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There are unique beer flavors to try and vibrant street art. We even have a mural for The Dude. We are hiking obsessed. Chasing waterfalls never grows old. You can slide down waterfall rocks and kiss a dragon tree on its snout. Stop at a scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fall in love over a picnic on top of a mountain summit. Plus, Asheville has a rich and scandalous literary history, hipster music scene, and historic downtown filled with unique gems.
Old school candy store, anyone? For fun things to do in Asheville, imagine playing vintage pinball machines and video games all day long. We even have distilleries serving up bookish libations and a champagne bookstore. For more boozy things to do in Asheville, the endless local craft beers will quench your thirst.
What we personally love to do in Asheville is see a more comedic version of Shakespeare in the Park surrounded by fireflies. Eating is a serious thing to do in Asheville. Think cider donuts in Apple Alley. We have a new food hall. Uncover just a few Asheville activities and attractions on our WNC bucket list, too.
Find both huge Asheville tourist attractions as well as more local Asheville fun. This is our home, after all, and we want you to love it too! Be sure to check out our Asheville Events Calendar. This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
We update our guides frequently, but activities and events may be seasonal or change frequently. We usually write our lists a little biased: The things we love to do in Asheville involve hiking and drinking. Besides drinking beer by the river, one of the absolute best things to do in Asheville is to hike. As locals, what are our favorite treks?
Pink Beds is perfect for nature lovers. Be sure to check out our master guide of the best Asheville hiking trails. When looking for more of the best outdoor things to do in Asheville, NC, you cannot miss visiting the waterfalls. Hop on this 45 mph, two-lane road and explore all of the waterfalls, hikes, and scenic overlooks.
Drive through the mountains via tunnels, and know that this area turns into a mural of vibrant eye candy in the fall.
In the spring and summer, the Parkway fills in with gorgeous wildflowers and rhododendrons. The BRP is a dream for bikers and motorcyclists. Find romantic fog, artists and birdwatchers pulled over at designated spots, and happy wildlife. Keep in mind, though, that many parts of the BRP close in the winter for ice.
In the late spring, one of our favorite things to do in Asheville involves walking along the French Broad River and completing a few brisk loops in the local parks. Find a bike lane and a gorgeous walking path. Climb the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at Mount Mitchell with an elevation clocking in at feet.
You can see all of your favorite mountains from afar. Tired of generic Asheville travel itineraries? Experience Asheville like a local with our free Asheville Favorites checklist, including restaurants, breweries, and hiking. Plus, get local updates — including events and hidden gems — straight to your inbox. Sign up here. If you love mountain biking , the Blue Ridge Mountains are your home away from home.
We are not expert mountain bikers, by any means, but we do love hitting the trails. Living in Asheville, we have transformed into professional picnickers. You can either pack a picnic for your hike or enjoy something lighter by a lake. For easy picnics, head to a winery like Stone Ashe Vineyards.
Grab our full list of the best Asheville picnic spots. With acres of streams, nature trails, bridges, and spots perfect for picnicking, this lesser-known gem is also a refuge for endangered wildflowers. Pack a blanket and bring a book! This holiday lights display is truly one of the best winter things to do in Asheville.
From November to January 1st, the Arboretum lights up its gardens with innovative creations, wildlife exhibits, and lights that dance to music. Of course, you can see Bonsais, butterflies, and their famous Quilt Garden. You must pay a small parking fee to enter the grounds.
Does Winter Lights sound magical? Read more about all of the best spots to catch Christmas lights in Asheville. Are you looking for things to do in Asheville where you can meet the furry Western North Carolina locals in a safe environment instead of on the trails or our front steps…?
The center also houses snakes, turtles, hawks, goats, frogs, and donkeys. Find plenty of exploration stations and themed playground areas for the littles — spider-web jungle gym included. Wide and paved walking paths are extra stroller-friendly. After hours, stroll the grounds with a beer or cider in hand. Enjoy local eats too. Like The North Carolina Arboretum, there is a small entrance fee. Or, become a member. One of our top weekly things to do in Asheville, we love walking the 2-mile Perimeter Trail around Beaver Lake and dip into the Bird Sanctuary.
Beaver Lake is perfect for a stroll after a North Asheville lunch or dinner. Native wildlife includes everything from foraging bears to herds of elk. Be sure to appreciate from a distance. Go waterfall hunting. There are hundreds of beautiful waterfalls scattered throughout the region, and many are easy to access within a short walk from the car.
Dip your toes into the cool waters at the base or on a really hot day go for a swim. Just mind the slippery rocks, and never wade into the water from the top. Stand atop the highest peaks east of the Mississippi. Mitchell is king of the Blue Ridge standing at over 6, feet in elevation.
Visit a state park. Catch a mountain trout or small mouth bass by taking part in a guided fly-fishing expedition. Already a pro? Local outfitters are a great resource to find the secret spots teeming with fish. Practice your Tarzan yell as you zip line hundreds of feet above the forest canopy. If you want to keep your outdoor adventures closer to Asheville, then try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding SUP , tubing , or boating down the French Broad River.
