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AVL Layover Ideas Asheville Regional Airport Layover Guide

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Asheville Regional Airport

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a lover of the arts, Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina offers a variety of activities to make your layover enjoyable. Here are the top five layover ideas that you can do within 12 hours:

1. Explore the Great Outdoors

Asheville is renowned for its outdoor adventure opportunities. With four navigable rivers, miles of biking trails, and winter skiing facilities, there's something for every adventure-seeker. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, the Blue Ridge, Great Smoky, and Black Mountains offer breathtaking views, easy hiking trails, and picnic facilities.

2. Visit Historical Attractions

Asheville is home to a number of historical attractions, including George Vanderbilt’s mansion and the Biltmore Estate. Literature enthusiasts might enjoy a visit to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the home of one of America’s beloved writers. For those interested in local culture and history, there are numerous museums and cultural centers to explore.

3. Enjoy Local Entertainment

Downtown Asheville offers an active nightlife, with numerous theatre companies, an art house movie theatre, microbreweries, and mountain music venues. Whether you're into performing arts, film, or live music, you're bound to find something that suits your entertainment preferences.

4. Relax at a Spa

If you're looking to relax and rejuvenate during your layover, Asheville has a number of spas that have sprung up over the years. Whether you're in need of a massage, a facial, or simply a quiet space to unwind, a visit to a spa could be the perfect way to spend your layover.

5. Experience the Local Arts Scene

Asheville is known as one of the nation’s top arts towns, with a high concentration of artists and crafters. During your layover, consider visiting an art museum, attending a craft fair, or exploring the local galleries. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local arts scene and perhaps even take a piece of Asheville art home with you.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through AVL Airport:

  • Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
  • If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite at one of AVL's restaurants, peruse the shops, or jump on the free internet and surf galore!
  • If you are flying in business or first class (or are a member), check out where the airline club lounges are located.
  • Once you have passed through security, you can use the airport map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
  • Surf to your heart's content. Jump on Asheville Regional airport's internet (free!)
  • For those (dreaded) early-morning flights, consider one of the airport hotels on or near AVL to spend the night prior to your flight. In many cases your parking for the trip's duration is free!
  • Have a flight arriving and want a fast way to get to your destination? Here are a few taxi and limo airport service providers that service the airport.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If you have between 12 and 48 hours to spend, there's a wealth of attractions within reasonable proximity to Asheville Regional Airport. Here are a few suggestions that will allow you to experience the best of what the Asheville area has to offer:

1. Explore the Pisgah National Forest

Just a short drive from the airport, Pisgah National Forest offers a multitude of recreational activities. From hiking and fishing to mountain biking and horseback riding, this expansive wilderness is a nature lover's paradise. Don't forget to check out the stunning waterfalls and panoramic views from the forest's many scenic overlooks.

2. Discover the Historic Town of Hendersonville

Take a trip to the nearby town of Hendersonville, known for its historic charm and vibrant main street. Here, you can explore unique shops, enjoy local cuisine, and visit the Henderson County Heritage Museum. If you're a fan of apples, don't miss the Apple Festival held annually over Labor Day weekend.

3. Visit the North Carolina Arboretum

Located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, the North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden offering a variety of exhibits, gardens, and trails. It's a perfect spot for those interested in botany, ecology, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

4. Experience the Cherokee Indian Reservation

For a unique cultural experience, visit the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee people at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, watch a live performance at the outdoor drama "Unto These Hills," or try your luck at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino.

5. Tour the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

If you're a beer enthusiast, a visit to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is a must. Take a guided tour of the brewery, sample their wide variety of craft beers, and enjoy a meal at the Taproom restaurant. This world-class brewery is sure to impress even the most discerning beer connoisseurs.

Updated on: November 22, 2023