For the top Asheville experience, live like a local in one of our luxurious downtown Asheville rentals or our beautiful Asheville NC rentals. All of Yonder’s vacation rentals in Asheville are close to the top attractions this beautiful city has to offer. Once you have settled in, you are ready to wander around the famous North Carolina Blue Ridge mountains, savor Asheville’s artistic culture and historic architecture, and meet wonderful local neighbors.
Exploring The River Arts District (RAD) is one of the best things to do in Asheville! Local pastimes include going shopping, spending time outdoors, and enjoying great dining. You can’t miss the restaurants, art galleries and studios, and gorgeous natural scenery… Things you can only enjoy at Asheville RAD!
The History of The River Arts District
What started as the main industrial area of Asheville in the late 1800s became the city’s current favorite spot. The River Arts District has something for all, from dashing restaurants and mouth-watering coffee to vibrant skateparks and unique artwork.
It wasn’t always this amazing artistic mix, though. Originally, warehouses, mills, and factories were the only thing one could find, but they were slowly abandoned. The worn-out, empty buildings stood there for decades. Since artists usually need large spaces to express themselves freely, this became the perfect artistic hang-out around the 1980s.
After two decades of artistic transformation, The River Arts District has become a creative housing area and a poetic paradise for over 200 local artists and visitors. It might as well be an outdoor interactive museum that stretches over miles! Colorful murals, glorious sculptures, rich graffiti, and revolutionary paintings honor the community.
There are art galleries, live music, studios, dining, and more. It’s a must-visit if you’re exploring North Carolina, as it’s great for all ages and groups. Find the brochures available for each area of the district to maximize the experience. Talk to the artists, experience the creative process of making an artistic piece, shop around, and bring something home with you as a souvenir.
Breweries and Restaurants
12 Bones Smokehouse
12 Bones Smokehouse is a famous joint that serves food so delicious even former president Obama had to try it. The Obamas didn’t only go once, but twice! In Obama’s words, “The two things that keep bringing [you] back here is, number one, the people, and number two, 12 Bones.” The praise is wholly earned. Every single plate is made from scratch.
Meats vary from pulled chicken to sliced beef brisket, and they’re all smoked slowly over select hardwoods, oak, and cherry. Once you’re in The River Arts District, around the Foundy Street area, the aroma coming from 12 Bones Smokehouse mesmerizes everyone.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re looking for interesting culture and gorgeous scenery on your mountain vacation, come to Asheville! Contact the team at Yonder to get started today!
The Wedge
The Wedge is one of the coolest places, and among the most popular, in the River Arts District. Decorated in an industrial artistic style with hanging metal art pieces, The Wedge is sure to impress. Enjoy rotating food trucks that service on a regular basis. Grab a bite while great live music plays. The building is considered to be historical, as it was built in 1898, and it now houses over 30 artists. Enter and find four levels: a restaurant, a wine bar, a hair salon, and a brewery.
New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium Brewing is a top-notch place to relax after a day of exploring The River Arts District. Taste a few beers and take a tour to see the “behind the scenes” of the brewing process. Enjoy the ambiance as you have a lager or a stout on the patio with a view of the river. Bring your four-legged friends! This fabulous brewery welcomes pets, and the dogs have plenty of space to play. If you don’t know what to order, get some curated flights to get the most out of New Belgium Brewing in a single day. Even though there isn’t food inside, there are food trucks right outside!
White Duck Taco
Who doesn’t love tacos? This is a must-try for anyone who is visiting Asheville. The River Arts District is filled with history and heartfelt stories. The name “white duck” comes from the nickname “pata blanca” given to the chef, who was famous for getting overly excited and talking “like a duck” (too much). With rotating menu items and affordable dining, this makes it one of the best places to eat in North Carolina.
Hi-Wire RAD Beer Garden
Hi-Wire Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina, is more than just a brewery; it’s an experience. With three locations in the city, the River Arts District (RAD) spot stands out for its unique design and vibrant atmosphere.
The 25,233 sq. ft. space is a blend of a distribution center, an indoor taproom, and an outdoor beer garden made from up-cycled shipping containers adorned with colorful murals. The taproom offers 24 unique Hi-Wire beers, including flagships, seasonals, and sour & wild ales. Local sodas and Liquid Death water are available for those who prefer non-alcoholic options. The venue also serves local ice cream and allows outside food.
