9 Places to Relax in Asheville (Now That the Kids Are Back in School!)
Parents, rejoice—school is back in session. Many of us here at Dr. Conway’s office have kids ourselves, and we understand the fatigue that can set in after three months of family trips, poison ivy, and “Mom, I’m bored!” Now that you’re settled into a school-year routine, we’re betting you could benefit from some self-care.
Taking time for yourself is important—replenishing your mind, body and spirit periodically can help you better rise to the challenges and joys of parenting. Luckily, we’re surrounded by amazing places to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. To inspire you, our Asheville plastic surgery team have shared our favorite places to treat ourselves. Make it a point to try at least one of these mini-retreats this fall—or put several together to plan the perfect self-care day!
Disappear for awhile at one of these Asheville spas
A fantastic way to relax is to let others take care of you. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic massage or more unique treatment, you’ll find it nearby. Here are our top picks for Asheville spa experiences.
1. Spoil yourself at the Grove Park Spa.
The spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn is an ultimate spa indulgence. The abundance of mineral pools, waterfalls, and rock features make you feel like you’re in a natural paradise, and talented staff create a luxurious experience that will having you sighing happily in relaxation in no time.
Our favorite: The Mountain View Massage, a full-body therapeutic massage in an outdoor pagoda, is the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of our area that you may miss in day-to-day life.
2. Experience the Asheville Salt Cave.
For thousands of years, people have used salt therapy to ease stress, improve breathing and digestion, and boost overall wellbeing. Spending an hour or two inside the soothing Himalayan crystal salt walls of the Asheville Salt Cave can help anyone unwind. Go solo for the ultimate meditative experience, or book a group session to enjoy the salt cave as part of a parent’s day out.
Our favorite: Couple’s Massage in the Salt Cave. If you and your sweetie could use some together time, try this romantic session, which includes tea, fruit and chocolate before a relaxing side-by-side massage, plus a special gift to take home.
3. Treat your feet at the Wake Foot Sanctuary.
What could be better than a cushy chair, a soothing soak, and a foot massage while you catch up with your closest friends? Wake Foot Sanctuary, located in downtown Asheville provides an exquisite menu of herbal and aromatic foot soaks, plus massage add-ons to soothe and relieve tension from your feet, hands, head or neck. Plus it’s affordable—treatments start at just $25.
Our favorite: the Meditation foot soak with lemon, juniper, cinnamon, sage and peppermint, paired with a 40-minute head, neck and shoulder massage.
4. Slip into one of the outdoor hot tubs at the Shoji Spa & Lodge.
Shoji provides a unique getaway experience without having to go far at all. Spend an hour or two sipping tea in a hot tub amongst a natural, wooded backdrop, enjoy a cleansing session in the dry cedar sauna, and finish with an invigorating cold plunge. Extend your day with optional massage therapy, reflexology, or a “Hike and Soak,” which includes a guided walk on the Mountains-to-Sea trail.
Our favorite: the “love our locals” discount! Buncombe county residents can get a 2-hour Private Spa Pass for the price of a 1-hour pass on Monday through Thursday.
Hit the pause button at a cozy Asheville café
When was the last time you actually got to sit and read the paper while you sipped your morning coffee? If you can’t manage a trip to the spa right now, a trip to one of Asheville’s renowned cafés can be a fabulous micro-retreat to restore your spirit. Our staff’s favorite spots:
5. Step back in time and unwind at Old Europe.
Old Europe has been an Asheville landmark since 1944, and for good reason—their classic European pastries and coffee are delicious and served in the perfect atmosphere to pretend you’re in Paris or Milan.
Our favorite: try the hazelnut Napoleon with a cafe au lait for the perfect afternoon treat.
6. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge.
French Broad Chocolates may be high on the tourist to-do list and have lines out the door during peak hours, but if you visit during the school day, you’ll have much of the place to yourself. The award-winning Asheville confectioner’s new Lounge location in Pack Square is gorgeous, and filled with fresh new options from their talented pastry chefs and chocolatiers at their South Slope factory.
Our favorite: A truffle sampler with a strong cup of black coffee. Pick from flavors ranging from Lemongrass & Ginger to Peanut Butter tumblers.
7. Indulge your intellectual side at the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
The Battery Park Book Exchange at the Grove Arcade is high on sophistication and always a wonderful place to spend some time. Settle into one of their cozy nooks with a mystery and glass of bubbly. Feel free to bring your pooch too!
Our favorite: Meet a friend, share a bottle of Cabernet, a cheese board, and some grown-up conversation at an outdoor table, then browse the stacks for a new-to-you novel.
8. Explore the world’s most loved beverage at Dobra Tea
Whether you’re a tea connoisseur or a total newbie, Dobra Tea is the perfect place to while away some alone time. Their 80+ page menu includes teas from across the globe. Read up and try something new, or let the friendly, knowledgeable staff guide you based on your tastes.
Dobra has locations in downtown, West Asheville, and Black Mountain, making it a convenient stop from most areas of town.
Our favorite: A “Special-tea,” blended in-house by the Dobra staff, is a great way to try something unique and tasty if you’re new to the tea scene.
9. Book a Professional Asheville Skincare Treatment
If the stresses of parenting, work and fun in the sun have left your skin looking dull or haggard, come see us! The above excursions can help you recharge for a day, but a specialty facial, peel, BOTOX or injectable filler treatment can help you refresh your appearance and enjoy a confidence boost that last for months. Our experienced aesthetic team can help you choose the Asheville skincare treatments that will have you glowing in no time.
Now that we’ve given you plenty of ways to relax in Asheville, set aside some time to treat yourself while the kids are at school. You deserve it.