There are many enjoyable issues to do in Asheville NC to maintain you busy! Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and situated on the French Broad River, Asheville simply may be one in every of the most beautiful cities in the United States.
Take within the views of town from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and also you’ll shortly see why it’s known as the Land of the Sky.
21 Finest Issues to Do in Asheville
There are quite a few issues to do in Asheville and for such a small metropolis, it actually packs a punch in terms of actions on provide.
Mountain climbing within the mountains, feasting on southern delicacies, enjoyable in scorching springs, and sampling craft beer are only a few of the actions in Asheville you gained’t wish to miss.
I’ve spent a whole lot of time in Asheville during the last decade, and in reality, my spouse and I received married and had our honeymoon right here! It’s simply one in every of my favourite cities in the USA and a spot I at all times stay up for visiting.
On this Asheville journey weblog, I’m excited to share among the finest actions, points of interest, and locations to go to within the metropolis.
1. Go to the Biltmore Property
A go to to the Biltmore Estate undoubtedly deserves the highest spot on this checklist of issues to do in Asheville.
This historic mansion was constructed between 1889 and 1895 by George Vanderbilt. It’s an incredible instance of the Gilded Age and a completely beautiful place to discover.
The Biltmore Property is definitely the largest privately-owned dwelling within the US.
It options an astounding 250 rooms and is surrounded by picturesque gardens, ponds, and a beautiful conservatory full of assorted vegetation and flowers.
After touring the property and the grounds, make sure to drop by the winery. You possibly can take a tour of the underground cellars, pattern a number of differing types, and choose up a bottle of your favourite wine to take dwelling.
You possibly can go to the Biltmore Property day-after-day from 9 AM to five PM. Tickets value $79-109 (relying on the season) for adults, and at sure occasions of the yr, tickets are free youngsters 16 and underneath.
It’s a few 15-minute drive from downtown to succeed in the property, which you’ll find on the map here.
Handle: One Lodge Road, Asheville, NC, 28803, USA
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2. Take a Strolling Tour
Each time I’m in a brand new metropolis, I like happening a strolling tour to get to know the place. Asheville is a small metropolis and may be very walkable, so you may simply discover downtown by yourself two ft.
Because of Discover Asheville, you may select between two wonderful self-guided strolling excursions of Asheville. They’ve an urban trail in addition to an architecture trail that you would be able to observe.
Each have interactive and printable maps, and the city path even has an audio information as nicely.
In the event you’d choose to go together with a information, you may join the Tip-Based Asheville Walking Tour.
This wonderful strolling tour is about 2.5 hours lengthy, taking you thru downtown Asheville whereas masking all of the highlights and insider tips about the place to eat and drink (plus some samples alongside the way in which). The associated fee relies on ideas, so no matter you’re feeling is suitable.
One other (spookier) possibility is to hitch this 1-hour haunted ghost tour. The entire tales your information will inform you’re primarily based on historic occasions, native legends, and eyewitness accounts of paranormal exercise throughout the downtown space. Creepy! Discover out extra here.
3. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
In the event you’re questioning what to do in Asheville, simply leap in your automotive and take a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This Nationwide Parkway and All-American Highway is a part of the Appalachian Mountains and probably the most scenic drives within the nation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway truly stretches by way of each Virginia and North Carolina. It’s 755 km (496 miles) lengthy and is stuffed with viewpoints, climbing trails, historic websites, and a lot extra.
This is likely one of the most unbelievable locations to go to in your journey to Asheville.
Each time we have now individuals come to go to once we’re in Asheville, one of many first issues we do is head out for a drive on the Blue Ridge. These wonderful views actually by no means get previous, so I don’t thoughts going again each time we’re on the town.
4. Climb Mt. Pisgah
Probably the greatest issues to do in Asheville NC is climbing up the path at Ms. Pisgah, which is definitely accessible by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It’s a few 45-minute to hour-long hike to succeed in the highest of Mt. Pisgah. Whereas it’s not precisely a straightforward hike, it’s not too troublesome both. The hike is about 1.2 miles (1.85 km) to the highest and there are many locations to relaxation alongside the way in which.
There’s a big TV tower on the prime and an statement deck. From right here, you may get pleasure from among the finest views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and town off within the distance. Yow will discover the trailhead for Mt. Pisgah on the map here.
One other nice possibility is to hitch this experience with an area information and luxuriate in a 3-5 mile hike with unbelievable views. This off-track hike is inexpensive, and enjoyable, and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Asheville. Be taught extra here.
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5. Dinner With a View at Pisgah Inn
After climbing up Mt. Pisgah, you’re positive to work up an urge for food. Whilst you can actually deliver a picnic lunch to have on the Parkway, my vote goes to having fun with a meal on the close by Pisgah Inn.
