Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and positioned alongside the French Broad River, Asheville simply may be essentially the most stunning metropolis in america. There are many enjoyable issues to do in Asheville NC to maintain you busy!
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.
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.
Climbing within the mountains, feasting on southern delicacies, stress-free in scorching springs, and sampling craft beer are only a few of the belongings you gained’t wish to miss.
I’ve spent a whole lot of time in Ashville over the past decade, and actually, my spouse and I received married and had our honeymoon right here! It’s simply certainly one of my favorite cities within the USA and a spot I at all times look ahead to 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 positively 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 a terrific 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 stunning conservatory full of assorted crops 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 kinds, and choose up a bottle of your favorite wine to take dwelling.
You possibly can go to the Biltmore Property daily from 9AM to 5PM. Tickets value $70 for adults and $35 for youth with a free audio information.
Professional tip – in the event you ebook your tickets no less than per week prematurely, you save $10. It’s a couple of 15-minute drive from downtown to succeed in the property, which yow will discover on the map here.
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2. Take a Strolling Tour
Every time I’m in a brand new metropolis, I really like occurring 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 toes.
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 may comply with.
Each have interactive and printable maps, and the city path even has an audio information as properly.
In case you’d choose to go along 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 overlaying all of the highlights and insider recommendations on the place to eat and drink (plus, some samples alongside the best way). The associated fee is predicated on ideas, so no matter you are feeling is suitable.
One other (spookier) possibility is to hitch this 1-hour haunted ghost tour. The entire tales your information will inform you might be based mostly 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 case you’re questioning what to do in Asheville, simply bounce 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 vital scenic drives within the nation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway truly stretches by means of each Virginia and North Carolina. It’s 755 km (496 miles) lengthy and is filled with viewpoints, mountaineering 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 now have 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 superb 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
As I discussed, there’s lots to see and do alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway. The most effective issues to do in Asheville NC is mountaineering up the path at Ms. Pisgah, which is well accessible through the 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 straightforward hike, it’s not too tough. 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 remark deck. From right here, you may get pleasure from among the finest views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and town off within the distance. You will discover the trailhead for Mt. Pisgah on the map here.
One other nice possibility is to hitch this experience with a neighborhood information and revel in a 3-5 mile hike with unimaginable views. This off-track hike is reasonably priced, and enjoyable, and is among the finest issues to do in Asheville. Be taught extra here.
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5. Dinner With a View at Pisgah Inn
After mountaineering up Mt. Pisgah, you’re certain to work up an urge for food. When you can definitely 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 remark deck when you anticipate a desk. They’ve loads of rocking chairs the place you may chill and soak within the superb 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 will get instructions and discover the Pisgah Inn on the map here.
In case you’d reasonably 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 exterior your window!
6. Play Disc Golf
In case 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 an alternative. The objective is to get your disc right into a basket with the least quantity of throws, and you should use quite a lot of completely different discs within the course of.
The most important 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 wonderful course and native hangout. Get instructions and discover the park on the map here.
In case you’ve by no means performed disc golf earlier than and don’t have any gear, there are many outlets in Asheville the place you may choose up a starter package.
For about $10, 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 identify and cellphone quantity on discs as a precautionary measure.
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7. Feast on Southern Meals
Asheville is dwelling to loads of superb eating places of all completely different kinds. In case 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 favorite biscuit (I really like the pulled pork) and prime it off with their varied jams and sorts of butter.
The most effective eating places in Ashville, in my humble opinion, is Home Grown. This native eatery serves native meals cooked by native individuals, so you understand your cash goes proper into the native economic system whenever you eat right here.
I personally love their Redneck Pot Pie or buttermilk fried rooster. You possibly can see Dwelling Grown and rather 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 complete! As such, sampling native craft beer ought 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. Among the finest locations for a beer embody Asheville Brewing Company, Burial, and Green Man. The easiest way to search out your favorite 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 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 hike because it’s out by the airport.
If you wish to take a tour of both, make sure to enroll properly 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 case you’re downtown and aren’t fairly certain what to do in Asheville, why not drop into one of many metropolis’s museums for a bit? Whether or not you’re fascinated 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 10-5 Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 on Sunday. It’s completely free to go to, however donations are very a lot appreciated. You will discover the museum on the map here.
Only a block away, you’ll discover the Asheville Museum of Science. They’ve received numerous cool exhibitions and shows which can be enjoyable for all ages. It’s open Monday-Saturday from 10-5 and from 1-5 on Sunday and prices $7-8 to go to.
In case you love a great retro pinball machine or online game, you’ll positively 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 usually 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).
Tons of 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 vigorous place. There are demonstrations, workshops, wine tastings, dwell music, and much more. There’s even a free trolley that you may journey as you bounce across the completely different venues.
Whether or not you’re fascinated about portray, ceramics, images, or jewellery, you’ll discover one thing to get pleasure from within the RAD.
When you’re over right here, make sure to drop in one other wonderful native craft brewery — Wedge. You 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 among my absolute favorite issues to do in Asheville is tubing down the river. The easiest way 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 may also carry your personal drinks to place within the onboard cooler. Click here for particulars.
