10. Hike to Waterfalls

11. Stroll Downtown Asheville

As one can expect in a nature haven such as this, there are countless waterfalls to explore. Hike to any number of waterfalls in Dupont State Forest including Triple Falls, Hooker Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. You might recognize the latter from cameos in films like The Hunger Games and Last of the Mohicans.

Wind your way through downtown Asheville until you explore every tucked-away street and worthy hideaway fit for foodies and shoppers alike.

12. Nosh on Button & Co. Bagels for an Easy Breakfast

Start every morning right with a fresh-baked bagel and seasonal schmear at Button & Co. Bagels. And if you really want to go big, top that off with a genius heaping of house-made gravlax, or smoked sable rubbed in wild sumac. And maybe grab something to go for that hike you’re going on.

13. Try a Toast Like No Other at Owl Bakery

OWL Bakery is another locals-loved haunt for European pastries, specialized toast (we kid you not) and coffee.

14. Traverse the Western N.C. Cheese Trail

For midday munchies, there’s fromage to be sampled at multiple creameries along the Western NC Cheese Trail. One of Asheville’s biggest claims to fame is that it’s home to dozens of cheesemongers honoring the traditions of Appalachian artisan cheese production. Many of these farms even let you get hands-on with their cows and goats while receiving a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life (and a taste of their offerings).

15. Go Wine Tasting

Nothing washes down cheese like a glass of wine, and the French Broad Vignerons collective (consisting of Addison Farms Vineyard, Burntshirt Vineyards and Pleb Urban Winery) would be happy to oblige—slash educate you on their grapes. The organization of regional grape-growers and winemakers also hosts meetings, lectures and special events for those interested in viticulture.

16. Make New Friends at the Nature Center

Guys, there are adorable, too-cute-to-handle red pandas at the Western North Carolina Nature Center that need your personal attention stat. There are also grey wolves (besties, Nova and Wayah), Nigerian dwarf goats, Sicilian donkeys and sleepy-looking barn owls to say hello to. Can’t handle goodbyes? Become a “wild parent” through the animal adoption program and lend support to the Nature Center at the same time.