Seize a drink and head out to their statement deck whilst you watch for a desk. They’ve loads of rocking chairs the place you may sit back and soak within the wonderful views.
Having eaten right here a number of occasions, I’ll give my suggestions for the fried inexperienced tomatoes and the walnut-crusted mountain trout.
They’re open from 11:30-4 for lunch after which once more from 5-9 for dinner. You will get instructions and discover the Pisgah Inn on the map here.
In the event you’d quite be up within the mountains than down on the town, you would possibly wish to look into booking a room here. It’s fairly superior when you may get up and have the Blue Ridge Mountains proper outdoors your window!
6. Play Disc Golf
In the event you benefit from the nice outside, one of many prime issues to do in Asheville is taking part in a spherical of disc golf.
For these unfamiliar with the game, it’s identical to golf however with a frisbee as an alternative. The purpose is to get your disc right into a basket with the least quantity of throws, and you need to use quite a lot of totally different discs within the course of.
The largest distinction between disc golf and common golf is that it’s virtually at all times completely free! That’s the case at close by Richmond Hill, a superb course and native hangout. Get instructions and discover the park on the map here.
In the event you’ve by no means performed disc golf earlier than and don’t have any gear, there are many retailers in Asheville the place you may choose up a starter package.
For about $20, you will get a driver, a mid-range disc, and a putter. Simply attempt to not lose them in your first spherical. Most individuals write their title and telephone quantity on discs as a precautionary measure.
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7. Feast on Southern Meals
Asheville is dwelling to loads of wonderful eating places of all totally different types. In the event you’re travelling right here for the primary time, I like to recommend sticking largely to southern fare. In any case, you’re within the south though the State is North Carolina!
For brunch, a stable selection is Biscuit Head. Their slogan is “put some south in your mouth” and that’s precisely what you’ll do right here. Select your favourite biscuit (I like the pulled pork) and prime it off with their numerous jams and sorts of butter.
Probably the greatest eating places in Asheville, in my humble opinion, is HomeGrown. This native eatery serves native meals cooked by native individuals, so you understand your cash goes proper into the native financial system once you eat right here.
I personally love their Redneck Pot Pie or buttermilk fried hen. You possibly can see HomeGrown and far more in our “Streets, Beats & Eats” video on Asheville.
8. Drink Native Craft Beer
Asheville has been named Beer City USA on a number of events. There are over 40 breweries and beer pubs right here in complete! As such, sampling native craft beer must be excessive atop your checklist of issues to do in Asheville NC.
Strolling round Asheville, you’re by no means too removed from a brewery. Among the finest locations for a beer embrace Asheville Brewing Company, Burial, and Green Man. One of the best ways to seek out your favourite brew is by ordering up a flight to pattern 4-5 totally different types.
Whereas they’re not precisely microbreweries, it’s additionally value it to go to the Asheville places of New Belgium and Sierra Nevada. The previous has a scenic location proper alongside the French Broad River, whereas the latter is a little bit of a trek because it’s out by the airport.
If you wish to take a tour of both, make sure to enroll nicely prematurely! I’ve been to a whole lot of breweries, and these are two of the very best I’ve ever seen.
9. Go to a Few Museums
In the event you’re downtown and aren’t fairly positive what to do in Asheville, why not drop into one of many metropolis’s museums for a bit? Whether or not you’re serious about artwork, science, and even pinball, there’s a museum for you right here.
The Asheville Art Museum has just lately had some main renovations and is larger and higher than ever!
It’s open from 11-6 Monday-Sunday (closed Tuesday) and 11-9 on Thursday, and tickets value $15. Yow will discover the museum on the map here.
Only a block away, you’ll discover the Asheville Museum of Science. They’ve received a lot of cool exhibitions and shows which are enjoyable for all ages. It’s open Monday-Saturday from 10-5 (closed Tuesday) and from 1-5 on Sunday and prices $10 to go to.
In the event you love a superb retro pinball machine or online game, you’ll undoubtedly wish to take a look at the Asheville Pinball Museum.
For $15, you may play as many video games as you need on their 80+ machines. Hours range relying on the day, however they’re sometimes open till 9PM. Get instructions to the museum here.
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10. Discover the RAD (River Arts District)
For artwork lovers, one of many prime issues to do in Asheville NC is to go to the RAD (River Arts District).
A whole bunch of artists have galleries and studios on this space alongside the French Broad River. It’s a extremely enjoyable place to probe for some time, particularly on the weekends.
On the second Saturday of every month, the RAD is a really energetic place. There are demonstrations, workshops, wine tastings, dwell music, and much more. There’s even a free trolley that you would be able to journey as you bounce across the totally different venues.
Whether or not you’re serious about portray, ceramics, pictures, or jewellery, you’ll discover one thing to get pleasure from within the RAD.
