Welcome to Knobview Retreat! We're so glad you chose to stay with us during your time in Asheville. This guide has been curated to help you make the most of your visit — whether you're here for amazing food, beautiful hikes, or unique local treasures. Each entry includes a clickable link so you can easily check menus, directions, and details. Relax, explore, and enjoy your stay!
01
Before You Go
Insider Tips
Little things that make a big difference — straight from your hosts.
Explore Downtown Asheville
Boutiques, bookstores, galleries, and world-class food. Start at exploreasheville.com, or get the local perspective at When In Asheville and Romantic Asheville.
Free Hiking Supplies
Grab what you need from the garage: hiking sticks, water bottle, picnic blanket, backpack with first aid kit, and two rain ponchos — all yours to borrow.
Reserve Dinner Early
Popular dinner spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book Curate, The Admiral, or Zambra as soon as your itinerary is set.
Waterfall Hikes
Bring water shoes for trail sections near waterfalls (DuPont, Catawba Falls, Graveyard Fields). Traction matters on wet rocks.
Layer Up for Elevation
Temperature drops noticeably at higher elevations. Pack a light jacket even on warm days — especially for Mount Mitchell and Black Balsam Knob.
Hidden Gem
Don't leave Asheville without trying the jalapeño hushpuppies at Okie Dokies BBQ. Seriously — they're legendary.
Downtown Parking
Use the Flowbird App to pay for downtown parking from your phone — no fumbling for quarters required.
Rainy Day Ideas
Explore the River Arts District (dozens of studios open to visitors) or start the day with brunch at Sunny Point Café.
Take Better Photos
A tripod is available in the laundry room — perfect for group shots and golden-hour deck panoramas.
Forgot a Charging Cable?
Loaner charging cables are available in the cabinet to the right of the refrigerator. We've got you covered.
Ready to book your stay?
Knobview Retreat · Swannanoa, NC · Blue Ridge Mountains · 2,900 ft elevation
02
Where to Eat
Restaurants & Dining
From farm-to-table brunch to romantic tapas bars — Asheville's food scene punches well above its weight.
Giant biscuits, homemade jams — the quintessential mountain breakfast.
Fried-to-order doughnuts with creative seasonal toppings. Worth the wait.
Southern comfort in a charming Victorian house in Black Mountain.
Farm-to-table Southern breakfast — a downtown Asheville institution.
Garden-to-table comfort food; ideal on a rainy morning.
California-Mexican fusion with bright flavors and a relaxed vibe.
Beloved historic brunch spot in Biltmore Village.
Southern comfort in a Victorian house — great at any hour.
Vegetarian global flavors with inventive cocktails.
Grass-fed, locally sourced burgers done right.
Creative, wood-fired pizza combos you won't find elsewhere.
Reliable pizza and excellent local craft beer.
All-day breakfast tacos — casual, quick, and delicious.
Upscale, entirely gluten-free friendly menu downtown.
Southern classics elevated — try the fried chicken.
Globally inspired tacos in the River Arts District.
Indian lunch buffet — great value and generous portions.
Funky, laid-back pizza joint with a lively atmosphere.
Caribbean comfort food with bold, warming spices.
Famous BBQ — slow-smoked perfection in the River Arts District.
A fitting stop for hikers and adventurers — hearty, satisfying meals with a mountain spirit.
Curate Reserve Early
Spanish tapas in a beautifully designed space. One of Asheville's best.
Eclectic upscale dining in a converted bus depot — unexpected and memorable.
Indian street food done brilliantly — James Beard Award winner.
Gastropub menu paired with outstanding craft beers.
Inventive American cuisine in an airy, welcoming space.
Classic Italian warmth — like Sunday dinner at a friend's house.
Italian comfort food with a thoughtful wine list.
Zambra Romantic
Moody, romantic tapas bar — great for a special evening out.
French bistro fare done simply and superbly.
Seasonal Italian with beautiful handmade pasta.
Fresh seafood — a surprising find in the mountains.
Diner-style classics with a nostalgic, comforting atmosphere.
Whole-hog BBQ and Southern sides in a converted roller rink — legendary.
Okie Dokies Host Fave
Don't miss the jalapeño hushpuppies. Seriously — you'll be glad you didn't.
Good Company Pizza Closest to Retreat
Great pizza and the nearest option to Knobview Retreat — a go-to for easy nights in.
Classic, old-school pizza with loyal local following.
Wood-fired pies in the River Arts District — beautifully charred and seasonal.
03
Get Outside
Hikes Near Knobview Retreat
Some of the most spectacular trails in the East are minutes from your door. Click any trail name to open AllTrails.
