Customizable Private Day Trips out of Asheville

Asheville , United States

Customizable Private Day Trips out of Asheville

Active

(6 reviews)

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Outta Asheville specializes in curating unforgettable private tours for your family or small group, that transport you beyond the vibrant heart of Asheville, North Carolina, into the hidden treasures of its charming outskirts. Our intimate tours offer a personalized experience, inviting you to explore the quaint allure of nearby small towns. I want you to feel like you came to visit a friend that will take you to see the local sights you will love. I can customize our day to fit your needs with a variety of locations to choose from. These tours are for up to five guests, ages 12+.

Available options

Customizable Private Day Trips out of Asheville

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Fuel surcharge

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

A 35 minute drive southeast of Asheville will take us to our first stop, Saluda. It is a charming mountain town with a population of just 700. As you stroll down the picturesque Main street, you discover a delightful array of long-standing restaurants, unique shops a free mueum in the old train depot and several vibrant galleries. Since its establishment in 1878, Saluda has been a favored destination for mountain tourists. The one-street downtown has preserved its historical charm, with many of the buildings recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. One of these is Pace’s General Store, an old-fashioned hardware and general store founded in 1899, which was featured on “Our Vanishing Americana.”

Pearson’s Falls is a picturesque 90-foor waterfall nestled in the heart of Saluda, surrounded by a botanical preserve comprised of over 310 species of plants and wildflowers. Take a leisurely stroll along the ¼ mile trail to view the falls. This stop can be replaced by another if the weather is foul or guests do not want to walk the trail.

A short scenic drive will lead us to the village of Flat Rock. Here you’ll find a delightful selection of original Southern folk art, antiques, vintage treasures, jewelry, women’s clothing, and an award winning bakery. Flat Rock is home to the oldest Episcopal church in Western North Carolina built in 1836, which is open to the public most days and you can also delve into the legacy of renowned poet and writer Carl Sandburg by touring his historic estate. Flat rock offers a unique blend of culture and history.

Our final destination is Hendersonville, home to the second largest downtown in western North Carolina, right after Asheville. This vibrant area is brimming with activities, sights, and flavors to enjoy. Stroll along the beautifully landscaped Main Street, with over 100 shops and 25 restaurants, you'll find a delightful mix of locally-owned, high-quality stores and galleries to explore. In addition to the vibrant downtown scene, Hendersonville offers several free museums, including a unique pinball museum. Just outside the downtown area, you’ll find a variety of attractions, including charming orchards, scenic farms, delightful wineries, and local breweries. We can discuss ahead of time your specific interests and tailor the stops to you and your guests. From Hendersonville, we will make our way back to the Asheville area.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

No smoking or vaping allowed in the vehicle

A lot of our day trips require driving on curvy roads. If you are prone to motion sickness, please plan ahead with medication or request that we travel that don't require curvy roads.

Meeting point

If you are not within range of pickup, or simply choose to meet me, we will meet at a silver Honda Odyssey van parked in the far west area of the parking lot of the visitor center. I will be holding a small North Carolina flag.

About Asheville

Asheville is a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving arts scene, and rich history. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and culture seekers, offering a unique blend of mountain charm and urban sophistication.

Top Attractions

Biltmore Estate

America's largest home, built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, offers a glimpse into the Gilded Age. The estate includes a mansion, gardens, and winery.

Historical/Architecture 4-6 hours Moderate to Expensive ($60-$100 per adult)

Blue Ridge Parkway

A scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and waterfalls.

Nature Half-day to full day Free

River Arts District

A vibrant arts district with over 200 artists' studios, galleries, and murals, located in a historic industrial area along the French Broad River.

Cultural/Arts 2-4 hours Free to explore, costs vary for purchases and tours

Asheville Pinball Museum

A unique museum featuring over 100 playable pinball machines and arcade games from the 1960s to the present.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Budget ($15 per adult)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Biscuits and Gravy

A classic Southern breakfast dish featuring fluffy biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Slow-cooked, tender pulled pork served on a bun with coleslaw and BBQ sauce.

Lunch Contains gluten (unless served on a lettuce wrap)

Fried Chicken and Waffles

Crispy fried chicken served with sweet, fluffy waffles and maple syrup.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Zip-lining Whitewater rafting Spa treatments Yoga and meditation Scenic drives Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

September to November

Fall is the most popular time to visit Asheville due to the vibrant fall foliage, pleasant temperatures, and various festivals. It's perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's cultural attractions.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Asheville is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs or handling cash in public
• Avoid sharing personal information with strangers

Getting there

By air

Asheville Regional Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

Amtrak Asheville Station

By bus

Asheville Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with routes connecting major attractions, downtown, and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Asheville Montford West Asheville

Day trips

Chimney Rock State Park

25 miles (40 km) from Asheville • Half-day to full day

A stunning state park featuring a 315-foot chimney rock formation, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. The park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

50 miles (80 km) from Asheville • Full day to overnight

One of the most visited national parks in the U.S., offering stunning mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. The park is known for its waterfalls, scenic drives, and historic cabins.

Hendersonville

20 miles (32 km) from Asheville • Half-day to full day

A charming, historic town located in the heart of Western North Carolina's apple country. Hendersonville is known for its historic downtown, local shops, and apple orchards.

Festivals

LEAF Festival • October Asheville Wine & Food Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit the Biltmore Estate early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful lighting for photos
Explore the River Arts District on a weekend to catch studio tours and see artists at work
Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning views and photo opportunities
Try local craft beers at one of Asheville's many breweries, such as Wicked Weed Brewing or New Belgium Brewing
Sample farm-to-table cuisine at one of Asheville's many innovative, eclectic restaurants