Whilst you’re over right here, make sure to drop in one other wonderful native craft brewery — Wedge. Yow will discover the River Arts District on the map here.
11. Have Enjoyable on the River
Talking of the French Broad River, there are many enjoyable issues to do there within the hotter months.
One in all my absolute favourite issues to do in Asheville is tubing down the river. One of the best ways to benefit from the Homer Simpson of water sports activities is by signing up for this tubing experience. It’s like a floating pub crawl!
I gained’t give all of it away, however it’s a whole lot of enjoyable and you can too deliver your personal drinks to place within the onboard cooler. Click here for particulars.
12. Take heed to Buskers
Strolling round downtown Asheville, you’re positive to listen to a whole lot of music. A few of it might be popping out of retailers and bars, however most of the time, it’s precise musicians jamming on the street!
It’s quite common to see individuals busking on the streets of Asheville. Busking is once you play music in public and easily open your guitar/violin/keyboard case to take ideas from passersby.
The varied musicians busking round downtown Asheville actually add to the eclectic ambiance of town. In the event you benefit from the music, cease for some time to hear and toss a couple of dollars in to point out your appreciation.
13. Day Journey to Scorching Springs
In the event you’re in search of some good old school R&R in your journey to Asheville, then you could wish to add in a day journey out to the city of Scorching Springs, NC. It’s not only a intelligent title, because the small city is dwelling to some wonderful scorching springs.
It’s a few 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville on the market, and it’s nicely value it.
The Hot Springs Resort & Spa has wonderful mineral baths and spa providers. After a busy couple of days exploring town, a pleasant therapeutic massage and a soak within the scorching springs is simply what you want. That is undoubtedly probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Asheville.
The resort has quite a lot of totally different choices, so make sure to test their website for particulars.
Simply make sure to guide prematurely, because it’s a preferred place. Additionally they have a number of totally different decisions for on-site lodging if you happen to’re . You will get instructions to the Scorching Springs resort on the map here.
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14. Be a part of the Friday Drum Circle
One of many coolest issues to do in Asheville NC, for each guests and locals alike, is becoming a member of within the weekly drum circle. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds come out to get pleasure from this enjoyable and free occasion.
The drum circle goes on each Friday at Pritchard Park downtown. Individuals normally begin exhibiting up round 5 and it will get larger and larger till the entire park is full of individuals drumming, dancing, and singing.
Even if you happen to don’t have a drum of any variety, it’s a superb time. You possibly can simply dance to the music and luxuriate in connecting with individuals. As soon as the drum circle wraps up, you’re smack dab in the midst of downtown Asheville on a Friday night time.
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15. Store on the Grove Arcade
You should definitely swing by the Grove Arcade downtown if you happen to’re trying to perform a little procuring in Asheville. This constructing has a very interesting history, which I like to recommend you learn earlier than going there!
On the Grove Arcade, you’ll discover a very numerous array of retailers, together with the Batter Park E book Trade and Champagne Bar, Nutz About Fudge, the Woodrow Instrument Firm, and far more.
Along with all the nice retailers inside, there’s additionally the Out of doors Artists Market. You’ll discover work, clothes, jewellery, and native honey, amongst different issues. The Grove Arcade is open from 10-6 Monday-Saturday and noon-5 on Sunday.
Handle: 1 Web page Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
16. Deal with Your self on the Grove Park Inn
For individuals who benefit from the finer issues in life, a visit out to the Grove Park Inn is a should when visiting Asheville. In case you had been questioning, sure, it’s the similar Grove that began the procuring arcade.
E.W. Grove is called the “father of contemporary Asheville.” He was a self-made millionaire who moved right here in 1910 and opened this grand inn quickly thereafter. 100 years later, it’s nonetheless going robust as one in every of Asheville’s premier resorts.
Even if you happen to don’t splurge on a room on the inn, it’s nicely value it to pay a go to right here.
E book your self a pleasant spa remedy after which seize a handmade cocktail and a chunk to eat at their Sunset Terrace Lounge, or select one of many many different choices for wining and eating.
Handle: 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28804, USA
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17. Take a Hike
Mountain climbing is by far probably the most common issues to do in Asheville.
If in case you have your personal wheels and are prepared to drive 45 minutes to an hour outdoors of city, you’ve gotten tons of choices for wonderful climbing trails.
Along with the aforementioned Mt. Pisgah path, different nice choices embrace Catawba Falls, the Satan’s Courthouse, or Max Patch. A hike to the latter might be rewarded with a visit to the new springs, because it’s a reasonably brief drive between the 2.
There actually are tons of choices for climbing in Asheville with various problem and distance from city. Simply test this superior Asheville trail finder to determine which possibility is finest for you!
