There are many enjoyable issues to do in Asheville NC to maintain you busy! Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and positioned on the French Broad River, Asheville simply may be one in all probably the most stunning cities in the USA.
Take within the views of town from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and also you’ll rapidly see why it’s known as the Land of the Sky.
21 Finest Issues to Do in Asheville
There are quite a few issues to do in Asheville and for such a small metropolis, it actually packs a punch with regards to actions on supply.
Climbing within the mountains, feasting on southern delicacies, stress-free in sizzling springs, and sampling craft beer are only a few of the actions in Asheville you received’t need to miss.
I’ve spent quite a lot of time in Asheville over the past decade, and actually, my spouse and I received married and had our honeymoon right here! It’s simply one in all 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 greatest actions, points of interest, and locations to go to within the metropolis.
1. Go to the Biltmore Property
A go to to the Biltmore Property undoubtedly deserves the highest spot on this checklist of issues to do in Asheville.
This historic mansion was constructed between 1889 and 1895 by George Vanderbilt. It’s an amazing instance of the Gilded Age and a completely beautiful place to discover.
The Biltmore Property is definitely the largest privately-owned residence within the US.
It options an astounding 250 rooms and is surrounded by picturesque gardens, ponds, and a beautiful conservatory full of assorted vegetation and flowers.
After touring the property and the grounds, you’ll want to drop by the vineyard. You possibly can take a tour of the underground cellars, pattern a number of differing kinds, and choose up a bottle of your favourite wine to take residence.
You possibly can go to the Biltmore Property every single day from 9 AM to five PM. Tickets price $79-109 (relying on the season) for adults, and at sure occasions of the 12 months, tickets are free youngsters 16 and beneath.
It’s a few 15-minute drive from downtown to achieve the property, which you will discover on the map right here.
Tackle: One Lodge Road, Asheville, NC, 28803, USA
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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 possibly can simply discover downtown by yourself two toes.
Due to 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 which you could comply with.
Each have interactive and printable maps, and the city path even has an audio information as nicely.
When you’d desire to go together 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 protecting all of the highlights and insider recommendations on the place to eat and drink (plus some samples alongside the best way). The associated fee relies on ideas, so no matter you’re feeling is acceptable.
One other (spookier) possibility is to affix this 1-hour haunted ghost tour. All the tales your information will inform you’re 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 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 some of the scenic drives within the nation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway truly stretches by 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 without doubt one of the most unimaginable locations to go to in your journey to Asheville.
Each time we’ve 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
The most effective issues to do in Asheville NC is mountaineering up the path at Ms. Pisgah, which is well accessible through the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It’s a few 45-minute to hour-long hike to achieve 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 best way.
There’s a big TV tower on the high and an remark deck. From right here, you possibly can get pleasure from a few of the greatest views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and town off within the distance. Yow will discover the trailhead for Mt. Pisgah on the map right here.
One other nice possibility is to affix this expertise with an area information and revel in a 3-5 mile hike with unimaginable views. This off-track hike is reasonably priced, and enjoyable, and is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Asheville. Study extra right here.
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5. Dinner With a View at Pisgah Inn
After mountaineering up Mt. Pisgah, you’re positive to work up an urge for food. When 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 remark deck when you watch for a desk. They’ve loads of rocking chairs the place you possibly can relax 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 may get instructions and discover the Pisgah Inn on the map right here.
When you’d relatively be up within the mountains than down on the town, you would possibly need 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 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 utilize quite a lot of totally different discs within the course of.
The most important 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 superb 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 choose up a starter package.
For about $20, you may 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 cellphone quantity on discs as a precautionary measure.
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7. Feast on Southern Meals
Asheville is residence 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 although 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 numerous jams and sorts of butter.
The most effective eating places in Asheville, in my humble opinion, is HomeGrown. This native eatery serves native meals cooked by native individuals, so you realize your cash goes proper into the native financial system while you eat right here.
