Ultimate Asheville Yoga Travel Guide and Tourism Tips
2020 Update:
Not able to travel to Asheville at the moment?
Access my full library of 75+ Free Yoga Videos and do yoga wherever you are while still enjoying our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain Landscapes.
I’m officially declaring Asheville the Yoga Capital of Appalachia. Maybe even the Yoga Capital of the South!
People have been visiting this city for years to soak up it’s natural wonders and it’s health benefits from the hot springs to the fresh mountain air. (Spoiler alert: mountain air does not cure tuberculosis.)
If you’re looking for an alternative, holistic getaway to relax, refresh or revive your body,mind and spirit, Asheville is your city. I’ve curated a list of yoga studios, training, retreats, activities, events, shops and restaurants to help you fill up a weekend, a week, a month or more!
WHERE TO PRACTICE OUTSIDE
Experience the additional health benefits of outdoor yoga along with increased awareness & happiness.
Individuals, Couples, Groups and Beginners welcome!
Thank you for our supporting our National Parks and a small, sustainable business that employs friendly, experienced, local yoga guides certified with RYT®200 teacher training, First Aid & CPR.
This is an especially great activity for bachelorette party, girls weekend getaways and birthday celebrations! Discounts for groups of 6 or more.
Inner Wild Yoga
Full Moon Yoga Hikes 2019
Take sips of wild air, root your feet into the earth and step off the beaten path. With the wilderness as our most valued teacher, we weave the mindfulness of yoga with transformational outdoor experiences.
Founded over 20 years ago, the current campus is solar powered and has over 100 classes a week. Teacher training center does 200 and 300 hour trainings. Wide variety of classes from heated, non-heated, yin, kundalini, and power. Single shower/changing room.
$18 drop in, $119 unlimited • $36 for 6 classes Intro Special • Community Class Reduced price class: Same as a regular drop-in $10 • Visitor Pass (valid for non-local, short term visitors)
7-Day Vacation Pass Unlimited yoga for 7 consecutive days $8.43 per day = $59
2-Day Vacation Pass Unlimited yoga for 2 consecutive days $14.50 per day $29
Boutique: We are a Yoga lifestyle boutique at the intersection of fun and function, mixing classical designs with modern fabrics and styles to create unique expressions that inject the modern yogi’s daily lifestyle with energy, comfort, and ease. https://youtu.be/6juFaEA7-KU
Free parking
211 S Liberty St, Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 254-0380
West Asheville Yoga
Owner Cat Matlock is a massage therapist and hosts a weekly FreeBody Therapeutics classes - utilizing trigger point therapy tools and deep understanding of anatomy and how the body works to guide class through self-care. Wide variety of classes, all non-heated. No showers
Drop ins $8-$15 sliding scale, $90/month unlimited
Free street parking
602 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
828 350-1167
Asheville Community Yoga
https://ashevillecommunityyoga.com/
Offers over 120 classes a week as a 100% donation based nonprofit organization where teachers are volunteers. Offers 250 hour teacher training, unique classes: Yoga en Espanol, yoga for seniors, kids yoga and yoga for veterans, donation based childcare, thrift shop, and are opening a cafe with affordable and nourishing food. No showers
Free parking
8 Brookdale Road
Asheville, NC 28804
(828)255-5575
Pure Yoga Asheville
Offers a variety of warm, hot, and unheated classes.
Drops ins $15/class or $79/month unlimited, offers student and other special pricing Changing room, no shower
Street parking, pay to park parking garage
65 A Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
+1 (855) 964-2285
Hot Yoga Asheville
2 heated rooms, showers/changing rooms, uses infrared heat, some non-heated classes but most are hot
$20 drop ins, $109/month unlimited
Free parking
Hot Yoga Asheville
802 Fairview Rd #100
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 299-7003
Inspired Change Yoga
http://www.inspiredchangeyoga.com/
Meditation, all levels flow, flow and yin, gentle yoga,
$15 drop in, student pricing, $89 unlimited
Free Parking
Two Town Square Blvd., Suite 180
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 230-0624
Anjali Hot Yoga
Heated and warm classes, unique offering: PhysioYoga - blends physical therapy and yoga. Taught by PT Ferris Fakhoury ($120 for initial 90 minute session, $80 after)
$15 drop in, student pricing, $108 unlimited or $69 auto draft monthly unlimited
Free Parking
South Forest Shopping Center
780 Hendersonville Road
Suite 14
828-785-1366
Veda Studios
http://vedastudios.com/
Classes include yoga, dance, and martial arts, two large movement rooms and a practitioner room dedicated to massage therapy and other healing modalities
$10 Drop-in, $72 unlimited
Free parking
853 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28805
(828) 708-4382
Happy Body - two locations
https://www.ashevillehappybody.com/
Pilates, yoga, personal training, massage, ortho-bionomy (Ortho-Bionomy® is a gentle, non-invasive bodywork therapy that re-educates the body through self-corrective reflexes to find ease and balance), earth medicine (herbal medicine)
Offers pilates teacher training
$15 drop in, $unlimited yoga $99
Free parking
1378 Hendersonville Rd e2, Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 277-5741
25 Reed Street Suite 210, Asheville, NC 28803
Ashtanga Yoga Asheville
http://www.ashtangayogaasheville.com/
Mysore style (assisted self-practice) and ashtanga vinyasa type classes
$15 drop in, $85 unlimited, have to pay online - no cash!
