Asheville was the first official stop on the Great American Roadtrip in my Airstream trailer. With the goal of visiting as many national parks as possible, I saw one picture of the Blue Ridge Parkway and I knew I had to see it for myself.

We parked at a tiny campground outside of Asheville at the foothills of Pisgah National Forest. After the hustle and bustle of moving from Guam to the U.S. this summer, remodeling an Airstream, and client work in Dominican Republic, I was ready for the slow life.

Asheville was the perfect spot for the Hubs and I to catch our breath and enjoy this new life of ours.

What to Do in Asheville

We spent our days driving the gorgeous two-lane Blue Ridge Parkway and our nights exploring the charming streets of downtown Asheville. We planned a few hikes to waterfalls and with the leaves peeking a gorgeous orange and red, I was stoked to put my drone in the air and take it all in. We stumbled onto a hoe down of sorts on the Parkway, where I was whisked onto the dance floor by a very suave elderly man. The Hubs looked on in amusement. It made me feel like I was exploring a culture for the first time, which is what I hoped this roadtrip would offer. (It was hard to leave Guam just for the fact that Asia travel was so easy from there.)

Touring the Biltmore Mansion and gardens was a highlight, even if it the most expected thing to do in Asheville.

What to Eat in Asheville

I got recommendations from locals about where to eat and they were spot on. Try the housemade ravioli at Rezaz Mediterranean Restaurant, which is near the Biltmore. Head over the hip Nightbell downtown for drinks and tapas. The shrimp and grits at Pomodoros Greek & Italian Cafe was to die for. And for the best salsa ever made, dine at Mamas and Beers, an unassuming Mexican restaurant right outside of town.

Asheville is hip and unpretentious town that attracts immigrants from all over. We had a lovely chat with a waitress from Ireland who said the mountains called to her so she came. I can see how that’s true for both the tourists and the residents of Asheville.

Have you driven the Blue Ridge Parkway?