What to do in Asheville NC while house and pet sitting

Asheville NC is in a truly idyllic setting. If walking in spectacular scenery is your thing, there are few pet sitting locations to top this small North Carolina city.

Not only does Asheville give you easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Trail, but a seriously good foodie scene has also sprung up here. So if you fancy days of fresh air and exercise followed by a meal to remember, this could be the perfect match. Just imagine: walking your new dog friend along a woodland path in the hills…

To find out more, here’s the TrustedHousesitters’ guide to what to do in Asheville NC.

Asheville NC attractions

If you love the great outdoors, you’ll find so many things to do in Asheville NC. You can hike, drive or cycle in the forests and mountains, which are easily reached from downtown.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway: known as America’s most scenic drive, this road has to be driven to be believed! It takes you through the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Keep pulling over at picnic spots and viewing platforms.

2. Mount Mitchell State Park: fancy a steeper drive? Head up to the summit of the highest mountain in the eastern States for incredible views. From May to October, there’s a museum, restaurant and gift shop.

3. Biltmore Estate: Grand doesn’t even begin to cover it. This chateau-style house was created by George Vanderbilt in 1895. There’s a self-guided tour of the rooms and glorious gardens, and don’t forget to visit the winery before you leave. The home that everyone wants to house sit...

4. Craggy Gardens: if you love flowers, try and catch Craggy Gardens in the early summer when the rhododendrons bloom. It’s beautiful all year, however, and there’s also a visitor center.

Free things to do in Asheville NC

Looking for things to do in Asheville NC that won’t blow the budget? Thanks to the glorious landscape, there are thousands and thousands of acres to explore, and you won’t have to pay much more than the cost of your gas and a picnic. Downtown Asheville is also a great place to wander around in.

1. Pisgah National Forest: with 500,000 acres of slopes, woods, waterfalls and paths, there’s a lot of scope for some fabulous dog walking in the forest. The nearest access is just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville.

2. Appalachian Trail: speaking of walking… The iconic 2,200 mile trail passes through Asheville, so you can easily go home afterwards claiming to have hiked the trail. Even if you just go for walkies along a mile or two of the trail, it’s a Must Do experience.

3. River Arts District: if you love art, you can easily spend hours in the RAD. Simply the best place for a potter, and there are plenty of great cafes, bars and stores, too.

4. Downtown Asheville NC: it’s a lovely place to mooch around. Get to know Asheville when you first arrive simply by spending a day following your nose downtown. We’ve listed this under “free”, but when you find all those places to eat and shop...

Best restaurants in Asheville NC. Food and drink

If you love eating out, you’re pet sitting in the right place. Asheville has developed quite a reputation as a foodie destination, with chefs leaving the big cities to set up in this pretty mountain town.

Here are the best restaurants in Ashville NC for long, lazy lunches; and if you’re wondering what to do at night in Asheville NC, delicious dinners: 

Restaurants for Lunch in Asheville

1. Corner Kitchen: call here for lunch before or after visiting Biltmore Estate. It’s a seriously cute and cozy place serving local produce. The home-style food is delicious and comforting in equal measure. 

2. Curate: proper Spanish tapas served in a wonderful former bus depot on Baltimore Avenue. Authentic Spanish food made with delicious local ingredients. The wine list is equally fabulous (so maybe make a reservation for dinner, too).

3. Chai Pani: incredible Indian street food in a colorful environment. It’s casual and friendly, and the food is simply divine. Try a bhaji, or if you want a heartier lunch, check out their thalis. They also do take-out.

4. White Duck Taco: there’s a choice of three WDTs in Asheville. The great news for pet sitters is that they’re all dog friendly! Try the waterfront Duck on Riverside Drive. Just feels right…

5. Hole Donuts: a coffee and a donut counts as lunch, right? Donuts are made fresh to order and are just what you need after your morning dog walk.

Restaurants for Dinner in Asheville

1. Gan Shan Station: this converted gas station provides the best location for this lively East Asian restaurant. If you like dumplings, you cannot leave Asheville before having at least one meal here.

2. Sovereign Remedies: local food served at the bar, to be enjoyed with one of the restaurant’s awesome cocktails. Lovely vintage atmosphere.

3. Haywood Common: the place to go for Appalachian cuisine. Try and grab an outdoor patio table. They’re famous for their fries.

4. 12 Bones Smokehouse: if it’s good enough for President Obama, we’ll definitely give it a go! Ribs, pulled pork, cornbread, pickle...It’s great value, too.

5. Nightbell: this is one of the best restaurants in downtown Asheville NC. Appalachian food served in a gorgeous-looking setting (definitely one for Insta). Great for puddings.

When people ask, “What is there to do in Asheville NC?”, the answer is, rather a lot! It’s an especially good place to be if you like a walk or ride in the woods and hills, followed by some hearty food (and maybe a local beer). 

We hope this has been a handy introduction to this beautiful mountain city, and that the idea of hanging out with a lovely pet in Asheville appeals to you.

What to do in Asheville with your pet

With easy access to hills, mountains and forests, Asheville is a fantastic place for dog walking. There’s plenty to do with your new canine friend if you’re pet sitting in Asheville!

1. Big Butt Trail: we like this trail and we cannot lie. It’s a short drive out of town, then it’s a five-mile hike through beautiful woodlands. If you have a fit and active dog that loves an adventure, try this one.
   
2. Caroline Mountain Trail: there’s a choice of dog-friendly walks, with trails suitable for dogs of all fitness levels. 
   
3. Battery Park Book Exchange: this place is everything. It has books, wine and encourages dogs. There’s even live music on some days. Honestly, can you imagine anything more chill?
   
4. French Broad River Park: there’s a special doggie play area in this pleasant riverside park. There are a few dedicated dog parks in town, and they’re definitely worth checking out if you’re sitting a lively pup.

Hoping to house or pet sit in Asheville NC?

If Asheville sounds like a great place to pet sit, take a look at our Find a House Sit page. We have homes and pet owners in Asheville and other fantastic locations, just waiting to connect with someone like you. 

With its forests and pathways, Asheville is especially good if you love to take a dog out for walkies, and the great food scene is perfect for your leisure time. Recently joined our pack? Here’s a bit more about life as a TrustedHousesitters’ pet sitter.