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 could be one of the crucial stunning cities in the US.
Take within the views of the town from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and also you’ll rapidly see why it’s known as the Land of the Sky.
21 Greatest 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 with regards to actions on provide.
Climbing within the mountains, feasting on southern delicacies, stress-free in sizzling 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 obtained married and had our honeymoon right here! It’s simply one in every of my favourite cities within the USA and a spot I all the time stay up for visiting.
On this Asheville journey weblog, I’m excited to share a number of 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 Property 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 awesome instance of the Gilded Age and a fully beautiful place to discover.
The Biltmore Property is definitely the most important privately-owned house within the US.
It options an astounding 250 rooms and is surrounded by picturesque gardens, ponds, and a stunning conservatory full of assorted vegetation and flowers.
After touring the property and the grounds, make sure to drop by the vineyard. 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 house.
You possibly can go to the Biltmore Property on daily basis from 9 AM to five PM. Tickets value $79-109 (relying on the season) for adults, and at sure instances of the 12 months, tickets are free youngsters 16 and underneath.
It’s a couple of 15-minute drive from downtown to succeed in the property, which you could find on the map right here.
Deal with: One Lodge Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28803, USA
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2. Take a Strolling Tour
Each time I’m in a brand new metropolis, I really like happening a strolling tour to get to know the place. Asheville is a small metropolis and could be very walkable, so you possibly can simply discover downtown by yourself two ft.
Due to Discover Asheville, you possibly can select between two glorious self-guided strolling excursions of Asheville. They’ve an city path in addition to an structure path that you could observe.
Each have interactive and printable maps, and the city path even has an audio information as properly.
In the event you’d favor to go together with a information, you possibly can join the Tip-Based mostly Asheville Strolling Tour.
This glorious strolling tour is about 2.5 hours lengthy, taking you thru downtown Asheville whereas protecting all of the highlights and insider recommendations on the place to eat and drink (plus some samples alongside the best way). The fee is predicated on suggestions, so no matter you are feeling is acceptable.
One other (spookier) choice is to hitch this 1-hour haunted ghost tour. The entire tales your information will inform you might be primarily based on historic occasions, native legends, and eyewitness accounts of paranormal exercise throughout the downtown space. Creepy! Discover out extra right here.
3. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
In the event you’re questioning what to do in Asheville, simply soar in your automotive and take a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This Nationwide Parkway and All-American Street is a part of the Appalachian Mountains and one of the crucial scenic drives within the nation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway really stretches by way of each Virginia and North Carolina. It’s 755 km (496 miles) lengthy and is filled with viewpoints, mountain climbing trails, historic websites, and a lot extra.
This is among the most unimaginable locations to go to in your journey to Asheville.
Each time we have now individuals come to go to after 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 outdated, so I don’t thoughts going again each time we’re on the town.
4. Climb Mt. Pisgah
Among the finest issues to do in Asheville NC is mountain climbing up the path at Ms. Pisgah, which is definitely accessible by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It’s a couple of 45-minute to hour-long hike to succeed in the highest of Mt. Pisgah. Whereas it’s not precisely a simple hike, it’s not too tough both. The hike is about 1.2 miles (1.85 km) to the highest and there are many locations to relaxation alongside the best way.
There’s a big TV tower on the prime and an statement deck. From right here, you possibly can take pleasure in a number of the finest views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the town off within the distance. You will discover the trailhead for Mt. Pisgah on the map right here.
One other nice choice is to hitch this expertise with an area information and revel in a 3-5 mile hike with unimaginable views. This off-track hike is inexpensive, and enjoyable, and is among the finest issues to do in Asheville. Study extra right here.
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5. Dinner With a View at Pisgah Inn
After mountain climbing up Mt. Pisgah, you’re positive to work up an urge for food. When you can actually carry 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 await a desk. They’ve loads of rocking chairs the place you possibly can chill and soak within the wonderful views.
Having eaten right here a number of instances, 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 may get instructions and discover the Pisgah Inn on the map right here.
In the event you’d fairly be up within the mountains than down on the town, you would possibly wish to look into reserving a room right here. It’s fairly superior when you possibly can get up and have the Blue Ridge Mountains proper outdoors your window!