I personally love their Redneck Pot Pie or buttermilk fried rooster. You possibly can see HomeGrown 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. A number of the greatest locations for a beer embody Asheville Brewing Firm, Burial, and Inexperienced Man. One of the simplest ways 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 value it to go to the Asheville places of New Belgium and Sierra Nevada. The previous has a scenic location proper alongside the French Broad River, whereas the latter is a little bit of a trek because it’s out by the airport.
If you wish to take a tour of both, you’ll want to join nicely prematurely! I’ve been to quite a lot of breweries, and these are two of the very best I’ve ever seen.
9. Go to a Few Museums
When you’re downtown and aren’t fairly positive what to do in Asheville, why not drop into one of many metropolis’s museums for a bit? Whether or not you’re desirous about artwork, science, and even pinball, there’s a museum for you right here.
The Asheville Artwork Museum has not too long ago 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 price $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 received 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 retro pinball machine or online game, you’ll undoubtedly need to try the Asheville Pinball Museum.
For $15, you possibly can play as many video games as you need on their 80+ machines. Hours fluctuate relying on the day, however they’re usually 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 bunch 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 which you could journey as you bounce across the totally different venues.
Whether or not you’re desirous about portray, ceramics, images, or jewellery, you’ll discover one thing to get pleasure from within the RAD.
When you’re over right here, you’ll want 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. One of the simplest ways to benefit from the Homer Simpson of water sports activities is by signing up for this tubing expertise. It’s like a floating pub crawl!
I received’t give all of it away, but it surely’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. Hearken to Buskers
Strolling round downtown Asheville, you’re positive to listen to quite a 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 while you play music in public and easily open your guitar/violin/keyboard case to take ideas from passersby.
The assorted musicians busking round downtown Asheville actually add to the eclectic ambiance of town. When 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 Sizzling Springs
When you’re searching for some good old school R&R in your journey to Asheville, then you could need 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 residence to some superb sizzling springs.
It’s a few 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville on the market, and it’s nicely value it.
The Sizzling Springs Resort & Spa has superb mineral baths and spa companies. After a busy couple of days exploring town, a pleasant therapeutic massage and a soak within the sizzling springs is simply what you want. That is undoubtedly some of the stress-free issues to do in Asheville.
The resort has quite a lot of totally different choices, so you’ll want to examine their web site for particulars.
Simply you’ll want to guide prematurely, because it’s a preferred place. In addition they have a number of totally different decisions for on-site lodging when you’re . You may get instructions to the Sizzling Springs resort on the map right here.
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14. Be a part of the Friday Drum Circle
One of many coolest issues to do in Asheville NC, for each guests and locals alike, is becoming a member of within the weekly drum circle. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds come out to get pleasure from this enjoyable and free occasion.
The drum circle goes on each Friday at Pritchard Park downtown. Individuals normally begin displaying up round 5 and it will get greater and greater till the entire park is filled with individuals drumming, dancing, and singing.
Even when you don’t have a drum of any form, it’s time. You possibly can simply dance to the music and revel in connecting with individuals. As soon as the drum circle wraps up, you’re smack dab in the midst of downtown Asheville on a Friday night time.
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15. Store on the Grove Arcade
Make sure you swing by the Grove Arcade downtown when you’re trying to do some buying in Asheville. This constructing has a really fascinating historical past, 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 Guide Change and Champagne Bar, Nutz About Fudge, the Woodrow Instrument Firm, and rather more.
Along with all the good retailers inside, there’s additionally the Out of doors Artists Market. You’ll discover work, clothes, jewellery, and native honey, amongst different issues. The Grove Arcade is open from 10-6 Monday-Saturday and noon-5 on Sunday.
Tackle: 1 Web page Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
16. Deal with Your self on the Grove Park Inn
For individuals who benefit from the finer issues in life, a visit out to the Grove Park Inn is a should when visiting Asheville. In case you had been questioning, sure, it’s the similar Grove that began the buying arcade.
E.W. Grove is called the “father of recent Asheville.” He was a self-made millionaire who moved right here in 1910 and opened this grand inn quickly thereafter. 100 years later, it’s nonetheless going robust as one in all Asheville’s premier resorts.
Even when you don’t splurge on a room on the inn, it’s nicely value it to pay a go to right here.