In case you’d choose a bit extra exercise than simply lazily floating down the river, you may also be part of this trip which is a brewery tour, with meals choices as properly. Hope on a kayak or a SUP (stand-up paddleboard), benefit from the surroundings, after which pull over for a drink and meals.
This highly-rated expertise is a should! Be taught extra here.
12. Take heed to Buskers
Strolling round downtown Asheville, you’re certain to listen to a whole lot of music. A few of it might be popping out of outlets 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 whenever 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 environment of town. In case you benefit from the music, cease for some time to pay attention and toss a couple of dollars in to point out your appreciation.
13. Day Journey to Scorching Springs
In case you’re searching for some good old school R&R in your journey to Asheville, then it’s possible you’ll wish to add in a day journey out to the city of Scorching Springs, NC. It’s not only a intelligent identify, because the small city is dwelling to some superb scorching springs.
It’s a couple of 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville on the market, and it’s properly value it.
The Scorching Springs Resort & Spa has superb 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 positively one of the vital stress-free issues to do in Asheville.
The resort has quite a lot of completely different choices, so make sure to examine their website for particulars.
Simply make sure to ebook prematurely, because it’s a well-liked place. In addition they have a number of completely different selections for on-site lodging in the event you’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 often begin exhibiting up round 5 and it will get greater and larger till the entire park is full of individuals drumming, dancing, and singing.
Even in the event you don’t have a drum of any sort, it’s a great 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 course of downtown Asheville on a Friday evening.
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15. Store on the Grove Arcade
In case you’re trying to do some buying earlier than you permit Asheville, make sure to swing by the Grove Arcade downtown. 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 various array of outlets, together with the Batter Park E book Trade and Champagne Bar, Nutz About Fudge, the Woodrow Instrument Firm, and rather more.
Along with all the good outlets 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.
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 buying arcade.
E.W. Grove is named 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 sturdy as certainly one 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.
E book 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.
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17. Take a Hike
By far one of the vital widespread issues to do in Asheville is mountaineering.
When you have your personal wheels and are keen to drive 45 minutes to an hour exterior of city, you have got tons of choices for wonderful mountaineering trails.
Along with the aforementioned Mt. Pisgah path, different nice choices embody 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 fairly brief drive between the 2.
There actually are tons of choices for mountaineering in Asheville with various issue and distance from city. Simply examine this superior Asheville trail finder to determine which possibility is finest for you!
In case you don’t have your personal car in Asheville, you may at all times 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, mountaineering, and refreshments. Be taught extra here.
18. Discover the North Carolina Arboretum
One other implausible selection for spending time outdoor in Asheville is the North Carolina Arboretum. Right here you’ll discover some pretty cultivated gardens, a bonsai exhibit, mountaineering & biking paths, and rather more.
It’s a terrific place to spend a few hours, particularly on a pleasant day.
Truly, 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 time. They don’t cost an entrance charge per individual, however reasonably cost a flat charge of $14 per car to enter. You will discover them on the map here.
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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 a couple of completely different choices for chilling, thrilling excursions which can be 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 knowledgeable. Excursions often run at 8PM and typically there’s one other one at 9. Tickets value $23 for adults and $15 for kids 9-14, whereas these underneath 8 go at no cost.
Another choice is their Biltmore Village Thriller Tour. Apparently, you find out about 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 in regards to the creepy paranormal exercise round Asheville…all tales are based mostly 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 superb 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 gives Cuban delicacies and cocktails, or Highland Brewing which is simply exterior of downtown, however gives 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 occurring 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.
Town has a number of venues that vary in measurement and elegance, so that you get all kinds of various acts coming to city. Among the finest locations to see music right here embody the Asheville Music Corridor, Salvage Station, and the Orange Peel.
You should definitely examine the calendar and see what’s taking part in whenever you’re on the town.
In the course of the hotter months, you’ll additionally discover many various outside occasions and festivals taking place in Asheville.
One such pageant is Shindig on the Green, which takes place all all through the summer time at Pack Sq. Park. There are free reveals most Saturdays in addition to numerous casual jam classes and different enjoyable issues occurring.
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” gives 3 completely 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 Asheville
Solutions to some generally requested questions on this enjoyable metropolis.
Why is Asheville So Standard?
Town has a relaxed vibe, some superb eating places, and breweries, a terrific artwork scene, and the encircling nature is a paradise. Due to these causes, individuals like Asheville lots!
Is Asheville a Hippie Metropolis?
With a love for yoga, native meals, the good outdoor, music, artwork, and beer, I suppose you may take into account Asheville to be a hippie/hipster metropolis. It has all the great things!
What’s The Finest Time of 12 months to Go to Asheville NC?
From March to Might you may benefit from the spring blooms, whereas within the fall months from September to November, you may see the attractive fall foliage. The summer time months are nice for mountaineering, biking, concert events, waterfall visits, paddling down the river, and having fun with a chilly brew.
What Are the Finest Issues to do in Asheville?
There are numerous enjoyable issues to see and expertise, however make certain to go to a waterfall (or three), get out into the Blue Ridge Mountains, sample a craft beer, and wander across the River Arts District.
Now You Know What to Do in Asheville NC
Nicely, there you have got it. I hope you’ve loved this Asheville weblog, which gave you a have a look at certainly one of my many properties away from dwelling.
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 at all times numerous superb beer, meals, views, and music!
Pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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