Explore the nature trails at the North Carolina Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens of Asheville , both of which are home to numerous indigenous species of mountain flora. Go golfing at some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the country.
Our culinary mecca serves as a magnet for innovative chefs and food artisans, most of which source their ingredients from the hundreds of farms surrounding the city. Get a little taste of everything by signing up for a food tour. Learn how to find your own food with a guided foraging expedition through the mountains. Visit local farms to buy the freshest meats, veggies, and cheese available in the mountains.
This is a perfect way to take a little Foodtopia back home. Stock up on fresh local ingredients by shopping at one of the multiple farmers markets around town, or simply stop in for a bite to eat from one of the many vendors. Shortly, Asheville was recognized as the first Beer City in the United States in and continued winning the title over the years.
Today there are dozens of popular breweries in Asheville welcoming guests with craft beer and snacks. The following top 3 Asheville craft beers listed are worth being part of your must-visit list. In short, Burial Beer Co. That is why the delicate notes of beer differ. It is worth trying Tether, a farmhouse ale. The company, founded in , follows the traditions of brewing crafted Belgian beer mixed with American notes.
The best thing about the brewing company is a cozy venue at Broadway with brick walls and hardwood floors to relax after a downtown walk and enjoy craft beer. The Asheville Museum of Science is a small learning center with interactive exhibits and educational programs for kids and adults. Located in Downtown Asheville, the Colburn Hall of Minerals in the museum displays rare minerals found on the territory of North Caroline such as quartz, kyanite, beryl, bending rock, and other unique exhibits from around the world.
You will also see the Teratophoneus dinosaur skeleton, watch geographic processes like plate tectonics, volcanoes, and earthquakes, dig for fossils, and so much more exciting things to do and to try in the museum. Kindly note: no food or beverage is allowed on the territory of the museum except for lidded bottles of water. If you love art and architecture, you will simply fall in love with the town.
The 1. Scott Fitzgerald, and other historical figures used to stroll. The trail can be walked in an hour, but you will probably end up spending a whole day enjoying historical corners, little restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops. If you are looking for a beautiful secluded spot for leisure, Botanical Gardens at Asheville can become your perfect escape from the city fuss. You will find collections of about species of plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains with about species of wildflowers, trees, vines, sedges, aquatic plants, mosses, lichens, and more.
A walking trail makes a half-mile loop crossing bridges, streams, and woodland ridge. The garden is beautiful in summer and fall, with different seasonal plants growing. The Pisgah pronounced PIZ-guh National Forest is a gem of Asheville with high peaks, forest-covered slopes, and waterfalls occupying over The nearest access point to Pisgah is ten minutes from downtown Asheville.
The territory is a popular destination for hiking and camping, with miles of diverse trails crossing the Pisgah National Forest. Besides hiking, rock climbing, biking, and picnicking dare to slide down the foot Sliding Rock to a natural swimming pool, watch the Looking Glass Rock on feet, and enjoy the beauty of untouched nature in Cold Mountain.
This is one of my favorite day trips from Asheville , hands down! Asheville is not only a historical and cultural experience about downtown or hiking in the national park.
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts , made up of three different venues and located in Pack Place, is a historic landmark and major performing arts venue. The center is home to a number of big-name touring musical acts, as well as stand-up comedians and dance troupes. A restaurant and bar located in the eastern suburbs not too far from Sunny Point Cafe , Jargon is a fantastic place for high-quality and locally sourced food and drinks.
The restaurant boasts an innovative and creative menu that changes seasonally to keep things fresh, kneading its flavorful ingredients into mouth-watering meals like gnocchi, prime rib and potato au gratin.
Hot tip: On those toasty summer nights, grab a fresh cocktail and head for the patio out the back. Sitting on a acre site famed for its beautiful panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, the WNC Farmers Market is a local market that allows producers of all kinds from farmers to bakers the opportunity to sell fresh, high-quality goods directly to consumers. With the coveted claim to fame of having more breweries per capita than any U. Picture this: rap battles, but with pianos.
Neatly combining the thrill of a fun-filled city bike tour with ice-cold beer, icebreaker games, and a cool breeze to keep you refreshed, the pubcycle is a fantastic way to experience Asheville and get a little wild along the way. As you sit on a purpose-built plus-person bike, peddle as much or as little as you like and, after downing a pint or two of liquid courage, make a few new friends!
Asheville has something for every kind of nightlife seeker. Hit up one or all of these hot spots for a wild night of drinks, dancing and debauchery. Known for its live music and craft beers in the evenings, dive-style Lexington Ave venue, Tiger Mountain , takes it up a gear once the DJs hit the floor, with regular themed nights, no cover charge and free-flowing drinks till 2 a.
To help you do all of that but in style, there are many spas around town where you can purchase several different services including massages both traditional table and hot stone , facials, and nail treatments among others. Looking for somewhere to stay? Look no further than the Omni Grove Park Inn. This iconic hotel, which has been standing for over years, is located in a gorgeous setting, just minutes away from downtown Asheville and most of its best attractions. Famous, you ask?
