Asheville, North Carolina has been one of our most-loved destinations for well over a decade. We’ve visited nearly once a year, experiencing it in just about every season from busy fall weekends to lively summers and the holidays. Somehow though, January had always been the one month we skipped.
This year, we finally went in winter, and it felt like seeing Asheville through a completely new lens.
Spending four days staying downtown Asheville in January revealed a calmer, more intimate version of a city we already knew well. But this trip also came at a time when Western North Carolina was still recovering from major storm damage, which added an extra layer of meaning to where and how we chose to spend our time.
Why visit in the winter?
After more than a decade of visits, January surprised us in the best way.
- Fewer crowds downtown
- Easier access to restaurants and coffee shops
- A slower pace that felt more local than touristy
- Cozy winter days perfect for food-focused exploring
But January also meant visiting during a time when many small businesses truly need support, especially after storms impacted the region in 2024.
Staying Downtown Asheville in Winter
Staying downtown has always been our preference, and in January it felt especially worthwhile. Being able to walk most places made winter weather feel cozy rather than limiting, and it gave us more opportunities to support local businesses simply by popping in.
Even after many years of visits, downtown Asheville in winter felt quieter, more personal, and more community-centered.
Vegan Food Stops
🍩 Vortex Doughnuts – Downtown Asheville
Vortex Doughnuts has long been a favorite stop for us, but this visit felt different. After the storms, many Asheville businesses weren’t just dealing with damage to their buildings, they were dealing with staffing challenges, as employees were navigating storm damage at their own homes and personal lives.
Seeing Vortex open and operating again, even under those circumstances, made stopping in feel especially meaningful. Their clearly labeled vegan donuts were as good as ever, but the experience carried extra weight knowing what it took for businesses like this to reopen.
🍩 New Moon Vegan Donuts Bus – Candler, NC
Located just outside Asheville about 15 minutes west of downtown in Candler is New Moon’s fully vegan donut bus. It had been on my radar but we never seemed to get there so I reached out to them on Instagram and they said they would make us any flavor of donuts we’d like. It was such a kind offer but what they were making that day were flavors we would have chosen anyway – blueberry, horchata and apple cider so we were happy. The make fried cake style vegan donuts and I think they’re the best I’ve ever had. Crisp on the outside yet tender and fluffy on the inside with a crackle of glaze, they were perfection. These nostalgic, delicious donuts are worth the short drive and are a reminder of how strong the vegan food scene is in this area. I found it smart they didn’t advertise vegan on their large signs as that could scare away some and I defy anyone to know they were vegan if not told.
Pulp & Sprout – Downtown Asheville
Pulp + Sprout is a single restaurant concept in Asheville created by the same team behind Plant, one of the city’s long-standing fully vegan restaurants. The focus here is on approachable, nourishing plant-based food that feels both comforting and energizing.
The menu blends what you might expect from a casual café and a sit-down spot like fresh juices and smoothies alongside bowls, salads, and warm plant-based dishes that are satisfying without feeling heavy. It’s an ideal stop for lunch, a lighter dinner, or a reset meal between more indulgent food stops.
What makes Pulp + Sprout stand out is its emphasis on whole, thoughtfully prepared ingredients, carrying over the same values that made Plant a staple in Asheville’s vegan scene, just in a more relaxed, everyday format.
If you’ve loved Plant in the past, it feels like a natural extension of that philosophy. We walked here from our hotel along the greenway to the botanical gardens then up to the restaurant. I had their avocado toast, a delicious lentil soup special and Kim had a banh mi with mushrooms sandwich. It was simple and satisfying.
☕ Pollen Coffee + Flowers – Downtown Asheville
We stopped at Pollen for a quick drink and because we knew they’d have some Back Porch Baking items but they were mostly sold out for the day. That was ok as I had a delicious vanilla latte made with macadamia nut milk. It’s a cute cafe with a nice vibe and was quite busy a half hour before closing for the day.
🌿 Plant – Asheville
(Our Favorite Vegan Restaurant in the U.S.)
Plant isn’t just a favorite in Asheville, it’s our favorite vegan restaurant in the entire United States. After visiting Asheville nearly every year for so many years, Plant is the one place we look forward to every single trip.
The menu is thoughtful, and consistently exceptional. No matter how many times we visit, there are a few things we never skip. The cheese plate is a must-order, beautifully composed, rich, and always changing with the seasons. The seasonal ravioli is another standout, delicate yet deeply flavorful, and different every time in the best way. This time it had a tasty pesto sauce.
On this trip, we also ordered the seitan piccata, which was absolutely incredible. It had mashed potatoes, garlicky greens and crisp potato chips on top and was perfectly balanced, comforting, and one of those dishes that reminds you just how far plant-based cooking has come.
