asheville must visit

Asheville, NC   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Stephen Pruitt Photography | Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

20 Essential Things to Do in Asheville, North Carolina

The mountains are calling and you must go. With so many fun things to do in Asheville, you can cherry pick (or wild berry pick) a one-of-a-kind itinerary. You will discover many of Asheville's most memorable experiences in the great outdoors,

• All Things To Do

Biltmore Biltmore

U.S. News Insider Tip: Though the Biltmore house has 43 bathrooms, you can’t use any of them, so be sure to use one of the public restrooms by the Stable Café before your house tour. – Lindsey Grossman

George Vanderbilt’s enormous French Renaissance-style estate has a storied past dating back to 1889. Considered America's largest private home, it took six years to build, with 250 rooms including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and a whopping 65 fireplaces. The estate grounds designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed Central Park) cover 8,000 acres and feature nearly 22 miles of trails, gardens, a winery and so much more.

Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway close to vehicles in the winter, which affords you the unique opportunity to experience it by foot. If it’s not too far, park and walk to your hiking destination. – Lindsey Grossman

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway begins in Virginia and meanders through about 250 miles of western North Carolina. With a maximum speed of 45 mph, the scenic byway offers drivers numerous opportunities to stop at overlooks, quaint mountain towns , and hiking and biking trails. The parkway is divided by milepost markers that increase as you drive farther south.

Craggy Gardens Craggy Gardens free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Late summer means berry season in the mountains. In August, you can hike up to the top of Craggy Gardens and pick your own wild blueberries! (While “supplies” last.) – Lindsey Grossman

One of the best trails for seeing wildflowers along the Blue Ridge Parkway , Craggy Gardens is located at milepost 364. In June, rhododendrons overtake the evergreen foliage, weaving through tunnels of twisty roots and branches, making the trail as stunning as the views from the top.

Popular Tours

Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views

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Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist

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Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville

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Pisgah National Forest Pisgah National Forest free

Offering more than 500,000 acres of land about 30 miles southwest of downtown Asheville, Pisgah National Forest is jam-packed with activities and breathtaking vistas. With hundreds of miles of trails and numerous waterfalls and swimming holes, the forest provides ample opportunities to appreciate the great outdoors.

One of the first national forests in the country, created partially with land that once belonged to the Biltmore Estate , the park is home to the first forestry school in the United States as well as the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

Asheville Breweries Asheville Breweries

U.S. News Insider Tip: The hops don’t stop with local breweries. The Whale AVL in West Asheville boasts one of the best beer selections in the world, ranking as one of the country’s top 10 beer bars. – Lindsey Grossman

With more than 50 breweries in the area, Asheville has emerged as the beer capital of the Southeast. Sampling pints from many of the local breweries has become a favorite activity for Asheville residents and visitors alike.

Sliding Rock Sliding Rock free

Waterslide lovers can take their skills to the next level while getting back to nature at Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest . Easily one of the forest's most unique attractions, adventurous visitors can whoosh down 60 feet of sloped, predominantly flat rock that’s powered by 11,000 gallons of water per minute. The slide empties seamlessly into an 8-foot-deep pool below. Many make the trek to Pisgah National Forest to line up and take turns sliding down this fun natural wonder. Adventure Pisgah manages the site during the summer; during the offseason (after Labor Day), it’s an “enjoy at your own risk” attraction and there are no lifeguards. There are two observation platforms where those who don’t want to swim can take in the action. 

Recent visitors who took the plunge at Sliding Rock said they had a blast, and called it a must for every family’s bucket list. While travelers were unanimous in recommending a detour to Sliding Rock, they did warn that the water is cold (even in warmer weather) and you should expect crowds. For fewer lines and easier parking, avoid the peak hours between noon and 4 p.m., visit on a weekday, and bring aqua socks and a rash guard or swim shirt. 

Mount Mitchell State Park Mount Mitchell State Park free

Unsure of where to stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway ? For unbeatable views of the mountains, pay a visit to Mount Mitchell State Park. Home to the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River (6,684 feet), it’s one of the parkway’s most popular attractions. Unlike many trails, this summit can be reached by car. A 4.5-mile paved road off the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you to the top, with a short walk to the observation area where you'll be treated to 360-degree views of the surrounding scenery. What's more, visibility from the top goes as far as 85 miles.

Those hiking to the top have 40 miles of trails available that vary in difficulty and intensity. The Balsam Nature Trail is considered moderate, but is less than a mile long. Along this pathway, you'll find a small stream that is actually the highest spring in the eastern United States. To reach the top of Mount Mitchell like they did in the late 1800s and early 1900s, venture down the Old Mitchell Trail, which is 4 miles roundtrip. Or, you could walk the strenuous 2.1-mile Deep Gap Trail, which follows the ridgeline between Mount Mitchell to nearby Mount Craig.

River Arts District River Arts District free

Asheville’s River Arts District (known locally as RAD) started with a few studios in the mid-1980s and has grown to house nearly 300 artists and their creative endeavors. Former industrial and historical buildings – including a tannery and a cotton mill – have been repurposed and renovated as artist studios, shops, restaurants and a newly opened boutique hotel called The Radical. Visitors can stroll around the district to meet artists and enjoy works in various media, including paintings, textiles, ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. It's also a great place to pick up a unique souvenir from your time in the city, or sign up for a class at the North Carolina Glass Center to make your own special keepsake.

Though some visitors found the artwork expensive, they still loved walking around and watching the artists work. Visitors also noted the excellent reuse of a former industrial area, easy-to-find free parking, and Instagram-worthy public mural art.

Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

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2. 5-Hour Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Jeep Tour

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(3 HR) Off-Road UTV Wilderness Adventure

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Appalachian Trail Appalachian Trail free

Winding its way from Maine to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail (also known as the AT) spans 2,190 miles through 14 states. About 323 of those miles are found in North Carolina, including 226.6 miles along the Tennessee border.

The North Carolina section offers many of the Appalachian Trail's highest peaks, several above 6,000 feet. Hiking enthusiasts can set out on a multiday or weeklong journey (keep in mind that you'll need permits to camp and hike in some areas, especially inside the Great Smoky Mountains).

French Broad River French Broad River free

You don't need to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway to find adventures in Asheville. In fact, the French Broad River, which runs right through town, is filled to the brim with fun and exciting activities. One of the oldest rivers in the world, the French Broad is also one of the only rivers in the world that flows north instead of south (its headwaters begin in Rosman, North Carolina and runs north to Tennessee). 

Popular river activities include tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing and more. French Broad Outfitters is a highly rated tour operator that offers self-guided tours and rentals, plus gear for kayaking, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding and canoe. You can also find tube rentals at Zen Tubing , and if you happen to be more interested in stand-up paddleboarding with instruction, Wai Muana offers rentals, tours and lessons. 

The North Carolina Arboretum The North Carolina Arboretum free

Those with green thumbs will want to put the North Carolina Arboretum on their must-see list. Located 10 miles south of downtown Asheville off of Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 393, the arboretum is a 434-acre natural museum within Pisgah National Forest . Visitors can wander through 65 acres of lush gardens, including a world-renowned bonsai collection and more than 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking and walking. If you’re in Asheville over the holidays, don’t miss the arboretum’s spectacular Winter Lights walk-through experience that illuminates the gardens and grounds with more than a million lights.

Recent visitors raved about the bonsai exhibition as well as the walking trails. Kids can take part in a variety of interactive youth activities, such as the ecoEXPLORER citizen science program and TRACK Trail Guide.

Folk Art Center Folk Art Center free

At milepost 382 off the Blue Ridge Parkway , you'll find the Folk Art Center, home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The guild dates back to the 1930s and still represents the artists and craftsmen of Southern Appalachia.

One of the most popular spots off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Folk Art Center displays traditional and contemporary crafts in three galleries, and is home to a bookstore, a parkway information desk, a library and the Allanstand Craft Shop – the oldest craft shop in America. From March to December, the center also features daily craft demonstrations. If you happen to be in Asheville in either July or October, be sure to visit the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands at Harrah's Cherokee Center-Asheville. This event draws in more than 11,000 visitors each year and features more than 200 artists selling their craft and teaching the public about their artistic skills.

Western North Carolina Nature Center Western North Carolina Nature Center

If you're itching to learn more about the natural world of Appalachia, or simply have kids in tow, make sure that the Western North Carolina Nature Center is on your itinerary. The Nature Center, located just 5 miles southeast of downtown Asheville, is filled with 60 species of animals that are either native to the region or have at one point lived there. Resident animals – most of which cannot live in the wild on their own due to injury or imprinting (meaning they have no fear of humans and no skills to live in the wild) – include black bears, river otters and foxes. And don’t miss the red wolves, the world’s most endangered wolf species.

Both visitors and locals love coming to the Western North Carolina Nature Center. Travelers really enjoyed getting to see the various animals, especially the wolves and red pandas. Others appreciated the shaded paths and friendly staff. Another thing visitors agree on? This place is perfect for kids. In addition to plenty of exciting animals, the nature center also has Montessori-like interactive play areas for kiddos, gem and fossil mining, as well as free daily animal programs.

Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains

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from $ 69.00

Asheville Coffee Tours

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Electric Bike Brewery Crawl of Asheville

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Lexington Glassworks Lexington Glassworks free

Art lovers should get fired up for a stop at Lexington Glassworks. The gallery and studio prides itself on an open door culture, inviting you to watch these talented glass artists hone their craft. The gallery shows off an impressive display of both functional and decorative pieces that make great souvenirs, from drinkware to ornaments. Remodeling? Consult with Lexington Glassworks’ Lighting Design Studio for stunning custom pendants and other fixtures that will literally light up a room.

Several visitors described Lexington Glassworks as one of their Asheville musts, particularly noting the quality of the glass, friendly staff and the mesmerizing experience of watching the makers at work. One visitor points out that while many places in Asheville are closed on Tuesdays, Lexington Glassworks remains open if you’re planning your trip for midweek. 

LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours

The perfect blend of historical and hysterical, LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours welcome visitors aboard the company’s signature purple buses to drive around downtown and surrounding neighborhoods for a look at the city’s history, beer culture, ghosts and more. Along the way, you’ll meet zany characters and enjoy lots of laughter. LaZoom offers four tour options: the popular 90-minute Asheville City Tour (appropriate for ages 13 and older), a one-hour haunted comedy tour (ages 17 and older), a three-hour brewery tour (ages 21 and older) and a one-hour Kids Comedy Tour that’s suitable for all ages.

Both visitors and locals love these one-of-a-kind tours. Reviewers rave about the funny, witty guides and characters you interact with along the way. Locals call LaZoom a great way to introduce out-of-town guests to Asheville.

Asheville Pinball Museum Asheville Pinball Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip : Long line at the Pinball Museum? Check out the Amazing Poster Vault with 40 video games right below the museum for only $5, and the attached Lunchbox Hall of Fame with more than 200 classic lunch boxes for just $1. – Lindsey Grossman

The Asheville Pinball Museum offers the perfect activity for all ages, with 35 pinball machines and 35 classic video games to bring out the kid in everyone. A rotating collection of fully operational vintage games date as far back as the 1960s, with machines on display from as far back as the 1930s. Rare games include "Dragon's Lair," an original "Star Wars" cockpit and a 1979 Atari Football game. With sodas, snacks and beer for sale, you can easily kick back for a couple of hours. Up to 65 people are allowed in at a time, so there’s always a game available to play.

Grove Arcade Grove Arcade free

Self-made millionaire E.W. Grove (developer of The Omni Grove Park Inn ) conceived what he called “the most elegant building in America” when he built the Grove Arcade almost 100 years ago, creating the country’s first indoor shopping mall. Throughout its storied history, the architectural marvel served as a military center during World War II, and was home to the National Weather Records Center before a full renovation returned the Grove Arcade to its original vision. Today, the first floor of the Grove Arcade is filled with galleries, restaurants and shopping, with offices and residences on the higher floors. 

Visitors describe the Grove Arcade as a must-see for architecture lovers (who should check out the self-guided architecture tour ), and appreciated the air-conditioned reprieve from the summer heat. Housed inside the Grove Arcade, the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar is a favorite of both tourists and locals.

Asheville Urban Trail Asheville Urban Trail free

Weaving through downtown, the 1.7-mile-long Asheville Urban Trail walks visitors through the cultural and architectural history of the city. Public sculptures that speak to the city’s history mark each of the trail's 30 stops.

The self-guided tour takes you through five time periods, from the Gilded Age to the present Age of Diversity. The trail starts at Pack Square at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and Patton Avenue and circles around the downtown area, arriving back at the square for the final bronze statue. Set aside two hours to complete the entire trail at once, or discover it in bits and pieces with each visit.

Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour

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Explore The Blue Ridge Mountains: Private Day Trip from Asheville

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(4 HR) UTV Sunset, Waterfall, and Eco Elk Wilderness Adventure

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Botanical Gardens at Asheville Botanical Gardens at Asheville free

If you want to connect to nature without driving too far out of town, take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Located less than 2 miles north of downtown and neighboring the University of North Carolina at Asheville campus, the gardens sprawl across 10 acres, showing off Southern Appalachia’s incredible biodiversity with more than 500 species of native plants. The main loop trail is about half a mile, with gravelside trails splitting off for those wanting to explore further. Bring a picnic or choose one of several points to access Reed Creek for some rock hopping and splashing around in warmer months. You’ll also find several benches along the trails to rest and take it all in. There’s always something blooming, but the best time to visit is when the wildflowers peak in April and May and again mid-summer through early fall. Kids can learn about the different plant species with one of five investigation passports, which encourage little ones to interact with the garden and hone their observation skills (passports are available at the visitor center).

Garden visitors emphasize the natural, unmanicured feel (this is not a fancy botanical garden with high-maintenance exhibits), so temper your expectations. Reviewers also appreciated the clear signage and knowledgeable staff.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial Thomas Wolfe Memorial

One of the greatest American literary minds of the early 20th century, Thomas Wolfe was inspired by his time in Asheville, and at this historic downtown Asheville home in particular. Built in 1883, the house has changed ownership several times, and was at one time owned by Wolfe’s mother, who ran it as a boarding house. Wolfe pays tribute to his time in this house and in Asheville in his first and most famous novel, “Look Homeward, Angel.” Tour the house to gain a better understanding of how the renowned author’s childhood home influenced his work. The attached visitor center features a gift shop and an exhibit on the life and work of Thomas Wolfe. 

Visitors say the home not only offers unique insights into Thomas Wolfe’s life, but the city of Asheville as well (it’s a North Carolina State Historic Site). Visitors who weren’t as aware of Wolfe before the tour still enjoyed it and got a lot out of the experience.

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

25 Best Things To Do In Asheville, NC (And Nearby!) You Must Do

August 3, 2022 //  by  Southern Trippers

If you are looking for some of the best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina, then this list is for you! Asheville is one of the coolest cities in America and is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Since it is in the Blue Ridge Mountains , there is an eclectic mix of attractions in Asheville.

Planning your trip to Asheville last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Asheville in advance to ensure availability! The longer your wait, the more difficult it gets. ESPECIALLY during Fall Foliage! Here are our top picks for Asheville:

Top Places To Stay In Asheville:

• The Residences At Biltmore (Sells out quickly! Luxury stay)
• GLō Best Western Asheville (Affordable option)
• Cambria Hotel (Amazing downtown location)
• Kimpton – Hotel Arras (Free bikes, downtown location)

Top Experiences And Tours In Asheville:

• Asheville Ghost Walking Tour (Our pick! Free cancellation)
• Waterfall Hiking Tour From Asheville (See 3 waterfalls)
• Electric Bike Brewery Crawl (Great way to see the city)
• Downtown Guided Bike Tour (Likely to sell out!)
• Asheville Guided Segway Tour (Super fun!)

Asheville is one of the cutest small towns in the South for many reasons. The town itself has a vibrant arts scene, especially in the downtown district. It is also where you can find the Biltmore Estate, which is a historic house museum that has acres of property, a massive mansion, and its own shopping district. If neither of those things interests you, Asheville is perfectly situated for exploring the great outdoors.

On this list of what to do in Asheville, we’ve made sure to include a little something for everyone. There are also a few hidden gems you might not find on other lists of Asheville attractions.

No matter what you are interested in, you’ll find plenty to explore on this list of best things to do in Asheville that you won’t want to miss.

25 Best Things To Do In Asheville, NC (And Nearby!) You Must Do

Stroll the north carolina arboretum.

One of the best things to do in Asheville is the North Carolina Arboretum. It is over 430 acres of trails, gardens, and more nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can find it in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest which is part of the Pisgah National Forest. If you are driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway , it’s across from Milepost 393.

The Arboretum has 65 acres specifically set aside that are nothing but cultivated gardens. The garden has both native and exotic plant species. Usually, from April to October there is something in bloom at the Arboretum. It is also known for having one of the most extensive bonsai collections in the United States. Throughout the garden, you’ll also find sculptures and the sculptural exhibit changes throughout the year.

Hikers looking for a place with fairly easy hiking and biking trails will love the Arboretum. There are over 10 miles of manicured and well-kept trails for you to explore. The hiking trails range in difficulty from easy to difficult and cross through Pisgah National Forest, Lake Powhatan, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Asheville that let you explore the outdoors, the North Carolina Arboretum is worth a stop.

Be Awed by the Biltmore Estate

One of the most popular Asheville attractions is the Biltmore Estate . It’s also one of the best things to do in North Carolina . Built over a span of six years and opened to the family in 1895, the Biltmore Estate has been the shining jewel of Asheville, and maybe even the Blue Ridge Mountains, ever since.

The French chateau-style mansion has over 250 rooms including bedrooms, a conservatory, a bowling alley, an indoor pool, and even a ‘Halloween Room.’ The house has been open to the public for tours since the 1930s and is one of the most suggested best things to do in Asheville by locals and visitors alike.

On the estate, there are also miles of gardens, a greenhouse, woodlands with trails running throughout, a replica European-style village, restaurants, and a winery. The Biltmore can be kind of expensive to tour, but it is well worth it. It is the only house of its kind in the United States and is full of beauty and history. You can easily spend the whole day exploring.

Don’t forget to check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Asheville!

Admire Some Street Art

Asheville is known for many things. One of those is its art scene. That art scene is so vibrant and healthy that it is overflowing onto the streets of Asheville. As you walk through the city you’ll find larger-than-life murals on many of the buildings. Asheville boasts more than 15 murals of all shapes and sizes.

You can find a large portrait of Dolly Parton, Sloth from The Goonies , or a giant sneaking fox. There are also murals with a spiritual or political message. Some are collages of different images or quotes and others are made for photo ops.

Walking around and trying to spot the various murals is one of the fun free things to do in Asheville .

Hike in the Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest surrounds most of the area of the Blue Ridge Mountains around Asheville. Over 100,000 acres of it were once owned by the Biltmore Estate, but over time more and more have been sold back to the United States government. The National Forest is now over 500,000 acres of dense hardwood forest, waterfalls, rivers, and mountain peaks. Go hiking, biking, pack a picnic, or just drive through the park to see some stunning views.

In Pisgah, you’ll find several different environments, and parts of the forest are even considered temperate rainforests. It is also known to have some of the best hiking trails in Southwestern North Carolina. They range from easy to difficult and you can see breathtaking waterfalls or climb the highest peaks in the East.

You can also enjoy Pisgah by taking a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. During the fall, Pisgah National Forest is one of the best places to experience fall foliage in North Carolina .

Book Here: Pisgah Forest: Forest Bathing & Nature Therapy Walking Tour

Take a Day Trip To Waterfalls

Depending on how long you’d like to drive, you can see some truly gorgeous waterfalls near Asheville . Whether you only have time for a 30-minute drive or can drive over an hour away, you’re sure to find a waterfall you want to explore. There are dozens of beautiful waterfalls near Asheville just waiting for you to explore.

Many of the waterfalls require some sort of hike. So when you’re planning your day, make sure you research how difficult the hike is. You can also take a whole day and stop at several different waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you do that, we suggest packing a picnic lunch, it may not be easy to find a place to eat near some of them.

When you plan your day trip, keep in mind that while most of the falls are free to hike to, some do have a fee to enter the parking area. However, you should be able to see most of these waterfalls without paying an entrance fee. Depending on what time of year you are visiting they can also get pretty crowded – especially during ‘Peak Week’ when the fall colors are most vibrant.

Make sure to check out our list of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns you must visit!

Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway

If you are visiting Asheville you absolutely need to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway . The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Virginia to just south of Asheville along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range that runs from Canada and down into Northern Alabama.

There are a ton of great stops along the parkway near Asheville. You can also travel farther north up the parkway and make a day trip out of it. Highlights along the parkway include Grandfather Mountain, the Linn Cove Viaduct, and the small towns of Blowing Rock and Boone .

You can find plenty of places to go near Asheville along your Blue Ridge Parkway drive including hiking trails , parks, and overlooks .

Book Here: Asheville: Yoga on a Mountain Hike

Explore the River Arts District

What was once the industrial district of Asheville is now the River Arts District. The River Arts District, or the RAD, has taken over the abandoned warehouses and mills along the French Broad River. It is also the part of Asheville where you’re more likely to find one of the many murals.

In the River Arts District, you’ll find art studios and art galleries. The art studios include crafts like pottery, painting, and glassblowing. Because it is a vibrant part of the city, there are also plenty of unique places to eat and shop. Some of the best restaurants in Asheville can be found in the River Arts District. You’ll also find music venues, breweries, and boutique shops. It is one of the best things to do in downtown Asheville.

Soak Up Culture at the Asheville Art Museum

After admiring all the art from local artists in the River Arts District, you may want to see some more. If that’s the case, head to the Asheville Art Museum. Inside you’ll find a collection of American artwork from the 20th and 21st centuries. This includes artists from art movements like Cubism, Pop Art, and Post-Modernism.

Most of the collection is works from local artists, in particular artists that went to the local art school. Black Mountain College was open from 1933 to 1957 and was a major art institute in the area. The works in the Asheville Art Museum are often pieces by students and instructors from Black Mountain College.

In the collection, you’ll also find over 250 sculptures and installations that feature Cherokee arts and Outsider arts. The museum is working on adding more Cherokee and Native artists to its collection but currently features over 60 Cherokee artists. The Asheville Art Museum is a wonderful representation of art in the Southern Appalachian region that continues to strive for better representation in the art scene.

This is one of the best activities in Asheville for art lovers!

Visit the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site isn’t actually in Asheville. It’s about a 40-minute drive outside of Asheville, so it’s a great option for a day trip when you need a break from the city. The home is located in Sandburg’s final hometown, the small village of Flat Rock. Carl Sandburg was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet.

The home’s formal name is Connemara and the National Historic Site preserves the home as it would have originally looked when Sandburg lived there. Established in 1968, it was the first National Historic Site to honor the life of an American poet.

Sandburg was an important literary voice during the Civil Rights Movement, and he was an early writer on what was happening in Chicago that led to the infamous Chicago Race Riots. It is a charming home dedicated to the life and memory of an important American author who fought for Civil Rights for decades.

Dine at Downtown Asheville Restaurants

Asheville is quickly becoming known as a hot destination for foodies. With its lively art scene and abundance of breweries, it’s no surprise that Asheville has embraced the culinary arts wholeheartedly. Most of the restaurants are now centered in the city’s downtown district.

One of the things that makes downtown Asheville restaurants so unique is that almost all of them are focused on the farm-to-table movement. This means instead of sourcing their food from large distributors, they ethically source their food from local farms. Often farm-to-table foods are hormone-free and organic, but that isn’t always the case.

Whether you are looking for Italian pasta, spicy Thai dishes, or unique fusion restaurants, there is a restaurant in Asheville’s downtown for you to enjoy. You won’t find just places for dinner. There are also great restaurants known for their breakfast menu and bakeries, ice cream shops, and chocolatiers.

Book Here: Asheville: Scenic Helicopter Experience

See Gorgeous Nature at Craggy Gardens

You can find the Craggy Gardens about 15 minutes north of Asheville. The Craggy Gardens are an area where you can walk or hike in the Craggy Mountains, which are a smaller set of mountains within the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, to get to the gardens, you can find them at Milepost 364.4-367.6.

It is a beautiful spot for a scenic hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains . The gardens are most known for the amazing floral display they put on every year. In June the area comes alive with thousands of pink and purple Catawba rhododendron blooms.

If you plan on visiting the gardens for the blooms, be prepared to deal with some crowds. It is a very popular Asheville activity during peak blooming season. But it is well worth it!

