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A Student’s Guide to Asheville on a Budget

By UNC Asheville

October 31^st, 2023

A few days after nestling into campus and catching glimpses of the mountains from the Ramsey Library staircase, you might wonder, what is beyond the campus canopy of trees?

The world beyond campus is posted on social media, teased in a professor’s local research and tasted in campus dining partnerships with local food.

But how do you begin experiencing Asheville without wounding your bank account or ending up surrounded by tourists? I asked this question to fellow students around campus and received a crowd-sourced answer—and added a few of my personal favorites.

So, below is a less-touristy hop-on, hop-off day in Asheville, where you can experience this amazing city on a budget and at your own pace throughout your time at UNC Asheville with student-recommended activities that are flexible to your schedule and routine.

Pro-Tip: For all the UNC Asheville local discounts, click here.

So first, for the early birds, here’s the worm.

1) Local Shopping

On Saturdays, junior psychology and sociology double major Caroline Crouse recommends you stroll through the North Asheville Tailgate Market in UNC Asheville’s P28 parking lot as she did on one of her first weekends in Asheville.

“I liked that there was a solid mix of different crafts and art, coffee to order, and food like produce to purchase,” said Crouse. “I bought a small ceramic pillow to put wildflowers in, which was made by a local pottery lady.”

You can arrive as early as 8 a.m. from April through November (or 10 a.m. from November 25 to December 16) to find unique items before they sell out, and don’t forget to ask vendors about a possible student discount.

North Asheville Tailgate Market on a Spring Saturday

2) Morning Hikes

Or, if you need a breath of the morning Blue Ridge dew, head to the trails for a hike before the heat and crowd of the day. Psychology major Anuh Chela recommends “having a picnic on top of Craggy Gardens Pinnacle,” which is a short hike of about a mile and a special spot for senior political science and international studies major Ona Elkins.

“Craggy is where my older sister used to take my little sister and me to watch the sunset and it’s a tradition that I’ve carried into college,” said Elkins. “I like taking my volleyball teammates up there to share a piece of my home with them and to show everyone a beautiful view of the mountains.”

One of Elkins' favorite pictures of Craggy Gardens.

Or, try Looking Glass Rock, about five miles, or Frying Pan Tower, about 1.5 miles with a historic fire tower. All Trails is a helpful resource to find your favorite hike, and Campus Recreation will often take hiking groups, so you don’t have to worry about driving (or finding the trailhead!).

Check out this website created by UNC Asheville atmospheric sciences alum, Evan Fisher, to check if the Fall leaves have turned colors!

The top of Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower.

On the Blue Ridge Parkway with Political Science Alum Jessie Frank

Here’s senior mass communication major Cador Jones’ secret for escaping your dorm room–the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed to vehicles in winter, but open to walking, biking, skateboarding and even sledding when there's snow. Jones says, “you can really feel a part of the mountains in a much more intimate way,” and this website tells you when you can walk down the middle of the road.

If you don’t have much time, you can descend the stairs behind Mills into the Botanical Gardens or hop on the Reed Creek Greenway along Broadway and W.T. Weaver Boulevard. My favorite thing to do in the Botans is to meditate on one of the creek boulders or even complete homework assignments that don’t require Wi-Fi.

3) Eats and Caffeine

If you have a little money to spend, try some local caffeine and food, maybe even study while you’re at it. Summit Coffee, Grind, High Five, Odd’s Cafe, Dobra Tea and City Bakery are a few of the many popular Asheville spots to study over coffee, tea, or matcha. Or start your day at Bruegger's Bagels, which offers a student discount, located on Merrimon right off campus, and say hi to the kind, UNC Asheville-friendly staff. Homegrown ($5-$15), Five Points ($5-$12) and Early Girl Eatery ($5-$14) are also popular breakfast spots close to campus that won’t put too large a hole in your bank account.

City Bakery with Abby Parks (accounting and economics double major), Jessie Frank (political science major), and Nora Segurola Larrinaga (International Studies and Management double major)

Political Science major Grace Adams and Business major Chloe McDonald studying at Summit.

City Bakery's avocado toast and cheddar scallion biscuit.

Slept in or had class and now it’s midday? No worries.

1) Brunch, lunch and explore

If you are on the hunt for food, good news! All of the previously mentioned coffee shops and eateries are still open to at least 2 p.m. and the Tailgate Market runs until noon.

If you’re in a savory lunch mood, Asheville is a great place to be.

Downtown, where political science alumna Bee Friedman likes to “play guess the tourist in Packs Square,” or where ceramics and psychology double major Isabel Klich likes to “window shop,” is only a 15-minute walk, 5-minute drive, or a 5-minute free bus ride for students from campus. Click here to register for free bus transportation.

A Student’s Guide to Asheville on a Budget

You can explore the streets full of music, art, whimsical gizmos, and, most importantly, food. Stay on your budget and visit the Noodle Shop ($6-$13 entrees), Burgerworx ($8-$12 entrees), or Baba Nahm ($6-$10 entrees). If you’re really hungry, downtown Indian restaurants Mela ($16) and Mehfil ($12) have an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

Or, head in the opposite direction of downtown to the creative hub of the River Arts District. Former warehouses now house a mix of murals, art studios, eateries and more. White Duck Taco, with all-la-carte tacos ranging from $3-$5, is a popular student spot due to its picnic table seating along the French Broad River. Afterwards, I love to walk or bike the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, which has a two-way bikeway, along the river.

