.

TIP THREE: PREPARE FOR ADVENTURE

In order to avoid crowds and truly enjoy your Asheville vacation, you will want to take the path less traveled - literally.

a gravel path in a forest with fall leaves
Here's to finding happy trails in autumn.

Our innkeepers recommend finding new ways to enjoy the leaves. Instead of a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you might try Highway 251 instead. When you do, you will want to make sure you are ready for the adventure. Going off trail means fewer amenities like bathrooms and restaurants. We suggest you ‘go before you go’ and pack plenty of snacks and water. 

Most importantly, don’t forget to pack out what you pack in. When you take along snacks and treats, make sure you don’t leave a trail of wrappers and rubbish behind. Leave no trace so that the wild places you discover are still there for the next explorers.

Don’t forget, when it comes to North Carolina weather - ‘mild’ really means ‘wild’ - so you need to be prepared for every scenario. Sunshine happens in October, as does wind, rain - and sometimes even snow! Make sure to check the forecast before your adventure begins.

TAKE IT EASY

A trip to Asheville in October doesn’t have to be hectic or stressful if you’re willing to put a little effort into your planning. There is a reason that this season is so popular, and it’s well worth the visit.

Start planning your Asheville trip today. Click here to book your adventure.

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