In the summers of and , none other than legendary author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda stayed here when he had tuberculosis and needed to rest. Hunting for luxury? Sophistication is synonymous with the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville , while The Residences at Biltmore dish up all the amenities you could ask for.
For something a little more affordable, but still with all the basics covered, the Chestnut Street Inn is conveniently located downtown while the Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road offers splendid views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and sits just 10 minutes from the Biltmore Estate.
Thanks for reading our list of fun and exciting and spooky things to do in Asheville, North Carolina — the Paris of the South!
If you have any other must-see suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments! Where to next? Charlotte is teeming with activities, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are great for winter skiing, and Nashville — the go-to for all things country music — is less than 5 hours by car or bus. Sign in.
Forgot your password? It is made from a collection of curiosities set up by Joshua P. Warren, a paranormal investigator whose name you may recognize from his fictional counterpart in The Conjuring series of horror movies.
This museum in North Carolina shows off photographs of alleged paranormal activity, exhibited items and memorabilia that tell the tales of said paranormal activity, and plenty of interesting creepy artifacts.
It is said that a woman named Helen once lived either at the mansion or close to it with her daughter, who she loved dearly. Thomas Wolfe actually included the bridge in his famous novel, Look Homeward, Angel, because he walked under it so often in his youth.
It was created thanks to John Andrew Rice, who had been dismissed from his Florida teaching spot in an allegedly unjust manner. At this time, the Nazi Party antagonism led to intellectuals fleeing Europe as the Great Depression swung harder than ever. Rice and some European artists found themselves with a similar goal, and they holed up in this little wooded area of Asheville.
Since then, it has relocated and grown to encompass 6, square feet, with two floors, a library, and a bookstore. Exhibitions showcase all sorts of historical, meaningful works and rotating events are often fun and unique.
The museum is housed in an old hotel that is actually on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to over 20 classic arcade video games, 30 vintage pinball tables, and it charges only one fee for you to enter and play many of them! Each and every single machine has a plaque that contains product information and stories about its impact on the world of gaming. The goal is to provide Carolina-style barbecue authentically in Asheville in a modern and more fun manner.
It focuses on smoked wood-cooked whole-hog barbecue, including chicken, pork, ribs, and even catfish. All sorts of side dishes from the south accompany the mouth-watering meat that gives you the lovely taste of Asheville and its surroundings. Biltmore Industries has a storied past, as evidenced by the fact that so many things connected to it are among the best things to do in Asheville.
The company produced some of the finest wool not just in North Carolina, but in the world, and it was extremely renowned internationally. The company first began with the goal of teaching children weaving and woodworking before growing from an education center to a production business. The Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum celebrates this legacy in an educational way full of activities.
It showcases wool, original machines and equipment, suits, fabrics, and more that belonged to this prestigious company. The community had been fighting against development in order to preserve their neighborhood for years, and this garden was meant to be a peaceful response to the troubles they and other neighborhoods near to them faced. Now, though, it has two flower gardens, two vegetable gardens, a fire pit, and pizza oven, a stage, a pavilion, a greenhouse, and lots of sculptures and art have turned it into quite a stunning location.
It also functions as a museum, with found objects, art, and works featuring black historical figures educating guests. Volunteers grow as much as they can in order to dole out seed starts and fresh produce to their neighborhood. The premiere, go-to smokehouse of Asheville, North Carolina, 12 Bones Smokehouse is famous across the city.
Opened first by Sabra Kelley and Tom Montgomery, 12 Bones Smokehouse specializes in slow-smoked meats, all cooked on cherry and oak wood.
All its dishes are homemade and the ingredients used throughout the menu are fresh but simple, which adds a homey, fun, and relaxing environment to the Asheville staple. Though it only began operations in , Chai Pani has already been featured in multiple publications in different countries.
The menu primarily offers scrumptious takes on Indian chaat street food, including meals like vegan corn bhel, chicken and kale pakoras, kheema pav, and okra fries.
– Fun things to do in asheville nc for adults – fun things to do in asheville nc for adults
Asheville is a city in North Carolina, the mountain city is nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, which are a segment of the historic Appalachian Mountains.
Rolling mountains, breathtaking sceneries, hiking trails, and picnic sites are just some of the things that make the city a popular vacation destination. But what really makes Asheville famous is its historical figures like Thomas Wolfe, the famous American novelist, and George Vanderbilt, who built Biltmore Estate, the largest private mansion in the United States.
Asheville is also a major hub for the arts, and attractions like the River Arts District will show you just how vibrant the art scene is. It was in this city that the now-defunct Black Mountain College was founded; a college that championed art-making as a vital component of education.
With this in mind, here is a comprehensive list of 41 things to do in Asheville , NC that will make your vacation worthwhile. The city will surprise you in a good way and make your vacation experience worth remembering for years to come. Today, the grandiose mansion stands as a historic attraction site that visitors can explore or stay in. It is set on lush green well-manicured gardens and has a rooftop that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape that consists of tall trees and rolling hills.
