The Saturday Itinerary: North Asheville
Before purchasing their dream property in the 828, many future residents want to spend a weekend in Asheville to "test drive" their potential neighborhood and imagine what their everyday life in the mountains could be like. For instance, which coffee shop will have your usual morning latte? Which shop will have that perfectly cozy candle that makes your new house feel like home? And arguably most important: what fresh finds from the farmer’s market will earn a permanent place on your weekly shopping list? (Keep reading to find out our predictions for this one.) Plan all your next adventures with our Ultimate 2026 Guide to North Asheville
As proud Ashevillians who have lived, worked, and played in this beautiful corner of WNC for decades, we’ve created a locals-sanctioned Saturday itinerary with the best things to do North Asheville. We might be slightly biased, but we have a feeling that your first Saturday in North Asheville won’t be your last:
Morning
Greet the day by grabbing a London Fog and a freshly-baked pastry—our sights are set on the Lemon Poppyseed Scone or Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish—at Mattie Lou's Cafe and Bakery (former site of Asheville-favorite, Geraldine’s Bakery). After proper caffeination, swing by Beaver Lake for a scenic walk and birdwatching. The 2-mile perimeter trail around the lake is flat and scenic, making it ideal for a post-breakfast amble.
On the first Saturday of every month, birding enthusiasts gather for guided walks through the adjacent Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary. These expert-led outings begin at 9 AM from October through March and at 8 AM from April through September. There are well over 220 species of birds viewable at Beaver Lake throughout the year, but we especially cherish sightings of the graceful Great Blue Heron and the orange-banded Belted Kingfisher.
If you’re an early riser, you’ll thrive at the North Asheville Tailgate Market—aka the #1 Farmers Market in WNC. The year-round Saturday morning market is hosted on UNCA’s campus and features 70+ vendors offering everything from seasonal produce to vibrant flower bouquets to handcrafted body care products. Remember our earlier comment about predicting your farmer’s market favorites? Our bets are on Ivy Creek Family Farm veggies, Ali Rae’s dressings, Barnhouse Kitchen’s savory pies, Darë’s vegan cheese, and Dolci di Maria’s gluten-free desserts.
Sunday Bonus:On Sunday, make your way to Mountain Madre Mexican Kitchen & Agave Bar for a brunch that is anything but ordinary. Whether opting for their indulgent Breakfast Chimichanga, savory Huevos Rancheros Grits Bowl, or sweet and fluffy Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, every dish is packed with flavor and flair, making it impossible to pick a favorite. Pair with a Mimosa Flight, Michelada, or Bloody Maria, and toast to a North Asheville weekend so memorable that you’ll be browsing homes and buzzing with possibility (and probably prosecco) before brunch is over.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, we recommend browsing the local shops on Merrimon Ave or visiting the Asheville Botanical Gardens. Some of our frequented shops include Clothes Encounters (think high-end, curated consignment), Points of Light Crystals & Minerals, and The Wyvern’s Tale. This gamer-friendly hub offers role-playing games, board games, miniatures, and hobby supplies, plus an upstairs space for D&D groups. Merrimon Ave is also home to Raven & Crone, a metaphysical store offering witchy supplies, books, and decor, and Comic Envy, a mecca for comic lovers that offers single-issue comics, graphic novels, and toys/collectibles.
Nestled beside UNCA’s campus, the 10-acre Asheville Botanical Gardens has been a quiet sanctuary amid the hustle and bustle of the city since its establishment in the early 1960s. Open daily from sunrise to sunset (with coveted free entry and parking), you can marvel at the biodiversity and Southern Appalachian flora while reading, writing, or simply walking the grounds. One such native plant you’ll find on early spring strolls is the Trillium, which also serves as the garden’s logo.
Other wildflowers you may encounter include Turk’s Cap Lily, Dutchman’s Breeches, Azaleas, and Wild Geranium. We also love catching glimpses of the Flowering Dogwood, Spicebush, and Catawba Rhododendron. The gardens also conveniently offer restrooms and a shop that carries a delightful selection of nature-themed merch, kids’ activities, and handcrafted goods by regional artisans—perfect for gifts or special keepsakes in your newly purchased North Asheville home.
The gardens are also home to a few notable markers, including the 1840s Hayes Cabin, Civil War-era Battle of Asheville Earthworks, and a “Moon Tree” planted on Arbor Day in 1976 (grown from seeds aboard the 1971 Apollo 14). One of our ideal ways to spend an afternoon is basking in the sun next to the creek with a picnic at the perfectly named Sunshine Meadow. We also love passing by the three footbridges, which always remind us of the dreamy Monet paintings at his beloved home in Giverny.
In need of an afternoon pick-me-up? Swing by PennyCup Coffee North. This local, small-batch roaster is known for its commitment to high quality—from its sustainably sourced beans to multiple “Best of WNC” honors voted on by locals. We recommend getting their signature iced “Northside" latte (with lavender, honey, and oat milk), perfectly indie and quintessential Asheville.
Evening
As your big day in North Asheville winds down, sit down to dinner at one of the amazing restaurants along Merrimon Ave, like Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian or Luella’s Bar-B-Que—true culinary giants in the North Asheville community—before heading to the Grove Park Inn for sunset cocktails on the terrace. The expansive and utterly breathtaking views of the city skyline against the Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop promise an epic close to the day’s explorations and will have you end the night in love with our “Land of Sky.”
If you’re looking for cuisine andcocktails, there are a few more places in North Asheville we recommend. Holding the title of NC’s first establishment to operate as a restaurant, brewery, and distillery all in one, Rye Knot is one of those neighborhood joints you’ll return to again and again. Their North Asheville Burger, Shaved Ribeye Sammy, and Chipotle Smoked Meatloaf are our personal go-tos. For libations, we suggest trying the Captain Bob's Flight of Four beer pours and Flight of Four Quarter spirit samples to taste the highlights and find your mainstay. With weekly specials and events (including Trivia Tuesday), it’s a hotspot for after-work hangouts or weekend gatherings when you have more time to savor.
Other highlights include Little D’s, a “for the locals” eatery serving up delicious market-fresh fare, shareable plates, and unexpected (in a good way) craft cocktails. While their menu changes with the seasons to provide the best ingredients possible, we’ve previously enjoyed their Spinach & Feta Agnolotti, Brown Sugar Ribs, and Chicken Schnitzel. For cocktails, their Blackberry Lava Lady surprises with a little kick—harmoniously blending blackberry pomegranate with arbol pepper and orange liqueur. When in the mood for something a little bubblier and brighter, we opt for their Apricot, Fig, & Plum Spritz (aka a crisp and crave-worthy combo that tastes like vacation).
Start with a Saturday, Stay for a Lifetime in North Asheville
A perfect Saturday birdwatching on Beaver Lake and browsing the North Asheville Tailgate Market is just the beginning. Get in touch with our expert real estate agents to compare neighborhoods like Lakeview Park and Grove Park.
Big moves deserve big guidance, and at GreyBeard Realty, that’s exactly what you’ll find. Whether you’re seeking a forever home in a luxury North Asheville neighborhood, an investment property near UNCA, or something in between, we’re here to make every step of the process feel efficient and exciting!