Find Awesome Views at Mount Mitchell State Park

If you want to see the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, head to Mount Mitchell State Park . Mount Mitchell was one of the United States’ first state parks, partially because people wanted to preserve the mountain peak. You don’t have to take an extensive hike to be able to admire some truly stunning views of Mount Mitchell.

There is an observation deck that is easily accessed that has great views of the peak. There are also tons of hiking trails in the park. They range from easy to difficult and even range in length. So if you only have time for a short hike, but you still want to explore the park, there is a perfect trail for you. At the entrance of the park, you’ll find a visitor’s center with a museum.

The museum focuses on the history of Mount Mitchell and its cultural significance in the area. Near the museum and visitor’s center, there is a full-service restaurant and concession area. The restaurant and concession area are open only during the peak season, so from May to October.

Play at the Asheville Pinball Museum

For those looking for one of the more unique things to do in Asheville, consider the Asheville Pinball Museum. It’s a really cool date night idea, or it could even be fun for kids if they are a bit older.

With over 35 vintage and antique pinball machines, you can easily spend a good chunk of time enjoying the museum. Think of it less as a traditional museum and more like an interactive museum.

The museum charges a set rate for all-you-can-play games. They also have vintage video games that are also one set price for all you can play.

If you get hungry while you’re having fun, the museum also has a small pizza shop inside it that offers pizza and beer. You have to pay for that separately, but it’s still a super fun and cheap night. It is one of the best things to do in Asheville for adults.

Explore The First Baptist Church

The First Baptist Church is a historic Baptist Church in Asheville. It was designed and built from 1925 to 1927 by the famous architect Douglas Ellington. Ellington designed several of the buildings in downtown Asheville. It is known for its striking Art Deco design. The main portion of the church is a polygonal brick building that is four stories and domed. In the front entrance of the church is a large and fairly ornate hexastyle portico.

Inside, you’ll find an equally stunning space. It features a large wood stage with tall wood paneling behind it. The paneling hides most of the elaborate inner workings of the massive pipe organ. From the top of the paneling pipes of all shapes and sizes stick out and provide beautiful music for the church sanctuary.

The ceiling of the sanctuary reaches into the domed space you see from the exterior. It is painted elegantly with fluffy clouds. The First Baptist Church is a historic and unique piece of Asheville’s architectural history. If you are looking for unique things to do in Asheville, add the First Baptist Church to your list.

Visit the Folk Art Center

At Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll find the Folk Art Center. It originally opened in 1930 thanks to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Now it has over 900 artists in several galleries and shops. The main gallery and shop can be found at the Folk Art Center. However, you can find several smaller shops featuring Appalachian artists at other prominent Blue Ridge Parkway stops.

It is easily the most popular Asheville attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In addition to the massive shop, the Center also houses galleries, all featuring art by local artists. The exhibits rotate, so if you see something you’d like to purchase, don’t leave without taking it home.

Depending on when you visit, you may be able to see one of the resident artists working in the studio that has windows for the public to look in on. This makes it one of the coolest places to visit in Asheville!

Stroll Through The Biltmore Village

The Biltmore Village was originally built as a place for the employees of the Biltmore Estate. Now the former employee homes have been converted into a charming shopping district across the street from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate. It is free to wander through the Village, making it one of the best free things to do in Asheville.

There are 40 shops to explore and 10 restaurants and cafes. It is a picturesque way to enjoy a quiet afternoon. The shops are almost all housed in historic homes and cottages. Stroll along on the charming antique brick sidewalks lined with trees and shops. There are also several original buildings in the Village like the Cathedral of All Souls that add to the charming atmosphere.

The Biltmore Village is clearly one of the top things in Asheville, North Carolina.

Walk the Urban Trail

The best way to see all the best parts of Asheville is through the Urban Trail. The Urban Trail is a walking tour of the city’s unique history. If you walk the trail at a leisurely pace, it takes about two hours. Along the way, you’ll stop to admire or explore some of Asheville’s most notable spots. It is also completely self-guided and one of the best free things to do in Asheville, NC.

While you walk and follow the trail you’ll see stations with information that tells you all about the spot. You’ll learn about famous authors like Thomas Wolfe and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Outside some of his most famous buildings in the Asheville skyline, you’ll learn about Douglas Ellington. No trip exploring Asheville is complete without learning about George Vanderbilt’s effect on the city thanks to the Biltmore Estate.

The Urban Trail is a super fun way to explore Asheville if you have some time and want to stretch your legs. It’s also the best way to see the highlights of the city while you learn about their cultural and local significance as well.

Learn at the Asheville Museum Of Science

One of the best things to do in Asheville with kids is the Asheville Museum of Science. The museum is fairly small, but the kids will have tons of fun. It features a more hands-on technique for learning about science. The goal of the Asheville Museum of Science is for visitors to experience science, not just observe it.

Inside the small museum, you’ll find a few different permanent exhibits. If you are interested in rocks and minerals, there is the Colburn Hall of Minerals. They also have a self-guided STEM lab that is also interactive. It is one of the most popular exhibits in the museum.

There are also dinosaur skeletons, fossils, a ‘Toddler Nest’, and more. The museum also has exhibits that change throughout the year, making it a fun and exciting Asheville activity to come back to throughout the year. The kids will love exploring the museum and interacting with all the fun exhibits.

Step Back in Time at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site

Thomas Wolfe was a famous American author in the 20th century. He was born in 1900 in Asheville and his childhood home still stands in Asheville. Wolfe would later immortalize his childhood home in his writings, although he gave everything different names.

Now visitors can experience the Victorian home as Wolfe would have experienced it. They offer daily tours and there is also a walking tour you can take around the home and the area. It is in downtown Asheville, so it is a stop on the Urban Trail too. For those interested in American literature or historic homes, this is one of the best things to do in Asheville.

Photograph the Basilica Of Saint Lawrence

The Basilica of Saint Lawrence is another famous architectural piece of downtown Asheville’s skyline. It features a unique Spanish Catalan design that is not very common in the area. The church was built in 1905 by the famous Spanish architect, Rafael Guastavino. A little over 90 years later, in 1993, Pope John Paul II elevated it to a minor basilica.

Now the Basilica is the only basilica in Western North Carolina. One of its most unique design features is its elliptical dome. Historians and architects believe it may be the only freestanding elliptical dome in the United States. Inside it is an ornately designed sanctuary. The ceiling features bricks laid in a herringbone pattern, large rectangular and semi-circle stained glass windows, and a large ornate altar. It is one of the more unique Asheville attractions.

Get a Drink at Catawba Brewing Co.

There are many great breweries in Asheville perfect for anyone who likes to try local craft beers when they travel. Asheville is even known as one of the best beer cities in America, so you know they take pride in their work.

One brewery to visit is the Catawba Brewing Co. which has two locations in Asheville. It is family-owned and opened in 1999. They are named after the Catawba River and are proud of their location in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

You will love the vibe of this brewery as well as all the drinks with their fun names. Try the Peanut Butter Jelly Time, White Zombie, or Hopness Haze.

Go Foraging

If you are looking for really unique things to do in Asheville that will get you out in nature, consider doing a foraging tour. Asheville is known as the “Garden of Eden for Wild Edibles” with up to 500 edibles found growing in the surrounding forests and meadows.

No Taste Like Home is a foraging tour company based in Asheville. The expert guides here will lead you through nature and teach you how to find delectable wild edibles. A variety of mushrooms, fruits, nuts, roots, flowers, and greens can be found depending on the time of year.

When the tour is over, you can bring your finds to one of the partnering Asheville restaurants where they will be prepared as an appetizer to your purchased meal. Isn’t that so cool?!

You can also stop by the Asheville Wild Foods Market for more wild edibles or buy them made into pestos, teas, and more.

Enjoy Views from Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park is about an hour from Asheville and is a great escape from the city. Chimney Rock is a 315-foot monolith that provides amazing, panoramic views of the lush forests, the Hickory Nut Gorge, and Lak e Lure .

There are many other trails in the park that offer more great views. You’ll be able to see Hickory Nut Falls, an epic 404-foot waterfall that was featured in the 1992 movie The Last of the Mohicans . The moderate-rated trail to the waterfall is 1.4 miles roundtrip.

Other fun activities in this state park include rock climbing, learning at the Animal Discovery Den, and picking up a souvenir at Cliff Dwellers Gifts. There are also great campgrounds in the area.

This is one of the best things to do near Asheville to add to your NC itinerary!

Book Here: Asheville: Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour

Feel Refreshed at a Spa

Did you know Asheville is a popular spa destination? People from all over come to enjoy world-class spas and wellness experiences. If you want to pamper yourself, make sure to budget since the packages can be expensive, but they are so worth it.

The Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn is one of the most popular spas not only in Asheville but in the country. Here you will find mineral pools, a cave spa, and a lap pool with 6,500 fiber-optic stars and underwater music! There are also facials, massages, saunas, and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms.

You can also unwind with hot organic tea in the fireside lounge area. You will leave the spa feeling completely restored.

Other spas in Asheville worth checking out include the Asheville Salt Cave & Spa, Shoji Spa & Lodge, Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa, and Sauna House. A spa visit is one of the best things to do in Asheville for couples or a girls’ trip.

Take a Ride on the Gray Line Trolley

A ride on the Gray Line Trolley is one of the best Asheville activities for the whole family. This hop-on, hop-off trolley takes you through downtown and many historic districts. As you ride past the pretty sights, you will learn all about the city’s history and culture with fun narration.

The trolley makes ten stops where you can get off and explore. The Asheville Visitor Center is one of the best places to start since there is free parking. The route takes about 90 minutes to complete, not including time at stops.

If you want a more unique tour, book the Haunted History & Murder Mystery Tour. You will hear ghost stories and tales of Asheville’s dark history. This is one of the best things to do in Asheville at night.

There is also a Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour for caroling and seeing the holiday decorations throughout town.

Book Here: Asheville: Mountain Spirits Haunted Walking Tour

As you can see, there is an endless amount of fun things to do in Asheville. Whether you want to experience a vibrant art scene, sample tasty restaurants, or learn more about the history and culture of the area, there is an Asheville activity to interest you. It’s easy to see why Asheville is one of the prettiest cities in the South .

The 17 best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina

Sep 13, 2021 • 8 min read

Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its quirky vibe and welcoming people © Getty Images

Asheville is a city in a very good mood. Whether it's the mountain air, the buskers, the craft breweries, the dynamic food scene or the hordes of relieved hikers just off the Appalachian Trail bringing the magic, it’s hard to pinpoint.

But the city exudes a collegial vibe. And the whole shebang is backdropped by the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville is a busy place with lots going on, but this list of top things to do will get you started.

1. Wander downtown Asheville

When you fall in love with Asheville, it will likely be while wandering downtown on a Friday night. Buskers play banjo on the corner. Patios buzz with diners. The purple LaZoom bus rattles by with its joke-y joie de vivre. And the thumping beat of the drum circle adds a primeval edge to the scene. Daytime wanderings are equally appealing. You can admire off-beat murals, pop into indie shops or discover the history of Asheville while following the Urban Trail . And the nearby South Slope breweries? Most open at noon on weekends. 

2. Order a Dessert Flight at French Broad Chocolate Lounge

If you’re having a tough time deciding which confection to choose at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge , consider the Dessert Flight. This decadent platter includes five different desserts, each with at least a whisper of chocolate: shortbread with chocolate ganache, a hazelnut crunch bonbon, a strawberry macaron with dark chocolate ganache, chocolate mousse and a scoop of coffee-nib ice cream. The chic lounge overlooks Pack Square downtown.

3. See the sunflowers at the Biltmore

More than 140,000 sunflowers bloom on the Biltmore Estate in summer. The bright yellow flowers can grow to a height of eight feet and typically bloom for one week in July and again for a week in early September. Completed in 1895 for shipping magnate George Washington Vanderbilt II, the enormous estate, with its lush gardens and manicured grounds, is Asheville’s premier attraction. You’ll see the sunflowers while driving to Antler Village & the Winery after taking the house tour. Tickets start at $76 per adult (yes, that much). 

4. Get into the rhythm at the Friday Night Drum Circle

What began as a 10-person drum session in 2001 has become a downtown tradition drawing hundreds of spectators and a slew of drummers – not to mention belly dancers, hula-hoopers, music-loving families and folks simply looking for a fun communal experience. Held in Pritchard Park, the free event lasts from 6pm to 10pm on Friday nights, typically from April through October. Feel free to bring your own drum and join in!

5. Sample craft beer

With 48 craft breweries in its greater metropolitan area, Asheville is appropriately nicknamed Beer City USA (in fact, it’s second only to Portland, Maine, for the highest number of breweries per capita). Best part? Breweries here exude a cooperative vibe that encourages exploring. If you’re staying downtown, walk to the compact South Slope District, a former industrial neighborhood that's now home to ten craft breweries. Further afield, heavy-hitters New Belgium and the Sierra Nevada are also drawing thirsty crowds to their taprooms. For a world of choice – but in an intimate pub – stop by the bar at longtime favorite Thirsty Monk . The Asheville Ale Trail will get you started.

6. Go on a foraging tour

If you enjoy berry picking but want to up your game, sign up for a foraging tour with No Taste Like Home . These knowledgeable folks will meet you in a nearby natural area for a morning of foraging for wild local edibles, which may include mushrooms and fruit. Sample your discoveries on the trail with your guide, watch a cooking demo and then take the rest of your plants to a participating restaurant, where the chef will whip up your find into an appetizer.

7. Hike, paddle or mountain bike the great outdoors

The Blue Ridge Mountains are beacons for adventure. Trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway lead to waterfalls, wildflowers and grassy balds with sweeping views. Paddlers seeking whitewater beeline to the French Broad River while mountain bikers hurtle down singletrack in Pisgah National Forest . Ziplines and canopy tours are scattered across the mountain foothills. Great Smoky Mountains National Park , another adventure hotspot, is 55 miles west of the city.

8. Get immersed in local culture at the Folk Art Center

With three galleries, a well-stocked gift shop and daily craft demonstrations (Mar-Oct), the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway is the best place in the region to immerse in Southern Appalachian arts and crafts. The Allanstand Craft Shop sells high-quality jewelry, textiles, pottery and glassworks, all made by artisans from Southern Highland Craft Guild. The galleries showcase contemporary and traditional pieces and works from the permanent collection. 

9. Sample local barbecue

BBQ fans are divided: 12 Bones or Buxton Hall ? Perched beside the French Broad River in the River Arts District, 12 Bones is beloved for its slow-cooked smoky meats and mouthwatering sides. Buxton Hall prepares its pork Eastern-Carolina-style, infusing a whole hog with a peppery vinegar sauce, then slow-cooking it over hardwood coals. With James Beard nominee Elliott Moss as pitmaster, this is the place to eat before exploring the South Slope breweries.

10. Have a sunset cocktail at the Omni Grove Park Inn

Mother Nature shares some of her best work just beyond the terrace at the Omni Grove Park Inn , particularly at sunset. With clouds aglow, forests and mountains on the horizon and stone craftsmanship framing the view, it's an inspiring place to recap your day – over fancy cocktails, of course. In fact, the entire hotel, an Arts and Crafts-style lodge that opened in 1913, evokes a long-lost era of glamour and adventure.

11. See live music

Old-time music and bluegrass were birthed in the Southern Appalachians, and this high-lonesome heritage is the default musical vibe across the city. But an influx of innovative musicians keeps the traditional sounds fresh, and the music scene is thriving. Most music venues are on the small side, so performances feel up-close and personal. The Orange Peel welcomes big-name indie bands, while the Grey Eagle showcases up-and-coming local, regional and national acts playing a mix of genres. Breweries often have live music too.  

12. Visit unique museums

No quarters are needed at the Asheville Pinball Museum , where you can play as many games as you want on the old-school pinball machines with paid admission. There are about 70 machines available for play. The interactive Moogseum spotlights the work of Dr Bob Moog, a long-time Asheville resident who invented the first commercial synthesizer, which electronically reproduces the sounds of instruments. Both museums are downtown.

13. Savor tapas as Cúrate

In a city dubbed Foodtopia, it seems ill-advised to focus on just one restaurant. But consider Cúrate a gateway culinary experience that will inspire you to discover what the rest of the chefs here have to offer. Opened by Chef Katie Button and her Catalan husband Félix Meana in 2011, Cúrate was at the forefront of Asheville’s transformation into a nationally acclaimed dining destination. Folks from far and wide continue to clamor for a spot at this intimate yet festive restaurant that showcases the sensual flavors of authentic Spanish tapas.

14. Learn about area plant life at the North Carolina Arboretum

With 65 acres of gardens, groomed hiking and biking trails and innovative exhibits blending nature and art, the North Carolina Arboretum is a pretty place to escape. The themed gardens reveal the diversity of plant life in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and their designs often nod to the region's cultural heritage. The Quilt Garden replicates a traditional quilt-block pattern – but rendered with blooming flowers. 

15. Explore the River Arts District

Aging warehouses along the French Broad River now house a diverse collection of galleries and working studios. Indie restaurants, hip coffee shops and scrappy Wedge Brewing Co keep the neighborhood buzzing throughout the day. More than 180 artists exhibit and sell their work – jewelry, paintings, ceramics, glassware, metal textiles, and wood – in the still-growing neighborhood, which stretches one mile along the river southwest of downtown. A gallery walk with workshops, demos, live music and wine tastings occurs on the second Saturday of the month.

16. Shop local...and regional

There are numerous shopping districts in Asheville, but the best all have one thing in common: an abundance of independent owners and locally produced goods. Downtown is chock-full of local shops, from galleries and bookshops to chocolate boutiques and outdoor stores. Art in all its forms is sold in galleries across 23 buildings in the River Arts District. Craft galleries are a highlight in the town of Black Mountain just up the road.

17. Take a LaZoom City Comedy Tour

Climb aboard the purple bus for a raucous comedy tour of the city. Learn about Asheville’s history and its coolest hidden spots on a drive through the historic downtown, the South Slope District and the River Arts District. Dogs are allowed onboard, and there’s a brewery stop along the way. Kids tours, a ghost tour and a band-and-beer tour are also offered.

You might also like: The best mountain lakes and beaches in Asheville The best time to visit Asheville The best day trips from Asheville

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The 40 Best Things To Do In Asheville, North Carolina

The ultimate guide to the City of Land and Sky.

Kruck20/Getty

Asheville, North Carolina is far from a sleepy mountain town . The City of Land and Sky is energetic, eclectic, and bursting with artistic vitality. While its location among the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains calls visitors to the trails, the city's vibrant culinary and arts scene answers right back. It's a city with a rich history and an ever-evolving present that celebrates the region's multicultural roots while simultaneously embracing progress. Even so, it's the city's natural surroundings—the craggy bluffs and cool mountain air —that lure visitors and locals alike.

From outdoor adventures to local sips and shops, Asheville offers an experience for every taste. Here's how to spend your time in the "Paris of the South."

Grab A Beer

Asheville is known for its craft beer community —the city has more breweries per capita than any other in the United States. From award-winning producers of some of the best beers in the country to new, small-batch breweries bringing fresh creativity to the craft beer scene, there are endless options for beer lovers to grab a glass after a day on the trails. As a matter of fact, national craft brands Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, and New Belgium opened big-budget East Coast operations here, thanks to the abundant water flowing from the mountains that is said to have ideal pH levels for making beer.

Behold The Biltmore Estate

The crowning jewel of George Vanderbilt’s sprawling mansion built in 1895, the Biltmore Estate is the largest private home in America. Open to the public, the 8000-acre estate includes restaurants, lodging, gardens, trails, and an award-winning winery offering tastings and tours.

www.biltmore.com , One Lodge St., Asheville, NC 28803

Peruse Marquee

This converted 50,000-square-foot warehouse is an art gallery and marketplace full of pieces from regional vendors. Grab a beverage or snack from St. Brighid's just inside the entrance and wander through the aisles of this pet-friendly venue. Showcasing and selling antiques, vintage and contemporary pieces, home decor, jewelry, and crafts, this space is a highlight of the River Arts District.

marqueeasheville.com , 36 Foundy St., Asheville, NC 28801

Catch A Show

John A. Zara

Catch a show with some of the biggest names in music and hot up-and-comers at one of the many live music venues in the city. The Grey Eagle Music Hall is the longest-running venue boasting a long list of local and national talent acts performing in an intimate stage setting. The venue offers options for seated shows; it also has an in-house Taqueria featuring Latin American cuisine and an ever-expanding beer selection.

www.thegreyeagle.com , 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Explore The Gardens

Abby Cantrell

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden, located just south of Asheville and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Influenced by famed Biltmore architect Frederick Law Olmsted, cultivated garden exhibits , and hiking and biking trails cover the grounds. Don't forget to stop for a meal or snack at the Bent Creek Bistro.

www.ncarboretum.org , 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806

Chow Down At Chow Chow Culinary Festival

Marisa Muldoon Photography; Courtesy Chow Chow Culinary Festival

Celebrating the unique foodways of the Southern Appalachian region, this multi-day food festival features panel discussions, tasting bazaars, and dinners focusing on promoting an equitable regional food system. Founded in 2019, the flavors and food culture of Asheville come alive during Chow Chow each September.

Dine At Cúrate

Helmed by James Beard Award-winning couple, Katie Button and Felix Meana, Cúrate is a love letter to Spain through elevated small plates, cured meats, cherries, and wine. The flagship restaurant is in a former 1920s bus depot while a wine club, online retail store, and Spanish market and bakery rest right around the corner. Feast on stuffed piquillo peppers, Iberico pork, and Spanish cheese. Looking for lunch? Don't miss Button's La Bodega around the corner.

curatetapasbar.com , 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Set Out On The Mountains-To-Sea Trail

ExploreAsheville.com

Part of a 935-mile byway connected by footpaths, bike trails, bridges, and roads, the trail passes through Asheville and spans 71 miles. The terrain is rugged with elevations ranging from 2,000 feet at the French Broad River to over 6,600 feet at the summit of Mount Mitchell, this segment is accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway .

Stay In The City

The Foundry Hotel

While some may seek a quiet mountain retreat away from the hustle and bustle, there's something to be said for waking up within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Check in and say goodbye to your car at The Foundry Hotel , a modern, restored steel foundry in the heart of Asheville's historic East End. Between the hotel's cocktail lounge, nearby boutiques, and neighborhood eateries, you'll really only need your car if you're leaving the city. The Restoration is another delightful place to stay downtown. New to the scene, this boutique hotel offers some of the best mountain views in the city from its rooftop bar.

Indulge With Doughnuts

The donuts at Hole Doughnuts are considered some of the best yeast doughnuts in the state of North Carolina, but it’s not only these sweets that keep locals coming back. Hole is home to a secret noodle night called NoodleHole, where diners have to sign up via a secret Instagram account. If you’re deadset on cake doughnuts, head over to SouthSlope for Vortex Doughnuts . Vortex has the added benefit of having a ton of vegan options for plant-based customers.

Boost Your Spirits On A Distillery Tour

Cultivated Cocktails

Nestled in the mountains are the secrets of mountain moonshiners but all are open to the public for tours and samples of gin, whiskey, rum, moonshine, liqueurs, and cocktails for those who imbibe. Local distilleries include Chemist , Eda Rhyne , Asheville Distilling Co , Cultivated Cocktails , Rye Knot , Dalton , and Oak & Grist .

Tour The South Slope Mural Trail

Take a self-guided tour along a two-mile walkable trail around the South Slope neighborhood. Nearly 20 murals completed by local artists span the trail bringing color, vibrancy, and ingenuity to public art spaces.

Get In The Mood For Indian Street Food

Meherwan Irani opened Chai Pani in 2009 to introduce Asheville to the Indian street food of his childhood. With no formal training as a chef, he’s now a James Beard Award winner, and Chai Pani regularly has a line out the door.

www.chaipani.com , 22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Cure Your Chocolate Cravings

French Broad Chocolate

Asheville is known for its dessert scene, namely chocolate confections. The most popular, French Broad Chocolate , has bean-to-bar factory tours and a chocolate lounge downtown in Pack Square. The Chocolate Fetish and Asheville Chocolate both have retail counters, and the latter has monthly confectionery classes.

