Valentine’s Day in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective

Marshall Manche
Feb 14, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Aug 13

Romance! It's in the air, floating through the streets of Asheville like a perfumed mist. I can practically see the cupids in the trees.

Yes, Asheville is the mountain getaway of your dreams. But to truly enjoy Valentine’s Day in Asheville, it takes nothing less than a local's savvy. That’s where I come in. So put on your seatbelts and grab your lover’s hand because I’m about to whisk you away on a romantic tour of Asheville of unparalleled splendor. Or at least suggest how you might take yourself on such a journey.

1: Visit the Biltmore Estate

Nothing broadens the heart more than touring the mansions of 19th century industrialists. Something about the grandiosity of this iconic Asheville landmark just puts things in perspective. You may think to yourself “Wow. We are so small, and this house is so big.” The next thing you know you’re making out in a broom closet. At least that’s how it works for me.

Once you’re done with the house itself, I suggest you walk the grounds. In the colder months Biltmore's expansive properties are especially romantic. Wrap up your visit with a complimentary wine tasting at the Antler Hill winery, and you’ve got yourself a day to remember.

Romance! Recite a love poem. Everybody likes poetry. Everybody.

2: Soak at the Grove Park Inn’s Spa

Water is romantic. That’s just science. Waterfalls, grottos, mineral springs. All exceedingly seductive. But what if I told you there was a place where you could enjoy all three such water-features, accompanied by all the comforts of civilization?

The place I speak of is the spa at the Grove Park Inn, encompassing more than 43,000 square feet of seclusion, refinement, and of course, water. Currently, spa appointments are only available to overnight guests at the Inn, but that just goes to show you what a popular place this is.

Take your partner. Enjoy the “wellness pod” (accentuated by a mind-soothing negative ion field). You won’t regret it.

Romance! Have you ever seen The Shape of Water? It's a pretty good movie. Very romantic.

3: Watch the Sunset from a Blue Ridge Peak

I’ve seen some pretty fine sunsets in my time living in Asheville. But the place I’ve always most wanted to watch it from is Black Balsam Knob, way up in the mountains.

You can reach Black Balsam from the Art Loeb Trailhead, about an hour’s drive out from downtown. It may seem like a long haul, but the drive there is part of the delight. If you’ve ever driven the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll know what I mean.

Once you’re there, you’ll find an aromatic pine forest. Shadowed, quiet. Possibly even—dare I say it—romantic. About a half mile further, you’ll reach the first of many vistas, offering three-hundred-sixty-degree views of the surrounding mountains, and a huge cut of the multicolor sky. Black Balsam’s summit is only about 0.2 miles further.

Bring flashlights, of course. Unless you plan on staying the night.

Romance! Stay the night. Camping is allowed on this trail. Watch the sunrise the next morning. Truly experience Valentine’s Day in the mountains.

4: Relax at Dobra Tearoom

If I had to rank beverages by love-factor, I’d put tea right up there at the top. Hot water, dried leaves. It just makes sense.

Plus, downtown’s Dobra Tearoom really puts the “Asheville” in Valentine’s Day in Asheville, if you know what I mean. With its soothing décor and shoe-free floor-cushioned-seating in the back, you’d be hard pressed to find a place quite like it anywhere else in the Southeast.

If you visit on a cold day, I suggest the “Sweet Smell of Jerusalem” or “Memories of Prague.” Both classic black teas. On a slightly less cold day (warm Valentine’s Days are unlikely in Asheville) you may want to try the “Staroborshov.” Fruity, foamy, and delightful.

Romance! Just talk about life. I find there’s something about Dobra that pulls the wisdom out of me. In a good way.

valentine's day in Asheville - table with wineglasses — Image from Wix

5: Dine Downtown

When it comes to dining in Asheville, there’s no shortage of worthy contenders. But, for your Valentine’s Day edification, I’d like to mention a restaurant I don’t believe I’ve mentioned before: Posana, right on the edge of downtown's central Pack Square.

Here, one can enjoy chic contemporary cuisine: beef tartare, bucatini, Scottish salmon and red-wine braised short ribs. Desert, of course, is an event unto itself. Crème brulee, dark chocolate mousse, etc. Paired with a bottle of wine—straight from their award-winning cellar—or a sophisticated cocktail, I can scarcely imagine a more romantic dinner.

Reservations are, of course, recommended.

Romance! Speak the language of love. “M’amour.” “La beaute.” “Trop d’escargots.” Your Valentine’s Day companion will be flattered and amused.

Businesses Mentioned

Biltmore Estate

(800)-411-3812

1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803

Grove Park Inn

(800)-438-5800

290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804

Black Balsam Knob

Art Loeb Trail, Canton, NC 28716

Dobra Tea