Visitors can either take a self-guided or guided tour of the mansion and its gardens to learn its interesting history and see its historical decor.
If you like, you can stay overnight for a wholesome estate life experience. Nestled in the scenic Pisgah National Forest, the North Carolina Arboretum is a family-friendly attraction dotted with nature trails, lovely gardens, water ponds, and picnic areas. It is part of the Appalachian Mountains and offers grounds for you to connect with nature and get lost in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
If you love hiking, you will have over 10 miles of trails to explore. The trails are suitable for both expert hikers and moderate hikers. Plan to spend your day at the North Carolina Arboretum on a picnic exploring its breathtaking Bonsai Garden, nature exhibits, an EcoLab, and its plant collection area. You are allowed to bring food and drinks from outside, but be sure to make use of the provided waste bins.
Famous for its award-winning craft beer, the New Belgium Brewing Company opened its Asheville branch in and since then, it has been the brewer of choice for most locals and visitors. Before Covid, the facility was open for tours to give visitors a peek into what happens behind the scenes. Visitors would learn how craft beer is made and get an opportunity to taste their best-selling beers.
Open from Wednesdays to Mondays, Asheville Pinball Museum offers an opportunity for you and your family to have a good time. It has 35 pinball machines available for you and once you pay your admission fee, you are free to play for as long as you like as you enjoy a soda, beer, or snack. There is a wide range of arcade games to choose from that serve visitors of all ages. Our only warning, you will enjoy the games too much that you will lose track of time! Along the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor is the breathtaking Craggy Gardens , a natural floral park with spectacular views.
To get to the Craggy picnic area you will hike for about 25 minutes along the Craggy Pinnacle Trail in the beautiful dense forest. You will be greeted by a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Parkway which is dotted with mountain vegetation, rolling hills, and valleys.
Set out your picnic blanket and wait for the most breathtaking sunset you have ever witnessed. If you love history or are fascinated by historic architecture, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence should not miss your list of things to do in Asheville.
It was designed by renowned architect, Rafael Guastavino , in a Spanish baroque architecture style, which contributes to its reason for being one of the major attraction sites in Asheville. You can take a self-guided tour to soak up its majestic grandeur prevalent on both its interior and exterior. If you are spiritual, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence is an ideal place to pray or meditate. Its welcoming and warm ambiance will make you feel right at home.
For a more relaxed tour experience, you should consider checking out the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. The gardens are dedicated to the study of plants and their natural habitats. This means that the gardens do not follow a specific or tailored structure like your usual botanical gardens.
They are just allowed to thrive as naturally as possible with minimal to no human interference. You will feel as if you are exploring a natural forest, the only difference is that you will be educated about how the plants of the Southern Appalachians interact with their surroundings. The Botanical Gardens at Asheville also offer designated picnic grounds where you can enjoy a serene picnic after your tour.
Reminiscent of a watercolor painting, these sleek vessels appear to be airy and soft. If you have never experienced a glassblowing session in your life, you have no idea what you are missing out on!
You should make Lexington Glassworks your first stop when you visit Asheville. Owned and run by two friends, Geoff and Billy, the glassblowing studio offers visitors a unique experience where you are served craft beer to enjoy as you watch the pleasurable art of making hand-blown glassware. Lexington Glassworks is the premier glassblowing studio in the city and stands out as one of the coolest things to do in Asheville. It features contemporary and traditional Southern Appalachian craft that includes prints, glass, wood, pottery, jewelry, metal, textiles, and more.
Some of the artisans are present to interact with visitors and tell them more about their works. The center is conveniently located on the Blue Ridge Parkway thus creating a natural and beautiful atmosphere. Rating: 4. Spread across 42 acres of land, the Western North Carolina Nature Center is dedicated to teaching people about the plants and animals of the Southern Appalachian region, and encouraging them to take part in wildlife and environmental conservation efforts.
If you are in Asheville with your children, the center would be a great place to take them if you want them to learn about conservation from an early age. It has 60 animal species and hundreds of plant species, featured in its interactive exhibits, like the Appalachian station for amphibians, small mammals, and reptiles, and the Otter Falls which houses otters and aquatic turtles. There are picnic tables where you can hang out to take a break from the tour and enjoy a drink or snack from the on-site vending machine.
A hand operated freight wagon, originally part of the Biltmore industries. Bob Pool Shutterstock. Located 10 minutes north of downtown Asheville, Grovewood Village is set on 11 acres of land dotted with lush natural forest vegetation. It is an attraction that takes visitors back in time through art and historical memorabilia. The historical attraction, which was originally known as Biltmore Industries Inc.
The Antique Car Museum showcases a wide range of vintage automobiles that are still functional to date. The Gallery of the Mountains showcases amazing artwork by local artists. And once you are done exploring, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the patio of the Golden Fleece Restaurant as you soak up the natural ambiance. The house was bought by his mother, Julia Wolfe, for her family.
