Asheville River Cabins
Life on the river has never looked better than at Asheville River Cabins. As Asheville’s only outdoor resort situated along the French Broad River, serene waterfront views and lush greenery are on full display for an unforgettable weekend away.
And the accommodations are just as enticing. Choose from cozy, private cabins renovated with all the comforts of modern amenities, or opt to stay in a retro, expertly designed airstream camper. Cabin options include river-view modern cabins, river-view vintage cabins, garden cabins, and looking glass cabins with one wall made almost entirely of glass that faces the river, enabling guests to wake up to the most gorgeous sunrises imaginable or enjoy coffee in bed against the backdrop of tranquil river views. Each designed to accommodate groups of various sizes and interests, you can’t go wrong with any of these cozy abodes.
All of the cabins feature plush beds, updated kitchens, charcoal grills, Wi-Fi, smart TVs, electric fireplaces, private porches, and firepits, with most including private hot tubs as well. For groups of two looking for a more authentic camping experience, look no further than ARC’s vintage airstream campers. Each camper boasts panoramic views of the French Broad River, with a private deck and fire pit just steps away from the water, but also come equipped with updated amenities like a kitchen, walk-in shower, and queen-size bed for an old school camping feel without sacrificing the comforts of modern day.
While the accommodations are incredibly private for a relaxing retreat, there are still plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow campers. Head to the river lodge located in the center of the property for nightly campfires around a massive fire pit and stop by the Provisions food truck for local brews and snacks. There’s also a sauna to unwind as you overlook stunning views of the lush landscape.
ARC is conveniently located less than 12 miles from the center of downtown Asheville, making it the perfect home base to explore all the city has to offer. Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, there is no shortage of opportunities for adventure in this picturesque town. Cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway, tackle some of the area’s top mountain biking trails, or embrace the fall foliage on foot with a hike on countless nearby trails. And, of course, no vacation is complete without a taste of the area’s local cuisine. Luckily, Asheville is home to some of the very best bites and brews ranging from international fare and Southern favorites to local breweries and cocktail bars offering something to satisfy every craving. The River Arts District is also a must-visit, featuring working studios and galleries of hundreds of local artists displaying paintings, jewelry, pottery, and more.
With so much to see and do both on the property and mere miles away, ARC is the perfect place to choose your own adventure alongside nature and all its glory. (318 Wanderlust Ridge, Arden, NC; ashevillerivercabins.com)
The Glamping Collective
Take camping to new heights (literally) at The Glamping Collective.
This private, 160-acre mountaintop oasis offers an ultra-luxe glamping experience just 20 minutes west of downtown Asheville with jaw-dropping views that feel worlds away. Thoughtfully designed with both privacy and community in mind,
The Glamping Collective is a haven for an intimate couple’s weekend or a fun-filled group getaway with six of your closest friends. With a range of unique, luxury accommodations in various sizes and designs to suit each guest and their occasion, a stay at The Glamping Collective is unlike anywhere else. Perched high in the mountains, luxe domes and ultra luxe domes are great for solo or two-person getaways while luxe XL domes are ideal for groups of four to six people. There are also stunning glass cabins and luxe glass cabins; both featuring sliding glass walls to let the fresh mountain air in and outfitted with floor to ceiling blackout curtains for an uninterrupted night of sleep. Most lodging options feature a private hot tub, and additional accommodations include fully insulated, heated, and cooled interiors, lavish beds, outdoor living space complete with seating and fire pits or fire tables, kitchenettes, sleek bathrooms, and more.
There’s also a common area with a giant fire pit, outdoor grills, and plenty of seating for all to gather ’round and enjoy. Whatever accommodation you choose, the highlight is without a doubt the breathtaking, panoramic mountain views that feel like a postcard brought to life.
All lodging styles offer easy access to five miles of private hiking trails for new vantage points of those unbeatable views. Expect to see native wildlife, waterfalls, and some unforgettable sunsets/sunrises. There are three trails to choose from (editor’s note: make time for all three if you can). The Ridgeline Trail takes you up the mountain and back down, with the option to hike the trail as is, or feed into the Creekside Trail for views of a 70-foot cascading waterfall where four streams come together (it’s especially impressive after a heavy rain). But the most stunning trail of all is the Sunset Summit Trail. One mile each way, the trail is a steep trek, but the views along the way are more than worth the climb. Deer and wild turkeys are commonly spotted near the trail, making it a great option for wildlife lovers. Once you arrive at the top, there is no closer feeling to being on top of the world. With panoramic mountaintop views as far as the eye can see, it’s an extraordinary place to watch a sunset or sunrise and bask in nature’s untapped beauty.
Nestled deep in the mountains, away from the bright lights of the city, The Glamping Collective is pristinely protected for exceptional stargazing. Throughout most of the year, the Milky Way is visible directly overhead. While taking an evening dip in the hot tub or enjoying some wine by the fire, just look up to see some out-of-this-world views. Bonus points if you book your stay during an upcoming meteor shower.
From your first sip of morning coffee in bed with the curtains drawn back to the end of the night stargazing fireside, you’ll be in awe of the scenery (and the accommodations immersed within) at this one-of-a-kind getaway. (2504 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Clyde, NC; theglampingcollective.com)