In the event you don’t have your personal automobile in Asheville, you may at all times be part of a tour that may take you out to the mountains. This extremely rated journey consists of transportation, a information, visits to three waterfalls, climbing, and refreshments. Be taught extra here.
18. Discover the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is one other improbable selection for spending time outside in Asheville. Right here you’ll discover some pretty cultivated gardens, a bonsai exhibit, climbing & biking paths, and far more.
It’s an incredible place to spend a few hours, particularly on a pleasant day.
Really, the arboretum can also be a stable selection within the colder months due to the Winter Lights show they put up. The place actually turns right into a winter wonderland from late November till the tip of the yr.
The arboretum is open from 8-7 within the fall/winter and from 8-9 within the spring/summer season. They don’t cost an entrance charge per particular person, however quite cost a flat charge of $20 per automobile to enter. Yow will discover them on the map here.
Handle: 20 Frederick Legislation Olmsted Manner, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
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19. Go on a Ghost Tour
One of many spookiest issues to do in Asheville is happening a ghost tour. Haunted Asheville has a couple of totally different choices for chilling, thrilling excursions which are enjoyable for the entire household.
On their basic strolling tour, you’ll be taught the tales behind a few of Asheville’s most haunted spots from a resident ghost skilled. Excursions normally run at 8 PM and generally there’s one other one at 9. Tickets value $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for youngsters 14 and underneath.
An alternative choice is their Biltmore Village Thriller Tour. Apparently, you study a kangaroo that appeared from one other dimension on this tour. Sounds cool to me!
Lastly, on this highly rated, 2-hour ghost tour, you’ll be taught concerning the creepy paranormal exercise round Asheville…all tales are primarily based on eyewitness accounts, historic occasions, and native folklore. Don’t miss it!
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20. Sundowners at a Rooftop Bar
After a busy day of exploring Asheville, there’s no higher place to observe the solar go down with a pleasant grownup beverage than on a rooftop bar.
Seize a cocktail and take within the wonderful views — you’ll see why Asheville actually is the Land of the Sky.
Take a look at Capella on 9 with handcrafted cocktails and tapas, Hemingway’s Cuba which affords Cuban delicacies and cocktails, or Highland Brewing which is simply outdoors of downtown, however affords nice views, beers, and a chilled-out vibe.
21. See a Present
It doesn’t matter what night time of the week it’s, there are many reveals happening in Asheville. Take your choose between theatrical performances, stand-up comedy, dwell music, and extra.
The dwell music scene is likely one of the issues I like probably the most about Asheville.
Town has a number of venues that vary in measurement and magnificence, so that you get all kinds of various acts coming to city. Among the finest locations to see music right here embrace the Asheville Music Corridor, Salvage Station, and the Orange Peel.
You should definitely test the calendar and see what’s taking part in once you’re on the town.
In the course of the hotter months, you’ll additionally discover many alternative out of doors occasions and festivals taking place in Asheville.
One such pageant is Shindig on the Green, which takes place all all through the summer season at Pack Sq. Park. There are free reveals most Saturdays in addition to a lot of casual jam periods and different enjoyable issues happening.
Bonus! Meals Tour for a Trigger
This is likely one of the finest issues to do in Asheville NC for foodies. The locally-owned meals tour firm Consuming Asheville affords 3 totally different excursions. Choose between the basic tour, the high-roller (with new scorching spots!), or the chilly one which is a meals and craft beer tour.
For each tour booked, one meal is donated to somebody in want. Learn more about this enjoyable exercise in Asheville.
FAQs About What to Do Asheville
Nonetheless have some questions on actions and points of interest in Asheville? Listed below are solutions to some generally requested questions on this enjoyable metropolis.
Asheville has a relaxed vibe, some wonderful eating places and breweries, an incredible artwork scene, and the encompassing nature is a paradise. Due to these causes, individuals like Asheville loads!
With a love for yoga, native meals, the nice outside, music, artwork, and beer, Asheville might undoubtedly be thought-about a hippie/hipster metropolis. It has all the great things!
From March to Might you may benefit from the spring blooms, whereas within the fall months from September to November, you may see the gorgeous fall foliage. The summer season months are nice for climbing, biking, live shows, waterfall visits, paddling down the river, and having fun with a chilly brew.
Biltmore Ave is probably the most well-known road, and it’s top-of-the-line Asheville points of interest. It’s the middle of the walkable downtown part of Asheville.
Now You Know What to Do in Asheville NC
Nicely, there you’ve gotten it. I hope you’ve loved this Asheville weblog, which gave you a take a look at one in every of my many houses away from dwelling.
Asheville is such a cool metropolis with a lot to supply, whether or not you’re into the nice outside, epic adventures, the humanities, or simply enjoyable and chilling out. No matter you do, there’s at all times a lot of wonderful beer, meals, views, and music!
Photos on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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