When Wolfe wrote his first novel, he incorporated his experience living in the house with his family as well as the lives of his friends and other people who lived or visited the home. In his novel, he named the house Dixieland. Thomas Wolfe died in from tuberculosis and in , the house was designated a historic site in his honor. In , the Thomas Wolfe Memorial house was destroyed in a fire, however, it was restored and reopened in It is one of the most visited attractions in Asheville owing to its historical and literary significance.
If for some reason you cannot take a walking tour of Asheville, this is where Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville comes to your aide. The tour company prides itself in providing locals and visitors the best sightseeing tours of the city. The company has been in operation since , an assurance that they know Asheville, even its most hidden gems, better than anyone else. Tours are conducted in their beautiful and spacious trolley cars that drive around the city stopping at major attractions.
Gingo Scott Shutterstock. Pritchard Park is lined up with tall trees and lovely landscaping. You can either sit on the benches or at its amphitheater-style seating area. The park might be small, but it might also be one of the coolest things to do in Asheville. Winding pathway through mountains. Wiktor Shutterstock. Located about 35 miles away from downtown Asheville, the park is home to the summit of Mount Mitchell which stands at 6, feet above sea level. If you are feeling energetic or you just enjoy hiking, you can walk to the summit which will take you about 4 and a half hours.
However, if hiking is not your struggle to embrace, you can drive up to the summit, where a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding scenic landscape awaits you. Other draws to the park include its tent-only camping ground which is open from May to October. If you are looking for free things to do in Asheville, look no further, Pisgah National Forest is your answer.
The breathtaking forest that was once considered the property of George Vanderbilt is characteristic of rolling mountains, scenic hiking trails, spectacular waterfalls, and whitewater rivers. Among its biggest draws is its school of forestry, which is the first in the United States, and two designated wilderness areas, Linville Gorge and Shining Rock, which are two of the first such areas in the country. Visit Pisgah National Forest ready to have a picnic surrounded by tall trees and spectacular forest vegetation, hike any of its beautiful trails, go on a scenic drive, or enjoy a thrilling bike ride.
It derives its name from the fact that when it rains in winter and the water freezes on the rock, it reflects the sun like a mirror. Source Jaime Landauer. Biltmore School of Forestry was located here when it was established by Carl A. Its location in the middle of a forest gives it the advantage of enjoying a beautiful setting surrounded by cool fresh air and a spectacular view.
Visitors come to explore its interactive exhibits which show Dr. Other activities to do at the Cradle of Forestry in America include hiking, birdwatching, a visit to the Forest Discovery Centre where you will watch a documentary, explore historical buildings which include a commissary and a schoolhouse, a logging locomotive, a portable sawmill, and a gift shop.
Kids can have fun with the firefighting helicopter simulator and at the Adventure Zone. The Cafe at the Cradle will be at your service offering you snacks and lunch.
We know you have been on a food tour, but trust us when we say you have never experienced anything like what No Taste Like Home Wild Food Tours company offers. It prides itself as the biggest foraging education company in the world.
You will embark on a tour through fields and the forests of Asheville in search of wild foods like mushrooms, leaves, plants, seeds, and wild fruits. The tours are guided by experts who have many years of wild food knowledge and will teach you everything you need to know about wild edibles. After a day of collecting wild food, you will take back your findings to a restaurant in Asheville, chosen by the tour company, where they will use your food collection to make you a meal.
This is one of the most exciting things to do in Asheville and one that you will not be forgetting any time soon! Founded by a street-performing couple, Jima and Jen, LaZoom Tours offers sightseeing tours of Asheville, but with a twist.
Fun things to do in asheville nc for adults – fun things to do in asheville nc for adults
The North Carolina Arboretum. 2, New Belgium Brewing Company.
Fun things to do in asheville nc for adults – fun things to do in asheville nc for adults. Things to Do in the Asheville Area
Visitors would learn how craft beer is made and get an opportunity to taste their best-selling beers.
Open from Wednesdays to Mondays, Asheville Pinball Museum offers an opportunity for you and your family to have a good time. It has 35 pinball machines available for you and once you pay your admission fee, you are free to play for as long as you like as you enjoy a soda, beer, or snack.
There is a wide range of arcade games to choose from that serve visitors of all ages. Our only warning, you will enjoy the games too much that you will lose track of time! Along the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor is the breathtaking Craggy Gardens , a natural floral park with spectacular views. To get to the Craggy picnic area you will hike for about 25 minutes along the Craggy Pinnacle Trail in the beautiful dense forest.
You will be greeted by a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Parkway which is dotted with mountain vegetation, rolling hills, and valleys. Set out your picnic blanket and wait for the most breathtaking sunset you have ever witnessed. If you love history or are fascinated by historic architecture, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence should not miss your list of things to do in Asheville. It was designed by renowned architect, Rafael Guastavino , in a Spanish baroque architecture style, which contributes to its reason for being one of the major attraction sites in Asheville.