Plant is the kind of restaurant that turns skeptics into believers and keeps longtime vegans coming back year after year. It’s refined without being stuffy, creative without being overwhelming, and truly special every single time.
If you’re planning a vegan trip to Asheville, Plant is non-negotiable.
🥐 West Village Market (Back Porch Baking Company)
We made a special trip to West Village Market in West Asheville primarily for baked goods from Back Porch Baking Company who deliver vegan items to a lot of local businesses a few times a week. We grabbed their ham & cheese croissants, spinach & feta hand pies and some cookies and all were delicious.
Honorable Mentions (Because Asheville Has Too Many Good Places)
Even with four full days in Asheville, there were more great places to eat than we could possibly fit in which is honestly one of the best problems a smaller city can have.
🍜 Suwana’s Thai Orchid – Downtown Asheville
Suwana’s Thai Orchid was a newer-to-us discovery and such a pleasant surprise. Located downtown, they offer lots of vegan-friendly options, full of bold, comforting flavors that are especially welcome in winter. We got an vegan big bowl of soup like an pho and Thai eggplant with tofu plus fresh spring rolls. All were delicious. After visiting Asheville for many years, it’s always exciting to still find somewhere new that earns a spot on our list.
🥜 Wicked Weed Brewing – Boiled Peanuts
One thing we always look forward to? The boiled peanuts at Wicked Weed. They’re a simple but beloved staple for us and one of those familiar stops we never skip when we’re downtown. Salty, cozy, and perfect with a beer every single time.
🌱 Still on Our List (Next Time!)
As always, we didn’t even come close to hitting everything. A few favorites and must-visits we didn’t make it to this time:
- Smokin’ Onion (great all-day breakfast options although they don’t seem to open until 11 am daily).
- Romeo’s Vegan Burgers (a newer spot serving fast food style vegan burgers and sides).
- The Hop (a few locations for vegan ice cream).
- And so many more!
The fact that there are still places we’re excited to eat after years of visiting Asheville visits says everything about how special the vegan food scene is here.
Side Trip to Hot Springs, NC
One of the most memorable days of our January Asheville trip was a winter detour to Hot Springs, NC, a small mountain town north of Asheville known for its mineral hot springs, mountain views, and Appalachian charm. In winter, the area feels especially quiet, remote and beautiful, but not without its challenges.
We started the day hoping to hike Max Patch, one of Western North Carolina’s most iconic balds. As we climbed higher, the road grew increasingly narrow and icy, with steep drop-offs on both sides. Eventually, it became clear it wasn’t safe to continue. Turning around required a slow, careful K-turn on a tight mountain road which was equal parts nerve-wracking and humbling and a solid reminder that winter mountain travel demands flexibility and good judgment.
After that adrenaline spike, we headed into Hot Springs for food and warmth. Eating at Vinyl Pie Pizza felt especially meaningful. The town experienced significant mud and water damage after recent storms, and while many businesses were still recovering, Vinyl Pie was one of the first to reopen. Their vegan brick-oven pizza was exactly what we needed, comforting, smoky, and deeply satisfying, and well worth the drive from Asheville. We had a long chat with one of the owners who was lovely. We thanked them for offering vegan options.
We ended the day at the mineral spa, which was the perfect way to unwind after the aborted hike and chilly weather. Soaking in the naturally heated mineral water as the cold air rolled in felt restorative in every sense and made winter feel like the right choice after all.
Even without the hike, the day was unforgettable, scenic, grounding, and a reminder that sometimes the best travel moments come from adapting your plans rather than forcing them.
⚠️ Max Patch Winter Travel Warning (Learn From Us)
If you’re planning to visit Max Patch in winter, especially after snow or freezing temperatures, here’s something we wish someone had clearly told us:
The access road to Max Patch becomes extremely narrow, steep, and icy in winter conditions, with no guardrails and serious drop-offs on either side. Even with experience driving mountain roads, it can quickly become unsafe. There are very limited places to turn around, and doing so may require careful multi-point turns on exposed roads.
If conditions aren’t ideal, turn back early before the road tightens and ice becomes unavoidable. Skipping the hike is always the safer choice, and Max Patch will still be there for another trip.
What to expect in the winter
After visiting Asheville many times, this January trip felt less about checking off must-sees and more about traveling intentionally.
If you’re planning a visit:
- Choose local restaurants and coffee shops
- Be patient with limited hours or smaller staffs
- Consider nearby towns like Hot Springs, where support really matters
Is it worth visiting in winter?
Without a doubt. January gave us a quieter, cozier, more reflective version of Asheville and one that felt deeply connected to the people and businesses that make this place special.
After so many years of visits, this winter trip reminded us why we keep coming back, and why showing up for these communities now matters more than ever.
