Last Updated on February 24, 2026
You get excited when the first tendrils of fall’s crisp breezes creep in through the window. You can’t wait to see the first flakes of snow stick to the branches of your evergreens. But by mid-February, it’s easy to feel downtrodden by the ongoing gloomy days and chilly nights.
Right about now, we start dreaming about island vacations in the sun!
Thankfully, across Western North Carolina, it’s easy to add summery vibes into an otherwise humdrum winter afternoon. Here are nearly a dozen tropical bars, restaurants, and other destinations in WNC sure to cure your winter blues.
Asheville Yacht Club
Nowhere else in Asheville has the attitude and atmosphere of the Asheville Yacht Club! Step inside and discover a spirited rock-and-roll bar with tiki-themed decor and live music. Belly up to the bar to order from their full menu of specialty tropical cocktails. Their killer drink menu includes The Monkey’s Fist, Kane’s Revenge Margarita, and a Miami Mule. Please take their drink names seriously—the Zombie’s name says it all.
87 Patton Avenue, Asheville | (828) 255-TIKI | ashevilleyachtclub.com
Biltmore Conservatory
After the vibrant season of fiery fall colors in the mountains, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to the gray days of winter until the first pops of green in the spring. Escape the cold and reinvigorate your color receptors at a local greenhouse or botanical garden. Biltmore Estate guests and passholders can enjoy the century-old Biltmore Conservatory, where pineapples and tropical plants bloom year round. This glass-ceilinged greenhouse also features a variety of exotic hothouse orchids.
One Lodge Street, Asheville | (800) 411-3812 | biltmore.com
Bread Heads Tiki Shak
From the Breadheads’ Food Truck in 2022 to today’s brick and mortar location, the duo of Shane and Rebecca Bennett are successfully “slingin’ food and dranks in Downtown Sylva”. Described as a “tropical fever dream”, their drink menu serves up the best bloody in town by day, flaming punch bowls by night, and cocktails always dressed to party. But that’s not all. Expect a place with “bread” in the name to have a great food menu, as well—ranging from melty smashburgers to tuna poke bowls and rainbow-fresh salads.
606 W Main Street, Sylva | (828) 307-2160 | breadheadstikishak.com
Golden Pineapple
Make any day a special occasion at the Golden Pineapple, located in one of West Asheville’s oldest buildings. This neighborhood bar offers its own unique take on cocktails, beer, wine, and food. Try the eponymous Golden Pineapple, with bourbon and overproof rum, lime, amaro, tepache, and almond orgeat. Or grab another of their signature cocktails or mocktails, including the Silent Storm. There’s always something fun coming out of the Golden Pineapple.
503 Haywood Road, Asheville | (828) 505-4458 | goldenpineapplebar.com
Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Hot Springs got its name from one of the region’s most extraordinary features: natural mineral springs with temperatures of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re the perfect excuse to pack your bathing suit for the weekend! The Hot Springs Resort & Spa, established in 1778, maintains indoor and outdoor hot tubs that are fed by the springs. Larger tubs can hold you and up to six of your closest friends. Along with a full range of professional massage and body treatments, this is the getaway you’ve been looking for.
315 Bridge Street, Hot Springs | (828) 622-7676 | nchotsprings.com
Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill
Mahalo from downtown Asheville! Located in the historic Grove Arcade, Huli Sue’s serves up Texas barbecue and Hawaiian-inspired dishes with a spin straight from the Big Island. Dine on fresh fish, poke, signature island cocktails and mocktails, and mouthwatering BBQ. Don’t forget to save room for delectable desserts, including pineapple upside-down cake. Come for the weekend specials, and leave with a souvenir bottle of barbecue sauce.
1 Page Avenue, Suite 150, Asheville | (828) 505-0397 | hulisuesbbq.com
Little Jumbo, AKA the Tropilachia Club
Throughout the year, Little Jumbo is Montford’s favorite neighborhood watering hole, serving up classic cocktails, house concoctions, and small bites. However, “when winter settles deep into the mountains, Little Jumbo disappears—and in its place, the Tropilachia Club emerges.” Don’t miss the limited window for a “tropical fantasia” experience. This year’s Under the Sea theme has inspired cocktails like Mermaid Goes Gold, Eel of Fortune, and the NA Creature from the Green Lagoon michelada.
241 Broadway Street, Asheville | (828) 417-4783 | littlejumbobar.com
Nine Mile
Since 2008, Nine Mile has offered a casual, Caribbean-inspired and eclectic menu in the heart of Montford. Today, diners in West Asheville and South Asheville have their own locations for Caribbean cuisine. Many of Nine Mile’s pasta and rice dishes are vegetarian friendly, and generous dinner portions are sure to satisfy! Try the self-titled Nine Mile (grilled jerk chicken or tofu, fresh ginger, fire-roasted vegetables over linguine or basmati rice) and pair it with one of their custom Caribbean cocktails.
233 Montford Avenue | (828) 505-3121
751 Haywood Road | (828) 575-9903
33 Town Square Boulevard, Asheville | (828) 676-1807
The Tiki Easy Bar
Enter the Tiki Easy Bar … if you dare! Lost in the recesses of its building, patrons must enter through Hi-Wire Brewing’s South Slope location. A speakeasy-style entrance leads to a large room with classic and contemporary island-inspired cocktails and beers amid tiki decor. Stay long enough, and the drinks will transport you to the tropics, complete with refreshing “storm” effects. Rum aficionados will enjoy perusing the largest collection of rare and historic rums in North Carolina.
197 Hilliard Avenue, Asheville | (828) 738-2452 | tikieasybar.com
Tropical Gardens Mini Golf
Looking for more than just food and drink? Tropical Gardens is your ideal destination for a fun island-themed activity for the whole family. Their 18-hole miniature golf course is full of adventure and shaded paths and features exotic animals, waterfalls, and even a volcano! No matter your age, you are sure to enjoy testing your golf skills on this unique and challenging course. Join the Frequent Golfer Club to receive a free game after every ten.
956 Patton Avenue, Asheville | (828) 252-2207 | minigolftropicalgardens.com
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Find bold, flavorful smoothies with a healthy appeal that everyone will love. Tropical Smoothie Cafe uses real fruits, veggies, and juices in their made-to-order concoctions, like the Island Green® and the Sunrise Sunset™. Their menu also includes other fare prepared with tropical fun, including toasted flatbreads, wraps, sandwiches, quesadillas, and bowls. Stop by to experience their fun, relaxing atmosphere, or order ahead and skip the line.
1829 Hendersonville Road, Suite 40-B, Asheville | (828) 575-9190
Asheville Regional Airport, 61 Terminal Drive, Fletcher | (770) 821-1900
Live the island life in the mountains of Western North Carolina
Western North Carolina is a mosaic of communities that are warm and welcoming year round. That’s one of the reasons why the region has soared in popularity in recent years! It is just as easy to discover a private rural community in Waynesville as it is an urban condominium building overlooking bustling Asheville, an artfully-designed master planned golf community in Henderson County, a home just off the upcoming Ecusta Trail in Brevard, or an historic neighborhood like Biltmore Forest.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Learn more about WNC communities and search for homes.