You can take a self-guided tour to soak up its majestic grandeur prevalent on both its interior and exterior. If you are spiritual, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence is an ideal place to pray or meditate. Its welcoming and warm ambiance will make you feel right at home. For a more relaxed tour experience, you should consider checking out the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. The gardens are dedicated to the study of plants and their natural habitats. This means that the gardens do not follow a specific or tailored structure like your usual botanical gardens.
They are just allowed to thrive as naturally as possible with minimal to no human interference. You will feel as if you are exploring a natural forest, the only difference is that you will be educated about how the plants of the Southern Appalachians interact with their surroundings.
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville also offer designated picnic grounds where you can enjoy a serene picnic after your tour. Reminiscent of a watercolor painting, these sleek vessels appear to be airy and soft.
If you have never experienced a glassblowing session in your life, you have no idea what you are missing out on! You should make Lexington Glassworks your first stop when you visit Asheville. Owned and run by two friends, Geoff and Billy, the glassblowing studio offers visitors a unique experience where you are served craft beer to enjoy as you watch the pleasurable art of making hand-blown glassware.
Lexington Glassworks is the premier glassblowing studio in the city and stands out as one of the coolest things to do in Asheville. It features contemporary and traditional Southern Appalachian craft that includes prints, glass, wood, pottery, jewelry, metal, textiles, and more. Some of the artisans are present to interact with visitors and tell them more about their works. The center is conveniently located on the Blue Ridge Parkway thus creating a natural and beautiful atmosphere.
Rating: 4. Spread across 42 acres of land, the Western North Carolina Nature Center is dedicated to teaching people about the plants and animals of the Southern Appalachian region, and encouraging them to take part in wildlife and environmental conservation efforts.
If you are in Asheville with your children, the center would be a great place to take them if you want them to learn about conservation from an early age. It has 60 animal species and hundreds of plant species, featured in its interactive exhibits, like the Appalachian station for amphibians, small mammals, and reptiles, and the Otter Falls which houses otters and aquatic turtles. There are picnic tables where you can hang out to take a break from the tour and enjoy a drink or snack from the on-site vending machine.
A hand operated freight wagon, originally part of the Biltmore industries. Bob Pool Shutterstock. Located 10 minutes north of downtown Asheville, Grovewood Village is set on 11 acres of land dotted with lush natural forest vegetation.
It is an attraction that takes visitors back in time through art and historical memorabilia. The historical attraction, which was originally known as Biltmore Industries Inc. The Antique Car Museum showcases a wide range of vintage automobiles that are still functional to date. The Gallery of the Mountains showcases amazing artwork by local artists. And once you are done exploring, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the patio of the Golden Fleece Restaurant as you soak up the natural ambiance.
The house was bought by his mother, Julia Wolfe, for her family. When Wolfe wrote his first novel, he incorporated his experience living in the house with his family as well as the lives of his friends and other people who lived or visited the home.
In his novel, he named the house Dixieland. Thomas Wolfe died in from tuberculosis and in , the house was designated a historic site in his honor. In , the Thomas Wolfe Memorial house was destroyed in a fire, however, it was restored and reopened in It is one of the most visited attractions in Asheville owing to its historical and literary significance. If for some reason you cannot take a walking tour of Asheville, this is where Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville comes to your aide.
The tour company prides itself in providing locals and visitors the best sightseeing tours of the city. The company has been in operation since , an assurance that they know Asheville, even its most hidden gems, better than anyone else. Tours are conducted in their beautiful and spacious trolley cars that drive around the city stopping at major attractions. Gingo Scott Shutterstock. Pritchard Park is lined up with tall trees and lovely landscaping.
You can either sit on the benches or at its amphitheater-style seating area. The park might be small, but it might also be one of the coolest things to do in Asheville. Winding pathway through mountains.
Wiktor Shutterstock. Birdwatchers can spy hawks, osprey, herons, vultures, kites, sparrows, woodpeckers, ducks, wrens, swallows, warblers, and bluebirds. Although Beaver Lake is privately owned, the area is open to the public and free. Please consider leaving a donation in the parking lot box, though. One of our top recommended things to do in Asheville is enjoying the three or four waterfalls at DuPont.
Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are famous. We suggest parking in the Hooker Falls Access Area. If you still have energy, walk under the covered wooden bridge to Bridal Veil Falls, which adds 4 more miles to your hike. If you need lunch afterward, drive minutes to nearby Hendersonville — another one of our favorite towns. Asheville sees the most visitors in the fall and around the holidays.
The leaves! Growing up in CT, we thought New England was the boss of fall foliage. Who knew that the Western North Carolina mountains had an equally breathtaking fall season? Nothing beats an Asheville autumn. Enjoy fall foliage hikes, corn mazes, apple picking, and catching those purple and pink sunsets. Our top things to do in Asheville, NC in autumn include visiting the apple orchards for cider donuts and brewery hopping for spiced and pumpkin beers.
Pick a pumpkin. Trek the most beautiful fall foliage hikes , and wine taste at the vineyards with the best views. Asheville in the fall is also a great time to drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway. In need of cooler summer things to do in Asheville, NC? Drive under one hour to Skinny Dip Falls to kiss the magical Dragon Tree on your way to this serene waterfall.
