Day Trips

The most wonderful places to visit in Western North Carolina start with the Land of the Waterfalls then our mountains.  There’s so much to explore that make this area so special, searching for gorgeous waterfalls, one of the oldest rivers on the continent, driving along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, exploring the many wonders (including the state parks and forests), farm-fresh foods and some of the country’s best craft beer!


Meraki Escape's luxury vacation rentals are perfectly positioned for guests to extend their Escape with many must do day trips.  We are just 50 miles from the iconic Biltmore Estate and hip town of Asheville, 21 miles from the quaint village of Cashiers, 31 miles from Highlands, 30 miles from downtown Hendersonville, and 43 miles from Waynesville.

a large castle with a lush green lawn in front of it .

Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate:  Completed in 1895, George Vanderbilt’s 250-room chateau is as impressive today as it was more than a century ago. 


Explore the 8,000-acre estate, including the 250-room Biltmore House, 75 acres of beautiful gardens, the nation’s most visited winery, shopping, dining, four-star accommodations, and hiking trails.


The Biltmore Estate is the perfect stop for a bucket list vacation to remember for a lifetime.

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Asheville, NC

Asheville: Edgy, Artsy & Inviting!  The city's rich architectural legacy with its mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles is the perfect retro-urban backdrop to the edgy energy that emanates from the locally owned-shops and art galleries, distinctive restaurants and exciting entertainment venues.


This thriving mountain city features a funky and eclectic downtown, 30-plus art galleries downtown alone, a burgeoning culinary scene, a thriving live music scene and, of course, the awe-inspiring scenery of the Appalachian Mountains. 

a person is holding three apples in their hands .

Hendersonville, NC

Hendersonville is home to the 60-year-old North Carolina Apple Festival every Labor Day weekend.  Hendersonville has long been known for its fertile apple orchards but over the last decade, Henderson County has also become home to an excellent array of wineries, breweries, and cideries.  Escape from life’s hectic pace to the beautiful scenery and southern hospitality of Hendersonville, NC with varied attractions, events, outdoor recreation, family activities, a vibrant art scene, unique shopping and a wide selection of dining options.


Located 28 miles away from Meraki Escape towards Hendersonville is the quaint Horse Shoe Gap Village. This little village is home to Woodhaven Glass, Hidden Trails Coffee House,  A Little Corner Shop, Smitten Smiths Artisan Jewelry, A Personal Touch and Kat's Kreative Klay.  A must stop!

an aerial view of a road going through a forest .

Cashiers, NC

Cashiers, NC is located in Jackson County, just 10 miles from Highlands and 21 miles from Meraki Escape along the scenic Highway 64.  Sitting at a high elevation of about 3,500 ft in the middle of the Nantahala National Forest, this cool area has plenty of beautiful spots for outdoor activities. 


Explore the village’s numerous apparel boutiques, antique shops, home furnishing studios and outstanding restaurants and breweries.  Many are hidden a little off the highway (part of it’s charm) so park and walk.  We recommend stopping at Cashiers Farmers Market for a picnic lunch to enjoy on a nearby hike.

a book is open to a page with a map on it

Highlands, NC

Highlands is just a few miles north of North Carolina's tiny border with Georgia, Highlands is a tiny hamlet sitting at 4,100 feet, making it one of the highest incorporated towns east of the Rockies. While this mountain resort town along scenic drive Highway 64 only has a year-round population of 3,200, it swells to over 18,000 in the summer.


The “postcard” downtown offers plenty of art galleries, antique stores, and upscale boutiques.  Five of the restaurants have been awarded the coveted Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Highlands has been featured in the Condé Nast Traveler Magazine. 

an aerial view of a small town with mountains in the background .

Waynesville, NC

Waynesville is a small hopping town in Haywood County.  Downtown has a quaint, urban charm, perfect for walkable shopping in local boutiques and gift shops for artisan goods.  It has a surprising number of fine galleries and specialty shops. 


And don’t forget the many restaurants and couple of breweries.  It’s located at the foot of the Great Smokey Mountains and near the Blue Ridge Parkway.