Get Lost In A Game

Well Played Board Game Café

If you're into board games, card games, or even obscure role-playing games, Well Played Board Game Café is for you. Connect (Four) through play with friends and strangers, and engage in friendly competition with a game library of more than 700 games. Add the beer, food, and drink options, and you may never leave.

wellplayedasheville.com , 162 Coxe Ave. #101, Asheville, NC 28801

Indulge At Cultura

Wicked Weed Brewing/Julia Lindholm Photography

The interiors at Cultura are just the beginning. The seven-course tasting menu is the true extravaganza. Wicked Weed's first venture into fine dining, the restaurant brings fermentation to the table under a glow of orb lights in unexpected ways. An al la carte menu is available on Thursday nights, and for some fun, Sunday's Cease and Desist dinners give diners a clever, upscale spin on comforting dishes from their favorite fast-food chains.

www.culturaavl.com , 147 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Join The Weekly Drum Circle

Inside its amphitheater, Pritchard Park serves as an urban oasis to hit up the drum circle every Friday night (weather permitting) starting at 6 p.m. Spectators and drummers are all welcome to join in the music by communing or bringing their own drum. Don’t forget to check out the drum circle at Lake Julian on the last Thursday of every month starting around 5:30 p.m.

Stop By Citizen Vinyl

Justin Friede

Shop for classic, vintage, and new vinyl while having a snack. Housed in the historic Asheville Citizen-Times newspaper building, this cafe and vinyl shop showcases the art of preserving music in a casual, laid-back setting. Make sure to check out one of three vinyl pressing plants within the building while taking one of the free factory tours.

citizenvinyl.com , 14 O'Henry Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Reserve A Table At Rhubarb

Chef John Fleer's restaurant Rhubarb is a fixture on Pack Square for a good reason. His approachable yet elevated menu reads like a love letter to the Blue Ridge’s bounty. While the dishes change with the seasons, you can always count on locally sourced ingredients and fare that grounds the restaurant with a sense of place.

www.rhubarbasheville.com , 7 SW Pack Sqare, Asheville, NC 28801

Walk The Asheville Urban Trail

Jess Johnson/Getty

This easily walkable 1.7-mile loop is a self-guided walking tour of art, local history, and outdoor landmarks. Walk in the footsteps of F. Scott Fitzgerald, O. Henry, or Thomas Wolfe. There is an audio tour guide and a blueprint of a scavenger hunt available online.

Visit Local Farmers' Markets

RAD Farmers Market

Don’t forget your reusable shopping bags as you head out to stock up on local goods, produce, and art at local farmers' markets. Open year-round on Wednesdays, the River Arts District Farmers Market is held at the Smoky Park Supper Club. Alternatively, the Western NC Farmers Market is open to the public daily. 

Relax At Omni Grove Park Inn

With sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown Asheville, this 100-year-old hotel was built by business magnate E.W. Grove. One of more than 100 sites in Asheville listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this mountain oasis features world-class accommodations , multimillion-dollar spa facilities, seven bars and restaurants, and a self-guided audio history tour.

www.omnihotels.com , 290 Macon Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28804

Cheer For The Asheville Tourists

Asheville Tourists

Root for the home team at an Asheville Tourists Minor League Baseball game. This affiliate team of the Houston Astros was founded in 1897 and plays at McCormick Field. This ballpark was one of the sets for the 1988 film “Bull Durham” starring Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon.

www.milb.com/asheville , 30 Buchanan Place, Asheville, NC 28801

Take A Drive On The Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited National Park according to the National Park Service. Luckily, Asheville is home to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. Pick up maps , purchase souvenirs, speak to docents, and see interactive exhibits extolling the natural beauty of the area.

www.blueridgeparkway.org , 195 Hemphill Knob Rd., Asheville, NC 28803

Tour The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Asheville’s most famous former resident’s childhood home is now open as a museum and for guided tours. Named “Old Kentucky Home" and originally used as a boardinghouse owned by Wolfe’s mother, the house is the setting for the 1929 novel "Look Homeward, Angel." Today the home is a museum and landmark. 

wolfememorial.com , 52 North Market St., Asheville, NC 28801

Watch Lexington Glasswork Artists At Work

A delicate and unique part of the arts community, this studio is part workshop, part gallery. View the glassblowing process from start to finish, watch the artists at work, and stroll the gallery for a unique gift or home decoration.

www.lexingtonglassworks.com , 81 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Float Down The French Broad River

Several companies will outfit and send you down the river to go with the flow during the warmer months of the year. The shortest float trip takes you through the River Arts District while others explore points on the French Broad River Paddle Trail , covering more than 140 miles of protected waters.

Check Out The S&W Market

Originally a fine example of art-deco architecture that served as a flagship building for the S&W Cafeteria chain based out of Charlotte. Today, the food hall has six food stalls featuring local independent restaurant vendors. The building’s mezzanine is home to anchor tenant Highland Brewery, with an elevated taproom experience with seating overlooking the hall.

swmarketavl.com , 56 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Grab A Drink At The Double Crown

A beloved classic dive bar, The Double Crown is housed in a tiny house in West Asheville. This spot beckons guests with funky speakeasy vibes and the promise of karaoke, inexpensive drinks, and excellent people-watching. Don’t miss the last Thursday of each month as it’s Gospel Night, one of the most popular special event nights of the week.

www.facebook.com , 375 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806

Spend An Afternoon At The Biltmore Village

Originally an enclave created to house employees of the Biltmore Estate, today the Biltmore Village is a shopping center with over 50 shops, boutiques, and cafes. Farm-to-table restaurants, cafes, and craft breweries span the area. The Cathedral of All Souls is a recognized landmark in the area lauded as a fine example of Romanesque Revival architecture.

Take A Hood Tour With Hoodhuggers

Ami Worthen

Buried history is unveiled on this series of walking tours of Eagle Street, Burton Street, and The Block, some of Asheville’s oldest African American neighborhoods and portions of Downtown that include shops and galleries featuring African American artisans, the YMI Cultural Center , and significant African American architecture. 

Grab Brunch At Benne On Eagle

Benne on Eagle has seen its fair share of James Beard-recognized chefs at the helm. Each brought a new take on Appalachia’s diverse food history and the legacy of The Block, a once thriving Black neighborhood where the restaurant is located, to the menu. Through each new interpretation, brunch has remained a bright spot. Pair the shrimp and grits made with andouille sausage with Benne Biscuit, and you'll be ready to tackle the day.

www.benneoneagle.com , 35 Eagle St., Asheville, NC, 28801 

Explore GRINDFest

This free, three-day festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend in downtown Asheville. The festivity celebrates the life and progress of Black entrepreneurs and business owners. GRINDFest events include street dance parties, hip-hop aerobics, a poetry slam, yoga and storytelling sessions, local food vendors, and a line-up of national acts.

grindfestavl.com , 8 River Arts Place, Asheville, NC 28801

Soak In the Sounds At Shindig On The Green

Shindig On The Green Music And Dance Festival

An annual summer event, this free, outdoor bluegrass music and dance festival takes place in Pack Square in downtown Asheville. In addition to scheduled performances, informal jam sessions are encouraged on the stage and around the park. Sit back, relax, and experience old-time string band performances and dancing.

folkheritage.org , Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801

Check Out The Grove Arcade

cosmonaut/Getty

After E.W. Grove completed the Grove Park Inn, he set his sights on the construction of Grove Arcade. Considered Asheville’s original shopping mall, Grove Arcade has gone through many phases during its 100 years of history, including a military base and the National Weather Records Center. Today, local crafts, shopping, restaurants, office spaces, and luxury apartments fill the historic building.

grovearcade.com , 1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

Visit The Folk Art Center

Courtesy of Explore Asheville

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is one of the nation's oldest and represents hundreds of skilled artisans across the Southeast. At The Folk Art Center, you can admire guild members' works in clay, glass, wood, fiber, metal, leather, paper, jewelry, and more. It's a fantastic place to pick up a few gifts (along with something for yourself).

southernhighlandguild.org , 382 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805

Browse Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

Malaprop's is a longtime fixture in downtown and a local favorite. You can find every kind of book for adults and children here, but the most popular section may be "Books Undercover." Take your chances and buy a book wrapped in brown paper and identified only as "Dragons! Shenanigans! More Shenanigans!" The staff liked it and think you will, too.

www.malaprops.com , 55 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801

Zip Line Down A Mountain

 Getty Images/Noah Clayton

The Asheville area offers all the zip lining experiences you need to get your blood pumping. At the Adventure Center of Asheville , urban zip lines provide sweeping views of downtown, plus there is a zip line for smaller kids. A short drive away, Navitat Canopy Adventures and The Gorge Zipline will have you zooming from treetop to treetop and plunging down mountainsides.

Catch Live Music At Jack Of The Wood

Charlotte Observer / Getty Images

This downtown pub is a must for traditional music lovers. Depending on the night, you could be treated to a traveling bluegrass band, a few Irish tunes, or an old-time mountain jam session. Jack of the Wood is also a pleasant place to while away a few hours eating pub food, drinking local brews, or sampling whiskeys.

jackofthewood.com , 95 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Grab Brunch At Tupelo Honey Cafe

Courtesy of Tupelo Honey

The Tupelo Honey phenomenon has spread to cities around the South, but Asheville is where it all started. Enjoy a farm-to-table, scratch-made, Southern-style brunch that honors traditions and shakes things up a bit. A few of those breakfast favorites are also available on the lunch and dinner menu.

tupelohoneycafe.com , 12 College St., Asheville, NC 28801

Related Articles

36 Hours in Asheville, N.C.

By Shayla Martin Updated May 4, 2023

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Once a wellness haven for American elites in search of mountain air, Asheville, N.C., has reinvented itself many times over the last century. In recent years, the city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has become a culinary hot spot, with multiple award-winning restaurants, and an inordinate number of breweries. Art lovers will find much to savor in the River Arts District, and bikers and hikers will have miles of trails in and around the city to explore. In the downtown area and beyond, Black residents are embracing their “Affrilachian” heritage through tours and art collectives, and creative spaces featuring the work of Indigenous artists acknowledge the region’s ties to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, on whose ancestral land the city sits.

Recommendations

• The Block , once a flourishing Black-owned business district in downtown Asheville, is reemerging as a buzzing cultural community.
• River Arts District is a collection of former warehouses and mills turned artist studios along the French Broad River.
• Shoji Spa & Retreat is a Japanese-style bath house and spa.
• Biltmore Estate includes George Vanderbilt’s 250-room mansion, set on thousands of acres.
• Hood Huggers International offers walking and driving tours of historic African American neighborhoods.
• Noir Collective AVL is a Black-owned boutique and art gallery featuring Black entrepreneurs.
• YMI Cultural Center is one of the oldest Black cultural centers in the United States.
• LEAF Global Arts is a music education nonprofit celebrating global music.
• Peace Gardens & Market is a community garden that offers a pay-what-you-can farm stand.
• North Carolina Glass Center is a glass studio and gallery.
• Foundation Woodworks is a collective of wood-working artists selling everything from wooden jewelry to custom furniture.
• Weaving Rainbows sells bead work, sculptures and hand-woven items made by Indigenous artisans.
• Benne on Eagle , in the Block district, celebrates African American culinary traditions.
• PennyCup Coffee , a local coffee shop and cafe that has a branch in the Block area, is decorated with a colorful mural by the artist Big Al Carter.
• Workshop Lounge is a cocktail bar with live weekend jazz.
• Hi-Wire Brewing AVL Beer Garden serves more than 20 craft beers on tap.
• Foothills Local Meats food truck offers local smokehouse barbecue and vegetarian options.
• Cúrate Bar de Tapas serves traditional Spanish tapas, jamón Iberico and a wide range of Spanish sangria, cider and sherry.
• La Bodega by Cúrate is a Spanish restaurant, market and wine bar from the owners of Cúrate Bar de Tapas.
• Crave Dessert Bar is a cozy lounge featuring a menu of nearly every dessert imaginable.
• Asheville Beauty Academy is a former cosmetology school turned bar and nightclub with weekly drag performances.
• Blue Ridge Restaurant offers a farm-to-table Sunday Southern brunch at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
• Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville , a Bavarian-hunting-lodge-themed boutique hotel in the Biltmore Village enclave, is all Old World elegance, with stag antler chandeliers, velvet-tufted headboards and European, African and American art in the onsite gallery. Standard rooms from about $289.
• The Foundry Hotel , in a restored steel factory, is in the heart of the Block. Refined, industrial chic is the design principle, with exposed brick walls in guest rooms and oversize marble bathrooms. Doubles from $249.
• Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins , recently opened, offers 16 A-frame “Scappalachian” (Scandinavian-meets-Appalachian) cabins on the peaceful French Broad River. From $135 for standard cabins.
• Search for a short-term rental in West Asheville off Haywood Street, a less-than-10-minute drive from downtown Asheville.
• While downtown Asheville is compact enough to explore on foot, you may want to rent a car to reach the many nature trails and attractions just outside of the city. Asheville’s regional airport hosts most national rental car brands, otherwise Ubers and Lyfts average less than $10 a ride to get to most Asheville neighborhoods.

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Asheville Itinerary: 16 Must See & Do Things in 3-5 Days

We went to Asheville, North Carolina and it blew our minds. We had no idea there were so many awesome & unique things to do in Asheville, especially for adventure lovers.

With our love for international travel and our travels taking us out of the states more than keeping us within its borders, Asheville, NC wasn’t even on our radar.

An opportunity to visit was presented to us and it took only one Google search for us to realize that Asheville was a place we wouldn’t mind checking out. The main sell for us was immediate access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway and National Forests as far as the eye can see.

Everything else we would come to experience was an overflowing consolation prize to the natural beauty and adventure on offer. It didn’t take long to understand why Lonely Planet put the city on the top of its list for the Best in the USA.

Asheville gives you the perfect marriage of city and nature.

Our days were spent adventuring around the area and experiencing the natural beauty on offer. Our evenings were spent downtown sampling unique to Asheville cuisine and taking in the street scene. Everything you could want in a destination is right at your fingertips.

Unique Things To Do in Asheville, NC

Table of Contents

We really wanted to dig into the adventure aspect, so we spent every day playing in Asheville’s nature playground. The Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest and French Broad River can all be accessed within a 20-minute drive from the downtown.

It should be noted that there are many adventures available and this is a small sampling we have chosen to showcase based on our time in Asheville.

If you have more time to spend, do not hesitate to check out the other options that include whitewater rafting, mountain biking, rappelling, hiking to waterfalls, multi-day hiking trips, camping and more.

The outdoor section of the Explore Asheville website is loaded with information and recommendations about the outdoor adventure on offer.

1. Rivereering Waterfall Trek

People come from all over the world to play in the white water on the Green River but it doesn’t stop there. The Green River Adventures Waterfall Trek shows you the best of the Big Bradley Falls and Cove Creek Gorge.

The hike starts with a 1-mile hike towards Big Bradley Falls before sending you rappelling a 30-foot vertical wall to access the base of the falls and the Cove Creek Gorge.

Once you’re there, Cove Creek becomes your path as you navigate the river. We found ourselves bouldering, climbing, sliding, swimming and jumping our way down the river for 3 hours before heading back onto land and hiking through the fields of Walcott Bottoms in the Green River Game Lands.

This Waterfall Trek was plain fun and one of the best afternoons we’ve ever spent exploring a new place. It’s an adventure that will challenge you, inspire you and get you soaking wet. Without a doubt, this is one of the most adventurous things to do in Asheville.

2. Rock Climbing at Looking Glass Rock

The next day we headed into the Pisgah National Forest for a morning of rock climbing at Looking Glass Rock. Rising 4,000 feet from the ground and made of solid granite, people come from all over the country to climb the classic routes it has to offer.

Rock climbing is something we enjoy doing but we don’t have a lot of experience. We hooked up with Rick Wagner, instructor and head climbing guide at ClimbMax Mountain Guides , and had the most amazing day.

Not only did he refresh our existing skills but he offered us instruction to build on those skills while creating a safe and positive experience for us.

We didn’t make it to the top due to time constraints, but we ended up conquering 3 pitches. Even at that height, the views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains was incredible.

3. Bellyak on the French Broad River

I know what you’re thinking. What on earth is a Bellyak? Affectionately described as kayaking meets swimming meets surfing, the Bellyak is the most fun we have had on the water.

Designed and manufactured in Asheville, the Bellyak design was dreamed up and brought to life by Adam Masters who believes being on the water is about being close to the water.

Our experience on the French Broad River gave us an up-close look at the river and surroundings as we made a 4 mile trip from the Hominy Creek put in, near the Riverside Bar, to the Smoky Park Supper Club.

Let me tell you, bellyaching is all about being close to the water and it’s a sport that offers a whole new sensation that you can’t get elsewhere. You flow along like a kayak but your hands and arms submerge in the water to carry your pace.

It’s brilliant, so much fun and one of those can’t miss things to do in Asheville.

Try something new and go for a Bellyak: Plan your Bellyak adventure

4. Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains

With the Blue Ridge Mountains only 30 minutes outside of Downtown Asheville, we’d be remiss if we didn’t put our boots on a trail during our visit. Picking a trail is a real challenge as the options are endless, but we eventually settled on a day of hiking the Art Loeb Trail.

Joining up with our guide from the Blue Ridge Hiking Company , we headed off on the Blue Ridge Parkway to hike the double summit of Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain.

This hike is an incredibly scenic 5-mile loop with established trails and views for days. Many locals adore and use the trails in this area on the weekends because it also makes for great camping.

We found the trails moderate with a great variety of landscapes. The bald tops of Black Balsam and Tennent Mountain afford you some pretty spectacular views of the surrounding area. We could even see Looking Glass rock way in the distance from the top.

The trail took us 3 hours, including our stop for a picnic lunch on the trail. Our guide, Sarah, was fantastic and spent her time chatting about hiking, the area, the flora & fauna and her experiences thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.

It was a day well spent and one we would recommend to anyone looking for a great hiking experience.

5. Craggy Gardens

This is probably the most photographed spot outside of downtown Asheville and with good reason, it’s stunning. Drive-up the Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 364.6 and take the 1-mile loop hike through the Craggy Gardens up to the lookout for sunrise.

If you time your visit right in the early summer, the rhododendrons will be in full bloom lining the trail with bright pink flowers.

6. Whitewater Rafting

The Green River has some of the best whitewater in the country, offering one of the steepest commercially rafted sections of whitewater in the southeast. The Upper Green portion of the river consists of Class II-III rapids with two Class IV rapids.

7. Go to the Drum Circle

Taking place every Friday night at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville, the Drum Circle invites both locals and visitors to make music together. This tradition has been going on in Asheville for 20 years and you shouldn’t miss it.

8. Visit the Biltmore Estate

Dubbed America’s largest home, this estate resembles a castle and has 8,000 acres that will make you feel like you’re the only person in the world.

The 250 room home was completed in 1895 and specially built for George Vanderbilt. Purchasing a day pass gives you all-day access to the house and grounds.

9. Take a Brewery Tour

Grab a brewery guide from the Visitors Center and head to the South Slope on a self-guided brewery tour. This area is home to 9 of Asheville’s 28 breweries. We personally recommend Catawba Brewing, Burial Beer Co. and the Funkatorium.

Foodie Unique Things to do in Asheville, NC

While we’re not foodies, we do like to adventure and to do that, we need fuel. Plus it’s a great way to get to know an area and experience some of the local cultures on offer. We didn’t have enough time to eat everywhere but every place we did had fantastic food.

10. Buxton Hall Barbeque

This place is a celebration of the time-honored tradition of pit-cooked, whole-hog, slow-cooked barbeque and it’s fantastic. Most of their sides are cooked under the slow roast pork giving it that perfect flare. Of course, don’t forget to try a couple of appetizers, we loved the smoked mussels and pimento cheese.

11. All Souls Pizza

The place you go when you’ve had a busy day. This restaurant is small, quiet and offers up unique pizza options on whole-grain crusts. Don’t forget to try the fried chic peas; we loved them.

12. Smoky Park Supper Club

Crazy unique, this supper club is made out of 19 shipping containers serving an entirely wood-grilled menu with southern charm. The club is located on the banks of the French Broad River with a secluded feel to it.

13. Sunny Point Café

An Asheville institution and a place that is worth the wait, we recommend heading here for breakfast. They operate a farm to table concept using many ingredients straight from their garden outback. You can’t go wrong, no matter what you order, just make sure you go hungry.

More Restaurants You Should Check Out:

• The Rhu: This café serves up a ‘fit for Europe’ take away picnic basket, in an actual picnic basket. It’s a great idea if you plan to spend the day in the National Forest.
• Isa’s Bistro: Serving popular American dishes with a Mediterranean influence, this downtown icon prints daily menus to highlight the best available local produce. We found the food to be creative, beautiful and tasty.
• French Broad Chocolate Shop: Located downtown and insanely popular with locals and visitors alike. There always seems to be a line but the wait is worth it. It’s the place you go for bean-to-bar chocolates, truffles, cakes, sweets, and hot chocolate.

Places to Stay in Asheville, North Carolina

While you can imagine there are endless options, we had the pleasure of staying in two very unique, yet different properties and we loved them both. By staying in two different properties, we were able to experience two very different sides of Asheville.

One property was 2 blocks outside the main downtown area, meaning we could leave our car there and walk to explore the streets. The other was located on the Biltmore Estate side and also close to the main highway giving us super easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Arriving at the driveway we pulled up to the gate and leaned out the window to enter our code into the keypad. The entire system at the Bunn House is keyless and operates on a code system that is communicated ahead of your arrival.

It was absolutely brilliant. We pulled into the parking lot that sits behind the late 1905 house speaking to each other in our best British accents.

This house has been restored in boutique luxury at it’s best while maintaining the charm of its heritage. The amenities are unreal with complimentary snacks, soda, wine and beer in your room and the lobby. Every product you will find here is made in Asheville and we loved that about it.

From the perfectly pressed white sheets, comfy bed and spa shower to the balconies, rooftop terrace, and perfectly manicured garden, the Bunn House is the perfect oasis in downtown Asheville.

Grand Bohemian Hotel

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is lavish, Tudor inspired Grand Bohemian hotel . This one is located on the opposite side of town right at the entrance to the Biltmore Estate.

The buildings are era designed and when you walk into the lobby it is like being transported straight into one of Tudor king’s castles.

This hotel is all about luxury with valet parking, fine dining, spa treatments, and opulent rooms. We found the place to be very comfortable and a great place to rest after adventuring all day.

Our Final Thoughts on Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville was a pleasant surprise for us and has inspired a new passion to explore more of our home country, the beautiful USA . It’s a place that takes the best aspects of travel and combines them in a fun, unique way in an incredibly beautiful part of the world.

Without a doubt, we’ll find ourselves in Asheville again and other parts of North Carolina in the not so distant future.

Planning your own trip to Asheville? The Explore Asheville site is an incredible resource for all things Asheville with loads of hints, tips, and secrets for you to check out during your visit.

Disclosure: Our awesome adventure in Asheville was hosted by Explore Asheville. All opinions, as always, are 100% our own. 

More on the USA:

• 18 Epic Things to do in Outer Banks, NC + Planning Guide
• 21 Bucket List Things to do in Hawaii
• 13 Epic Things to do in Honolulu (Plus travel tips!)
• 50 Incredible Things to Do in Maui
• 10 Best Maui Hikes for Insane Views
• 20 Best Beaches in Maui: Ultimate Maui Beach Guide
• Ultimate Road to Hana Guide – Maui, Hawaii
• 21 Alluring Things to do in Alaska
• Adventurous Things to do in Las Vegas for Couples
• Southwest Virginia Road Trip – Top Things to Do in Virginia

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

8 thoughts on “Asheville Itinerary: 16 Must See & Do Things in 3-5 Days”

Thank you for all the information. My fiancé and I will be honeymooning there. The only thing I knew was Biltmore estates. I definitely will check out your other recommendations.

Our pleasure! Enjoy Asheville, it is one of the neatest places we’ve ever been in the USA!

If you’re adventurous and would like to experience whitewater in a different way by being IN the water instead of on it, then give riverboarding a try. Riverboarding is like bodyboarding down rapids, but on a more buoyant board made for whitewater.

This sounds pretty cool! We will have to check it out next time we are in Asheville. 🙂

I’ve heard such good things about Asheville. I went to the Biltmore for a quick day trip but have to go back

It really surprised us! The Biltmore is beautiful but def don’t miss the outdoors stuff on your next visit. 🙂

What a great trip! I’d love to do trip like this someday!

Yes,it was fantastic and we highly recommend a visit to Asheville.

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The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

[ Updated January 2, 2024 ] 

For a medium-sized North Carolina mountain town with a population of under 100,000, there is a surprising wealth of unique things to do in Asheville NC.