Spread out along the falls and take a dip in one of its pools. You can also head over to Sliding Rock and literally slide down a foot natural boulder into the chilly waters. Sliding Rock has reopened, and Skinny Dip Falls looks a bit different — the bridge washed away and the falls have a new path.
Imagine walking along the Riverwalk in the River Arts District and suddenly spying a gaggle of floating and cackling unicorns…. Where can you get your tubing on? French Broad Outfitters and Zen Tubing are just a few. While the best things to do in Asheville, NC — to us — are all outdoors, our next go-to are those breweries. Asheville has no shortage of beer. Below, find the best Asheville things to do that involve all of the booze: wineries, distillers, cideries, wine bars, and rooftop bars.
You cannot come to Asheville without trying as much of the local craft beer as possible. As locals, what are our favorite breweries in AVL? For something different, Bhramari and Funkatorium sours are sure to impress or weird you out. Directly in Asheville, check out pleb urban winery in the River Arts District.
Of course, Biltmore has a famous winery, and wine tasing is included with your ticket. If you head out of Asheville, our personal favorite wineries are in Hendersonville , including Sawyer Springs, St. If you know Christine from The Uncorked Librarian, you also know that we partner with Cultivated Cocktails for some of our literary-inspired drinks.
They sell the best cocktail schwag, too. Of course, if you are gluten-free or looking for apple-related drinks, Asheville and Hendersonville have the best cideries and meaderies. Many ciders are sold at the local breweries and wineries. Urban Orchard and Noble are the most well-known cideries in Asheville.
Botanist and Barrel and Bold Rock just opened downtown Asheville taprooms. Rooftop bar hopping always makes the top of the list for the best things to do in Asheville, NC. The poshest Asheville rooftop bars promise sunsets, small plates with your Southern favorites, and jaw-dropping views. Their delicious craft cocktails are perfect before a fancy dinner out in downtown Asheville. You may wish to take an Asheville Rooftop Bar Tour to see them all with a designated driver.
However, if you are looking for relaxing things to do in Asheville with a bottle or glass of wine, head to:. Wedge Brewing is right next door. Battery Park Book Exchange — This champagne bar used bookstore is iconic. Read more about the best and most hipster Asheville wine bars. We just love the Asheville bar scene , and bar hopping is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville. Have we made you hungry yet? You must need something to eat by now to soak up all of that booze.
And man, all of those waterfalls and hikes sure do make a gal ravenous. One of the best things to do in Asheville is eat. We always openly share that Tom and I Christine have many food intolerances. Asheville is extremely understanding and accommodating for food allergies, intolerances, and preferences.
This entire section is all about the food. PennyCup Coffee Co. Vortex has delicious donuts and coffee. Just look for the double-decker red bus. Newer to Asheville, Rowan Coffee in downtown is simple but delicious. That historic building is gorgeous inside. Find a park, art museum, music, restaurants, and chocolate shops.
The French Broad Chocolate Lounge has everything a chocolate lover desires. Discover desserts, hot cocoa, truffles, bonbons, cakes, custards, cookies, coffee, brownies, booze, and ice cream. Need we say more? French Broad Chocolates serves up lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options. We also personally love nearby Asheville Chocolate. Asheville Chocolate features tea, coffee, and hot chocolate with a variety of hand-crafted chocolates.
Plus, find decadent gelato. Vegan and gluten-free options included. At the end of August, the best apple orchards around Asheville start opening. Create your Asheville fall bucket list here. We love grabbing a light dinner with some of my favorite cocktails at Edison.
If you are stuffed from lunch, just snack on a charcuterie board with drinks from The Great Hall Bar. We are not going to lie: waking up in the mountains is rough, especially if there is fog.
The darker mornings make it harder to get up and out the door early. Not only do they serve breakfast all day, but they offer lunch and dinner as well as locally source their food. And, mimosas. Read all of our top breakfast recommendations — touristy and more local — with vegan and gluten-free options, too.
One of our weekend brunch favorites includes Jerusalem Garden Cafe in downtown Asheville. Read more about the best Asheville brunch spots.
Personally, two of the most fun places to get lunch if you are visiting Asheville are at Biltmore Estate. Many breweries are within walking distance from each other around downtown, but the Brews Cruise will deliver you to the more remote breweries.
Plus they can get you a behind-the-scenes peek at the operations. You can also pedal for beer on a people-fueled pub-cycle. Before you head home stock up on local flavors at our specialty beers shops. Stop by the Asheville Visitor Center when you get to town, and the knowledgeable staff can provide further recommendations.
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By continuing to use our site you agree to our Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. By continuing to use our site you agree to our privacy policy. For Visitors About Asheville. Relocation Information. Privacy Policy. Read more about the best and most hipster Asheville wine bars. We just love the Asheville bar scene , and bar hopping is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville.
Have we made you hungry yet? You must need something to eat by now to soak up all of that booze. And man, all of those waterfalls and hikes sure do make a gal ravenous.