172 Deaver St, Asheville, NC 28806
(352) 215-0130
Nourishing Life Center of Health
Healthcare clinic and yoga studio specializing in integrative, lifestyle medicine for women and their families
Offers healing consultations, acupuncture, massage, yoga and herbal medicine
Couldn’t find any info about pricing
207 Weaverville Rd, Asheville, NC 28804
800 215-5020
Purna Yoga 828
https://liveyoganow.com/purna-yoga-828/
Alignment based classes, meditation, some power classes
$18 drop in, can’t find price on unlimited
Free parking
697 D Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 774-5955
Iyengar Yoga Asheville
Alignment based, Iyengar yoga is nicknamed “furniture yoga” due to props, chairs, and other equipment used to emphasise precision and alignment in postures and breath control. B.K.S. Iyengar is founder and pioneered the use of props in yoga. Takes approx. two years to earn an introductory certificate to teach Iyengar.
$20 drop in, $40 practitioner’s pass (drop ins become $10 and you can use studio for personal practice during open practice times so you can use the different props)
Free parking
111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804
(828) 484-1607
Primal Studios
https://www.primalstudiosasheville.com/
Primal Studios is a dynamic yoga and fitness studio specializing in Buti Yoga. Primal Studios was established in 2017 by Cynthia Sims. We inspire you to move outside your comfort zone, and connect & thrive in the community as we evolve together!
$12 Drop-In Class, $55 5-Class Pack, $100 10-Class Pack
457 N Louisiana Avenue,
Asheville, NC 28806
WHERE TO FESTIVAL
Asheville Yoga Festival
https://www.ashevilleyogafestival.com
JULY 25-28, 2019
The vision of Asheville Yoga Festival is to create a space for connection, adventure, play, relaxation and healing.
Downtown Asheville will be the retro-urban backdrop for the 2018 festival that will feature over 35 world-class presenters & musicians, and 80+ offerings including yoga, music and outdoor activities. In between classes you will have time to stroll through our beautiful outdoor Mountain Air Market, home to variety of unique health & wellness vendors and tasty treats.
LEAF Festival
For 24 years, each May & October an intergenerational family of 12,000 people join together upon the beautiful Lake Eden grounds to experience the power music, art and culture has to transform lives, strengthen community, and foster unity. LEAF Festival takes place on the site of the old Historic Black Mountain College on over 110 acres of rolling hills, lakes, streams, and mountain beauty on hundreds of acres of comfortable camping grounds. Each festival LEAF scours the globe for artists, musicians, performers and facilitators that are not only masters of their craft, but who also care deeply for the power of arts education and community impact.
Treat yourself at LEAF’s HEALING ARTS! With over 50 healing arts workshops throughout the weekend (free of charge), enjoy various yoga, dance, and martial arts classes, as well as workshops on nutrition, diverse healing traditions, ancient earth skills, and plant walks. Also explore many different holistic health modalities through the healing arts booths (offered at a fee) where you can enjoy a relaxing massage, rolfing, acupunture, chiropractic work, and more! A perfect way to add rest and rejuvenation into your festival weekend.
WHERE TO EAT
West Village Market
http://www.westvillagemarket.com/
Great selection of groceries with lots of local products. Juice bar and deli (vegan, vegetarian, and meat options) in the back. Great place to stop by in the morning for a pre-made breakfast burrito or before heading off on an adventure.