Thanks to an infusion of wealth brought in by the Biltmore Estate in the early 20th century, there’s historic art deco-influenced architecture.

There are also countless critically-acclaimed restaurants , with lots of craft breweries and farm-to-table fare. There’s also a vibrant cultural community, particularly in the River Arts District.

Thanks to sound city planning, many of the best Asheville hotels are within walking distance of its major attractions. 

But our favorite aspect of Asheville is the fact that it’s surrounded by wilderness, including ecotourism attractions such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Linville Falls , and Pisgah National Forest .

So here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Asheville NC, from touring the Biltmore Estate, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, and hiking in Mount Mitchell State Park to rafting the French Broad River and seeing endangered Red Wolves.

READ MORE: The Top 10 Treehouse Rentals Near Asheville NC

Are you planning a trip to Asheville NC ? If you need recommendations for fun things to do in Asheville NC, check out our tips for some of the top hotels, guided tours, and more! Top Places to Stay in Asheville NC Cambria Hotel (downtown hotel with fridge and on-site restaurant, highly recommended) Kimpton – Hotel Arras, IHG (downtown 4-star hotel w/very good breakfast & bikes) The Inn On Biltmore Estate (Biltmore hotel with on-site spa w/ casual & fine-dining restaurants) Hampton Inn & Suites Biltmore Village (pet-friendly, budget-friendly hotel w/ breakfast) GLō Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road (affordable chic hotel in West Asheville w/ breakfast) Black  Walnut B&B Inn (romantic B&B in the Montford Historic District) Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast Inn (Montford B&B w/spa massages & foot bath services) Popular tours and activities in Asheville NC: Asheville: 3-Hour City Electric Bike Tour with Views (top selling tour) Asheville: Scenic Helicopter Experience (Mountain & French Broad River views) Asheville Ghost Walking Tour with Mystery Museum Admission (2-hr history/ghost tour) Asheville: Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl   (2-hr bar-to-bar walking tour) Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour (3+hr craft breweries tour w/ samples) French Broad Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip (4-hr Class II and III rapids rafting tour) Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville (guided day trip to 3 waterfalls) 2.5-Hour Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Jeep Tour (Small-group tour on the best of the parkway) Guided Horseback Ride through Flame Azalea and Fern Forest (1.25-hr family-friendly ride) Mountain Mural Tour-River Arts and Downtown Asheville (1.5-hr street art, graffiti, murals) Need a car rental for your Asheville NC trip?   Find the best rental car options here !

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ASHEVILLE NC GUIDE

• Tour The Biltmore Estate
• Find Foraged Foods
• See North Carolina’ Red Wolves
• Explore Downtown Asheville’s Restaurant Scene
• Rafting The French Broad River
• Visit the River Arts District
• Rappel In Green River Gorge
• Slip Down Sliding Rock
• Take A Free Highland Brewing Tour
• Watch For Cataloochee Elk
• Ziplining In Asheville
• People Watching In Pack Square Park
• Fishing Linville Gorge
• Mountain Biking Pisgah
• Rock Climbing At Chimney Rock
• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Hike in Mount Mitchell State Park
• See Looking Glass Rock & Skinny Dip Falls
• Find Flora at the NC Arboretum
• Take a Day Trip to Hendersonville NC
• Get Cultured at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center
• Explore the Asheville Botanical Garden 
• See the Thomas Wolfe House/Memorial
• Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
• Watch the Sunset from Craggy Gardens
• Play at the Asheville Pinball Museum
• Explore the Montford Area Historic District
• Take a Day Trip to Weaverville NC
• Visit the Moog Museum
• Wine Tasting at Addison Farms Vineyard
• Family Fun at Grandad’s Apples
• Tour the Basilica of Saint Lawrence
• Go Horseback Riding
• Take a Waynesville Day Trip
• Celebrate Christmas in Asheville

READ MORE: 15 Festive Ways to Celebrate an Asheville NC Christma s

1. TOUR THE BILTMORE ESTATE

Named after former North Carolina governor Samuel Ashe, Asheville was born in 1797. But it wasn’t until George Washington Vanderbilt II finished building his  Biltmore Estate in 1895 that the city began to attract national attention. 

The family’s 125,000-acre estate became a popular retreat among early 20th century icons such as automaker Henry Ford, inventor Thomas Edison, and Presidents William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson.

With 250 rooms encompassing over 135,000 square feet, the historic landmark’s Châteauesque-style architecture, lushly landscaped gardens, and forestry initiatives have made it the most popular Asheville attraction. 

There are numerous Biltmore tour options, included self-guided and audio tours of the house , gardens , winery, and rooftop, as well as tours just for kids.

There are also endless outdoor activities on the 8,000-acre estate, ranging from biking, hiking, and kayaking to falconry, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and sporting clays.

READ MORE: The History of Downtown Asheville, NC: From Biltmore to Boom

2. FIND FORAGED FOODS

Did you know that the nature-lover’s paradise around Asheville boasts over 300 wild edibles?

Founded in 1995, eco-tour operator No Taste Like Home offers “Wild Food Adventures” that teach travelers how to safely harvest edible wild plants for themselves.

Exploring local fields and forests with an expert, you’ll find a broad variety of edible berries, greens, wildflowers , nuts, seeds and North Carolina mushrooms. 

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Asheville with kids, check out their 90-minute Wild Food Stroll at the Omni Grove Park Inn .

Afterwards, you can take your foraged foods home or visit one of six local restaurants whose chefs will whip up an appetizer with the ingredients you’ve foraged.

It’s a great way to give kids a taste of what founder Alan Muskat calls, “ find dining .”

READ MORE:  The Top 10 Treehouse Rentals near Asheville, NC

3. SEE NORTH CAROLINA RED WOLVES

The Red Wolf is one of the most critically endangered canid species in the world. But thanks to captive breeding programs, they’ve slowly begun to recover. There are now around 130 in the wild, and 250 others in captivity.

One of our favorite things to do in Asheville is visit the 42-acre Western North Carolina Nature Center , which connects people with the native plants and animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Their animal exhibits include Black Bears, Cougars, Coyotes, Red and Gray Foxes, Raccoons, River Otters, and birds . But the WNC Nature Center’s most unique offering is the chance to see Red Wolves in North Carolina.  

The Nature Center’s breeding program is helping to save this beautiful species, which is endemic to North Carolina . Their beloved wolves have been known to howl in unison when the mood strikes. 

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Asheville NC for kids, check out their “Junior Wild Walk” an educational behind the scenes tour.

READ MORE: The Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in North Carolina

4. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE’S RESTAURANT SCENE

Downtown Asheville has an astounding array of critically acclaimed restaurants for a 45-square-mile mountain town with a population of less than 100,000 people.

Those seeking vegetarian, vegan, or just plain healthy food will have a wealth of options to choose from, from the Green Sage and Laughing Tree Cafes to Plant and Rosetta’s Kitchen & The Buchi Bar.

Looking for more exotic fare? Check out the award-winning Indian food at Chai Pani, the French fare of Bouchon, Korean restaurant Stone Bowl, and new-ish Ramen joint Futo Buta. 

If you’re looking for chef-driven dining, foodies fawn over hotspots such as Katie Button’s Cúrate (tapas), Peter Pollay’s Posana (farm-to-table), Linton Hopkins’ H&F Burger, John Fleer’s Rhubarb, and Elliott Moss’ Buxton Hall.

But for good old-fashioned Appalachian food, check out rising star Ashleigh Shanti’s Benne on Eagle, 12 Bones Smokehouse (the Obamas’ favorite), and the Tupelo Honey Cafe, one of the oldest restaurants in Asheville. 

READ MORE: The Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants

5. RAFTING THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER

The French Broad River winds its way right through the heart of Asheville. The river is lined with lush, verdant parks  that are perfect for picnics and recreation.

Rafting the French Broad River is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville with kids, or a group of friends.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been offering guided white water rafting trips here longer than anyone else.

They have half-day tours that are aimed at beginners (ages 8 and up). There are also full-day, 8-mile, intermediate tours that tackle more challenging Class IV rapids.

This is a great river for kayaking in the off-season, when the water is high and tourist traffic on the French Broad River is relatively low.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in North Carolina

6. EXPLORE THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT

Asheville has emerged over the past 10 to 15 years as a progressive cultural haven in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge region.

NYC-bred clothing designer Pattiy Torno (former chair of the Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission) was one of the area’s artistic pioneers.

She set up  CURVE Studios in the River Arts District in 1984, when Downtown Asheville was teetering on the brink of economic collapse. Now the area is the creative home to more than 200 artists working in a broad variety of mediums.

Visitors looking for a weekend getaway immersed in culture will find excellent shopping opportunities in countless galleries occupying 22 former industrial buildings along a one-mile stretch of the tranquil French Broad River. 

From Curve and the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts  to the 110,000-sq foot Riverview Station and the relatively new Pink Dog Creative , each building is a treasure trove of creativity. 

READ MORE: Asheville River Arts District: A Guide to Galleries & Restaurants

7. RAPPEL IN GREEN RIVER GORGE

A tributary of the Broad River, the Green River begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows into the Piedmont region.

Located just southeast of Asheville, the area surrounding the Green River Gorge boasts some of the most biodiverse forest in the eastern United States.

River tubing is always popular here due to the river’s controlled water flow. But for a change of pace, try canyoneering, one of the most adrenaline-pumping things to do in Asheville.

Green River Adventures offers two options for rappelling. At 70 feet tall, the Little Bradley Waterfall is perfect for youngsters (aged 12 and up) and first-timers.

Big Bradley Falls, at 200 feet, is more challenging, and recommended for thrill-seekers ages 15 and up. Both tours include expert instruction and plenty of practice time.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes for NC Day Trips

8. SLIP DOWN SLIDING ROCK

It may be a mountain town , but Asheville can still get extremely hot during the dog days of summer.

There’s nothing better at the end of a long day of outdoor adventures than cooling off in one of the area’s countless waterfalls .

If you’re still hungry for more action, head to  Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest. This is considered “the king of NC swimming holes ,” offering a 60-foot natural rock water slide that feeds into an 8-foot deep pool.

While this may be one of the most fun things to do  in Asheville for kids, be aware that the waters can be chilly– usually around 55-60º!

But there are observation areas for folks who find those temps too “refreshing.” Just get there early, because this local hotspot is a popular place for families in the summertime!

READ MORE: The 50 Best North Carolina Waterfalls to Visit

9. TAKE A FREE HIGHLAND BREWING TOUR

Arguably the best Beer City in America, the extensive  Asheville breweries list ranges from nationally recognized companies such as Sierra Nevada and New Belgium to locally grown brands like Wicked Weed and Hi-Wire.

But the very first Asheville brewery, Highland Brewing Company, was founded back in 1994 and remains one of the best breweries in Asheville.

Guided walking tours of the facilities– one of the best free things to do in Asheville– are available every day of the week.

The original Asheville beer tour is offered 3 times a day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each lasts around 45 minutes, and include a beer tasting to celebrate the occasion.

They also offer private tours. Email [email protected] for more information.

READ MORE: Visiting Highland Brewing, the First Asheville Brewery

10. WATCH FOR CATALOOCHEE ELK

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited of America’s National Parks , boasts a bevy of wildlife species.

It’s home to 200 species of North Carolina birds , 50 species of fish, 39 species of reptiles , 43 species of amphibians, and mammals such as Black Bears, Raccoons, Bobcats, River Otters, Beavers, and two species of Fox.

Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best free things to do near Asheville, especially if you’re going to see the ever-expanding Cataloochee Elk herd .

Elk once roamed these North Carolina hills by the thousands, but they were all killed off by hunters in the 1700s.

Thanks to a 2001 reintroduction program, there are now over 150 Cataloochee Elk in the park. The Cataloochee Valley (which is surrounded by picturesque 6000-foot peaks) is easily the best place to see them.

These massive megafauna can often be found grazing along the road into the park. But park volunteers can typically tell you where the herd was spotted last.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Western NC Small Towns to Visit (& Live In)

11. ZIPLINING IN ASHEVILLE

Putting an eco-friendly spin on typical zipline tours , Navitat Canopy Adventures speaks for the trees and encourages their guests to respect the beauty of nature.

The company’s Treetop Tour is perfect for zip lining first-timers, combining 6 ziplines (one 1250 feet), two bridges, two rappels and two hikes. Treetop Tour participants must weigh between 90 and 250 pounds.

The Mountaintop Tour is bigger, higher and faster. It boasts one zip measuring 3,600 feet long and 350 feet high, going at speeds up to 65 mph. Mountaintop Tour participants must weight between 70 and 250 pounds.

Adrenaline junkies will love The Ultimate Adventure Tour, which combines both packages for six hours of invigorating action and incredible Blue Ridge mountain views. 

READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Elkin NC (BRP Milepost 229)

12. PEOPLE WATCHING IN PACK SQUARE PARK

When it comes to free things to do in Asheville, NC, just sitting and watching the wonderfully eclectic array of people milling about in Pack Square Park was easily our favorite.

Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, the park was created in 1900 and named for lumber tycoon George Willis Pack (who died just six years later). 

Known as Asheville’s greatest philanthropist, he donated the land on which Pack Square was built, which is now surrounded by the historic art deco buildings for which the downtown area is known.

It’s a great place to get a feel for the mountain town’s remarkable diversity, where city slickers, grungy backpackers, young hipsters and aging hippies, tattooed cowboys, and young moms pushing their babies in strollers all commingle. 

If shopping is more your speed, you’ll also find Asheville’s best-known shops here along Biltmore Avenue.

You can see everything from indie book and record stores to trendy clothing boutiques, an old-timey general store, lively brewpubs and more in a span of just a few blocks.

READ MORE: Camping in Asheville NC: The 15 Best Campgrounds to Visit

13. FISHING LINVILLE GORGE

Known as “the Grand Canyon of North Carolina,” the 11,876-acre  Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is one of only two gorges in the Southern United States that was never clear-cut for logging.

The Linville River is situated approximately 1,400 feet below the ridge, so hiking Linville Gorge is most enjoyable for those who like a somewhat strenuous challenge.

In addition to bears, foxes, raccoons, hawks, and other wildlife , the area is also a haven for fly fishing in North Carolina.

Anglers come here from all over the US, hoping to hook their limit of well-stocked brown, brook, and rainbow trout.

Hiking down into Linville Gorge is an intense, all-day affair. But there’s much easier access near the 45-foot drop of Linville Falls (located about 70 minutes outside Asheville), where the Linville River intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway .

READ MORE: The 30 Best Waterfalls Near Asheville NC

14. MOUNTAIN BIKING PISGAH

One of the first national forests in the eastern United States, Pisgah National Forest encompasses more than 510,000 acres of the southern Appalachian Mountains .

This gorgeous haven offers lots of things to do near Asheville NC for hiking, camping and mountain biking enthusiasts.

Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures offers half-day, full-day, multi-day, and even nighttime tours guided by locals who know the area like the back of their hand.

Best of all, they can customize your Pisgah mountain bike adventure to match your style and ability, whether you prefer climbing, downhill, or single-track riding!

READ MORE: The 15 Best Pisgah National Forest Hiking Trails

15. ROCK CLIMBING AT CHIMNEY ROCK

Made famous by the 1992 Daniel Day Lewis film, The Last of the Mohicans,  Chimney Rock State Park is located 25 miles outside Asheville.

It’s become increasingly popular amongst rock climbers in recent years thanks to its challenging array of cliffs, rock walls, and boulders.

Fox Mountain Guides & Climbing School (the only school in the Southeast certified by the American Mountain Guide Association) offers 1-on-1 rock climbing instruction and guided trips for skill levels ranging from beginners to experts.

Check out Rumbling Bald Mountain, which features 1,100 acres of world class technical rock climbing and around 1,500 boulders to conquer. All are easily accessible by car.  

READ MORE: The 10 Best Places for Snow Skiing in North Carolina

16. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

Stretching 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway attracts more than 15 million annual visitors a year.

The world-renowned scenic route passes through Asheville, making it easy to explore the remarkable array of majestic mountains , lush valleys, and fertile forests that surround the city.

You won’t find any billboards, neon signs, restaurants , shopping centers, or other signs of commerce along the way. But there are loads of breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks , not to mention many noteworthy landmarks. 

A few of our favorites include Mount Mitchell (the highest point in NC), Pisgah National Forest, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, the Linn Cove Viaduct, and Grandfather Mountain State Park.

There are also plenty of Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails to explore , many of which lead to wondrous waterfalls. Looking Glass Falls, Crabtree Falls , and Soco Falls are especially worth visiting, as areCraggy Gardens and Little Switzerland .

READ MORE: The Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes for NC Day Trips

17. Hike in Mount Mitchell National Park 

Located in Burnsville NC , just 30 miles north of Asheville at BRP milepost 355, massive Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet.

Mount Mitchell State Park is one of North Carolina’s most popular outdoor attractions (especially in summer ), offering 7 different hiking trails encompassing around 15 miles.

The shortest is of them all is also the most rewarding. The trek to the summit from the parking lot is moderately strenuous due to the sharp incline.

But it’s just .4 miles, and rewards you with spectacular 360º scenic views (particularly when fall colors reach their peak).

The park also offers loads of camping options, a restaurant and concession stand, and an exceptional picnic area that includes 40 tables and two shelters with fireplaces.

READ MORE:   Fall in North Carolina (The Best Places to See Fall Color)

18. See Looking Glass Rock & Skinny Dip Falls

Located less than 40 miles from Asheville (near Brevard NC ), Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 417 offers a chance to see two excellent attractions in one stop.

Looking Glass Rock is named for the fact that it often ices over in winter , reflecting sunlight from its stony summit. 

It’s possible to climb the massive monolith, if you’re inclined. The Looking Glass Rock Trail gains 1,700 feet of elevation in 3.2 miles (6.5 miles round-trip), with lots of switchbacks along the way.

So you could reach the summit and be back to your car in 4-5 hours. Or you could just view it from the overlook and take the MUCH easier Skinny Dip Falls hike, leading to one of our favorite Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls .

It’s a lovely 0.9-mile hike through gentle inclines and gorgeous forest. Sadly, Skinny Dip Falls is still recovering from severe damage caused by Tropical Storm Fred back in 2021. 

READ MORE: The Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina

19. Find Flora at the NC Arboretum

The largest of the Asheville botanical gardens , the NC Arboretum encompasses 434 acres in the Pisgah National Forest. 

Devoted to education, research, conservation, and garden demonstrations, the Arboretum offers an array of activities, including various educational programs, tours, and events.

There are 7 main garden areas. The Blue Ridge Court is central to the Promenade, and features a garden pool, while the Stream Garden features mostly native North Carolina plants. 

The Heritage Garden features plants used in medicinal herbs and crafts; the Quilt Garden features Appalachian-style floral designs; and the Plants of Promise Garden demonstrates landscaping design with flora and stone. 

Along with the Holly Garden and National Native Azalea Repository (featuring 16 species that bloom in April), these features make the North Carolina Arboretum one of the best botanical gardens in the Eastern United States. 

It’s especially lovely at Christmas , when the entire garden is illuminated by millions of twinkling lights!

READ MORE: The Best Christmas Tree Farms in Boone, Asheville & Beyond

20. Take a Day Trip to Hendersonville NC

Located 25 miles from Asheville, Hendersonville NC used to be one of many sleepy  Blue Ridge mountain towns .

But as Asheville’s growth has exploded, Hendersonville has emerged as an impressive alternative to the bustling metropolis. The town of 14,254 people is beloved for its climate, gorgeous scenery, rich history, and many parks . 

A day trip to Hendersonville can include laid-back activities, such as strolling the charming downtown area’s lovely art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants .

There are cool attractions like the Appalachian Pinball Museum, Mineral Lapidary Museum, and Pisgah Forest Gem Mine .

For active pursuits, there’s Holmes Educational State Forest and DuPont State Forest , which is full of waterfalls and 80+ miles of roads and hiking trails .

Don’t miss Jump Off Rock, which offers those spectacular misty mountain views the Blue Ridge region  is known for.  

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC

21. Get Cultured at the Folk Art Center

Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 382, just 11 miles from Downtown Asheville, the Folk Art Center is arguably the finest collection of Appalachian arts and crafts in the USA. 

The most popular attraction on the BRP, the Center dates back to 1890, when Yale grad Frances Goodrich came to Asheville to do missionary work.

In an effort to help Appalachian women who wove traditional quilts, she founded the Allanstand Craft Shop around 1900. 

The Southern Highland Craft Guild  was founded in 1930, making it the second oldest craft organization in the US. They opened the Folk Art Center in 1980, with three galleries, a library, an auditorium, and the historic Allanstand Craft Shop.

With over 1000 artists and craftspeople representing 9 southeastern states, the Guild’s permanent collection of 3,500+ pieces dating back to the dawn of the 20th century is second to none. 

From stunning quilts, woven baskets, and pottery to turned wood, furniture, and stained glass, it’s an extraordinary testament to the creativity of the Blue Ridge region.

READ MORE: The 15 Best VRBO Cabins in Asheville NC

22. Explore the Asheville Botanical Gardens 

Though it’s not nearly as large or popular as the more famous gardens at the Biltmore and the NC Arboretum, the 10-acre Asheville Botanical Gardens is a lovely place to explore the native plants of Western North Carolina . 

Properly known as the  Botanical Gardens at Asheville , the tranquil nature sanctuary is located on the grounds of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, but operates as an independent non-profit.

It was established in 1961 on abandoned timberland that had been badly eroded. Noted landscape architect Doan Ogden (who also planned the Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone NC ) created the design, and 5,000+ plants were brought in from private lands and national forests. 

Today there are more than 650 species of native plants found in the garden, which has a gurgling creek running through it as well as some great spots for a picnic. 

We saw tons of North Carolina wildflowers and flowering trees during our visit, including trillium, flame azaleas, and Eastern redbuds. It was another one of our favorite free things to do in Asheville NC .

READ MORE: The 10 Best Boone NC Hiking Trails to Explore

23. See the Thomas Wolfe House

Located in the Downtown Asheville Historic District, the Thomas Wolfe House (a.k.a. Thomas Wolfe Memorial) is the  boyhood home of the legendary author.

Declared a  National Historic Landmark in 1971, the two-story yellow house was famously used as the setting for Wolfe’s classic novel, Look Homeward, Angel .

Called “Dixieland” in the book, the big boarding house was actually named “Old Kentucky Home.” Built in 1883, it was purchased by Julia Wolfe in 1906.

Tom, who lived there for 10 years before enrolling at UNC, adapted colorful stories of his family, friends, and boarders into the fictionalized novel. The house became a memorial to the author after his mother’s death, and has been open to visitors since 1949. 

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site is open from 9AM to 5PM Tuesday through Saturdays, with guided tours offered daily at half past each hour. 

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Fairs in North Carolina to Visit

24. Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 384, less than 7 miles from Downtown Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the history of the route.

You can also get personal tips from park rangers on things to see and do on your epic road trip. 

There are themed exhibits on everything from Blue Ridge flora and fauna to Cherokee history , traditional Appalachian culture, and the construction of the Parkway (which lasted from 1935 to 1987). 

The Visitor Center  features a 22-foot, interactive digital map of the Parkway, as well as an award-winning 24-minute film that offers an excellent overview of the history and nature that make the BRP so special.

There’s also a 1.4-mile loop trail that begins at the far end of the visitor center parking lot. It ultimately connects to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail , which stretches 1,175 miles from the North Carolina mountains to its coast. 

READ MORE: The Best Places to See Christmas Lights in North Carolina

25. Watch the Sunset from Craggy Gardens

One of our favorite memories from our latest trip to Asheville was a magnificent picnic we shared while watching the sunset at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center . 

Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 364.4, it’s a 40-minute drive from Downtown Asheville. But if you’re looking for an epic sunset above those trademark rolling hills, this spot atop Black Mountain is the place to be.

Note that it can get quite windy and cold up there, with an elevation of approximately 5,497 feet. So you’ll definitely want to dress in layers, and bring hats and gloves just in case. 

But picking up a “Tapas For 2” from Cúrate and spending a few hours watching the sky evolve into the glorious vision depicted above was truly a trip highlight we will never forget.  

READ MORE:   The Best Hiking in Asheville NC Bucket List (Top 25 Hiking Trails)

26. Play at the Asheville Pinball Museum

Growing up as a child of the ’80s, I was an avid video game junkie (Atari 2600 was my jam). So this excellent Asheville attraction brought back loads of nostalgic arcade memories. 

