Under $100: Asheville, N.C.

Asheville, N.C., is a must-visit spot for any traveler curious about Appalachian culture. From the thriving food scene to the breathtaking mountain setting to the unique arts and music heritage, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

Start your day at HomeGrown, where the motto is “slow food right quick.” Breakfast specialties include the open-faced fried chicken biscuit with sausage gravy ($8), breakfast pot pie ($7.50) and French toast casserole with fruit and mascarpone ($6.50).

Sunset on North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains © Daveallenphoto | Dreamstime

Hiking trails are abundant, and range from beginner level to advanced. For an easy, yet still enjoyable hike, head to Dupont State Forest’s Bridal Veil Falls trail. If the setting looks familiar, it was used during several scenes of The Hunger Games. More advanced trailblazers can enjoy the Grandfather Trail, sometimes called the most technical hike in the East, with many areas accessed only via cables and ladders. It’s definitely not for the leisurely hiker.

Replenish your energy with a hearty lunch at 12 Bones Smokehouse for a taste of North Carolina barbecue. The Hogzilla ($7.50) is a specialty sandwich featuring sugar bacon, bratwurst, pulled pork and pepper jack piled high on a hoagie. For the less carnivorous diner, there’s the M.L.T. ($6.50), which features smoked Portobello, fried green tomatoes and pesto mayo.

Pack Square © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime

Spend your afternoon with a tour of Asheville’s best, wherever your interests lie. Asheville Art Studio Tours ($32) take travelers to five small, local studios over two hours in the Asheville River Arts District. Asheville Music Tours ($10) celebrate the region’s music history, including notable names in folk music, bluegrass and jazz. Asheville by Foot ($25) takes you through all the can’t-miss spots in downtown Asheville, with a focus on history and architecture.

Visit one of many recognized breweries, wineries and distilleries in the region for a tour or a tasting. Asheville Distilling Co. offers free tours of its hand-crafted whiskey distillery. Wicked Weed Brewing provides tours and a beer flight, with a glass to take home, for $12. Find more craft brewery tours ($8) at Burial Beer Co.