Jason Frye - Moon Asheville & the Great Smoky Mountains

Known as a food city, Ashevilles cocktail scene is just as strong.

Head directly to the Biltmore Estate. Tour the Biltmore Winery, watch the blacksmith at Antler Hill Village make music with the anvil, and find lunch at Cedrics Tavern. Head downtown and check into ASIA Bed and Breakfast Spa, freshen up, and get ready to roam.

Dine downtown at Cucina 24 or at Wicked Weed Brewing, then head to nearby Orange Peel for live music. Make one last stop at The Imperial Life for a nightcap.

Start your day with breakfast at Early Girl Eatery. Window shop at Malaprops bookstore and Woolworth Walk art gallery, and dont sweat lunch: a food tour with Eating Asheville will fill you up and point you in a direction for dinner. Walk off your food tour at the Asheville Art Museum while you debate whether to dine at The Admiral, Crate, or Table.

The winding section of the Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and the southern terminus in Cherokee is quite beautiful. Before you hit the road, down a giant biscuit at Biscuit Head. Continue down the Parkway and take in the view of the Pisgah Range. Hike to Devils Courthouse and stop at Richland Balsam Overlook, the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

At Biscuit Head, the biscuits are huge and the toppings freshly made.

Be sure to visit the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center for a four-state view and panorama of the Great Smoky Mountains. Head into Cherokee for the night where you can gamble, visit a spa, and grab a bite at Harrahs Cherokee Casino.

Before you start your short drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual in Cherokee. Stop at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian across the street and the Oconaluftee Indian Village just up the hill. During the summer months, catch an evening performance of Unto These Hills. Head into the park, reserve a campsite, and prepare for exploring and hiking tomorrow.

fall color in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Take the 30-mile Newfound Gap Road through the park into Gatlinburg, Tennessee, eat lunch, and head back to North Carolina. Youre as likely to see a bear as a deer on this stunning scenic road, and youll also pass a number of trailheads. Trails range from short jaunts to overnight hikes leading deep into the forest. The trails in Cades Cove and around Clingmans Domethe highest point in the Smokiesare popular. The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, so take a stroll here if for no other reason than to say youve hiked on the AT. Fervent hikers may want to consider spending a few more days exploring the park.

Clingmans Dome

S DOWNTOWN ARCHITECTURE: In the early 20th century, wealthy visitors left their mark on Ashevilles downtown, a district packed with art deco and beaux arts masterpieces ().