Located across from the Grove Arcade in Downtown Asheville, the  Asheville Pinball Museum offers an extensive collection of 70+ vintage pinball machines and classic video games you can play.

Since there’s a set price (Adults $15, Children 10 & under $13), you can stay as long as you want and not need to buy more tokens.

Several of their machines date way back to the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, but most of them are from the Golden Age of Video Games in the ’80s-’90s.

So you’ll find Star Trek, Evel Knievel, The Black Hole, and Creature From the Black Lagoon pinball machines, as well as classic video games such as Frogger, 1942, Q-Bert, etc. 

They also offer adult beverages such as beer (some from local breweries ), as well as snacks and sodas. 

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary

27. Explore the Montford Area Historic District

28. Take a Day Trip to Weaverville NC

As we search for a  Blue Ridge Mountain town to call home, Weaverville NC would be at the top of our list if real estate prices were not a factor. It truly has everything we’re looking for in a community.

Located 8 miles from downtown Asheville, Weaverville (population 4,000) feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the burgeoning metropolis. Its ample green space earned a “Tree City USA” designation from the Arbor Day Foundation.

There are lots of fun things to do in Weaverville NC, including an array of downtown parks, great restaurants , historical museums , and cultural attractions. 

And while the fine hotels of the former resort town’s 1930s heyday have long since closed down, charming bed-and-breakfasts and cute cabins are commonplace (including some right along Reems Creek).

The town of Weaverville also boasts a great arts and live music scene, and there’s a weekly tailgate market offered from April through October.

READ MORE : The Best Things to Do in Weaverville NC

29. Visit the Moog Store & Moogseum

From weekly drum circles in Pritchard Park to decades of killer concerts at the Orange Peel, Asheville is known as one of the hippest music towns in the Blue Ridge region . 

But engineering physicist Robert Moog , the electronic music pioneer who invented the first commercial synthesizer (and moved to Western NC in 1978), was an Asheville resident long before the city’s 21st century boom. He even taught at UNC Asheville back in the early ’90s! 

The Moog Store and  Moogseum  both offer great opportunities to learn more about this iconic inventor and his enduring influence on the evolution of popular music. 

The Moog Store is offering small group sessions (by appt only) that include a brief history of Moog Music, demos of historically significant instruments, and more. 

The Moogseum, the hallmark project of the Bob Moog Foundation, is an impressively immersive and interactive museum where Moog’s influential legacy and the science of sound truly come alive. 

READ MORE: The 20 Best North Carolina Music Festivals in 2022

30. Wine Tasting at Addison Farms Vineyard

Located on a picturesque 55-acre plot of land in Leicester NC (about 17 miles from Downtown Asheville), this fourth-generation family farm  started focusing on growing grapes back in 2009.

They have more than 6 acres of grapes planted now, and plan to gradually expand it 10 acres. They make numerous tasty wines , such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano.

Addison Farms has also formed a partnership with several other local wineries , including Moon Lake Vineyard, Spring Branch Vineyard, and Two Moons Vineyard.

Collectively, these small farms produce more than 800 cases of North Carolina wine each year.

If you want to visit Addison Farms for a tour and/or wine tasting , please make reservations in advance. You can also purchase their small-batch wines online.

READ MORE: The 15 Best NC Wineries to Visit

31. Family Fun at Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such

Although there are no apple orchards in Asheville proper, there are quite a few options in Hendersonville NC, which is just 25 miles south of the city. 

Grandad’s Apples is one of the most popular places to get fresh apples in NC. Founded in 1994, it’s led by a 4th generation farmer and his family, who grow apples, pumpkins , peaches, and more. 

Their U-pick apple season begins in August and runs through late October, with 40+ varieties of apples (including Ginger Gold, Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Shuzuka, Red Rome, Arkansas Black, Braeburn, Nittany, Evercrisp, and more).

Starting on Labor Day weekend, the farm also features family-friendly activities such as an apple cannon, cow train, and a corn maze you can try to navigate. 

While you’re there, check out Grandad’s Barn and Country Store & Bakery, where you can shop for apple -themed gifts and apple-based goodies, including pies, hot cider, and apple cider slushies!

READ MORE: Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 15 Best NC Apple Orchards

32. Tour the Basilica of Saint Lawrence

Formally known as the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr , this minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church is a major architectural highlight of downtown Asheville.

Included on the National Register of Historic Places, the elaborate church was designed and built by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino and local legend Richard Sharp Smith (lead architect of the Biltmore Estate). 

This is the only basilica in Western NC, and it’s 52 X 82-foot dome is reportedly the largest free-standing elliptical dome on the North American continent. 

Inside, the basilica features elaborate stained glass windows (made in Munich), statues of saints (made in Italy), a marble altar (from  Tennessee ), and  a wood carving of the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle (made in Spain).

Walk-in visits are permitted during the hours posted on their website, and self-guided tours of the basilica are free (though donations are always appreciated). 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC

33. Go Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a great way to immerse yourself in natural beauty Asheville has to offer, and the Biltmore Equestrian Center  offers private two-hour tours.

Theirs are the only Asheville horseback riding tours within the city limits, exploring the trails of the historic property.

Expert guides lead up to four guests at a time through the world-renowned estate, which is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest.

Note that all participants will need a Biltmore day pass or annual pass, or an overnight room at the estate.

It’s highly recommended that visitors book their horseback riding tour   reservations several days in advance in order to ensure availability.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Places for Horseback Riding In/Near Asheville NC

34. Waynesville Day Trip

There are a lot of reasons to love the small town of Waynesville NC, and I’d say that even if I weren’t related to the town’s founder, Revolutionary War hero Colonel Robert Love. 

The area is home to two beautiful lakes (Junaluska and Logan), surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in NC, and offers awesome outdoor recreation in the Shining Rock Wilderness.

Downtown Waynesville is very walkable, with the best shops in a 5-block area on Main Street. This is also where you’ll find the best restaurants in Waynesville , including the Chef’s Table, Suwana Asian Cuisine, and Wild Flour Bakery.

If history and culture are your thing, check out the Folkmoot Friendship Center (famous for their cultural festivals ), Haywood Arts Regional Theater, and the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts. 

Haywood County is also a hotbed of Appalachian culture: The area gave birth to bluegrass music icons like Don Reno and Raymond Fairchild (both banjo virtuosos), as well as “Square Dance King” Sam Love Queen.  

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County

35. Celebrate Christmas in Asheville

From the myriad Boone Christmas tree farms and Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock to the Polar Express Train in Bryson City , there are many Western NC Christmas events that have become popular holiday traditions.

But for our money, it’s difficult to beat the diversity of attractions you can find during Christmas in Asheville. 

Christmas at the Biltmore is easily the largest celebration, with a tree-raising event, daytime and candlelit nighttime tours of the festively decorated rooms of the Biltmore House, and holiday happenings in both the Antler Hill and Historic Biltmore Village areas. 

But the largest privately owned home in America is far from the only Asheville Christmas game in town. 

There’s also the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn, Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, and numerous other Christmas light displays that make Asheville a great place to spend the holidays! –by Bret Love; lead image via Canva

READ MORE: 30 Fun Facts About Appalachian Scots-Irish History & Culture

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the  Leave No Trace   principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Bret and Mary

The BRMTG was created by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, the award-winning team behind the world-renowned responsible travel website Green Global Travel. Born and raised in North Georgia, Editor-In-Chief Bret Love grew up hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains with his family. A professional writer/editor since 1995, he's covered travel and culture for 100+ publications, including American Way, Destination Marriott, Georgia Travel Guide, National Geographic, and Southbound. In 2010 he co-founded the award-winning website, Green Global Travel, which is ranked among the world's top travel blogs. Since launching BRMTG in 2020, he and Mary Gabbett have visited 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns together. Though she lived in NYC for 14 years, photographer/Business Manager Mary Gabbett's family has Georgia roots dating back 200+ years. Her great-grandfather was President of the Western Railroad of Alabama. Before moving to Atlanta in 1989, she fell in love with the North GA mountains, where her aunt owned a cabin. In 2010 she co-founded Green Global Travel, and has since traveled to more than 40 countries on six continents. Her photos have appeared in numerous travel publications (including National Geographic and Southbound) and various textbooks.

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• North America
• North Carolina
• 20 Must Visit Attractions Asheville...

Must-Visit Attractions in Asheville, North Carolina

Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina sits Asheville, a city built by craftspeople, artists, and healers, making it a quirky and culturally rich destination. Asheville has it all, from award-winning craft beer and independent restaurants to a jam-packed music calendar and outdoor adventures. Mix in a rich literary history and architectural gems spanning over a century, plus hundreds of working artists, and it’s easy to see why one of Asheville’s nicknames is “The Paris of the South.” Here are the city’s 20 must-visit attractions.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Biltmore Estate

Over one million people visit America’s largest home each year. This architectural wonder, a French Renaissance chateau built from 1889–1895, boasts 250 rooms and more than four acres of floor space, and seeing it dressed for the holidays is bucket-list worthy. The massive property also operates a winery, several restaurants and inns, immaculately manicured gardens, and a slew of outdoor activities, including biking, paddleboarding, sporting clays, and horseback riding.

For a quick way to learn about Asheville’s history and get acquainted with the city, just follow this 1.4-mile (0.4-kilometer) sculptural urban trail . Grab a map at Pack Square Park’s Visitor Pavilion, and then begin your self-guided walking tour at Plaque #1, also in the park. The trail honors the people and communities that helped shape Asheville and also serves as a perfect guide for exploring its walkable downtown.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Four different entry points to the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway are easily accessible from Asheville, and visitors should make time to explore America’s Favorite Drive while visiting this mountain town. Start at the Folk Art Center or North Carolina Arboretum, and then wind through the twists and turns that provide ample opportunities to enjoy long-range mountain vistas. Plenty of trailheads right off the Parkway lead to more stunning views and many waterfalls too.

Highland Brewing Company

To truly appreciate Asheville’s impressive craft beer scene , go to where it all began. Highland Brewing Company was the first craft brewery since Prohibition to operate in Asheville, starting in the basement of a pizza joint before moving to the outskirts of town in a warehouse that boasts a rooftop deck and bar, outdoor and indoor stages, and a smattering of shipping containers that have been transformed into offices.

River Arts District

Art is everywhere in Asheville, but the highest concentration of studios and galleries can be found in the mural-blanketed area of town known as the River Arts District , or RAD. More than 200 artists call RAD home, spread out among 22 industrial buildings and working in nearly every medium imaginable. View glassblowers in action, chair caners repairing antiques, and sculptors mid-process, and take home a treasured souvenir. Afterward, pop into Wedge Brewing Company for a beer.

West Asheville

This neighborhood has exploded in recent years and is a favorite hangout spot for locals. One street, Haywood, connects all the restaurants, breweries, and vintage shops, and two of the best breakfast spots in town, Biscuit Head and Sunny Point Cafe, call the area home. Add a cidery, craft beer bar, café, record shop, and second-hand outdoor gear store, and an entire day will fly by exploring this part of Asheville.

Grovewood Village

Sitting atop downtown with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains is famed Grove Park Inn, a luxury mountain resort built soon after the completion of the Biltmore Estate. Behind the resort, the Vanderbilts founded an arts and crafts hub that now features an antique car museum, working artists studios, and restaurant.

The North Carolina Arboretum

Asheville is one of the most biodiverse regions among temperate climates, and the NC Arboretum provides a beautiful educational setting with garden exhibits that showcase the fauna and flora of the area. Miles of trails, frequent events, and the popular Winter Lights round out their offerings.

Basilica of Saint Lawrence

The highlight of this beautiful church is its elliptical dome, considered the largest freestanding dome in America. Its famed Spanish architect, Rafael Guastavino, was brought to Asheville to help with the Biltmore Estate, and his other credits include Grand Central Station in New York and Duke Chapel in Durham. Guided and unguided architectural tours are available.

Grove Arcade

Another architectural jewel, the unique Grove Arcade combines Art Deco, Italian Renaissance, and Gothic elements. Instead of leveling the foundation, Grove Arcade’s designers decided to follow the natural topography instead, a very noticeable feature when walking the shopping center’s sloping marble hallways.

Biltmore Village

Outside the gates of the Biltmore Estate lies an entire planned community built for the thousands of estate workers under the guidance of the Biltmore’s visionary, George Vanderbilt. Over a century later, Biltmore Village has evolved into a shopping destination—with many upscale retail shops—and is even home to what has been called the world’s fanciest McDonald’s thanks to a grand piano and stone fireplace.

French Broad River

During the warmer months, the French Broad River becomes extra colorful as tubes, kayaks, and paddleboards float along the wide waterway. In recent years, riverfront development has exploded, with restaurants, breweries, and other businesses staking their claim along the banks, the most notable being the $150 million New Belgium Brewing Company complex that sits between West Asheville and downtown. Greenways and parks also provide options for folks who want to play near the water.

Montford Historic District

The historic Montford neighborhood features some of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful homes in Asheville, many of which are Victorian or Arts & Crafts styles. Literary fans will want to stop by the Riverside Cemetery where authors Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry reside, and summer visitors can take in a show at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre where the Montford Park Players have been performing outdoor Shakespeare plays since 1973.

Downtown Buskers

One of the reasons why Asheville has a lively vibe is thanks to the city’s talented buskers. From 10 am to 10 pm most days, a variety of musicians create Asheville’s soundtrack. One of the city’s most famous buskers is Abby the Spoon Lady , one of the few professional spoon players in America. Head to the Flat Iron statue for performances most days.

Drum Circle

Another beloved Asheville tradition, Asheville Drum Circles happen every Friday night from April to October. This free community event attracts people of all ages to Pritchard Park and has been happening for nearly 20 years. Dance or drum the night away from 6–10 pm.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial

As one of Asheville’s most famous natives, Thomas Wolfe cemented his local legacy in his autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel . The boarding house operated by his mother that he describes in the book now invites visitors to stroll the Victorian home. The historic landmark also offers a walking tour dubbed From Cradle to Grave: Walking in Thomas Wolfe’s Shoes with 30 stops that relate to his life and works.

The Orange Peel

The biggest touring acts that come to Asheville typically play at The Orange Peel, noted as one of the best rock venues in the USA by Rolling Stone magazine. The main stage offers standing room for about 1,000 patrons excited to see some of their favorite bands up close and personal. Downstairs, a separate lounge streams the live performances.

Asheville Pinball Museum

More arcade than a museum, this fun destination features 75 rare and historical pinball machines and video games that require zero tokens since the entry fee allows for unlimited play. Weekends draw packed houses, and they close on Tuesdays for repairs.

Western North Carolina Nature Center

Formerly the Asheville Zoo, WNC Nature Center has evolved into a habitat for more than 60 wild and domestic animals as well as native plants that represent the rich biodiversity of the Southern Appalachians. A big part of their mission focuses on species survival in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department, with a focus on the North American river otter, cougar, and red wolf.

South Slope Brewery District

Beer lovers can spend an entire day hopping between Asheville’s South Slope. Home to nine breweries with several more brewhouses in the works, this walkable industrial district has also attracted one of the best barbecue restaurants in town, Buxton Hall, as well as the out-of-this-world Vortex Doughnuts , which features a rotating doughnut made with beer.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book near the biltmore estate, north carolina.

The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in North Carolina

The Best Cabins to Book in North Carolina

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Hip Rental Apartments in North Carolina You'll Want to Call Home

The Best Hotels to Book in North Carolina for Every Traveler

The Best Hotels to Book Near Tweetsie Railroad Wild West Theme Park, North Carolina

The Best Hotels to Book Near Carowinds, North Carolina

The Best Hotels Near Grandfather Mountain State Park, North Carolina

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The Best Vacation Rentals to Book in North Carolina

The Best Vacation Cottages to Book in North Carolina

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The best things to do in Asheville, NC

From admiring artwork in a historic mansion to a great hiking trail, here are the best things to do in Asheville, NC

Although you're going to enjoy this Blue Ridge Mountains destination regardless of your interests, art and history fiends are likely to fall head over heels in love with the best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina. 

A vibrant arts scene dominates the local culture: Biltmore, a historic mansion, is home to works by the likes of Renoir; the River Arts District, which used to be dominated by factory buildings, is now where most local artists set up shop; the Downtown Art District, on the other hand, is where most of the galleries and museums are located. 

And if art isn't your thing, opt to explore the endless hiking trail or indulge in the foods prepared at the best restaurants in town. Asheville might not be the biggest city—it's home to just over 91,000 residents—but it's clearly very big in personality, rich in history and delectable in all things food and drink. Ready to explore it?

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Best things to do in Asheville, NC

1.  River Arts District

Just two miles west of central Asheville, you are able to encounter the very best the local art scene has to offer, with creative types showing off their wares throughout the various historical buildings in the area.  This is the best place to pick up a souvenir straight from the artistic mind who created it. Mingle with the artists and purchase works in a variety of mediums, styles and price points.

2.  Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate is a palatial mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 1800s—it boasts 250 rooms and is set on four acres of beautiful grounds. Every room in the French renaissance-style building is visually stunning and the basement sports a pool, a bowling alley and a huge kitchen. But the house isn’t the only thing worth seeing on this massive estate. There is biking, hiking, seven restaurants, fly-fishing, a winery and even guided raft trips.

3.  Antique Tobacco Barn

Asheville is an antique-lover’s dream. Shops are plentiful and the space for large warehouses near the center of town means that they are accessible—and big.  Whether you are junking, antiquing or collecting, you will be in knick-knack heaven at the Antique Tobacco Barn—conveniently located near other great shops on the Swannanoa River Rd.

4.  Wheels Through Time

More than 300 of the country’s rarest motorcycles are housed at the Maggie Valley museum, documenting nearly a century of the bikes’ history and culture.  You need only a passing interest in motorcycles to be enthralled by this collection, which spans the decades and offers insight into America’s automotive history. So, if you are a bike aficionado, you’ll be in hog heaven.

5.  The Moog Factory

From Kraftwerk to Roxy Music to Donna Summer, the Moog synthesizer has left an indelible mark on music since it first emerged in popular music in the 1960s. The company making the instruments is today based in Asheville and runs daily free tours.  The factory and shop offer a unique look into the making of an instrument whose name still carries quite a bit of weight in the music community. You can see how they are assembled, how the sound is perfected, and even try a few yourself.

6.  No Taste Like Home

Asheville’s No Taste Like Home tours involve three hours of hunting for wild morsels with the help of a foraging expert and they run several times per week.  Not only will you learn valuable skills about what you can and can’t eat in the wild, but you’ll then enjoy the literal fruits of your labor after the tour, when your spoils are taken to one of four city restaurants and incorporated into your chosen dishes.

7.  Lake Lure

Less than an hour from downtown Asheville, Lake Lure might be a man-made lake, but its beauty is so renowned that it has provided the setting for a number of Hollywood smash hit films—the most famous of which is Dirty Dancing .  Yes, you can re-enact the famous lift in the lake’s waters—muscle-bound partner willing—or bust a move down the steps, but you can also lounge on the lake’s sandy beaches or hike around its rocky cliffs.

8.  White Duck

Locals love the White Duck for its ambitious infusions of various global cuisines with Mexican taco dishes.  Mexican food here comes via the cuisines of the Caribbean, Greece and more. White Duck’s jerk chicken, lamb gyro and Thai peanut tacos are all great choices—and then there’s the beef bulgogi taco with a side of house kimchi for a decidedly Korean vibe. 

9.  Black Balsam Knob

The Blue Ridge Parkway , just minutes from downtown Asheville, is packed with wonderful hiking, but the views are particularly spectacular from nearby Black Balsam Knob.  The Black Balsam Knob is one of the area’s mountain balds—peaks completely devoid of trees and therefore leaving the panoramic view of the surrounds unobstructed. And, at 6,000ft up, it’s one hell of a view.  

10.  The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa

This mountain spa has been hailed as one of the best in the country, with an extensive menu of services, contrast pools, scent-infused steam rooms and fireside lounges.  It’s worth a trip just to soak in the pools: there are two with waterfalls spilling in from above, and one has a ceiling embedded with 6,500 fiber-optic stars and underwater music. Not to mention the outdoor whirlpool with mountain views.

11.  Asheville Drum Circle

Every Friday evening around 6pm in downtown Asheville’s Pritchard Park, percussionists from all over the city convene to beat out every sort of rhythm you could conceive of.  Aside from mingling with local musicians, observers can experience a genuine slice of Asheville culture while having a dance or perhaps bringing along something to whack as well. Best of all, it’s free!

12.  12 Bones Smokehouse

Barack Obama’s favorite North Carolina rib joint, the 12 Bones Smokehouse is a lunch-only spot renowned for its mouthwatering BBQ sold by the pound.  Obama famously stopped at the 12 Bones for brisket, ribs and pulled pork while on the campaign trail in 2008, but soon proved that the visit was more than a photo op by stopping by again every time he has been in the area since.

13.  Lexington Glassworks

Lexington Glassworks was born out of the desire to create timeless and innovative hand-blown glass and custom lighting. Each piece is skillfully crafted using century old techniques and locally sourced material with the singular goal of creating top-notch work. They pride themselves on an open door culture and invite the public to view the glassblowing process from start to finish, hoping to grow an appreciation for and relationship with the artist making the glass and the pieces on display in the gallery. 

14.  Top of the Monk

The Asheville version of a New York speakeasy, Top of the Monk boasts a menu of classic and unique craft cocktails and a rooftop patio with views of the mountains.  The seasonal menu of cocktails made with a selection of house bitters are served in a laidback yet sophisticated atmosphere. An added bonus is the wall of lockers, each containing a mystery snack that can only be accessed with keys from the bar.

15.  Western North Carolina Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center, or WNC, connects people with wildlife of the area by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity. Everyone is welcome and there are activities for school children and adult to enjoy alike, with opportunities to learn about and develop an understanding of everyone's responsibility for this area’s native wildlife and habitats. The WNC Nature Center is home to over 60 species of wild and domestic animals and hundreds of species of plants, all representative of the unique Southern Appalachian region.

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10 Things To Do In Asheville: Complete Guide To The Artsy Mountain Town

A sheville, North Carolina is a vibrant city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its outdoor activities, art and culture scene, and epic gastronomy, it's become a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the numerous galleries, museums, and cultural events, or hike, bike, camp, and raft in the surrounding mountains.

Asheville also features a thriving beer and food scene, with an extensive brewery list and an array of restaurants to choose from. The city has a mild climate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s in the winter to the mid-80s in the summer, providing a wide range of opportunities for indoor and outdoor fun.

Travelers will also find a variety of festivals and events throughout the year that reflect the city's history, food, breweries, and natural landscape. This is truly the city that has something for everyone.

UPDATE: 2023/05/11 07:44 EST BY BARRY JUMA

Artsy Mountain Town: The Ultimate Guide to Asheville & Things To Do

Asheville is found in a scenic part of North Carolina, with proximity to popular attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains. Most visitors will likely want to spend time in nature and this update shares a few more options for lovers of the outdoors.

Top Things To Do

From art and culture to food and nature fun, Asheville offers an eclectic mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Take a look at the top things to do in Asheville to make the most out of any vacation in the area.

Hike The Blue Ridge Mountains

Asheville is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains , which offer numerous hiking trails for all skill levels.

Some popular trails include the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Mount Mitchell. Travelers can enjoy hikes to waterfalls, birdwatching and wildlife encounters, rock climbing, and scenic drives along the parkway.

Visit The Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is a magnificent mansion and grounds built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the state.

Visitors can tour the mansion, explore the gardens, enjoy a tasting at the on-site winery, and partake in a variety of outdoor activities and events on the estate grounds.

Wander Around The River Arts District

The River Arts District is a neighborhood in Asheville along the French Broad River. It's a hub for artists and craftspeople, with over 200 artists working in various mediums such as painting, pottery, jewelry, and sculpture.

Home to numerous galleries and working artist studios, visitors can take self-guided tours of the studios and galleries, watching artists at work and learning about their techniques and inspirations.

Related: The 10 Best Asheville Art Galleries (Out Of 30), Which Will Muse All Art Lovers

They can also purchase their creations, taking home a little piece of Asheville in their suitcase. There are also several restaurants and shops in the district, featuring hip cafes, breweries, and farm-to-table food options.

Explore The Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum is dedicated to presenting and promoting American art in North Carolina.

The museum has a collection of over 4,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces by artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, and it's known for its focus on artists from the Southeastern United States.

The museum also offers a range of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and tours to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds in the appreciation of art.