771 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
French Broad Co-op
http://frenchbroadfood.coop/
The French Broad Food Co-op is a grocery store that focuses more on people than profit. We do that by providing a living wage, supporting local farmers & producers and being community owned. We support consumption of healthful and organic foods, grown or produced locally with ecological and social responsibility. We encourage informed choice and consumer empowerment, with and emphasis on education and customer assistance. We are committed to use profits to strengthen and improve the Co-op community and to provide a livable wage to our employees. We pledge to maintain a pleasant environment that fosters goodwill, cooperation and participation.
Location: 90 Biltmore Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 • 828.255.7650
Hours: Monday - Sunday 8AM - 9PM
Dobra Tea
An authentic teamroom in Asheville with two locations. Over 100 organic fresh loose leaf teas. Enjoy vegetarian and gluten-free meals, snacks, and desserts.
78 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 (Downtown)
707 Haywood Rd (West Asheville)
Alchemy Tearoom
http://www.alchemyasheville.com/
Part tea room, apothecary, and acupuncture practice, Alchemy has created a new way to experience Chinese medicine.
62 Clayton St, Asheville, NC 28801
Rosetta’s Kitchen
https://www.rosettaskitchen.com/
Vegetarian and vegan soulfood with gluten-free options. In 2013 a downstairs area was renovated to create kombucha bar with six flavors of Buchi Kombucha, kombucha cocktails, along with spirited cocktails and a full range of wines, beers, local meads, and ciders.
116 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Plant
https://www.plantisfood.com/
Open daily for dinner 5-9 and until 10m on Friday and Saturday. This all-vegan restaurant is chef-driven, 90% organic, with gluten free options, craft cocktails, and excellent service.
165 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Laughing Seed
http://laughingseed.com/#menus
Open from 11:30 to 9pm most days, closed on Tuesdays. Organic and locally sourced vegetarian restaurant, with an international flair.
40 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801
Green Sage Cafe
https://www.greensagecafe.com/
Local, organic breakfast, sandwiches, and vegan/gluten-free options for healthy and nourishing meals. This place is eco-conscious, their water is heated with solar thermal panels, and newest store has phtovoltaic solar panels to create energy for lighting.
Three locations:
Green Sage Cafe South
1800 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Green Sage Cafe Westgate
70 Westgate Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28806
Green Sage Cafe Downtown
5 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801
Simple Cafe & Juice Bar
https://www.simpleasheville.com/
Locally owned, organic smoothies, juices, breakfast, salads and sandwiches.
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday - Sunday 9am - 5pm
643 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
WHERE TO RETREAT
Prama Institute & Wellness Center
Wellness Retreats • Weekend Retreats • Silent Meditation Retreats
Prama means “dynamic balance” in Sanskrit. On an individual level, this means fostering harmony between body, mind, and spirit. On a collective level, it means stewarding balance between people, community, and environment.
Our silent meditation retreat center in North Carolina gives you an opportunity to get away from the noise, hustle and strenuous demands of your daily routine to experience the health and wellness benefits of guided meditation practice.
Prama is located on forested hilltops and grasslands surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. It sits in Marshall, NC, near the French Broad River, about 25 minutes outside Asheville, NC.
Bend of Ivy Lodge
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near downtown is a magical retreat center, Bend of Ivy Lodge. A unique venue, client rental includes a private 63 acre nature sanctuary of gardens, lodging, commercial kitchen, koi pond, hiking trails, meeting spaces and meditation spaces.
Perfect for corporate retreats, meditation retreats, trainings, organizational meetings, weddings, as well as yoga, creative and wellness retreats. A unique property design of Asian zen, majestic Blue Ridge Mountains and soothing nature.
Bliss Farm & Retreat
http://www.blissfarmandretreat.com/
Yoga • Massage & Reiki • Farm to Table Dinners • Hiking • Farm Animals
At Bliss Farm and Retreat we believe there is a lot of mental, physical and spiritual value that comes from allowing yourself to fully detach from the stresses of daily life. This is different for everyone. Whether it's slowing down your mind through meditation or nourishing your body with quality, healthy food, we have a number of activities on the farm that will enable you to detach and decompress.
The Art of Living Center
https://artoflivingretreatcenter.org
Happiness Retreats • Silent Retreats • Yoga Retreats • Meditation Retreats • Teacher Training • Ayurveda Spa
When you're tired of the city or the hum-drum of life, energize and restore with us at this mountain-top yoga retreat center. We offer space for you to explore the beautiful mountains outside and discover your power within through a number of yoga retreat vacations throughout the year.