One of the best things to do in Asheville is eat. We always openly share that Tom and I Christine have many food intolerances. Asheville is extremely understanding and accommodating for food allergies, intolerances, and preferences. This entire section is all about the food.
PennyCup Coffee Co. Vortex has delicious donuts and coffee. Just look for the double-decker red bus. Newer to Asheville, Rowan Coffee in downtown is simple but delicious. That historic building is gorgeous inside. Find a park, art museum, music, restaurants, and chocolate shops. The French Broad Chocolate Lounge has everything a chocolate lover desires. Discover desserts, hot cocoa, truffles, bonbons, cakes, custards, cookies, coffee, brownies, booze, and ice cream.
Need we say more? French Broad Chocolates serves up lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options. We also personally love nearby Asheville Chocolate. Asheville Chocolate features tea, coffee, and hot chocolate with a variety of hand-crafted chocolates.
Plus, find decadent gelato. Vegan and gluten-free options included. At the end of August, the best apple orchards around Asheville start opening.
Create your Asheville fall bucket list here. We love grabbing a light dinner with some of my favorite cocktails at Edison. If you are stuffed from lunch, just snack on a charcuterie board with drinks from The Great Hall Bar. We are not going to lie: waking up in the mountains is rough, especially if there is fog. The darker mornings make it harder to get up and out the door early.
Not only do they serve breakfast all day, but they offer lunch and dinner as well as locally source their food.
And, mimosas. Read all of our top breakfast recommendations — touristy and more local — with vegan and gluten-free options, too. One of our weekend brunch favorites includes Jerusalem Garden Cafe in downtown Asheville.
Read more about the best Asheville brunch spots. Personally, two of the most fun places to get lunch if you are visiting Asheville are at Biltmore Estate. You will need a Biltmore ticket or annual to enter them. Stable Cafe has the best sandwiches and cocktails in the coolest setting: The former Vanderbilt horse stables. GQC has both vegan and gluten-free options. Whether or not you are a vegan or vegetarian, Laughing Seed Cafe is another gem, and we devour subs gf pizza and grinders available at Apollo Flame Bistro, especially after a BRP parkway hike.
Bouchon, Ukiah, and Limones are the perfect date night restaurants. You may also grab dinner at the breweries like Wicked Weed and Bhramari. Asheville has the best donut shops. We just ate a delicious Vortex donut the other day; it melted in our mouths. If you are here in the fall, go to all of the apple orchards and try their donuts. We think Sky Top has the best since they make their cinnamon cider donuts in front of you and serve them piping hot.
Many of the AVL food trucks circulate the brewery scene. We always go for the tacos and burritos — and yes, they can do lactose and gluten-free. Visiting Biltmore is a must, at least once. We are annual passholders and head to Biltmore a few times a month. You can easily spend a day at Biltmore touring the house and wine tasting. Grab a bite to eat, walk the gardens, and hike one of their miles worth of trails. Think red wine and chocolate. See how to make the most out of that Biltmore ticket price.
Also, know that there are kid-friendly activities on the Estate , including a farmyard and live demonstrations. If you are visiting Asheville in November through early January, Biltmore at Christmastime is spectacular. Enjoy a Candlelight Christmas Evenings Tour of the home with the fireplaces lit and Christmas trees in every room.
One of our personal favorite things to do in Asheville involves visiting The Thomas Wolfe Memorial and taking a house tour. You might recognize his name from his novel Look Homeward, Angel. Most notably, Wolfe barely changed the names and spellings of his Asheville community members. This was scandalous and ill-received gossip, at the time. She was quite the entrepreneur of her time.
Also watch a short video and tour the museum. One of the free things to do in Asheville, the Black Mountain College Museum offers contemporary and historic exhibitions, events, and research opportunities for the community.
We dropped in one afternoon and toured the current art exhibitions. Small but worth a quick visit, you can budget about minutes here. Of course, kids are welcome. This area is a mini-version of Wynwood Walls in Miami, Florida.
You might just catch Gus Cutty or Jerry Cahill working on a masterpiece. Watch an indie film at Grail Moviehouse or attend the Uncommon Market. Bike the new RAD greenway. If you are looking for wilder things to do in Asheville, check out the LaZoom bus. How many times have you spied a purple bus tearing down the streets of Asheville full of giggling and rowdy adults?!
We suggest purchasing tickets in advance. Get there early, too, as you board the bus based on your arrival order. Totally worth that ticket price at least once. Walk into a funky, kitschy bar full of eccentric tour guides and cat pillows before hopping on the drunk bus. Zelda Fitzgerald stole my heart although she did hump a bush in the rain. Find locally crafted bevies. They even hand you a personal cooler.
For the best Asheville things to do for your inner geologist, head to the Asheville Museum of Science. A smaller science learning center, learn more about North Carolina geology and local specimen. AMOS has gemstones, dinosaur bones, and animal installations.
Encounter hands-on exhibits and scavenger hunts, learn about the French Broad River, and dig for fossils.