It has a particular focus on art education for children, with offerings such as art camps and family-friendly events.

Eat And Drink Your Way Through Downtown

Asheville, North Carolina, is a destination known for its vibrant food and drink scene. Visitors to Asheville can enjoy a mix of Southern cuisine, international flavors, craft beer, and artisanal cocktails.

The city has a number of farm-to-table restaurants that specialize in using locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding area.

Asheville is also famous for its craft beer, with over 30 breweries in the area, such as Highland Brewing Company , Sierra Nevada Brewing Company , and Wicked Weed Brewing .

This city also has a number of farmers' markets where visitors can sample local produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and more, such as the North Asheville Farmers' Market and the River Arts District Farmers Market .

Additionally, the city hosts a number of food festivals throughout the year, including the Asheville Wine & Food Festival , the Asheville Bread Festival , and the Chow Chow culinary festival .

With its focus on local ingredients, creative chefs and brewers, and a welcoming atmosphere, Asheville is a must-visit destination for foodies and beer enthusiasts alike.

Visit The Thomas Wolfe House

The Thomas Wolfe House and Memorial is a historic site and the childhood home of the famous American author Thomas Wolfe. It's now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

The house was built in 1883 and is a Queen Anne-style Victorian home. Thomas Wolfe lived in the house with his family from 1906 to 1926, and it was during this time that he wrote many of his most famous works, including "Look Homeward, Angel" and "Of Time and the River."

After Wolfe's death in 1938, his mother sold the house to a private owner. In the 1970s, the state of North Carolina acquired the property and restored it to its early 20th-century appearance.

Today, visitors to the Thomas Wolfe House and Memorial can take guided tours of the home and learn about Wolfe's life, family, and literary achievements.

Spend An Afternoon At The Grove Arcade

Grove Arcade is a historic building located in downtown Asheville. The building was completed in 1929 and originally served as a public market with a variety of vendors selling produce, meats, and other goods.

Today, the building has been renovated and features a mix of local and national businesses, including restaurants, shops, and offices.

The arcade is also home to a number of events throughout the year, such as holiday markets, art shows, and live music performances. It's considered a popular landmark in downtown Asheville and a must-visit spot for locals and visitors alike.

Explore The North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden found inside the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Established in 1986, this site boasts a diverse collection of flora native to the Southern Appalachian region.

Visitors can wander through the picturesque gardens, like the Wildflowers at the Arboretum Garden and the Bonsai Exhibition Garden. Additionally, the arboretum offers over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Art exhibits and educational programs are also hosted here throughout the year.

• Address : 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, United States
• Hours : 8 am - 9 pm (daily)
• Cost : Parking fee: $20 per vehicle

Take A Day Trip To The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A mere hour's drive from Asheville, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Spanning over 800 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to diverse wildlife and boasts over 1,500 types of flowering plants.

Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, including the popular Chimney Tops Trail and Alum Cave Trail. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, and picnicking. Plus, visitors can witness the stunning views from Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park.

• Address : 107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
• Hours : Open 24 hours (daily)
• Cost : Free entrance

Wander Around The Asheville Botanical Gardens

The Asheville Botanical Gardens is a 10-acre haven dedicated to preserving and showcasing native plants of the Southern Appalachians. Located near the University of North Carolina at Asheville campus, these gardens provide a serene escape for visitors to admire over 600 species of plants, including rare and endangered ones.

Visitors can stroll along the half-mile loop trail that meanders through various habitats such as wetlands, meadows, and a hardwood forest. There is also wildlife like birds and butterflies that call this sanctuary home.

• Address : 151 W T Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804, United States
• Hours : 7:30 am - 8 pm (daily)
• Cost : Free admission

Best Time To Visit Asheville

The best time to go to Asheville is during the fall (September through November) when the leaves change colors and the weather is mild.

During this time, tourists can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and witness the vibrant fall foliage changing colors with each passing day.

It's also a popular time for festivals and events, such as the Asheville Oktoberfest and the National Gingerbread House Competition .

Spring (March through May) is also a good time to visit Asheville when the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom. This is when outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and rafting begin to peak.

Related: What Makes The Blue Ridge Mountains So Special?

Summer (June through August) is the high season in Asheville, and while it can be crowded, it's an excellent time for outdoor activities such as swimming, tubing, and kayaking.

Additionally, summer is when many music and art festivals take place, such as LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival) , Asheville Fringe Arts Festival , and the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival to name a few.

Winter (December through February) is the least popular time to visit Asheville, but it can still be a beautiful time with snow-covered mountains and holiday events.

The weather is cold, but the views are striking with a white backdrop covering the mountains.

This is also a good time to enjoy indoor activities like museums, galleries, and breweries without massive crowds and hiked prices.

What To Know When Visiting Asheville

Asheville has a lot to offer, from food to nature and everything in between. There are some things to know before visiting this hip city in North Carolina.

• Outdoor Activities: Asheville is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, which offer a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and rafting. Make sure to pack appropriate gear and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
• Beer and Food Scene: Asheville has a thriving beer and food scene, with numerous breweries, restaurants, and food tours to choose from. Make sure to try some of the local specialties like BBQ, biscuits, and sweet tea.
• Art and Culture: Asheville is known for its vibrant art and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and cultural events to explore. Don't miss the River Arts District, filled with local artists at work with creations to purchase.
• Historic Sites: Asheville has a rich history, and there are several historic sites to visit, including the Biltmore Estate , the Grove Arcade , and the Thomas Wolfe House .
• Weather: Asheville has a mild climate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s in the winter to the mid-80s in the summer. The weather can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to check the forecast before any trip.
• Sustainable Tourism: Asheville is committed to sustainable tourism, so make sure to practice eco-friendly habits such as recycling, conserving water, and using public transportation when possible.
• Music and Festivals: Asheville is known for its music and festivals, with events taking place throughout the year. Check the calendar of events before departure to see what's happening in the city.

Best Ways To Get Around Asheville

Transportation depends on travel purposes, as the city features an energetic downtown and surrounding mountain landscape to explore. Here are some of the best options when it comes to getting around the city.

• Walking: Asheville's downtown area is very walkable with many shops, restaurants, and attractions located close together. Walking is a great way to explore the city and take in the sights, while also being eco-friendly.
• Public Transportation: Asheville has a public transportation system called ART (Asheville Rides Transit) , which operates buses throughout the city and surrounding areas. There are also trolley tours available for visitors who want to see the city's historic sites.
• Car: If a car is a must for travel to the mountains and beyond, there are several car rental agencies available in Asheville, and parking is generally easy to find. However, traffic can be heavy during peak tourist season, so be prepared for delays.

Related: Craggy Gardens Is A Beautiful Stop Along North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway

• Biking: Asheville is a bike-friendly city, with many bike lanes and trails available for cyclists. Visitors can rent bikes from several local shops and explore the city and surrounding mountains on two wheels.
• Uber/Lyft: Uber and Lyft are both available in Asheville, providing an easy and convenient way to get around the city.

Ultimately, the best way to get around Asheville depends on preference and planned activities.

Walking is a great way to explore the downtown area, while public transportation and biking are good options for traveling further afield.

For those looking to visit the surrounding mountains, a car or guided tour may be the best option.

Where To Stay In Asheville, North Carolina

There are many great places to stay in Asheville, depending on preferences and budget. There are some popular locations with accommodation options to explore.

Downtown Asheville

To remain close to the action, downtown Asheville is the place to be. There are many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals to choose from within walking distance of the city's top restaurants, shops, and attractions.

This option limits the need for a car for sightseeing and meals.

The Omni Grove Park Inn

• Why You Should Book: This historic resort features luxurious accommodations, stunning mountain views, and world-class amenities such as a spa, golf course, and multiple dining options.

The Windsor Boutique Hotel

• Why You Should Book: This upscale boutique hotel offers stylish and contemporary accommodations, along with on-site dining and a rooftop bar with stunning city views.

The Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

• Why You Should Book: This hotel offers stylish and modern accommodations, along with a rooftop bar and restaurant, a fitness center, and easy access to the city's attractions.

Biltmore Village

Biltmore Village is a charming historic district located near the Biltmore Estate. There are several hotels and inns in the area, as well as numerous shops and restaurants.

This option can be pricey, but the atmosphere and convenience are worth it.

The Inn on Biltmore Estate

• Why You Should Book: This luxurious hotel offers elegant accommodations, a full-service spa, an art gallery, and a restaurant featuring farm-to-table cuisine.

Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park

• Why You Should Book: This modern hotel offers comfortable accommodations, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and on-site dining options, along with easy access to Biltmore Village's shops and restaurants.

The Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville

Related: Alchemy: This Asheville Airbnb Is Totally Harry Potter-Themed

The Blue Ridge Parkway

For a more secluded and natural setting, consider staying along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

There are several cool campgrounds in Asheville, cabins, and vacation rentals in the area, offering easy access to hiking trails and scenic drives.

This option is for those who want to be immersed in nature away from the modern world.

Surrounding Towns

There are also several charming towns surrounding Asheville, such as Black Mountain, Weaverville, and Hendersonville.

These towns offer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of outdoor activities and local attractions. The prices for accommodations will also be lower, especially in the high-season months.

Asheville has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels and everything in between.

It's best to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Where To Eat In Asheville

Travelers of all kinds will be hard-pressed to find a better foodie city than Asheville.

From decadent brunch to killer cocktails, there is something for every age, every palate, and every occasion in this hip location.

Sunny Point Café : This farm-to-table restaurant serves up delicious breakfast dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Some of their specialties include banana bread, French toast, and huevos rancheros.

• Hours: Sunday & Monday, 8:30 AM – 2 PM | Tuesday – Thursday, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM | Friday & Saturday, 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
• Address: 626 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

Biscuit Head : This popular breakfast spot is known for its large, flaky biscuits and creative toppings such as fried chicken, house-made jams, and gravies.

They also offer gluten-free and vegetarian options.

• Hours: Multiple locations throughout the city
• Address: Multiple locations throughout the city

Tupelo Honey Café : This restaurant specializes in southern comfort food, including their famous sweet potato pancakes, biscuits with fried chicken, and their "shoo mercy" omelet with goat cheese and herbs.

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 9 PM | Saturday & Sunday, 9 AM - 9 PM
• Address: 12 College St, Asheville, NC 28801

White Duck Taco Shop : This casual taco spot offers a range of creative and delicious tacos, such as Korean beef, Thai peanut chicken, and black bean and sweet potato.

They also have outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere.

Rosetta's Kitchen & The Buchi Bar : This vegetarian/vegan restaurant offers a range of creative and flavorful dishes, including the tempeh reuben, vegan chili, and sweet potato fries with vegan ranch dressing.

• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 12 PM - 9 PM
• Address: 68 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Chai Pan : This Indian street food spot offers a range of tasty dishes such as chaat, dosas, and thalis. They also have a great selection of drinks, including lassis, chai, and craft beers.

• Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM; 5 - 9 PM | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM; 5:30 - 9:30 PM | Closed Wednesday
• Address: 22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Cúrate : A Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant, known for its delicious small plates and extensive wine selection.

• Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 4 PM - 10:30 PM | Friday - Sunday, 11 AM - 10:30 PM | Closed Monday
• Address: 13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

The Admiral : A cozy neighborhood restaurant serving New American cuisine with a focus on seafood and locally sourced ingredients.

• Hours: Thursday - Monday, 5 PM - 10 PM | Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
• Address: 400 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

Limones : A Mexican-inspired restaurant that serves up fresh, flavorful dishes with a modern twist.

• Hours: Monday - Thursday, 5 PM - 10 PM | Friday & Saturday, 5 PM - 10:30 PM | Closed Sunday
• Address: 15 Eagle St, Asheville, NC 28801

Drinks & Nightlife

Asheville, North Carolina has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of options for drinks and entertainment.

For those interested in music, The Orange Peel is a popular music venue that hosts concerts and events almost every night of the week, featuring both local and national acts.

For anyone more interested in craft beer, Asheville Brewing Company and Wicked Weed Brewing are two great options with a wide selection of beers and delicious pub fare.

For those looking for a cozy atmosphere, The Crow & Quill is a speakeasy-style bar that offers craft cocktails and live music on weekends, while The Montford Rooftop Bar offers stunning views of the city with craft cocktails and small plates.

If you're a wine lover, 5 Walnut Wine Bar offers a rotating selection of wines and live music most nights of the week.

For a unique experience, Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar combines a bookstore with a champagne bar, offering a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere.

Top of the Monk is a speakeasy-style bar with an extensive selection of craft cocktails and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

How To Spend A Perfect Day In Asheville

Spending a perfect day in Asheville, North Carolina can be a lot of fun. Start the day with breakfast at a local café or diner. Asheville is known for its delicious biscuits, so be sure to try some!

Next, head to the Biltmore Estate and spend a few hours exploring this magnificent mansion and grounds built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s. Take a guided tour of the mansion, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and sample some of the estate's award-winning wines at the winery.

After the Biltmore, head downtown to explore the River Arts District to see numerous galleries and working artist studios. Take a stroll along the French Broad River and enjoy some of the public art installations.

Stop for lunch at one of Asheville's many restaurants, which offer a wide variety of cuisines, from BBQ to vegetarian.

After a day of exploring in the city or in the mountains, head back downtown for dinner and drinks. Asheville has a thriving food and drink scene, with numerous breweries, restaurants, and bars to choose from. Take a food tour to sample some of the local specialties, or try a flight of local craft beers.

Q: How many days do I need to explore Asheville?

The amount of time needed to explore Asheville depends on interests and itinerary. To get a taste of the city's food, culture, and outdoor activities, a weekend trip of two to three days can be sufficient.

However, to visit nearby attractions such as the Biltmore Estate or participate in outdoor activities like hiking or rafting, plan a longer stay of 4-5 days or more.

Q: What is Asheville NC best known for?

Asheville, NC is known for many things, including art; it's home to countless art galleries , restaurants serving delectable eats , and tons of craft breweries .

Q: What is the best month to visit Asheville North Carolina?

Fall is arguably the best time to see the sights in Asheville NC , and the weather is crisp yet comfortable. Fall spans September through November.

Why Asheville should be at the top of your travel list right now

Getting back into travel in our new COVID-19 world can be uncomfortable . The constantly changing guidelines make it difficult to plan far in advance, and hard to know what will feel safe. But after lengthy lockdowns and a year of isolation, I don't think I'm alone in feeling eager to take a weekend away.

The key is picking a location that is conducive to lots of time spent outdoors , and a destination where you won't feel the need to double-check the availability of outdoor seating at every single restaurant you think you might want to visit.

New to The Points Guy? Want to learn more about credit card points and miles? Sign up for our daily newsletter .

Which is why Asheville , North Carolina, was my pick when it came time to finally hit the road again. Asheville is known for two things: its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its high concentration of breweries. In other words: space!

I spent a recent weekend in Asheville and came away plenty of thoughts about how to make the most of a vacation there, whatever your level of comfort may be around COVID-19.

Breweries are a spacious haven for non-pre planners

Breweries across the country are known for one thing (other than their beer, that is) – their size. Asheville's breweries take advantage of their stunning natural surroundings by offering spacious indoor and outdoor areas, fully tricked out with fans and umbrellas in the summer and heaters in the winter — the perfect option for travelers who want a loose itinerary that doesn't require reservations .

All of the cult favorites in Asheville, like Wicked Weed, Burial, and Green Man, have plenty of outdoor tables, and many of them allows kids, making them perfect for families . I spent a lovely couple of hours at New Belgium Brewery, which has one of the largest properties in Asheville, with a deck overlooking the French Broad River and a large field for romping children and dogs. Another favorite is Wedge Brewing Company, which has two locations in Asheville, both of which have ample outdoor seating.

If you're looking to make a weekend of beer sampling, you'll have no problem doing so without ever having to make reservations ahead of time or compromising on space.

There are plenty of restaurants to go around

Asheville has tons of amazing restaurants, but many of them have relatively limited outdoor seating if that's what you're after, and book up quickly — especially in comparison to the number of visitors that descend on the city every weekend.

For critically acclaimed restaurants like Katie Button's Spanish tapas restaurant Curate, or New American favorite Rhubarb, you'll definitely need to make a reservation in advance. The same applies to Benne on Eagle, a restaurant celebrating Appalachian foodways that has gotten tons of press over the last few years.

If you're too late to snag one of these hot reservations, looks to places like Chai Pani, a small space serving Indian street food dishes in the Battery Park neighborhood with several outdoor tables, or Jettie Rae's Oyster House, a relative newcomer with tons of outdoor space and a menu that ranges from oyster shooters to fish and chips.

Local lodging comes with perks

For optimum social distancing, Airbnb is, of course, a good idea. But if you're looking for a little more luxury, consider one of the boutique hotels in Asheville and the surrounding areas.

Related: Coronavirus tourism done right: a visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC

The 1900 Inn on Montford has fewer rooms than some of the hotel chains downtown, and the wraparound porch is perfect for enjoying breakfast or a nightcap in a lovely outdoor space. A little further outside the city, the Old Marshall Jail offers spacious rooms on the banks of the French Broad River. Their outdoor deck and back patio, which happens to be right next to the train tracks – a huge hit with kids — are great for kicking back before heading into the mountains for an adventure.

Outdoor activities abound

Driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway is always incredible. The North Carolina Arboretum is just off the parkway, at mile-marker 393, so it's easy to combine the two into a full day of outdoor activities . The Arboretum, which has more than 400 acres, is large enough to feel spacious even on the most crowded weekends.

Beyond the arboretum is Pisgah National Forest, which has hundreds of miles of trails marked for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. The options are so many that it can be overwhelming. (Pro tip: I always use the AllTrails app, which lets you sort by length, elevation, and location.)

If the weather is nice, kayaking, paddle boarding, or tubing down the French Board River is a great way to see the city. The French Broad Outfitters offers a handful of different trips, included self-guided tubing trips (with cooler floats available for all the local beer you bought). Whether you'd like to spend a half-day paddle boarding or a full day kayaking (with a break for lunch, don't worry), French Broad Outfitters has something for everyone.

38 Best & Fun Things To Do In Asheville (North Carolina)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: September 19, 2020  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Asheville is a small but vibrant city, known for its art, culture, and beer.

It’s packed with tourist attractions that range from eateries to museums and from parks to galleries.

With all these options for activities and things to see, what should you do in the city?

Here are 38 best and fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.

Table of Contents

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a very wide-reaching 469-mile stretch that spans from the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina all the way to Virginia.

But did you know that it is headquartered in Asheville?

That’s right – milepost 384 is where the main visitor center of the Blue Ridge Parkway rests.

The parkway allows for a 45 mph speed maximum.

It offers many great stops along the road in the form of pull-offs that encourage drivers to witness the glory of the scenery surrounding them.

Hiking and biking trails are also littered throughout, making for easy places to stretch your legs and get some exercise in during this long drive.

Small towns are also great rustic stops for a meal or some exploration.

You don’t actually have to drive far to get some of the best that the parkway has on display, though!

Keeping your adventure to or within the vicinity of Asheville gets you to the Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell, and the Folk Art Center – and two of these are such good city tourism staples that they’re discussed further in this list!

The Blue Ridge Parkway is busiest in the fall months thanks to the beautiful leaves as they turn orange in the fall.

Mid-summer is also a good time to try visiting if you want a less crowded but still enriching experience.

Even better, mid-summer is when a lot of blooming flowers can be seen dotting the parkway, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and laurels.

Address:  195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, United States

2. River Arts District

apasciuto / flickr

A trip to the River Arts District is a must-do for artists and art enthusiasts.

True to the free-spirited nature of Asheville, the River Arts District is made up of 22 buildings of historical or previous industrial purpose.

A cotton mill, a tannery, and all sorts of other fascinating spaces by the French Broad River fill the district with an old-fashioned atmosphere, offset by the modernity of the art found.

Walking through the River Arts District will let you feast your eyes on works created by over 200 different artists, ranging from paintings to ceramics and from photography to textiles.

Even hand-crafted jewelry and more lovely souvenirs can be found here, and you might get to meet some of the artists behind them!

Local artists enjoy talking about their work but take note of studio operating hours if you want to meet them.

If you’re in Asheville at the right time, check out Studio Strolls, which happens twice annually.

Studio Strolls is an exciting event where a free trolley service takes guests across multiple different studios, all open for the special occasion!

Address:  3 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

3. Biltmore Estate

Thomas Kreulen / Shutterstock

Looking for one of the best places to go on vacation ?

No trip to Asheville is complete without a stop at Biltmore Estate .

The huge private estate was once the home of George Washington Vanderbilt.

It is cited as the biggest privately owned house not just in North Carolina, but in all of the country.

It’s a great representation of the Gilded Age and its prominence makes a visit here one of the best things to do in Asheville.

At its largest, the estate covered 125,000 acres of land, though Vanderbilt’s passing led to 87,000 acres being sold in 1914.

The sold land would, later, become the Pisgah National Forest.

Even later, the National Gallery of Art would use the estate to store its prized pieces during World War II.

The home eventually expanded its uses, with a winery being built in the 1970s and hotels being set up in the 2000s.

The home of the Biltmore Estate itself is nothing short of grand.

Finished in 1895, it boasts an opulent French Renaissance design and a whopping 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms.

The house – and its rather shocking 65 fireplaces – took six years to build.

Many secret passages hidden behind trick doors are scattered about the home, some of which are available to tour.

Meanwhile, the outside consists of 8,000 acres of garden, with 2.5 miles of paths to walk through, designed by Central Park architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

If you’re a little tight for cash, the Biltmore Estate isn’t the kind of attraction you can just pop into tomorrow thanks to its relatively high entrance fees.

Still, if you do cough up the $60 admission (or $50, if you buy in advance), you’ll likely find it to be very much worth it.

Tours explain the Biltmore Estate’s history, architecture, and exhibits.

Each season hosts different events, ranging from regal Christmas displays to beautiful spring blooms.

Address:  1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, United States

4. North Carolina Arboretum

Jill Lang / Shutterstock

The North Carolina Arboretum is a part of the Pisgah National Forest, which is also on this list.

The arboretum is a public garden encompassing 434 acres of space, perfect for sightseeing as you walk around, and it’s easily one of the most loved attractions in Asheville.

The arboretum first opened its metaphorical doors in 1986.

If you visit, you’ll be able to wander through the gardens themselves, which span 65 acres and see different themed gardens.

A Heritage Garden pays homage to the horticulture of the Southern Appalachia, a Bonsai Exhibition Garden provides one of America’s most famous bonsai collections, and the National Native Azalea Collection is a wonder for flower-lovers everywhere.

There are also gardens for hollies, gardens by streams, and more!

If you opt for a guided tour of this delightful Asheville location, botanists will talk to you about the region’s fauna and flora, taking you through diverse species of flowers.

You’ll get to walk along 10 miles of walking and biking trails, some easier than others, and there are youth events for kids.

Don’t forget to stop by the education center to learn more or buy some refreshments from the Savory Thyme Café.

Address:  100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, United States

5. Folk Art Center

Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center

The Folk Art Center can be found along the Blue Ridge Parkway, right at milepost 382 in Asheville, North Carolina.

It’s one of the most delightful and culturally valuable points of interest in the city.

Essentially, the Folk Art Center is an eclectic exhibit of all sorts of arts and crafts made locally, not just from Asheville but across the Appalachian region.

It is the Southern Highland Craft Guild headquarters.

If you’re not familiar with the guild, it’s a group made up of 900 artists, juried, from nine different Southeastern states.

It was created during the Great Depression in 1930 in order to help create a market for artists and their work across the area – though it does have roots all the way back to the 1800s.

The goal of the Folk Art Center is to promote handmade works that combine traditional and contemporary elements, some dating all the way back to the 19tch century.

Three galleries showcase all sorts of handicrafts, ranging from sculptures to woodworking, from paintings to glass, and from quilts to jewelry.

There are also demonstrations of crafts that have almost been forgotten since they were brought down from mountain tribes, such as broom-making, cabinetry, and weaving.

Don’t forget to visit the oldest craft store by the Guild, called the Allanstand Craft Shop, for fun souvenirs.

Address:  382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, United States

6. Western North Carolina Nature Center

WNC Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is one of the top 10 Asheville attractions, especially for animal fanatics.

The facility covers 42 acres and is dedicated to an educational mission: to teach the public about the habitats, diversity, and variation of the everyday life of mammals in Asheville and beyond.

The indoor exhibits of the nature center include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and the very interesting World Underground exhibit that discusses what exists beneath the ground.