Easy
Moderate
Strenuous
🌊 Waterfall trail
| Trail | Drive Time | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Berea Trail | 11 min | Easy | Creekside loop near Warren Wilson College |
| Shopes Creek | 20 min | Moderate | ⚠️ Closed for repairs |
| Graybeard Trail | 30 min | Moderate–Strenuous | Scenic loop or summit option |
| Catawba Falls | 30 min | Easy–Moderate | 🌊 Beautiful waterfall hike |
| Bent Creek Forest | 35 min | Easy–Moderate | Network of trails, great for biking and walking |
| Craggy Gardens | 45 min | Moderate | Panoramic views and rhododendron blooms |
| Lookout Trail | 30 min | Moderate | Short but steep climb with great views |
| Rattlesnake Lodge | 40 min | Moderate | Historic ruins and shaded forest trail |
| Bearwallow Mountain | 45 min | Moderate | Open summit with 360° views and grazing cows |
| Mount Mitchell | 1 hr | Strenuous | Highest peak east of the Mississippi |
| Mt. Mitchell — Balsam Nature Trail | 1 hr | Easy | Fantastic hike through Fraser firs with balsam aromas |
| DuPont State Forest | 1 hr | Easy–Moderate | 🌊 Triple Falls, High Falls, and more |
| Graveyard Fields | 1 hr | Easy–Moderate | 🌊 Waterfalls and blueberry picking in season |
| Black Balsam Knob | 1 hr 15 min | Moderate | Bald summit with sweeping mountain views |
| Max Patch | 1 hr 30 min | Easy–Moderate | Iconic Appalachian bald — picnic-perfect, unmissable views |
| Rocky Fork to Flint Gap | 1 hr | Moderate | 🌊 Creek-side out-and-back with multiple waterfalls and rustic bridges — Cherokee National Forest, TN |
04
Raise a Glass
Craft Breweries & Cideries
Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city — with roughly 100 craft beers on tap across town. Plan a self-guided brewery tour or just wander in wherever the hops take you.
🏆
Wicked Weed Brewing Must Visit
One of Asheville's most celebrated breweries, known for bold IPAs and award-winning sour ales. The Funkatorium barrel-aging facility is a pilgrimage for serious beer lovers.
The beloved Fat Tire brewer has a beautiful Asheville taproom right on the French Broad River with a massive outdoor deck — perfect for a sunny afternoon.
🎨
Hi-Wire Brewing Local Fave
A lively taproom in the South Slope with an eclectic rotating lineup. Known for approachable, well-balanced beers and a fun, circus-themed vibe.
A Western NC original with deep roots in the region. The Asheville location is spacious and welcoming, with an extensive tap list and food menu.
Asheville's first legal brewery (est. 1994) sits atop a hill with sweeping mountain views. The outdoor amphitheater hosts live music on summer weekends.
A neighborhood staple with great craft beer and wood-fired pizza. Known for a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere and movies projected on the wall.
A newer gem on the South Slope specializing in creative, small-batch beers. Great place to discover something unexpected — the experimental tap list is always rotating.
🍎
Urban Orchard Cider Co. Cider
Not a beer drinker? Urban Orchard crafts outstanding small-batch ciders from local and regional apples. Dry, semi-sweet, and fruit-forward options available.
The Explore Asheville site maintains the most comprehensive, up-to-date list of every brewery and cidery in town — worth bookmarking for your visit.
💡 Pro tip — South Slope Brewery District: Many of Asheville's best breweries are clustered in the South Slope neighborhood, just a short walk south of downtown. It's easy to hop between Wicked Weed, Hi-Wire, and others on foot. Consider making an afternoon of it — most have food or food trucks on-site.
05
Explore & Browse
Shopping & Strolling
From local art studios to upscale boutiques — Asheville rewards slow exploration.
Boutiques, independent bookstores, galleries, and street performers — the vibrant heart of the city.
Over 200 working artists in converted warehouse studios. Watch glassblowers, potters, and painters at work.
Upscale boutiques, galleries, and cafés set in beautifully preserved historic buildings near the Biltmore Estate.
Just 9 miles away — a quaint, walkable town with antiques, handmade crafts, and a lovely main street.
A stunning 1929 public market building filled with local vendors, specialty foods, and unique gifts.
Brand-name deals across a wide range of stores — good option for a rainy afternoon or restocking supplies.
The locals' guide to Asheville — written by people who live and breathe the city. Great for finding hidden gems.
A comprehensive travel guide to Asheville with especially strong coverage of romantic dining and getaway ideas.