Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of Asheville, North Carolina, has fewer than 100,000 residents. But it takes in billions of {dollars} in tourism spending 12 months after 12 months ― and it’s simple to see why.

“The Land of the Sky,” because it’s referred to as, has earned a fame amongst vacationers with its unimaginable restaurant scene, famed microbreweries, iconic Biltmore Property, alternatives for out of doors journey and extra. However guests don’t all the time expertise Asheville to the fullest. We requested locals to share some frequent errors they’ve noticed from vacationers.

From trying to see the perfect sights with out a automobile to lacking key eating spots, listed below are eight errors vacationers typically make whereas visiting Asheville ― and a few recommendation for avoiding these errors throughout your travels.

“I’d say a mistake I’ve seen vacationers make is to not lease a automobile when visiting Asheville and to solely go downtown or to the Biltmore Property. Whereas Uber may match in different cities, Asheville is so unfold out that you actually need a automobile to actually get the complete expertise. Top-of-the-line issues about Asheville is the encircling Blue Ridge Mountains, and also you want a automobile with the intention to entry the gorgeous views and trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway and past!” ― Joanna Cahill, proprietor of Asheville Glamping

“I get it; we’re Beer Metropolis and all that. However now we have so many nice cocktail bars that you simply aren’t going to wish to miss. I like to recommend Little Jumbo, Sovereign Cures and Antidote. All of them have superb cocktail lists, together with actually good vibes.” ― Sarajane Case, writer of “The Enneagram Letters” and host of “Enneagram and Espresso” podcast

“That is maybe only a private pet peeve of mine, however typically vacationers see a cobblestone avenue and deal with it as if it’s a pedestrian walkway. Many people stay right here and should get to and from work. It’s not solely harmful to stroll in the course of the street, nevertheless it’s additionally impolite.” ― Case

“It could be a giant mistake to not go to the eating places in West Asheville. Among the greatest cooks in America have opened venues alongside Haywood Highway and Patton Ave. Tastee Diner, Neng Jr.’s, and Little Louie’s are the most well liked new spots in Asheville, and longtime native favorites like Sunny Level Cafe, Rocky’s Scorching Rooster Shack, Gan Shan West, Gap Doughnuts and The Hop by no means disappoint. There are tons of consuming choices over there on the opposite aspect of the river and it could be an actual mistake to miss them.” ― Stu Helm, meals author and tour information

“One other space you want a automobile to go to is West Asheville, which is filled with eating places, espresso retailers and shops which might be lots of the native favorites.” ― Case

“A mistake I feel vacationers make is barely visiting the downtown a part of Asheville. There are such a lot of great flavors to discover within the completely different neighborhoods, just like the River Arts district, West Asheville, and the encircling cities like Black Mountain. Considered one of my favourite hidden gems on the town is Leo’s Home of Thirst in West Asheville ― scrumptious food and drinks and exquisite, charming environment.” ― Mary Lofgren, creator of The Faculty of Sensual Dwelling

“I feel the No. 1 mistake for vacationers coming to Asheville just isn’t making a reservation at someplace good to have dinner. Fiddle and be consuming at yard burgers.” ― Clarence Robinson, creator of Cooking with Comedy Catering

“The most typical mistake that vacationers make when visiting Asheville just isn’t venturing off the overwhelmed path. There are a handful of eating places, mountain climbing trails and actions that obtain a number of consideration and notoriety, however the potential for crowded trails and lengthy wait instances will not be all the time value it. I like to recommend reserving a novel Asheville expertise by means of a small enterprise, comparable to attending a flower arranging workshop at our flower farm, and asking the native small enterprise proprietor for his or her suggestions on trails to hike, favourite breweries and eating places. In case you are keen to enterprise away from the recent spots, you’ll be rewarded with superb meals, tasty drinks and solitude whereas mountain climbing or paddling. There are such a lot of incredible small companies to help and inventive methods to expertise the humanities, tradition, nature and culinary delights of our mountain city.” ― Niki Irving, farmer and florist at Flourish Flower Farm

“A significant a part of what makes Asheville nice are the road performers. For those who take a photograph of 1 or take pleasure in their music, make sure that to go away a tip! Moreover, our metropolis, particularly the vacationer trade, is run by our service staff, but they’re typically underpaid and underappreciated. Our price of dwelling just isn’t proportional to the earnings our service staff make. Do your half and tip them properly! They’re a part of what makes your journey to Asheville an incredible expertise.” ― Case

“In most cities, vacationer points of interest are areas for glorified photograph shoots. Nevertheless, lots of ours are issues that locals deeply take pleasure in as properly. I personally attempt to go to The Grove Park Inn, The Biltmore Property and do a LaZoom Tour at the least yearly. The LaZoom tour is actually humorous but additionally informational, and each Grove Park and The Biltmore make you are feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time.” ― Case

Quotes have been evenly edited and condensed for readability.