The outdoor exhibits, on the other hand, are dedicated to local species, like foxes, turtles, raccoons, otter, and even endangered farm animals.

There is also a special area, the nature center’s biggest, called the Appalachian Predators habitat.

Here, grey wolves, bobcats, coyotes, and the rare and endangered red wolf live and thrive.

There are more than 60 different animal species at the Western North Carolina Nature Center.

Black bears, cougars, and more are waiting to be seen.

Events are hosted every now and then throughout the year, and a hiking trail spans the grounds of the center so you can take a nice hike and enjoy the natural atmosphere.

Address:  75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28805, United States

7. Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Nolichuckyjake / Shutterstock

From how famous novelist Thomas Wolfe described the home he grew up in, you likely wouldn’t think much of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial , known also as Dixieland or the Old Kentucky Home.

Wolfe spoke of the home unflatteringly: a cheaply-made house, as he called it, with dirt yellow paint and a broken-down look.

It’s hard to believe that it’s now one of the best among Asheville tourist hotspots.

The home was purchased by Wolfe’s mother in the year 1906 when Wolfe was just six years old.

It was converted into a boarding house and became the site of many traumatic events in Wolfe’s life.

This led to the inspiration for his novel “Look Homeward, Angel”, which was controversial for the way it described the location and people of Asheville.

This may have contributed to the fact that Wolfe left the city and didn’t return for almost a decade after the book’s publication.

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, housed in that former boarding house, is amazing for fans of the novel because of the accuracy with which he described each room.

Located in downtown Asheville, there’s no doubt that the memorial house is where to go if you’re a history buff.

Don’t forget to check out the visitor’s center, which has a recreation of an apartment Wolfe would live in later in life.

Address:  52 N Market St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

8. Grove Arcade

jadimages / Shutterstock

The Grove Arcade was one of the first indoor shopping malls in all of the country, which makes it a unique mix of historical and fun on this list of places to go in the city of Asheville.

Like many spots in this North Carolina city, it has existed for almost a century.

Better yet, it has something for everyone.

The shopping complex was opened as a celebration of Asheville by E. W. Grove in the year 1929.

The architecture is pretty interesting and there’s a good mix of stores inside, with eclectic options ranging from galleries to restaurants and from bars to bookshops.

Here’s a fun fact: the Grove Arcade was used by the American Government during World War II and was only leased back to Asheville in the year 1997!

If you get to visit it, you’ll be glad that it’s open to the public as a marketplace once more.

Address:  1 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

9. Gray Line Trolley

The Gray Line Trolley is an amazing way to see all the tourist attractions and activities that the city has to offer.

Guides are amusing and enthusiastic as they talk about the city’s history and its many fascinating locations.

The tour is a hop-on, hop-off kind, and multiple different kinds of tours are available.

Whether you want a kid-friendly retelling of the city’s background, a gritty look into the realities of the society, or an eerie attempt at ghost hunting, there’s something here you’re sure to like.

Call in advance to secure a spot!

Address:  36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

10. Grovewood Gallery

Grovewood Gallery

Grovewood Gallery is housed in a building that was once the woodworking and weaving factory for Biltmore Industries – a name you likely remember from another one of the places to visit in the city of Asheville, Biltmore Estate.

Now, Grovewood Gallery is home to crafts of all kinds from contemporary artists, both local to North Carolina and from all across the country.

More than 500 creators have their work on display here, and there are sculpture gardens outside that promote a peaceful and calming environment.

The gallery on the whole has a vibe that mixes fun with Old World atmosphere.

It has become an Asheville staple for art-enthusiasts and is now known as one of the United States’ most respected craft retailers.

Address:  111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804, United States

Visting other areas of North Carolina? Why not check out some of the things to do around Fayetteville, NC  & some of the places to visit in Cherokee, NC ?

11. Pritchard Park Drum Circle

Jeffrey Davis / flickr

If you’re looking for things to do in downtown Asheville on a Friday night, you can’t go wrong with the awesome Pritchard Park Drum Circle.

This group of drummers gathers every week without fail – except in the winter – in Pritchard Park.

While there, together, they perform an impressive set of impromptu jams that fill the park and the areas near it with joyful music.

A mix of all sorts of drum players come to this gathering.

They bring dunduns, djembes, congas, shekeres, and other percussion instruments to create catchy beats and flowing rhythms.

Usually, a crowd of interested audience members and excited dancers will slowly gather to join in on the fun and entertainment.

The Pritchard Park Drum Circle is said to congregate in order to keep Asheville, North Carolina weird, which is quite a lovely thought.

The tradition began with just 10 drummers in 2001 and has since grown to showcase cultural diversity, teach classes, and entertain the public.

There are no leaders and everyone goes where the music takes them, so join in and have some fun!

Address:  67 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

12. Asheville Museum Of Science

The Asheville Museum Of Science is a small and humble but very fun location.

Packed with must-see interactive exhibits that can be exciting for the whole family.

The most loved parts of this museum are very varied, providing lots of different experiences in one.

A French Broad River Water table display lets you make rain.

A Hurricane Simulator lets you experience the worst forcefulness of a storm.

A Tyrannosaurus Rex exhibit lets you get close to and interact with a T-rex skeleton.

The Colburn Hall of Minerals is packed with geological displays that reflect North Carolina.

All in all, there’s so much to see!

Address:  43 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

13. Botanical Gardens at Asheville

Gingo Scott / Shutterstock

Termed as one of the most beautiful places in the USA , the Botanical Gardens at Asheville are a delightful mix of habitats for different species of flora.

Gardens are vibrant, delightfully scented, and truly relaxing and unique.

Horticultural displays range from trees to flowers, including many local varieties of plants for a more personal and tailor experience.

These gardens are a part of a non-profit organization, owned independently.

It’s completely free to enter, which makes it one of the best things to do in Asheville if you have some extra free time today.

It’s one of the coolest things to do in the city!

Address:  151 W T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, NC 28804, United States

14. Pisgah National Forest

Kwok Min Hui / Shutterstock

Pisgah National Forest was one of the country’s first national forests to be officially designated.

With over 500,000 acres of land, it’s full of sights that make it many nature-appreciating tourists’ go-to in Asheville, North Carolina.

It is noted for its many beautiful spots and the glory of the nature that it preserves.

The land of this forest was once a part of the Biltmore Estate.

It is, now, the home of America’s first school of forestry, the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute.

Three different ranger districts make up the forest, divided for visitor convenience.

Waterfall-lovers will enjoy the Pisgah Ranger District, experienced hikers may love the Grandfather Ranger District, and horseback riders will enjoy the Appalachian District, which is further out and away from the city.

Geological landmarks of note at the Pisgah National Forest include the Chimneys, Linville Gorge, Table Rock, and even the Forest Discovery Center.

In your exploration of this natural Asheville location, you can go on guided hikes or participate in programs that change seasonally.

There are swimming holes, waterfalls, and unique vistas that are a true sight for sore eyes.

Day-use areas are scattered throughout the forest, with amenities and options to keep the whole family busy.

Trails, swimming spots, boat ramps, showers, and camping areas are all available to use and try out.

You can try horseback riding, cycling, rock climbing, hiking, and fishing.

All in all, there is plenty to do – but do note that you need a camping permit if you want to set up camp here!

Address:  1600 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, United States

15. Asheville Food Tours

Asheville Food Tours

Are you a foodie in this North Carolina city?

What better way to get a taste – pun intended – of this town than through Asheville Food Tours ?

It’s the best way to visit all the food-related points of interest that are a testament to the Southern charm and flavors of the city.

You will visit seven different locations, each one wisely selected, from normal eateries to food stores and to fancy restaurants.

Whether you’re trying appetizers, wine, full meals, or desserts, the food tours will show you how to enjoy the very best of local cuisine and local businesses.

Gourmet food awaits you throughout!

16. No Taste Like Home

No Taste Like Home

Have you ever wanted to forage for your own food, but have been too anxious to start because of hygiene or safety?

No Taste Like Home can give you the perfect opportunity for such activities.

At No Taste Like Home, expert guides bring you through a forest area that is truly quintessential Asheville.

You’ll be able to pick your own food from the forest, then return to the facility to try cooking with what you collected.

Different experiences might offer presentations or different adventures, so try them out if you’re interested.

As far as Asheville attractions go, No Taste Like Home is not very typical, but you can probably see the great appeal to it!

17. LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours

LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours offer a fun way to get around Asheville, North Carolina.

Wacky hijinks ensue throughout the ride as the bus shows you what to see in the downtown portion of Asheville – edutainment at its finest!

Expect silly slapstick comedy, ridiculous costumes, and jokes throughout each ninety-minute bus ride.

The big purple bus is here to make an impression and it will certainly do just that while managing to teach you about history, too!

Address:  76 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

18. Craggy Gardens

Dave Allen Photography / Shutterstock

The Craggy Gardens are a delightful spot that offers the best things to see for plant-lovers and nature enthusiasts in general, especially those who love rare plants.

More than 20 threatened or endangered flora types are grown and displayed here in these amazing Asheville, North Carolina gardens.

Trees, bent by the wind, are scattered throughout the Craggy Gardens.

The trees are quite unique thanks to the high winds faced in this part of Asheville, which means they only have vegetation growing on one side of them and they never get very tall.

It’s definitely a fascinating experience worth checking out!

The Craggy Gardens are located on Hemphill Knob Road.

They’re dog-friendly and well outfitted with amenities, including a picnic area!

Address:  364 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Black Mountain, NC 28711, United States

19. The Moog Factory

David Hilowitz / flickr

The Moog Factory is home to the Moog synthesizer, a big brand that left a large imprint on the world of entertainment and music composition when it emerged in the 1960s.

This factory offers a unique glimpse into the process of creating such an instrument.

It’s no surprise, then, that this is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Asheville for music-lovers!

On a guided tour of The Moog Factory, you’ll learn about Moog assembly, how the creators make sure the sound is perfect, and even what it feels like to hold and try one of these synths out.

It’s surprising to think how such an important aspect of musical culture began its life in Asheville!

Address:  160 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

If you have more time and you’re looking for more thrill, check out our lists of things to do in Charlotte  & best things to do in Wilmington, NC !

20. Omni Grove Park Inn Spa

The Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa is considered one of the places to visit for relaxation in Asheville, thanks to being famous not just in North Carolina but all across the nation for being one of the most highly-rated spas of its kind.

The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa has steam rooms packed with relaxing scents, contract pools to relax in, and lounges by fireplaces, all provided for on a huge service menu.

The design of the spa is pretty impeccable and fun, with a 6,500-star ceiling made with fiber optics, music that plays underground, and two waterfalls.

The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa was also once a relocation facility during the Cold War, owned and operated by the Supreme Court of America.

This history gives the spa some added meaning, especially when you catch little bits and pieces of that old history within.

Address:  290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, United States

21. Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa

Wake Foot Sanctuary

The Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa is situated in an Asheville, North Carolina location already discussed: the Grove Shopping Arcade.

The fact that it’s one of the best ways to relax as you jump between attractions on your list of what to do in Asheville means it deserves its own number on this list.

The Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa focuses on providing its customers with luxurious and indulgent levels of pampering.

Massages, foot soaks, and other relaxing services are provided to help you enjoy peace and serenity during the more hectic periods of your holiday.

Furniture in the form of plush chairs and sofas let you lounge while treatments are provided in rustic but equally opulent bowls of copper, handmade.

Water is perfumed with delightfully calming fragrances that engage the senses without overwhelming them.

For further indulgence, you’ll be served sweet tidbits, coffee, and tea as you enjoy a foot soak.

If you feel like it, you can even stop by Wake’s own store, which sells handmade candles, artisanal products, and apothecary items.

Address:  1 Page Ave #115, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

22. Visit A Brewery

Asheville is called Beer City for a reason, and given that reputation, it goes without saying that visiting breweries is a must-do while you’re in Asheville, North Carolina.

Despite having only a population of 90,000, it has multiple beer breweries and factories that provided unique, expertly crafted drinks special to the local area.

One brewery to stop by is Wicked Weed , which has a delightful Funktorium taproom praised for its industrial-chic charm.

It specializes in sour beers and has a gift shop where you can purchase beers by their pH level and barrel type.

It’s a good spot for beer enthusiasts who like the little details.

Another place you have to check out is Highland Brewing.

After Prohibition, it became the first legal brewery, though it only was established in 1994.

It is, now, the southeast’s biggest independently-owned brewery.

Its founder is commonly considered the godfather of craft brewing in the region, Oscar Wong.

Other breweries you should visit are The Wedge, Twin Leaf, One World, Green Man, Bhramari, and Burial.

Each one has something unique to offer to guests, so don’t be afraid to – responsibly – try them all!

Address (Wicked Weed):  91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

23. Diana Wortham Theatre

Jeffery Edwards / Shutterstock

Looking for some of the top things to do in Asheville while you’re in the city this weekend?

Head down to the Pack Square Cultural District, which is where all the art of Asheville comes together.

Here, you’ll find the Diana Wortham Theatre , a premier performance space that caters to many different acts.

Some of the Diana Wortham Theatre’s hosted acts include the Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, the Asheville Puppetry Alliance, and the Asheville Lyric opera.

The intimate setting of the 500-seat establishment and the wide variety of performances make this a wonderful place to catch something exciting that everyone will enjoy!

Address:  18 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

24. Asheville Urban Trail

Bradley Griffin / flickr

The Asheville Urban Trail spans 1.7 miles and is a wonderful way to get some sightseeing in while you’re at this historical North Carolina city.

The trail has 30 fun stops, each one decorated with a sculpture that educates you on an important part of the city’s architectural or cultural background.

The tour is self-guided and takes you through five different eras in time, ranging from the very beginning of the Gilded Age to the current age, called the Age of Diversity.

Beginning at Park Square, the trail winds through the city’s downtown portion.

It takes about two hours to complete the self-guided tour, which feels a little like a scavenger hunt in many ways.

The one sculpture you must make a point to find your way to with the tour travel guide is the Flat Iron Sculpture, named after the Flatiron building, by local artist Reed Todd.

The piece is made from cast iron and looks like, well, a clothing iron.

It was set up in 1997 as a bit of a joking nod to the flatiron buildings popping up in the early 1900s.

This sculpture is a part of the Asheville Public Art Collection and is known in North Carolina for its unorthodox, tongue-in-cheek nature!

Address:  11 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

25. Basilica of Saint Lawrence

Whether or not you’re religious, few can deny the appeal of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence as one of the points of interest that speaks of a wealthier time in Asheville, North Carolina.

Designed by Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish architect who worked on the Biltmore Estate, in 1905, it is a mark of the 20th-century prosperity that the city and its wealthiest residents enjoyed.

Guastavino worked with fellow Biltmore architect Richard Sharp Smith to create what he felt the city needed: an opulent and grand Catholic church.

Funds were raised from local Catholics and now, we get to enjoy what is the state’s only basilica!

Religious artifacts live inside, from German stained glass windows to Italian statues and even a marble frescoed high altar.

The Basilica of Saint Lawrence is very much made in a Spanish Renaissance Revival design, with one of the country’s biggest elliptical domes that is freestanding right on top.

It was built from masonry items, like tile, stone, mortar, and brick.

There is absolutely no steel or wood used in the foundation of the basilica.

Address:  97 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

Keen to explore other areas of North Carolina? Why not check out some of the places to visit in Greensboro, NC  & some of the fun things to do in Durham, NC ?

26. Pink Dog Creative

fabulousfabs / flickr

Created by Hedy Fisher and Randy Shull, Pink Dog Creative stands in the River Arts District in what was once a textile warehouse.

It is a large complex that has 27 artist studio spaces, with the entire area being shared by some of this North Carolina city’s best businesses.

The reason Pink Dog Creative is one of the best artistic Asheville attractions is that artists here open their studios for two days every week.

You’ll get an inside look into the world of these artists, their thought processes, and how they work, live, and create.

It can be quite an incredible experience, especially if you’re an artist yourself!

Address:  348 Depot St #342, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

27. Moogseum

We’re already talked about Moog synthesizers and the Mood Factory – so now, consider the Moogseum !

It is an interactive location that is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.

It showcases artifacts and information regarding the life and times of Bob Moog, or Robert Arthur Moog, who had a huge impact on the electronic music scene with his synthesizers.

Before Moog’s synthesizers entered the market, existing synthesizers were large, heavy, and very expensive.

Moog’s work modernized the synth, making it more portable and revolutionizing it for repeated use throughout the world.

He would, eventually, go on to make more of the first Moog Music synthesizers’ near siblings, coming up with new ways to make them more accessible to everyone.

He would also invent concepts for the synth, like envelope generation, voltage control, pitch wheel, and modularity – all key fundamentals now!

Moog began working on his synthesizer back in 1964 and it quickly skyrocketed to popularity – especially in 1968, when it was used in a Grammy-winning album.

Moog passed away in 2005 and, a year later, his family established the Bob Moog Foundation to retain and pass on his legacy.

The Moogseum, run by the Bob Moog Foundation, opened on his 85th “birthday” in 2019.

It spans 1,400 square feet and tells tales of the work that Moog did and his life.

Exhibits are interactive and involve multiple senses, with visualization showcases, playable exhibits, and educational info about how electricity can make sound.

Address:  56 Broadway Street, Front, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

28. Asheville Mystery Museum

Spiritwolf-Photography / Shutterstock

For unique activities and unorthodox stuff to do, check out the Asheville Mystery Museum .

It is made from a collection of curiosities set up by Joshua P. Warren, a paranormal investigator whose name you may recognize from his fictional counterpart in The Conjuring series of horror movies.

This museum in North Carolina shows off photographs of alleged paranormal activity, exhibited items and memorabilia that tell the tales of said paranormal activity, and plenty of interesting creepy artifacts.

You’ll find the museum in the Asheville Mason Lodge basement, aptly in an eerie location with an entrance that requires you to walk through an alleyway and down a set of twisted, narrow stairs.

Do note that the museum isn’t open to the public unless you’re a part of a Haunted Asheville ghost tour, so you’ll have to sign up for one of them in order to visit it.

The tours are well-reviewed and run by Warren himself!

Address:  80 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

29. Helen’s Bridge

Kathy Kelley / Shutterstock

Helen’s Bridge earned a reputation for being haunted thanks to an old legend.

The bridge, built in 1909 to connect land to the Zealandia Mansion, is made from quarried stone.

It is said that a woman named Helen once lived either at the mansion or close to it with her daughter, who she loved dearly.

A fire then supposedly took that daughter’s life, driving Helen to hang herself at the bridge.

People believe that Helen continues to haunt the bridge even now.

Some say her depressed figure appears when her name is called and others find that their cars won’t start if they stop in this area to find her.

But it’s not all scary on this bridge.

Thomas Wolfe actually included the bridge in his famous novel, Look Homeward, Angel, because he walked under it so often in his youth.

And, of course, there’s no way to know if the creepy lore is true, to begin with.

But if you find spooky investigations fun, then Helen’s Bridge should be among your places to visit.

Address:  201 Beaucatcher Rd, Asheville, NC 28805, United States

30. Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

The Black Mountain College was once a central artists’ hub in Asheville, where thinkers and creatives – many of them famous – would go to learn, experiment, and make.

It was created thanks to John Andrew Rice, who had been dismissed from his Florida teaching spot in an allegedly unjust manner.

This drove him to want to create his own school.

At this time, the Nazi Party antagonism led to intellectuals fleeing Europe as the Great Depression swung harder than ever.

Rice and some European artists found themselves with a similar goal, and they holed up in this little wooded area of Asheville.

This was the beginning of black Mountain College.

It wasn’t long before artists were attracted and considered it among their places to visit in search of inspiration and a safe place.

The college began to operate a farm, collaborate on art, and build structures.

They would, eventually, begin racial integration before much of the country.

Debts caused the college to shut down in 1957, but that didn’t stop its legacy.

Mary Holden Thompson, an advocate for the arts, opened the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center in 1993 to tell the college’s story.

Since then, it has relocated and grown to encompass 6,500 square feet, with two floors, a library, and a bookstore.

Exhibitions showcase all sorts of historical, meaningful works and rotating events are often fun and unique.

Address:  120 College St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

31. Asheville Pinball Museum

Asheville Pinball Museum

The Asheville Pinball Museum is located in downtown Asheville and is a fantastic way to spend your time in North Carolina this weekend, especially if you’re a vintage game freak.

The museum is housed in an old hotel that is actually on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is home to over 20 classic arcade video games, 30 vintage pinball tables, and it charges only one fee for you to enter and play many of them!

Some of the collections of the Asheville Pinball Museum can be traced to the 1940s.

Machines from the 1960s and beyond are operating and ready to play.

Each and every single machine has a plaque that contains product information and stories about its impact on the world of gaming.

Don’t forget to check out the original working Golden Age cabinets you can find in the back.

If you’re a collector, some of the machines showcased in the museum are available to purchase, too.

Address:  1 Battle Square Ste 1b, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

If you’re looking for some more excitement, we’ve got you covered! Check out some of the coolest things to do in Raleigh  & things to do in Boone, NC !

32. Buxton Hall Barbecue

Buxton Hall Barbecue

Fans of barbecue meals will love Buxton Hall Barbecue in Asheville, North Carolina.

It is the result of Elliot Moss and Meherwan Irani, two chefs who have been nominated for the James Beard Award.

The goal is to provide Carolina-style barbecue authentically in Asheville in a modern and more fun manner.

Buxton Hall Barbecue opened its doors in 2015 in a building that was once a Standard Paper Sales Company structure.

It focuses on smoked wood-cooked whole-hog barbecue, including chicken, pork, ribs, and even catfish.

All sorts of side dishes from the south accompany the mouth-watering meat that gives you the lovely taste of Asheville and its surroundings.

Address:  32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

33. Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum

Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum

Biltmore Industries has a storied past, as evidenced by the fact that so many things connected to it are among the best things to do in Asheville.

The company produced some of the finest wool not just in North Carolina, but in the world, and it was extremely renowned internationally.

The company first began with the goal of teaching children weaving and woodworking before growing from an education center to a production business.

The Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum celebrates this legacy in an educational way full of activities.

It showcases wool, original machines and equipment, suits, fabrics, and more that belonged to this prestigious company.

It’s a bit of a hidden gem in the city, but it’s one well worth a visit to immerse yourself in its past.

34. Burton Street Community Peace Gardens

Burton Street Community Peace Gardens

The Burton Street Community Peace Gardens were established in 2003 by volunteers from the community of West Asheville’s Burton Street.

The community had been fighting against development in order to preserve their neighborhood for years, and this garden was meant to be a peaceful response to the troubles they and other neighborhoods near to them faced.

At first, this wasn’t one of Asheville’s prettier sites – a lot overgrown with weeds and covered in trash.

Now, though, it has two flower gardens, two vegetable gardens, a fire pit, and pizza oven, a stage, a pavilion, a greenhouse, and lots of sculptures and art have turned it into quite a stunning location.

It also functions as a museum, with found objects, art, and works featuring black historical figures educating guests.

The Burton Street Community Peace Gardens prides itself on the value of community.

Volunteers grow as much as they can in order to dole out seed starts and fresh produce to their neighborhood.

It’s a beautiful place with a beautiful mission!

Address: 47 Bryant St, Asheville, NC 28806, United States

35. 12 Bones Smokehouse

12 Bones Smokehouse

The premiere, go-to smokehouse of Asheville, North Carolina, 12 Bones Smokehouse is famous across the city.

Essentially, if you’re a foodie, it’s one of the places to see that you shouldn’t miss.

Opened first by Sabra Kelley and Tom Montgomery, 12 Bones Smokehouse specializes in slow-smoked meats, all cooked on cherry and oak wood.

All its dishes are homemade and the ingredients used throughout the menu are fresh but simple, which adds a homey, fun, and relaxing environment to the Asheville staple.

If you really love their meals, you can buy their cookbooks onsite!

Address:  5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

36. Chai Pani

Chai Pani is probably the best place to get Indian food in all of Asheville, North Carolina.

It is run and owned by Meherwan Irani, who has been nominated for the James Beard Award thrice.

Though it only began operations in 2009, Chai Pani has already been featured in multiple publications in different countries.

The menu primarily offers scrumptious takes on Indian chaat street food, including meals like vegan corn bhel, chicken and kale pakoras, kheema pav, and okra fries.

In its own right, Chai Pani can almost be considered among Asheville attractions – but even if you don’t think of it as one, it’s well worth a visit regardless.

