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 of the crucial lovely cities in america.
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 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 actions in Asheville you received’t wish to miss.
I’ve spent quite a lot of time in Asheville over the past decade, and actually, 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 look ahead to visiting.
On this Asheville journey weblog, I’m excited to share a few of the finest actions, sights, 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 listing 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 gorgeous 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 varied crops and flowers.
After touring the property and the grounds, remember to drop by the vineyard. You may take a tour of the underground cellars, pattern a number of differing kinds, and decide up a bottle of your favourite wine to take dwelling.
You may 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 couple of 15-minute drive from downtown to succeed in the property, which you will discover on the map right here.
Deal with: 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 really like occurring a strolling tour to get to know the place. Asheville is a small metropolis and may be very walkable, so you possibly can simply discover downtown by yourself two ft.
Because of Discover Asheville, you possibly can select between two wonderful self-guided strolling excursions of Asheville. They’ve an city path in addition to an structure path you could comply with.
Each have interactive and printable maps, and the city path even has an audio information as nicely.
When you’d want to go along with a information, you possibly can join the Tip-Based mostly Asheville Strolling 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 price relies on ideas, so no matter you’re 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 based mostly 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
When you’re questioning what to do in Asheville, simply soar in your automobile and take a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This Nationwide Parkway and All-American Highway is a part of the Appalachian Mountains and one of the crucial scenic drives within the nation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway really stretches by means of each Virginia and North Carolina. It’s 755 km (496 miles) lengthy and is stuffed with viewpoints, mountaineering trails, historic websites, and a lot extra.
This is without doubt one of the most unbelievable locations to go to in your journey to Asheville.
Each time we’ve got folks 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 superb 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
Probably the greatest issues to do in Asheville NC is mountaineering up the path at Ms. Pisgah, which is well 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 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 high and an statement deck. From right here, you possibly can get pleasure from a few of the finest views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the town off within the distance. Yow will discover the trailhead for Mt. Pisgah on the map right here.
One other nice choice is to hitch this expertise with a neighborhood information and revel in a 3-5 mile hike with unbelievable views. This off-track hike is reasonably priced, and enjoyable, and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Asheville. Be taught extra right 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. Whilst you can definitely convey 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 when you look forward to a desk. They’ve loads of rocking chairs the place you possibly can sit back and soak within the superb 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 right here.
When you’d moderately 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 exterior your window!
6. Play Disc Golf
When you benefit from the nice open air, one of many high issues to do in Asheville is enjoying a spherical of disc golf.
For these unfamiliar with the game, it’s identical to golf however with a frisbee as an alternative. The aim is to get your disc right into a basket with the least quantity of throws, and you should use a wide range of totally different discs within the course of.
The largest distinction between disc golf and common golf is that it’s virtually 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.
When 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 decide up a starter equipment.
For about $20, you will get a driver, a mid-range disc, and a putter. Simply strive 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 superb eating places of all totally different kinds. When 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 regardless that 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 high it off with their varied 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 folks, so you recognize your cash goes proper into the native economic system while you eat right here.
I personally love their Redneck Pot Pie or buttermilk fried hen. You may 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 complete! As such, sampling native craft beer needs to be excessive atop your listing 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. The easiest way to search out your favourite brew is by ordering up a flight to pattern 4-5 totally different kinds.
Whereas they’re not precisely microbreweries, it’s additionally price 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, remember to join nicely upfront! I’ve been to quite a lot of breweries, and these are two of the perfect I’ve ever seen.
9. Go to a Few Museums
When 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 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. Yow will discover the museum on the map right here.
Only a block away, you’ll discover the Asheville Museum of Science. They’ve obtained numerous cool exhibitions and shows which can 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.
When you love a great retro pinball machine or online game, you’ll undoubtedly wish to try the Asheville Pinball Museum.
For $15, you possibly can 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 right here.
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10. Discover the RAD (River Arts District)
For artwork lovers, one of many high 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 very 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, reside music, and much more. There’s even a free trolley you could experience as you bounce across the totally different venues.
Whether or not you’re fascinated about portray, ceramics, pictures, or jewellery, you’ll discover one thing to get pleasure from within the RAD.
Whilst you’re over right here, remember to drop in one other wonderful native craft brewery — Wedge. Yow 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 all my absolute favourite 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 expertise. It’s like a floating pub crawl!
I received’t give all of it away, nevertheless it’s quite a lot of enjoyable and you too can convey your personal drinks to place within the onboard cooler. Click on right here for particulars.