6. Play Disc Golf
In the event you benefit from the nice outdoor, 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 similar to golf however with a frisbee as a substitute. The objective is to get your disc right into a basket with the least quantity of throws, and you should utilize quite a lot of completely different discs within the course of.
The largest distinction between disc golf and common golf is that it’s nearly all the time completely free! That’s the case at close by Richmond Hill, a wonderful course and native hangout. Get instructions and discover the park on the map right 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 possibly can choose up a starter equipment.
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 cellphone quantity on discs as a precautionary measure.
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7. Feast on Southern Meals
Asheville is house to loads of wonderful eating places of all completely different kinds. In the event you’re travelling right here for the primary time, I like to recommend sticking largely to southern fare. In spite of everything, 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 really like the pulled pork) and prime it off with their varied jams and sorts of butter.
Among the finest eating places in Asheville, in my humble opinion, is HomeGrown. This native eatery serves native meals cooked by native individuals, so you recognize your cash goes proper into the native financial system whenever 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 Metropolis USA on a number of events. There are over 40 breweries and beer pubs right here in whole! As such, sampling native craft beer needs to 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. A few of the finest locations for a beer embrace Asheville Brewing Firm, Burial, and Inexperienced Man. One of the simplest ways to seek out your favourite brew is by ordering up a flight to pattern 4-5 completely different kinds.
Whereas they’re not precisely microbreweries, it’s additionally value it to go to the Asheville areas 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 join properly upfront! I’ve been to a whole lot of breweries, and these are two of the perfect 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 excited by artwork, science, and even pinball, there’s a museum for you right here.
The Asheville Artwork Museum has 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. You will discover the museum on the map right here.
Only a block away, you’ll discover the Asheville Museum of Science. They’ve obtained plenty of cool exhibitions and shows which might be 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 retro pinball machine or online game, you’ll undoubtedly wish to take a look at the Asheville Pinball Museum.
For $15, you possibly can play as many video games as you need on their 80+ machines. Hours fluctuate relying on the day, however they’re sometimes open till 9PM. Get instructions to the museum right 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 lot 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 could trip as you bounce across the completely different venues.
Whether or not you’re excited by portray, ceramics, pictures, or jewellery, you’ll discover one thing to take pleasure in within the RAD.
When you’re over right here, make sure to drop in one other glorious native craft brewery — Wedge. You will discover the River Arts District on the map right 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 every of my absolute favourite issues to do in Asheville is tubing down the river. One of the simplest ways to benefit from the Homer Simpson of water sports activities is by signing up for this tubing expertise. 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 even carry your individual drinks to place within the onboard cooler. Click on right here for particulars.
12. Hearken 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 as a rule, it’s precise musicians jamming on the street!
It’s quite common to see individuals busking on the streets of Asheville. Busking is whenever you play music in public and easily open your guitar/violin/keyboard case to take suggestions from passersby.
The assorted musicians busking round downtown Asheville actually add to the eclectic environment of the 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 Sizzling Springs
In the event you’re searching for some good old style R&R in your journey to Asheville, then you could wish to add in a day journey out to the city of Sizzling Springs, NC. It’s not only a intelligent title, because the small city is house to some wonderful sizzling springs.
It’s a couple of 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville on the market, and it’s properly value it.
The Sizzling Springs Resort & Spa has wonderful mineral baths and spa providers. After a busy couple of days exploring the town, a pleasant therapeutic massage and a soak within the sizzling springs is simply what you want. That is undoubtedly one of the crucial stress-free issues to do in Asheville.
The resort has quite a lot of completely different choices, so make sure to verify their web site for particulars.
Simply make sure to e book upfront, because it’s a preferred place. In addition they have a number of completely different selections for on-site lodging in the event you’re . You may get instructions to the Sizzling Springs resort on the map right 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. Folks of all ages and backgrounds come out to take pleasure in this enjoyable and free occasion.
The drum circle goes on each Friday at Pritchard Park downtown. Folks normally begin exhibiting up round 5 and it will get larger and larger till the entire park is filled with individuals drumming, dancing, and singing.
