Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville is a charming city known for its vibrant arts scene, countless breweries, forested hiking trails, and the magnificent Biltmore Estate. For couples planning a honeymoon, it may seem difficult to create a romantic getaway in Asheville on a budget. However, with some strategic planning, you can have a fantastic honeymoon in this mountain town for under $2,000.
In this article, you'll discover budget-friendly tips for flights, accommodations, activities, food, and more. You'll see that Asheville offers breathtaking natural sights, cozy bed and breakfasts, delicious local cuisine, and intimate moments for you and your partner to cherish. An affordable honeymoon in Asheville is absolutely within reach. By mixing low-cost tactics with Asheville's natural romance, you can have a meaningful and memorable honeymoon on a budget.
Find Affordable Flights
When planning your Asheville honeymoon, one of the biggest expenses will likely be airfare. Here are some tips for scoring cheaper flights:
Consider flying into Asheville Regional Airport, which is located just 15 minutes from downtown. While fares here won't be as cheap as larger hubs, you can find some deals by booking well in advance or traveling during shoulder seasons like September and October. Sign up for airfare deal alerts from sites like Scott's Cheap Flights.
Alternatively, look into flying into a major airport like Charlotte or Greenville, then renting a car for the 1-2 hour drive into Asheville. This opens up more possibilities for finding low-cost flights. Avoid peak travel dates around holidays and weekends.
Try searching for flights on alternate days of the week, like Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. Flights are generally cheaper when avoiding Fridays and Sundays. Also be flexible with your flight times, as red-eyes and early-morning flights tend to be less expensive.
Consider budget airlines like Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant which service Asheville and nearby airports. Just be aware of added fees for carry-ons, seat assignments, etc.
No matter when and where you fly in from, taking the time to research and compare flight options will pay off with significant savings, leaving you more budget for enjoying your Asheville honeymoon.
Book Value-Oriented Lodging
Lodging will likely be your biggest expense for an Asheville honeymoon, so finding affordable accommodations is key. Consider these options:
The Bohemian Hotel is a romantic boutique hotel located downtown, with rooms starting around $200 per night. While not dirt cheap, it provides great value with charming decor, impressive views, and a central location.
For even lower nightly rates, look at bed and breakfasts and inns just outside downtown like Albemarle Inn and Lioncrest Inn. These provide cozy, comfortable rooms for around $100-150 per night.
Vacation rentals like Airbnb and VRBO are another excellent budget option, with entire homes renting for $100-200 per night. Opt for a rental with a full kitchen so you can cook some meals in to offset food costs.
Avoid staying at expensive central hotels like the Omni Grove Park Inn, unless you can score a special deal or use hotel points.
Consider extending your lodging search to charming towns around Asheville like Weaverville, Black Mountain, and Hendersonville to open up more affordable possibilities.
Getting creative with lodging will allow you to save hundreds of dollars on your Asheville honeymoon, leaving you more to splurge on other special trip expenses.
Take Advantage of Free Sights
One of the best parts about a honeymoon in Asheville is experiencing the city's vibrant arts, culture, and outdoors, much of which can be enjoyed for free:
• Many of Asheville's dozens of breweries offer free tours and beer tastings daily. Schedule a few of these and sip on some samples without spending a dime.
• Drive or hike up to Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell for breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain views at no cost. Pack a picnic to further enjoy the scenery.
• Downtown Asheville has a wealth of public art, like the colorful murals on building exteriors. Stroll around and enjoy this outdoor gallery.
• Pop into the various art galleries along Biltmore and Haywood Street downtown to peruse emerging and local artists. The artwork inside is free to browse.
• Catch free festivals and summer concerts like Shindig on the Green, Downtown After 5, and Music on the Lawn at Pack Square Park.
Taking advantage of Asheville's many free activities, arts, and natural sights will allow you to immerse yourselves in the local culture and save your funds for other special splurges during your honeymoon.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Between the Blue Ridge Mountains, parks, forests, and rivers, Asheville offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. Here are some budget-friendly ways to enjoy the natural surroundings on your honeymoon:
• Hike through the lush forests and meadows in parks like Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell. Stop at some of the stunning waterfall trails like Looking Glass Falls and Triple Falls.
• Pack a picnic with local cheeses, fruits, and a bottle of wine, then enjoy it in one of Asheville's many green spaces like Pack Square Park downtown.
• Join in on a free walking tour with the Asheville Urban Trail to learn about the architecture, history, and culture while getting your steps in.
• Float down the French Broad River or go tubing for relaxing couples time on the water for around $20 per person.
• Attend a free outdoor festival like Downtown After 5 with live music and artisan booths.
• Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop at the overlooks for endless views without paying a cent.
Asheville's wealth of outdoor activities means you can fill your honeymoon with fresh air, natural beauty, and adventure without busting your budget.
Local Discounts and Deals
Beyond free activities, Asheville also offers many discounts and deals to help you stick to your honeymoon budget:
• Purchase the Asheville Savings Pass for coupons on local tours, restaurants, retail, and attractions like half-off admission to the Western North Carolina Nature Center.
• Watch for specials on Groupon and LivingSocial for rafting, winery tours, spa services, and other Asheville activities.
• Dine out during Asheville's bi-annual restaurant weeks in January and August when eateries offer multi-course dinners for $30-40 per person.
• Look for other food and drink deals like happy hour and drink specials at bars and breweries. Go on an afternoon brewery tour and pay less per sample.
• Ask your inn or hotel if they provide any discounts to attractions or restaurants for guests. Even modest savings add up.
• Sign up for email newsletters from sites like Explore Asheville and local businesses so you're the first to hear of limited-time offers.
Taking advantage of discounts and special deals throughout Asheville allows you to continue enjoying memorable dinners, adventures, and sights while maintaining your budget.
Breathtaking Views and Romantic Vibes in Ashville for Under $2,000
As you can see, an affordable yet amazing honeymoon in Asheville is possible on a budget of $2,000 or less. By finding low-cost flights, booking value-driven accommodations, taking advantage of free activities, enjoying the outdoors, and leveraging local deals, you can have a meaningful, romantic getaway without breaking the bank.
The key budget-saving tactics include:
• Flying into alternate airports like Charlotte and renting a car
• Staying outside downtown in a charming inn or Airbnb rental
• Visiting the myriad free brewery tours, art galleries, and sights
• Hiking forest trails and having picnics at parks
• Joining free festivals and summer concerts
• Using coupons and Groupon for food, tours, and more
The natural beauty and intimacy of Asheville are what make it perfect for new couples, not over-the-top extravagance. Focus your trip on enjoying quality time together appreciating the arts, outdoors, and culture of this one-of-a-kind mountain town.
With strategic and creative planning, you absolutely can have the honeymoon of your dreams in Asheville for under $2,000. What matters most is being together in this special place, making memories that will last a lifetime.
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