12. Take heed to Buskers
Strolling round downtown Asheville, you’re certain to listen to quite a 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 folks busking on the streets of Asheville. Busking is while 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 the town. When you benefit from the music, cease for some time to hear and toss a couple of dollars in to indicate your appreciation.
13. Day Journey to Sizzling Springs
When you’re on the lookout for some good old school R&R in your journey to Asheville, then you might 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 dwelling to some superb scorching springs.
It’s a couple of 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville on the market, and it’s nicely price it.
The Sizzling Springs Resort & Spa has superb mineral baths and spa companies. After a busy couple of days exploring the town, a pleasant therapeutic massage and a soak within the scorching springs is simply what you want. That is undoubtedly one of the crucial stress-free issues to do in Asheville.
The resort has a wide range of totally different choices, so remember to verify their web site for particulars.
Simply remember to ebook upfront, because it’s a well-liked place. Additionally they have a number of totally different decisions for on-site lodging should you’re . You will get instructions to the Sizzling Springs resort on the map right here.
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14. Be 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 displaying up round 5 and it will get larger and larger till the entire park is filled with folks drumming, dancing, and singing.
Even should you don’t have a drum of any variety, it’s a great time. You may simply dance to the music and revel in connecting with folks. As soon as the drum circle wraps up, you’re smack dab in the course of downtown Asheville on a Friday night time.
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15. Store on the Grove Arcade
Remember to swing by the Grove Arcade downtown should 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 Guide 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 Outside 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 identical 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 sturdy as one in every of Asheville’s premier resorts.
Even should you don’t splurge on a room on the inn, it’s nicely price it to pay a go to right here.
Guide your self a pleasant spa therapy 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.
In case you have your personal wheels and are prepared to drive 45 minutes to an hour exterior of city, you might have tons of choices for wonderful mountaineering 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 fairly quick drive between the 2.
There actually are tons of choices for mountaineering in Asheville with various issue and distance from city. Simply verify this superior Asheville path finder to determine which choice is finest for you!
When you don’t have your personal car in Asheville, you possibly can all the time be a 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 right here.
18. Discover the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is one other incredible selection for spending time open air in Asheville. Right here you’ll discover some pretty cultivated gardens, a bonsai exhibit, mountaineering & biking paths, and far more.
It’s an awesome 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 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 payment per individual, however moderately cost a flat payment of $20 per car to enter. Yow 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 happening a ghost tour. Haunted Asheville has just a few totally 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 skilled. Excursions often 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 find out about 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 be taught concerning 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 look at 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 night time of the week it’s, there are many exhibits occurring in Asheville. Take your decide between theatrical performances, stand-up comedy, reside music, and extra.
The reside music scene is without doubt one of 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 types 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.
Remember to verify the calendar and see what’s enjoying while you’re on the town.
Throughout the hotter months, you’ll additionally discover many various outside occasions and festivals taking place in Asheville.
One such competition is Shindig on the Inexperienced, which takes place all all through the summer season at Pack Sq. Park. There are free exhibits most Saturdays in addition to numerous casual jam periods and different enjoyable issues occurring.
Bonus! Meals Tour for a Trigger
This is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Asheville NC for foodies. The locally-owned meals tour firm Consuming Asheville gives 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. Be taught extra about this enjoyable exercise in Asheville.
FAQs About What to Do Asheville
Nonetheless have some questions on actions and sights in Asheville? Listed here are solutions to some generally requested questions on this enjoyable metropolis.
Asheville has a relaxed vibe, some superb eating places and breweries, an awesome artwork scene, and the encircling nature is a paradise. Due to these causes, folks like Asheville lots!
With a love for yoga, native meals, the nice open air, music, artwork, and beer, Asheville may undoubtedly be thought of a hippie/hipster metropolis. It has all the good things!
From March to Could you possibly can benefit from the spring blooms, whereas within the fall months from September to November, you possibly can see the attractive fall foliage. The summer season months are nice for mountaineering, biking, concert events, 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 probably the greatest Asheville sights. It’s the middle of the walkable downtown part of Asheville.
Now You Know What to Do in Asheville NC
Properly, there you might have it. I hope you’ve loved this Asheville weblog, which gave you a take a look at one in every 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 nice open air, epic adventures, the humanities, or simply stress-free and chilling out. No matter you do, there’s all the time numerous superb beer, meals, views, and music!
Pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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