We are situated on 380 acres of forest on top of the Appalachian Mountains in Boone, North Carolina. The silence and view are breath-taking. Witnessing all the natural beauty that surrounds the yoga retreat center, you can easily fall into rhythm with nature.
WHERE TO STAY
OM Sanctuary
Meditation • Movement • Tai Chi • Yoga • Qigong • Massage
Step out of your daily life to reflect, meditate and deepen your yoga practice at OM Sanctuary. OM Sanctuary, a non-profit holistic retreat center and education organization, invites you to join one of the scheduled yoga retreat programs or personalize your yoga retreat through the Rest & Renewal Stay. The grounds are nestled in the woods above the French Broad River a few miles from the heart of beautiful downtown Asheville, NC, one of the top 10 yoga cities according to Yoga Journal magazine.
At OM Sanctuary you can enjoy the beautiful grounds, discover the gardens; hike in the forty woodland acres on the Tranquility Trail, and sit peacefully in a meditation room or by the waterfall in the Serenity Garden. Whether you want a quick weekend getaway or a long personalized yoga retreat, OM Sanctuary would like to assist in exploring your desires.
ALOFT hotel downtown
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/avlal-aloft-asheville-downtown/
Celebrate your style at Aloft Downtown Asheville, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stroll out the door to find loads of enticing eateries, plus a vibrant arts scene-all mere minutes from the Biltmore Estate and stunning scenery! Meet & mingle with friends at our W XYZ Bar, grab a sweet, savory, or healthy snack from Re:fuel by Aloft, our 24/7 pantry, or play in our Re:mix lobby. Plus, you can always stay connected with complimentary hotel-wide wired and wireless Internet access! Breeze into one of our aloft rooms, featuring our ultra-comfortable signature bed, an over-sized spa shower, custom amenities by Bliss® Spa, and more.
Asheville Glamping
https://www.ashevilleglamping.com/
Glamping = Glamorous Camping! Glamping in North Carolina offers outdoor enthusiasts an upgrade on rest and recreation and a truly whimisical escape. Glamping with us is still camping with some but not all added amenities.
Come stay at Asheville Glamping for the most unique vacation experience in Beer City USA! We don't just offer our guests a place to stay...we give our guests an adventure!!
Vintage Trailers • Domes • Yurts • Tipi's • Safari Tents • Airstreams • Asheville Treehouse coming summer of 2019!
Yoga Friendly AirBNB Options
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/20624404 • https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19908244 • https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3569949 • https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6528623 • https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10676144
WHERE TO SHOP
Violet Owl Wellness
http://violetowlwellness.com/
violetowlwellness@gmail.com
828.785.3041
62 Wall Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Daily hours: 10am - 7pm
At Violet Owl Wellness we are dedicated to assisting you in your nourishment of the mind, body & soul. We provide a weekly yoga & movement class schedule, reiki, massage & bodywork, essential oil therapy and a cute, little wellness shop!
Buy supplements (CBD Oil, Curcumin, etc.), apothecary, candles, essential oils, color therapy glasses, and more. Located in the heart of Downtown Asheville!
Lululemon
https://info.lululemon.com/stores/us/asheville/kitchinplace
1 Kitchin Place • Asheville, NC • (828) 277-5320
kitchinplace-store@lululemon.com
Hours: Mon - Fri 10:00AM - 7:00PM Saturday 10:00AM - 7:00PM Sunday 12:00PM - 6:00PM
Founded by Chip Wilson in Vancouver, Canada in 1998, lululemon is a yoga-inspired, technical athletic apparel company for women and men. What started as a design studio by day and yoga studio by night soon became a standalone store in November of 2000 on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood.
Our vision for our store was to create more than a place where people could get gear to sweat in, we wanted to create a community hub where people could learn and discuss the physical aspects of healthy living, mindfulness and living a life of possibility. It was also important for us to create real relationships with our guests and understand what they were passionate about, how they liked to sweat and help them celebrate their goals. Today, we do this in our stores around the globe.
Instant Karma
https://instantkarmaasheville.com/
A unique hippie gift shop in Asheville selling candles, crystals, gem stones, CBD, Incense, Jewelry, Smudging and Herbs, Meditation & Prayer Tools and more.
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 9 AM - 9 PM • Friday - Saturday 9 AM - 10 PM
DOWNTOWN: 36 N. Lexington Ave. (828) 301-8187
WEST: 725 Haywood Rd. (828) 285-8999