The RAD location offers various fun features, including two indoor bocce courts, pinball machines, and seating for over 350 people. Hi-Wire Brewing has grown since its inception in 2013 to become a staple in Asheville’s craft beer scene. The brewery is committed to creating innovative craft beers that honor traditional brewing styles while embracing new trends.
Rad Brewing Co
Rad Brewing Co. in Asheville’s River Arts District is a community-centric brewery with quality and customer experience at the forefront. The taproom is housed in a century-old stonecutter’s workshop and offers a rustic yet inviting atmosphere.
The outdoor deck and beer garden add to the charm, providing ample seating for guests. The brewery’s draft list is ever-changing, but you can always expect a mix of modern, classic, and international styles.
The brewery’s philosophy is “beer first,” meaning that while experimenting with fruits, spices, and non-traditional ingredients, the core of each beer remains true to its base style. Combined with their small-batch brewing system, this approach allows for a wide range of styles and flavors.
While the draft list will always be in flux, Rad Brewing Co. ensures that key styles and flavor profiles are consistently available, making sure there’s something for everyone on each visit. Rad Brewing Co. is a must-visit if you’re in Asheville and looking for a brewery that combines community, variety, and quality.
Baby Bull
Baby Bull is a fast-paced burger joint brought to you by the team behind Bull and Beggar. This casual eatery delivers “euphoric fun between buns,” offering mouthwatering burgers and a range of sweet treats and beverages. The drink menu is designed to be both high-quality and affordable, perfect for a quick sip or a leisurely meal. Baby Bull is committed to speedy service without compromising on the love and kindness infused into every order.
Open from Wednesday to Monday, with slightly shorter hours on Sundays, Baby Bull is a go-to spot for burger enthusiasts. They even have a kitchen break from 3:00-4:00 PM, but don’t worry, drinks are available all day. If you want a deal, don’t miss their Monday special, a carry-over tradition from Bull and Beggar.
You can get a burger, fries, PBR, or Coca-Cola for a great price or upgrade to Lambrusco for three dollars more. It’s a blend of quality, speed, and affordability that makes Baby Bull a standout choice for anyone craving a classic, delicious burger.
Pleb Urban Winery
Pleb Urban Winery is a unique winemaking venture in Asheville, North Carolina. The winery is deeply rooted in sustainable practices, managing 7 acres of vineyards through organic and biodynamic farming.
Specializing in hybrids like Seyval Blanc and native varietals such as Catawba, Pleb is committed to promoting Western North Carolina as a burgeoning wine region. The focus is on responsible growth that aligns with environmental preservation.
The winery’s wine-making approach is all about balance and minimal intervention. By limiting modern winemaking tools, Pleb aims for transparency and quality in each bottle. This philosophy extends to their tasting room, designed to be a communal and relaxed space where wine is enjoyed as it should be among friends and community.
Sustainability is a key aspect of Pleb’s operations. Wines are served from a keg tap system, and growlers are available for take-home purchases. While bottles are offered, their use is minimized to reduce the winery’s carbon footprint.
Adding to the community vibe, Pleb hosts various events, including trivia and yoga, making it not just a place to enjoy wine but also a hub for social activities and engagement.
Coffee Shops
PennyCup Coffee Co. Tasting Room
PennyCup Coffee Co. Tasting Room in Asheville, North Carolina, is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a modern-day penny university. Drawing inspiration from the 1800s concept of penny universities, where coffee shops served as informal learning spaces, PennyCup aims to be a hub for coffee, community, and meaningful conversations.
The tasting room offers an impressive range of single-origin coffees and blends. From the floral notes of Ethiopia Yirgacheffe to the robust flavors of their Locomotive Blend, there’s something for every coffee lover.
Not to be missed are their unique blends like Abbington Green and Vivian, each crafted to offer a distinct flavor profile. For those who prefer decaffeinated options, the Pullman Car Decaf doesn’t compromise on taste.
In West Asheville on Depot Street, PennyCup Coffee Co. is about serving great coffee and creating a space where community and coffee come together. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, PennyCup offers a warm, inviting atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Ultra Coffee Bar
Ultra Coffee Bar is a specialty coffee shop and café at the bustling 5 Points intersection in Asheville’s River Arts District. Open every day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the café offers indoor and outdoor seating options for its patrons.
Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate Ultra’s full espresso bar that takes flavor seriously. All flavor shots are made in-house, using natural ingredients like organic French lavender buds and honey. The café’s Nitro Cold Brew is a standout, infused with nitrogen to create a creamy, smooth brew topped with a rich, foamy head. It’s a coffee experience akin to enjoying a pint of Guinness.
But Ultra is not just about coffee; it’s also a food haven. The café offers an extensive menu of breakfast and lunch items, catering to various dietary preferences. Everything is crafted in-house from house-made almond milk ranch to flavored mayos and pickled veggies.
The menu features a range of options like bagels, English muffins, wraps, and paninis. The pastry chef adds a sweet touch with a daily selection of muffins, cookies, bars, pies, and seasonal items.
Summit Coffee
At Summit, located in Asheville’s River Arts District, the focus is on more than just serving great coffee; it’s about creating an environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and, most importantly, fun. Open seven days a week with varying hours, this café is a hub for those who seek more than just a caffeine fix.
The team at Summit thrives on intellectual curiosity, always asking questions and seeking new information. But it’s not all serious business here. Summit believes life should be enjoyed, and this philosophy permeates every aspect of their operation.
They want work to be fun for their staff and customers to have a great time in their cafés. The goal is for anyone who interacts with Summit, in any capacity, to think, “That seems so fun.”
So, if you’re staying in one of our Asheville NC rentals and in search of a nearby café that provides more than just coffee, Summit is the place you should visit. Focusing on quality, community, and enjoyment, it’s a café that aims to make a difference while brightening your day. Come in, have fun, and be part of the Summit community.
Art Galleries
North Carolina Glass Center
The North Carolina Glass Center is a truly unique and warm space for people to appreciate art and be creative with their craft. This is a glass studio housing over 40 emerging artists and a free gallery featuring the finest glasswork. Anyone can see live glassblowing and flameworking workshops or be part of them! Either way, you’re equally welcome! Shop glasses, home décor, pendants, and more.
Curve Studios and Garden
Curve is one of the best stops you can make at The River Arts District. There is much to see at Curve Studios, including chair caning, pottery, fine art, sculptures, clothing, jewelry, and photography. Discover the hidden garden oasis, and you will find many treasures, including an eight-foot-tall chair arch! Explore the different floors inside the building and watch the artists create genius pieces you can take home.
The River Arts District Greenway
For more outdoor activities in Asheville, you might want to visit all the stunning North Carolina parks near the city. Calling out all campers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts! No one can have enough of NC’s nature. Don’t miss the Blue Ridge mountains! No one’s life is the same after experiencing them.
Thanks to The River Arts District Transportation Improvement Plan (RADTIP), safety on the road has been enhanced. This includes 2.2 miles of separated bike lanes, flood mitigation measures, and sidewalks. While traveling, you’re able to enjoy public art and gardens. It is also accessible to visitors with disabilities.
With the greenway, you can stop by 12 Bones Smokehouse and Wedge Foundation for a boost of energy! Plus, you will love the breathtaking sights of the river, creeks, and streams during the ride. Finish an unforgettable trip by trying Asheville’s greatest breweries, which are all around our downtown Asheville rentals.
The path has been named The Wilma Dykeman Greenway due to Asheville’s local Wilma Dykeman and her environmental advocacy, especially towards protecting the French Broad River. The 2.2-mile paved path was just the beginning of the RADTIP project, which planned to bring to The River Arts District a 4-mile sidewalk and Asheville’s first protected bike lane. Plus, talk about greenways! The very best parks are close to many of our rentals for you to explore as well as other Asheville things to do.
Where to Stay
Yonder Vacation Rentals has many luxury rentals in Asheville, NC and the surrounding area for any group size. You’ll only be a short drive, or even a short walk, away from local attractions and activities. You can choose to be in the heart of Asheville in one of our downtown rentals, or you can rent a home in a quieter area not far from the city.
North Carolina is known for many things, such as its BBQ and its mountains. But, most of all, it’s known for its people! Asheville is one of those places that stays with you forever after just one visit. Contact Yonder today to book your trip.