UNC Asheville students in River Arts District

Apart from these areas, Taco Temple ($3-$11 entrees) is an Asheville lunch staple; just save time to find parking.

Where to find some Asheville afternoon serotonin

Asheville is full of free afternoon adventures, especially if it’s a sunny day.

1) The great outdoors

Junior psychology and health and wellness double major Elle Thigpen recommends picnicking at Beaver Lake, which is less than two miles from campus. You can also walk through a bird sanctuary or around the historic lake.

Alternatively, find one of Asheville’s many outdoor skateparks or feed your inner child on the Carrier Park playground, sand volleyball courts, and a skating/biking loop. Check online for Carrier park skate nights! All for free.

On hot days, political science alumna Emma Appleby says “all you need is a $15 tube from Walmart and some friends” to float down the French Broad River.

A group of Asheville locals floating down the French Broad River.

2) Art!

Or on colder days, sophomore political science major Maddie Hamuka and environmental studies major Phoebe Gittis recommend checking out the downtown Asheville Art Museum, which is free for students if you bring your school ID.

But don’t stop there. Check out the free art walks in the River Arts District with demonstrations, workshops and free cookies on the second Saturday of every month. There’s a free trolley if you get tired of walking, and the glass-making demonstrations are especially cool.

3) Volunteer

Becoming involved in the community is another great way to spend an afternoon and make a few friends. Check in with the Key Center on campus for volunteer opportunities, such as tutoring for the Marvelous Math Club.

UNC Asheville student volunteering at the Marvelous Math Club

UNC Asheville students volunteering at the Burton Street Community Peace Gardens

4) Movie Moment

Lastly, if it’s a rainy day, junior mass communication major Jake Wilson recommends you to get a bite to eat and watch a $3 movie or a sports game at Asheville Pizza and Brewing, named the coolest movie theater in North Carolina. They host weekly trivia (18+)!

“Being able to eat some delicious food and watch something on the big screen always brings me joy, and I have had some of my fondest memories there,” said Wilson.

Asheville also holds many smaller local theaters, such as The Grail Moviehouse. Get there early and enjoy your favorite movie from the comfort of a sofa.

Asheville Pizza and Brewing decked out for the Barbie Movie.

For the night owls, here are the hoots.

1) Live Music

Music technology major Zak Jordan recommends Asheville concerts because he says “the diversity of music genres and venues in Asheville makes it possible to see both a touring act and a local artist on the same night, nearly every night of the week.”

The Backseat Lovers performing at the Grey Eagle.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise performing at Rabbit Rabbit.

Hippo Campus performing at The Orange Peel.

Maggie Rogers performing at Rabbit Rabbit.

Tame Impala performing at Harrah's Cherokee Center in Asheville.

If this is your thing, keep an eye on shows coming to The Orange Peel, The Grey Eagle, Rabbit Rabbit and Salvage Station. Giveaways are common, and I’ve often found $20 tickets to see artists like Peach Pit, the Backseat Lovers, Flipturn, Mt. Joy, Lucy Dacus, Thundercat and more. Visit the box office instead of buying online for no added fees. Additionally, there are smaller venues dotted around town that have regular, free local music.

Keep the music going at the Asheville Drum Circle, with impromptu drumming and dancing from about 6-9:45 p.m every Friday at the Downtown Pritchard Park. In fact, downtown Asheville hosts a variety of events after 5 p.m. Check this link for updates.

2. Sunset and stargazing

Or, keep the outdoors going and register for the free Stargaze at the Lookout Observatory. Many UNC Asheville students, such as environmental studies major Ava Tomkins, work as docents and can help you look through colossal telescopes and tuck some new astronomy knowledge under your belt.

UNC Asheville students at the 5th anniversary Lookout Observatory stargaze

Tomkins: “As a student, I know how hectic life can get. At public stargazes, you get the chance to let go of all the craziness—if only for a few minutes—and be present among the stars. You’ll be able to see things up close with our telescopes, like the rings of Saturn or the moons of Jupiter, and learn new things from our student docents or Asheville volunteers, who are eager to share their love of space with the public.”

Tomkins adds: “We believe all people should have the opportunity to find their place in the stars, and our public stargazes are a great way to start that journey!”

Before seeing the stars, however, grab ice cream and watch the sunset in the P8 parking lot on campus. This is one of senior environmental studies major Gaby Shenot’s favorite swim team traditions.

“It’s really peaceful, and it's a nice place to sit down and get together with your friends for a more quiet setting overlooking the mountains,” said Shenot.

Student Organization Cru hanging out at P8 for sunset.

3) Sweet treat

Merrimon Avenue offers satisfaction for all the ice cream needs. Choose from The Hop, an alumni-owned ice cream parlor that also serves Boba; Whit’s Frozen Custard; Jeremiah’s Italian Ice; or Yolo Frozen Yogurt.

4) A night in

Lastly, if the cozy dorm is calling, stay in with friends, order Pie.zaa and split the biggest pizza you will ever see. Great for a movie night.

Lastly,

As you're exploring Asheville, remember that many locally owned businesses offer student discounts—just ask! There’s so much more to do than we could include here, and in no time you’ll discover your own favorites and must-do’s as our amazing city and mountains become your home.