Address:  22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

37. Silver River Center For Chair Caning

Silver River Center For Chair Caning

The Silver River Center For Chair Caning is the only place in all of North America that is a museum and learning center for the dying art of chair caning.

This makes it one of the most unique things to do in the state of North Carolina.

Chair caning is the process of applying cane – or a rattan peel – to different parts of chairs, usually the seats and backs.

This art form has been used for millennia upon millennia and is considered a type of basketry.

It’s such an old practice that there are chairs made with this method dating back to 1300 BC, made by ancient Egyptians.

Of course, the current mass production of furniture and products means chair caning is being left in the past.

Still, the ancient art form is celebrated at the Silver River Center For Chair Caning.

The working museum portion of the center is open to people – and pets – of all ages, allowing you and the whole family to easily observe the techniques used in restoring, caning, and creating these chairs.

Workshops and classroom areas are usually open and those teaching are happy to answer guest questions – and you can join a class yourself!

Of course, there are also exhibits in the museum, with the most interesting part being the permanent exhibit’s Chair Wall.

Eight different weaving styles are showcased on that wall, which clues you into intricacies of the art that you may never have thought about.

There is also the Anatomy of a Rush chair exhibit and an education library to peruse.

Plus, the Silver River Center hosts multiple events like the SeatWeavers’ Guild Fathering or The Chair Affair.

Interestingly, the Silver River Center For Chair Caning hosts something of an international icon in its gardens: an eight-foot-tall Chair Arch.

The cathedral art installation attracts people within the industry from all over the world right to this spot in humble Asheville, North Carolina.

Address:  5 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

38. Curate Bar de Tapas

Cúrate

Looking for a fun spot for good food?

Head to the downtown portion of Asheville to check out Curate Bar de Tapas .

This fashionable, stylish eatery was built in a bus depot dating back to 1927.

Now, it provides traditional Spanish fare – something not exceedingly common in North Carolina – and a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere.

The menu at Curate Bar de Tapas is varied and changes regularly.

Whether you like the sophisticated flavors of olive oil and olives or the fiery heat of peppers, there’s something for everyone.

Try their croquetas de pollo, patatas bravas,jamón Ibérico, or fine wine and you’ll soon know why this tapas bar is one of the city’s most loved!

Address:  13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina is such an exciting and colorful place with no shortage of must-see locations and activities.

Hopefully, this guide to the best of what Asheville has to offer has given you some great ideas for what to do in the city and add to your bucket list!

Home » Travel Guides » United States » North Carolina (NC) » 15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Asheville

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Asheville

See the outline of Downtown Asheville on a map, and its radical, irregular edged shape could be a piece from a jigsaw puzzle. But it doesn’t take long to work out, when it comes down to having a good time, this North Carolina city district is the perfect fit and has more going on than many downtown areas twice its size.

Make an inspiring visit to the home of one of America’s greatest writers, indulge in a salt cave spa or explore a fascinating urban trail. Zoom around Downtown Asheville on a purple bus, watch craftsmen blow glass or investigate the district’s culinary scene on a walking tour then watch the sunset on the mountains. It doesn’t get better than that. Or does it?

Do all of these best fifteen things to do in Downtown Asheville, and you’ll find your stay in the “Paris of the South” won’t just be better than good, it’ll be downright amazing.

1. LaZoom Tours

A wild and wacky way to see Downtown Asheville is on a LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour . Don’t expect normal. It’s just not going to happen.

Think more along the lines of men dressed as nuns and plenty of hilarious slapstick combined with sightseeing around Downtown, the River Arts district, and the Montford neighborhood.

The LaZoom Comedy Bus departs from Biltmore Avenue in Downtown Asheville. The jokes flow from the word go and continue for the entire trip which lasts around ninety minutes.

Prefer a walking tour with beer? Try out the BREW-ed Downtown Asheville Brewery Walking Tour

2. Thomas Wolfe Memorial

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is a rambling 19th-century mansion on North Market Street in Downtown Asheville dedicated to honoring the famous American author whose writing was inspired by the city and its people.

The museum contains over eight hundred items pertinent to the writer and the era of his literary works. In a time-capsule fashion, the rooms of the house are furnished as they were during the period Thomas Wolfe was resident in the property and it was functioning as a boarding house.

It’s possible to explore the exhibits alone or to join a guided tour of the house with narration by a qualified historian.

Related tour : Asheville City Tour

3. Grove Arcade

The Grove Arcade is Downtown Asheville’s most popular mall for shopping and eating out. Built in the late 1920s, the historic building was one of the most elegant of its time and is a registered landmark.

The mall was renovated in 2002 and re-opened to continue trading in its original way with a diverse collection of select retailers offering unique services and products. Inside there are fine jewelers, specialist clock and watchmakers and even an outlet selling only fossils and minerals imported from around the globe.

The Grove Arcade also has a diverse selection of eateries serving everything from falafel, burgers, and pizza to a champagne bar with a book exchange and a wine bar with an outside patio. There is also a daily Artists Market for local crafters to sell their work.

4. Asheville Urban Trail

Walking the Asheville Urban Trail is a great way of getting to know Downtown Asheville, learning some of its history and seeing its plethora of public artworks all at the same time. The trail is just under two miles long, commences in Pack Place and makes almost a complete circuit around the Downtown area before culminating not far from where it started.

Trail maps are available from the information center in Pack Square Park or downloadable online. There are thirty individual artworks in total along the trail. Among them bronze turkeys and pigs, an enormous flat iron and life-size statues of a fiddler and dancers to name just a few.

Take a camera and snap shots of the sculptures. They’ll make a great addition to any souvenir collection of Downtown Asheville photographs.

Related tour : 2 hour Guided Segway Tour

5. French Broad Chocolate Lounge

Skip dinner and go straight for dessert at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. The celestial blue building, on the corner of Pack Square in Downtown Asheville, houses every chocoholic’s idea of heaven.

In the Lounge’s bare brick and polished wood interior, indulge in handmade truffles, ice creams, cookies or any other of the multitude of sweet confections or chocolate orientated drinks.

All the desserts are created from chocolate made in the French Broad Chocolate Factory which, although outside of the Downtown district, is also well worth a visit

6. Asheville Community Theater

The Asheville Community Theater on East Walnut Street is where the local Downtown Asheville community go to show off their talent.

The community theater has been hosting top-class performances from local actors for over sixty years in productions as varied as Sweeney Todd, Young Frankenstein and Annie, Get Your Gun.

While the participants may not be full-time actors and actresses, expect a great show presented with professionalism.

7. Asheville Museum Of Science

Make a fascinating visit to the Asheville Museum Of Science on Downtown Asheville’s Patton Avenue. The museum may be small, but it has some powerful interactive exhibits which will blow any visitor away.

Step inside the Hurricane Simulator and feel the full force of a storm or create rain in the French Broad River Water table display before getting up close to the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex or a robot used to explore Mars.

The museum also houses an extensive collection of minerals in the Colburn Hall of Minerals as well as multiple displays on the geology of North Carolina.

8. Off The Wagon

The Off The Wagon is a lively dueling piano bar on North Market Street in Downtown Asheville.

Grab a seat in the 1920s speakeasy-style bar and wait for the party to start. Be prepared to join in with either choosing songs for the piano players to perform or sing along when the words are familiar.

It’s cool, it’s casual, and it’s a fun night out in Downtown Asheville.

9. Asheville Salt Cave

Experience the therapeutic qualities of rock salt at the Asheville Salt Cave on Eagle Street in Downtown Asheville.

Meditate among the negative ions in a cave constructed of twenty tons of pink salt blocks to recharge your spiritual and physical batteries, take a detoxifying hot salt stone massage or an aromatherapeutic salt glow treatment.

Sound healing concerts, Yoga Nidra sessions and new moon meditation are also practiced at the Asheville Salt Cave.

10. Lexington Glassworks

Visit the Lexington Glassworks on Downtown Asheville’s South Lexington Avenue to watch master glass blowers at work in their studio.

View the entire process as the blowers transform an innate blob of glass into an incredible and unique work of art with their breath and a few twists of the rod.

If the heat of the furnace brings on a thirst, the studio has an in-house tap room selling Asheville craft beers served in hand-blown glasses.

11. The Flying Bike

Take the hard work out of pedaling and tour around Downtown Asheville on a Flying Bike. Join the tour just outside of Downtown on Coxe Avenue, mount one of the Pedego Boomerang Plus cycles and whizz back to the district for a morning of electric-powered exploring.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, take in the main Downtown Asheville sights during the two and a half hour tour which covers around nine miles of the district’s streets.

Don’t want a tour? Then hire a Flying Bike and cycle around Downtown at your own pace. Both ways are great fun.

12. Asheville Pinball Museum

Take a trip back in time and into the historic world of gaming at the Asheville Pinball Museum at Battle Square in Downtown Asheville.

The museum has eighty machines ranging from antique pinball to classic video games such as Pac-man which are all playable.

Entrance is restricted to a maximum of eighty people at a time to ensure every visitor has a machine to test their skills on. Get there early; pinball is a popular activity in Downtown Asheville.

13. Taste Carolina Food Tour

One way to delve deep into the cuisine and sample what’s on offer in more than one Downtown Asheville restaurant at a time is to join a Taste Carolina Food Tour.

Enjoy a Downtown Asheville Tasting Tour early in the day visiting farm-to-table restaurants, gourmet food stores and hidden culinary gems which are hard to find or take a Downtown Asheville Evening Eats and Drinks Tour for some sophisticated sampling.

You’ll soon discover why DT Asheville has become a preferred destination for foodies in North Carolina.

Related tour : Hidden Gems! Walking Eats & Drinks Tour of Downtown Asheville

14. Asheville Music Hall

There is nothing old-fashioned or vaudeville about the Asheville Music Hall on Downtown Asheville’s College Street.

The Asheville Music Hall is an up to date concert venue which features top bands and DJ’s as well as hosting trivia nights plus talent and songwriting competitions.

The venue has a standing capacity for over three hundred and fifty spectators plus an additional bar, the One Stop, for showcasing local musical talent.

15. Montford Rooftop Bar

The Montford Rooftop Bar in Hyatt Place on Haywood Street is the place to watch the sun go down on Downtown Asheville.

The sky-high bar has a west-facing, glass-walled terrace with uninterrupted views over the mountain ranges surrounding the city

Sipping on an Asheville craft beer or a cocktail and nibbling on some baked Carolina bison meatballs or house tater tots while enjoying sensational sunset vistas is the perfect way to end a day in Downtown Asheville.

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Asheville:

• LaZoom Tours
• Thomas Wolfe Memorial
• Grove Arcade
• Asheville Urban Trail
• French Broad Chocolate Lounge
• Asheville Community Theater
• Asheville Museum Of Science
• Off The Wagon
• Asheville Salt Cave
• Lexington Glassworks
• The Flying Bike
• Asheville Pinball Museum
• Taste Carolina Food Tour
• Asheville Music Hall
• Montford Rooftop Bar

22 Enjoyable Things to Do in Asheville, North Carolina While Visiting

Asheville is a beautiful city in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. There are many things to do in Asheville, from hiking and biking to visiting the Biltmore Estate and exploring the River Arts District. The city is also home to a number of breweries, including New Belgium and Sierra Nevada, as well as many restaurants and cafes. 

If you’re looking for a place to relax, there are plenty of parks and gardens to enjoy, or you can take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville is the perfect destination if you’re looking for adventure or simply want to enjoy some time in nature.

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Visit Historic Sites in Asheville, NC

1. biltmore estate.

A trip to the Biltmore Estate is a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment you enter the estate, you will be amazed by the sheer size and beauty of the estate. There is so much to see and do that it can be hard to know where to start. A great place to begin is with a tour of the mansion itself. The Biltmore House is a beautiful example of Gilded Age architecture, filled with works of art. After exploring the mansion, you can enjoy the estate’s gardens. With over 250 acres of land to explore, you can easily spend the day touring the Biltmore. 

2. Basilica of St. Lawrence

The Basilica of St. Lawrence is a parish church in Asheville, North Carolina. The church was founded in 1905 and is named after St. Lawrence, the patron saint of Asheville. The Basilica is known for its Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass windows, which Louis Comfort Tiffany designed. The church is open to the public for visiting and worship. Mass is offered daily, and the church hosts several concerts and events throughout the year. The Basilica of St. Lawrence is a beautiful and historic place of worship that is well worth visiting.

Enjoy the Scenery in Asheville, NC

3. blue ridge parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s most iconic roadways and is especially beautiful in the fall. Stretching 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, the Parkway offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. It is also home to abundant plant and animal life, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. In addition, the Parkway has numerous historical and cultural sites, from the 112-year-old Mabry Mill to the Blowing Rock attraction. 

4. Botanical Gardens at Asheville

For a stunning display of flowers, plants, and trees from all over the world, visit the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. The gardens are open year-round, and there is always something in bloom, whether delicate Japanese cherry blossoms in the spring or vibrant chrysanthemums in the fall. In addition to the carefully landscaped gardens, there is a conservatory with tropical plants that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. The Botanical Gardens are a must-see for nature lovers visiting Asheville.

5. The North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden located just south of Asheville. The gardens feature over 10 miles of hiking trails, a bonsai exhibit, an Elwes Pavilion, and a beautiful scenic overlook. The Arboretum is also home to the NC State Blueberry Breeding Program, which develops new varieties of blueberries that are well-suited to the state’s climate. In addition to its gardens, the Arboretum also offers educational programs for all ages, including classes on gardening, nature photography, and bird watching. 

Outdoor Activities Around Asheville, NC

6. dupont state forest.

The Dupont State Forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Asheville, North Carolina. The 10,000-acre forest is home to several waterfalls, including the 65-foot triple cascade of Hooker Falls. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking in the forest. Camping is also allowed in certain areas. The Dupont State Forest is a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

7. Pisgah National Forest

Located about an hour from Asheville, Pisgah National Forest is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in North Carolina. The forest covers over 500,000 acres and features a wide variety of things to do. Hikers can explore dozens of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. Mountain bikers can enjoy over 200 miles of singletrack, and climbers can test their skills on some of the best rock faces in the Southeast. In addition, the Forest is home to many waterfalls, campsites, and picnic areas. 

8. Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake is a great scenic spot perfect for picnics, fishing, or just taking a stroll. The lake is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of songbirds, waterfowl, and even the occasional Bald Eagle. In the winter, the lake freezes and becomes a popular spot for ice skating and cross-country skiing. No matter what time of year, Beaver Lake is sure to provide a fun and relaxing experience.

9. Lake Julian Park

Lake Julian Park offers a variety of things to do, including fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking. Several miles of hiking and biking trails also wind around the lake. The park is open year-round and is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The park is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing in the summer.

The lake has a sandy beach area, and a lifeguard is on duty during summer. The park has a playground, picnic shelters, and a covered pavilion. The park is a popular destination for ice skating and sledding in the winter. Lake Julian Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors all year round.

10. Lake Louise Park

Lake Louise Park is a  public park featuring a scenic lake, walking trails, and picnic areas. There is also a playground, basketball court, and sand volleyball court. In addition, the park offers a variety of things to do throughout the year, including fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an opportunity to get active, Lake Louise Park is a great option.

Enjoy Art in Asheville, NC

11. asheville art museum.

When visiting Asheville, North Carolina, spend some time at the Asheville Art Museum. The museum houses over 2,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and local artists. The Asheville Art Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring Asheville’s vibrant arts scene. Admission to the museum is free.

12. River Arts District

The River Arts District in Asheville, North Carolina, is a must-visit for anyone looking for things to do in the area. The district is home to various art galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants, all within walking distance. You can easily spend a day exploring the district, and there is something to see and do around every corner. Whether you’re interested in purchasing some local art or simply admiring it from afar, the River Arts District is a great place to start your Asheville adventure.

13. Woolworth Walk

If you’re looking for things to do in Asheville, check out Woolworth Walk! This unique shopping destination is located in the historic Woolworth Building, which was once home to a five-and-dime store. Today, the building houses a variety of local businesses, including art galleries, retail shops, and restaurants. You can stroll through the galleries, browse the shops, and enjoy a meal or snack at one of the eateries. Woolworth Walk is also home to several events throughout the year, such as art shows and live music performances. 

14. Southern Highland Craft Guild

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is a collaboration of over 800 craftspeople from nine southeastern states, and it has been promoting the traditional crafts of the region since its founding in 1930. Today, the guild operates a flagship store in downtown Asheville, as well as several smaller outlets throughout the city.

In addition to selling handmade crafts, the guild also offers workshops, demonstrations, and other educational programs. So whether you’re interested in purchasing a unique souvenir or learning to make one yourself, the Southern Highland Craft Guild is worth visiting.

Things to Do with Kids in Asheville, NC

15. western north carolina nature center.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is home to various animals, from the red wolves that call the center home to the otters that frolic in nearby rivers. The center also offers a variety of educational programs, from hikes and canoe trips to lectures and workshops. Visitors can explore the nearly 300 acres of forest and wetlands or stroll along one of the many miles of trails. 

The Nature Center is also home to a state-of-the-art animal hospital, which provides care for injured and orphaned animals. Whether you’re looking to learn about nature or just enjoy the company of some furry friends, the Western North Carolina Nature Center is a great place to spend the day with your family.

16. Asheville Pinball Museum

The Asheville Pinball Museum is a must-visit for any classic game fan. Located in the historic Biltmore Village, the museum features over 50 pinball machines from the 1950s to the present day. You can play all of the machines for a small fee, and there is also a library of classic video games available to play. In addition, the museum houses a collection of rare and vintage pinball parts and a workshop where you can learn about how the machines are built and repaired. Whether a pinball wizard or a nostalgic gamer, you will surely enjoy your visit to the Asheville Pinball Museum.

17. Asheville Museum of Science

The Asheville Museum of Science is a great place to learn about the natural world. The museum has various exhibits, ranging from geology to ecology. The museum also offers a variety of programs and events, such as educational talks and hands-on activities. Visitors can also explore the museum’s collections, which include more than two million specimens. The Asheville Museum of Science is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about the natural world.

Local Things to Do in Asheville, NC

18. wnc farmers market.

The WNC Farmers Market is the perfect place to find fresh, local produce. Open year-round; the market features a variety of vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and honey. There’s also a wide selection of prepared food, including artisan bread, pies, and jams.  In addition to supporting local farmers, the WNC Farmers Market is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. There is plenty of parking, and the market is handicap-accessible. The market is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm. 

19. Breweries in Asheville, NC

Asheville, NC, is quickly becoming a destination for beer lovers. The city is home to over 20 breweries, each with its own unique style and flavor profile. From the hoppy IPAs of Wicked Weed Brewing to the sour beers of Burial Beer Co., there is always something new to try.. In addition to traditional breweries, Asheville has several cideries and meaderies. Urban Orchard Cider Co. specializes in small-batch ciders, while Blue Ghost Brewing Co. offers a wide selection of meads made with local honey. No matter your taste, you’re sure to find a new favorite in Asheville’s thriving craft beer scene.

• Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour

20. Wineries in Asheville, NC

The city of Asheville, North Carolina, is home to a booming wine industry. The Biltmore Estate Winery is housed in a gorgeous mansion that dates back to 1895, while the Asheville Wine and Farmer’s Market offers a chance to sample local wines alongside seasonal produce. 

The region’s mild climate and volcanic soils are well-suited to viticulture, and the city’s many wineries offer visitors a chance to sample the area’s unique wines. In addition to traditional red and white wines, Asheville’s wineries produce a wide range of styles, including sparkling wines, dessert wines, and even orange wines. 

21. Apple Picking in Asheville, NC

Fall is the perfect time to go apple picking in Asheville, NC. The cool weather is ideal for spending a day outside, and the crisp apples are perfect for making pies and cider. There are a few different ways to go about apple picking. You can pick your own apples at one of the many orchards in the area, or you can go on a guided tour. Either way, you’re sure to have a fun day. And don’t forget to stop by one of the local cideries to sample some of the best cider in the country.

22. Take an Asheville Food Tour

Asheville, North Carolina, is a food lover’s paradise. With its abundance of farm-to-table restaurants, local craft breweries, and unique food artisans, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And what better way to experience all that Asheville has to offer than on a food tour? Food tours are a great way to sample a variety of foods and learn about the history and culture of a place. 

Asheville offers various tours showcasing different aspects of the city’s food scene. For example, the Downtown Dining Tour takes you to some of Asheville’s best-known restaurants, while the Farm-to-Table Tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how local farms produce fresh ingredients for the city’s chefs. No matter your interests, an Asheville food tour is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

Many people choose Asheville, North Carolina as their vacation destination for its stunning scenery and many outdoor activities. However, this city has much more to offer than just picturesque views. Asheville is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene. Asheville is located near many popular attractions, such as the Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous vacation or a relaxing getaway, this city is sure to please you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandrea Sumuel is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States. 

Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.

Asheville, Buncombe better place to visit than live, and other resident survey results

ASHEVILLE - Buncombe County is an excellent place to visit, a good place to live and a poor place to find affordable housing or earn a living wage, according to the most recent survey of residents commissioned by county leaders.

Respondents also felt excellent about their neighborhoods' safety during the day, and good or excellent about neighborhood safety at night, according to the January and February survey by ETC Institute of Kansas that used mailed in and online surveys from 511 randomly selected households throughout the county, including Asheville and other municipalities. Residents generally felt good about overall safety in the county, though not as good as in their communities.

The major findings of the survey were presented and discussed with the county Board of Commissioners at their April 23 budget work session.

In terms of a place to visit, 85% of residents who had an opinion rated the county “excellent” or “good." That was down less than a point from a 2021 ETC survey for the county. But it was still far above the 58% national average, said Burnett Walz, management analyst with the county Strategy and Innovation Team.

"Not surprisingly, as a place to visit, when you compare it to results from a national and regional perspective, we're 20 points above the baseline," Walz said of the popularity of the area, where tourism officials projected nearly $700 million in hotel and Airbnb sales from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

Sixty percent indicated the county was an “excellent” or “good” place to live, down more than five points from 2021, but still far above the national average of 49%.

The areas in which the county ranked the lowest include a place where affordable housing can be found, at 4%, and a place where you could earn a living wage, at 14%. Both were down one percentage point from 2021. The survey did not give national benchmarks for those questions.

The Asheville area has been shown to have the most expensive cost of living in the state, while wages are below the national average.

Eighty-eight percent of those surveyed and who had an opinion felt safe when alone in their neighborhood during the day; 72% felt safe when alone in their neighborhood at night; and 57% felt safe overall in the county.

Residents felt safer in their neighborhoods compared to 2021 during the day − up two points − and night − up three points. But in terms of overall perception of the county, they felt less safe − down two points.

Likewise, residents' perceptions of neighborhood safety were much higher than the national average − seven points higher in the day and 11 at night. But feelings of overall safety in the county were nine points below the nation as a whole.

The responses came as crime dropped throughout unincorporated areas of the county and in Asheville.

What changes should happen?

Respondents were asked about the level of importance of future county priorities. Of those who had an opinion, 90% said providing equitable access to quality healthcare is “very important” or important.

Other priorities that respondents indicated were “very important" or “important” included: providing equitable access to quality mental healthcare − 89%; addressing homelessness − 88%; increasing public safety − 87%; increasing conservation of farms and environmentally sensitive lands − 84%; reducing substance use disorder − 84%; providing equitable access to housing − 81%; and addressing gun violence − 75%.

"Based on the sum of their top four choices, the future priorities for the county that respondents think should be emphasized over the next two years are: providing equitable access to housing, addressing homelessness, providing equitable access to quality healthcare and addressing gun violence," the analysis by ETC said.

Good place to visit, live work?

Here are some of the results of the January and February survey of Buncombe County residents.

• 85% - excellent or good place to visit (national average: 58%)
• 60% - excellent or good place to live (national average: 49%)
• 53% - excellent or good place to raise children (national average: 61%)
• 45% - excellent or good as a place you feel welcome regardless of race/ethnicity (national average: 46%)
• 33% - excellent or good as a place to work (national average: 57%)
• 57% - excellent or good overall feeling of safety in the county (national average: 66%)
• 88% - excellent or good feeling of safety when alone in your neighborhood during the day (national average: 81%)
• 72% - excellent or good feeling of safety when alone in your neighborhood at night (national average: 61%)

More: Asheville, Buncombe Tourism Authority won't fund affordable housing with $10M in grants

NC is a top 5 best state for renters in the nation, study shows. Here's how it compares.

Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at [email protected], 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a  subscription  to the Citizen Times.