Even in the event you don’t have a drum of any sort, it’s time. You possibly can simply dance to the music and revel 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 evening.
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15. Store on the Grove Arcade
Be sure you swing by the Grove Arcade downtown in the event you’re seeking to do some purchasing in Asheville. This constructing has a really attention-grabbing historical past, 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 Ebook Alternate and Champagne Bar, Nutz About Fudge, the Woodrow Instrument Firm, and far more.
Along with all the good 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.
Deal with: 1 Web page Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
16. Deal with Your self on the Grove Park Inn
For many 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 purchasing arcade.
E.W. Grove is named the “father of recent 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 in the event you don’t splurge on a room on the inn, it’s properly value it to pay a go to right here.
Ebook your self a pleasant spa remedy after which seize a home made cocktail and a chew to eat at their Sundown Terrace Lounge, or select one of many many different choices for wining and eating.
Deal with: 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28804, USA
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17. Take a Hike
Climbing is by far one of the crucial standard issues to do in Asheville.
When you’ve got your individual wheels and are prepared to drive 45 minutes to an hour outdoors of city, you’ve tons of choices for glorious mountain 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 may be rewarded with a visit to the new springs, because it’s a reasonably quick drive between the 2.
There actually are tons of choices for mountain climbing in Asheville with various problem and distance from city. Simply verify this superior Asheville path finder to determine which choice is finest for you!
In the event you don’t have your individual car in Asheville, you possibly can all the time be part of a tour that can take you out to the mountains. This extremely rated journey consists of transportation, a information, visits to three waterfalls, mountain climbing, and refreshments. Study extra right here.
18. Discover the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is one other implausible selection for spending time outdoor in Asheville. Right here you’ll discover some pretty cultivated gardens, a bonsai exhibit, mountain climbing & biking paths, and far more.
It’s an awesome 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 top of the 12 months.
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 price per particular person, however fairly cost a flat price of $20 per car to enter. You will discover them on the map right here.
Deal with: 20 Frederick Regulation 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 occurring a ghost tour. Haunted Asheville has just a few completely different choices for chilling, thrilling excursions which might be enjoyable for the entire household.
On their basic strolling tour, you’ll study the tales behind a few of Asheville’s most haunted spots from a resident ghost professional. Excursions normally run at 8 PM and typically there’s one other one at 9. Tickets value $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids 14 and underneath.
Another 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 extremely rated, 2-hour ghost tour, you’ll study in regards to 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 evening 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 among the issues I really like essentially the most about Asheville.
The town has a number of venues that vary in measurement and elegance, so that you get all kinds of various acts coming to city. A few of the finest locations to see music right here embrace the Asheville Music Corridor, Salvage Station, and the Orange Peel.
Be sure you verify the calendar and see what’s taking part in whenever you’re on the town.
Throughout 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 Inexperienced, which takes place all all through the summer season at Pack Sq. Park. There are free reveals most Saturdays in addition to plenty of casual jam classes and different enjoyable issues happening.
Bonus! Meals Tour for a Trigger
This is among the finest issues to do in Asheville NC for foodies. The locally-owned meals tour firm Consuming Asheville affords 3 completely different excursions. Decide between the basic tour, the high-roller (with new sizzling 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. Study extra 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 awesome artwork scene, and the encompassing nature is a paradise. Due to these causes, individuals like Asheville rather a lot!
With a love for yoga, native meals, the good outdoor, 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 possibly can benefit from the spring blooms, whereas within the fall months from September to November, you possibly can see the gorgeous fall foliage. The summer season months are nice for mountain climbing, biking, live shows, waterfall visits, paddling down the river, and having fun with a chilly brew.
Biltmore Ave is essentially the most well-known avenue, 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
Properly, there you’ve it. I hope you’ve loved this Asheville weblog, which gave you a have a look at one in every of my many houses away from house.
Asheville is such a cool metropolis with a lot to supply, whether or not you’re into the good outdoor, epic adventures, the humanities, or simply stress-free and chilling out. No matter you do, there’s all the time plenty of wonderful beer, meals, views, and music!
Pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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