s I went back to Asheville like I do every couple of months, but this time, I took my girlfriends with me. It was a mere two-hour drive, close enough for us to take the drive, but also far enough not to be bothered. Everyone had something going on in their personal lives, and this trip was meant to help us get away from that. We wanted to relax but also have some fun. I had to show them a good time.

If you’ve been keeping up with my blog, you know I’m very Type A when it comes to vacation planning. I create the itinerary, find the restaurants, museums, attractions, and put them in my Notion so we know exactly what we’re doing. I do this for most of my trips, but this wasn’t one of them. This trip was for me and my girls to dili dali. That’s the translation for spontaneously finding our way and enjoying our trip.

I wanted to show my girls the parts of the city I love most. The people, architecture, food, mountains, and nightlife. And just for one weekend, enjoy ourselves and let loose.

Where to stay in Asheville

Where do you stay with a group of girls when you’re trying to make the best out of a trip in Asheville? If you’re staying in the city, I recommend Downtown Asheville. The AC Hotel is perfect for a group of friends. It’s modern, minimal, and spacious enough to share for a group of 4. And there’s parking too. Perfect if you prefer to walk everywhere. The hotel is close to restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs, which is great if you would rather stay in the center of Downtown Asheville.

Start your morning with Coffee & Breakfast

There’s nothing like starting your day with a delicious breakfast and a cup of coffee in the mountains, and even better? Having your girlfriends there with you. Start with a slow early morning at a nearly empty restaurant, before the rest of Asheville wakes up.

Time felt like it slowed down completely to accommodate my girls and me, so we could fully enjoy each other’s company. We ate at the Bomba Cafè. Beautiful, cozy, and intimate. The food there is delicious. The atmosphere is the best part. If you’re not careful, you could chat for hours without realizing it.

Other incredible spots:

• Biscuit Head
• Mother

Spend the day exploring Asheville

If you’re planning on shopping in Asheville, you have to do it the right way. Visit every local boutique, vintage shop, bookstore, and art gallery. This is where you and your girlfriends should take your time exploring, enjoy walking around in Downtown Asheville, and get lost in the city.

If you like something, buy it; chances are, you may not go back before the end of your trip. We all want to sincerely believe that we will, but you most likely won’t. So buy it the first time.

Don’t forget to take pictures of your experience. My favorite photo spot is in front of the Battery Park bookstore; I talk about it in one of my posts. It has an incredible background for the perfect friend group photo.

Make time for lunch

Find a cute restaurant, order delicious food, and chat for as long as you need, because what’s the rush? The important question is whether you prefer a casual lunch or somewhere a little nicer. There are a few restaurant options in Downtown Asheville:

• La Pizza Party
• Good Hot Fish
• Pie Zaa

My personal favorite lunch spots:

• Chai Pani
• Red Ginger Dimsum & Tapas
• Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse

Add something relaxing

The whole point of a trip is to go out, explore, and enjoy yourself, especially when you’re with your girlfriends. But self-care matters, and relaxing is part of it. Whatever that looks like to you. Rest up, take an hour or two to lounge, and order in food from your hotel room. Take a nap. Sit around and chat with your girlfriends; have a slow afternoon.

Dinner and a little night out

The best part of a girls’ weekend trip is going out to dinner and a little night out, in my opinion. Get dressed and go to a fancy restaurant. There are a few good ones in downtown Asheville; Ukaih Japanese Smokehouse is my personal favorite. Take some pictures before you go out, because one day, you’re going to look back, and this weekend is going to be a blur. Truly enjoy dinner, put your phones away, chat, and enjoy one another’s company. Walk around afterward and do something fun.

The AC Hotel has a rooftop; I highly recommend checking it out. They have a bar up and great music. If you don’t feel like heading out but still want a nice drink, or you want to dance a little, just take the elevator instead of leaving the building.

A simple 2-Day Asheville Girls’ Weekend Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

• Drive to Asheville
• Coffee/Breakfast at Bomba Cafè

Afternoon 

• Check in at the AC Hotel
• Explore Downtown Asheville
• Shopping
• Take pictures

Evening

• Dinner at Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
• Head to the AC Hotel Rooftop afterwards
• Head back to the hotel and relax

Day 2

Morning 

• Checkout
• Slow breakfast at Mother

Afternoon

• Take a short drive and explore the Biltmore area
• Shopping/activities
• Lunch

Later Afternoon

• Take one last stroll
• Head Home

The little things that made the trip special

It doesn’t necessarily matter where you go, or even what you do. The little moments with your girlfriends are what make it memorable. Singing in the car, taking pictures and making lifelong memories, random conversations, laughing, and just getting away from responsibilities. Being present with your friends, with no distractions. That’s the best part. But if you can do all that in Asheville, even better!