HOME • Authentic Asheville

a photograph of layers of mountains that are darker in the foreground and then progressively, with each layer, get brighter and bluer. The sky is vibrant pink and has a long, thin cloud in it. In the very center are a few small dots that are the roofs of homes and a small green field. — Sunset along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, NC!

Authentic Asheville is a camper van travel blog that focuses on travel in Asheville, North Carolina, and beyond. It’s also meant to be used as a resource for those interested in the Ram Promaster City van with a Wayfarer Conversion Kit. Articles include camper van DIY ideas, tips and tricks, trip recommendations, gear reviews, best places to eat and drink, and LGBTQ+ safe spaces.

Caroline Whatley and Erin McGrady are the duo behind Authentic Asheville. We are digital nomads who work as photographers, writers, and content creators.

Welcome to our van life travel community!

Asheville Adventures

The best things to see and do in Asheville, North Carolina.

Erin McGrady sitting in ENO's SkyLoft Hammock in the meadow area at Highland Brewing in Asheville, NC. She is wearing a straw hat and is holding a cup with beer in it and offering one to a blurred out hand in the foreground.

Best Places to Hammock in Asheville, North Carolina

There are so many fun things to do in and around western North Carolina. The region has miles of scenic trails, moreContinue reading “Best Places to Hammock in Asheville, North Carolina”

photograph of some of the best murals in Asheville, North Carolina

Best Instagram Spots in Asheville

One of our favorite things to do when we travel is to find murals. It’s fun to walk around and discover themContinue reading “Best Instagram Spots in Asheville”

two glasses of Hazy IPA at Forestry Camp in Asheville, North Carolina

Best Outdoor Breweries and Bars in Asheville

There are a ton of great places to grab a beer in Asheville but if you’re looking to take advantage of someContinue reading “Best Outdoor Breweries and Bars in Asheville”

Camper Van Life Adventures

How to Choose a Van for Van Life

Ready for a new adventure? One that involves travel? And possibility living out of your van? We’ve spent many, many hours discussing,Continue reading “How to Choose a Van for Van Life”

back of a ram promaster city van with a DIY van life bed

The Best Camper Van Bed is a DIY Bed

On our most recent van life adventure through Canada in our Ram Promaster City Camper we left our Exped Sim Comfort DuoContinue reading “The Best Camper Van Bed is a DIY Bed”

DIY Van Window Screens

They say necessity is the mother of invention, right? Such was the case for our DIY Van Window Screens. We spent aboutContinue reading “DIY Van Window Screens”

Recent Adventures

Come explore with us!

Erin McGrady is rolling a blue Coleman Atlas 65-Quart Cooler down the middle of boardwalk that extends out into the water. She is looking out at the water and is wearing jean, a black t-shirt, a green beanie, and a red backpack.

Review of the Coleman Atlas Series 65-Quart Cooler With Wheels

Hey y’all! We’re back at it again with another gear review. This time the piece of gear we’re taking a look at is the Atlas Series 65-Quart Cooler With Wheels. Keep reading to see why we think this cooler is perfect for your next vacation, tailgate party, or sideline soccer game. Specifications Width: 22 inchesHeight:Continue reading “Review of the Coleman Atlas Series 65-Quart Cooler With Wheels”

Erin McGrady and Caroline Whatley are laying on two teal blue sleeping mats. On top of those mats are sleeping bags. The one on the left is lime green and the one on the right is bright blue. Erin is on the left, Caroline is on the right. They're inside of a camper van and on top of wooden boxes. The doors are open and they're laying down facing one another.

Sea To Summit Sleeping Bag and Mat Review

In this post we’re going to share our thoughts on the latest Sea To Summit Sleeping Bags and Mats. Specically, we’re taking a look at Sea To Summit’s Altitude AtII Sleeping Bag, Ascent AcII Sleeping Bag, and the Comfort Light S.I. Self Inflating Mat. Up until now we’ve been using Kelty’s Double Wide Sleeping BagContinue reading “Sea To Summit Sleeping Bag and Mat Review”

a photo of the French Broad River is the center focus of the photo. The town of Marshall, NC is in the background. Leaves are on the ground and slightly blurred out in the foreground.

Best Things To Do in Marshall, NC

Marshall, North Carolina is about a 25 – 30 minute drive (a little over 20 miles) from downtown Asheville. In other words, it’s a great spot for a day trip from Asheville! The downtown area of Marshall is fairly small. A quick drive down Main Street will only take a few minutes but it’ll giveContinue reading “Best Things To Do in Marshall, NC”