Guide your self a pleasant spa therapy after which seize a handmade cocktail and a chew to eat at their Sundown Terrace Lounge, or select one of many many different choices for wining and eating.
Tackle: 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28804, USA
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17. Take a Hike
Climbing is by far some of the in style issues to do in Asheville.
If in case you have your personal wheels and are prepared to drive 45 minutes to an hour exterior of city, you’ve 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 will be rewarded with a visit to the recent springs, because it’s a fairly brief drive between the 2.
There actually are tons of choices for mountaineering in Asheville with various problem and distance from city. Simply examine this superior Asheville path finder to determine which possibility is greatest for you!
When you don’t have your personal automobile in Asheville, you possibly can all the time be part of a tour that may take you out to the mountains. This extremely rated journey contains transportation, a information, visits to three waterfalls, mountaineering, and refreshments. Study extra right here.
18. Discover the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is one other improbable selection for spending time open air in Asheville. Right here you’ll discover some beautiful cultivated gardens, a bonsai exhibit, mountaineering & biking paths, and rather more.
It’s an amazing place to spend a few hours, particularly on a pleasant day.
Really, the arboretum can be a stable selection within the colder months because of the Winter Lights show they put up. The place actually turns right into a winter wonderland from late November till the top of the 12 months.
The arboretum is open from 8-7 within the fall/winter and from 8-9 within the spring/summer season. They don’t cost an entrance charge per individual, however relatively cost a flat charge of $20 per automobile to enter. Yow will discover them on the map right here.
Tackle: 20 Frederick Legislation Olmsted Means, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
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19. Go on a Ghost Tour
One of many spookiest issues to do in Asheville is happening a ghost tour. Haunted Asheville has a number of totally different choices for chilling, thrilling excursions which can be enjoyable for the entire household.
On their basic strolling tour, you’ll study the tales behind a few of Asheville’s most haunted spots from a resident ghost knowledgeable. Excursions normally run at 8 PM and generally there’s one other one at 9. Tickets price $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids 14 and beneath.
An alternative choice is their Biltmore Village Thriller Tour. Apparently, you study a kangaroo that appeared from one other dimension on this tour. Sounds cool to me!
Lastly, on this extremely rated, 2-hour ghost tour, you’ll study 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 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 affords Cuban delicacies and cocktails, or Highland Brewing which is simply exterior of downtown, however affords nice views, beers, and a chilled-out vibe.
21. See a Present
It doesn’t matter what night time of the week it’s, there are many exhibits occurring in Asheville. Take your choose between theatrical performances, stand-up comedy, reside music, and extra.
The reside music scene is without doubt one of the issues I really like probably the most about Asheville.
The 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 number of the greatest locations to see music right here embody the Asheville Music Corridor, Salvage Station, and the Orange Peel.
Make sure you examine the calendar and see what’s taking part in while you’re on the town.
Through the hotter months, you’ll additionally discover many various outside occasions and festivals occurring in Asheville.
One such pageant is Shindig on the Inexperienced, which takes place all all through the summer season at Pack Sq. Park. There are free 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 greatest issues to do in Asheville NC for foodies. The locally-owned meals tour firm Consuming Asheville affords 3 totally different excursions. Choose between the basic tour, the high-roller (with new sizzling spots!), or the chilly one which is a meals and craft beer tour.
For each tour booked, one meal is donated to somebody in want. Study extra about this enjoyable exercise in Asheville.
FAQs About What to Do Asheville
Nonetheless have some questions on actions and points of interest in Asheville? Listed here are solutions to some generally requested questions on this enjoyable metropolis.
Asheville has a relaxed vibe, some superb eating places and breweries, an amazing artwork scene, and the encompassing nature is a paradise. Due to these causes, individuals like Asheville quite a bit!
With a love for yoga, native meals, the good 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 Might 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 probably the most well-known avenue, and it’s among the finest Asheville points of interest. It’s the middle of the walkable downtown part of Asheville.
Now You Know What to Do in Asheville NC
Properly, there you’ve got it. I hope you’ve loved this Asheville weblog, which gave you a have a look at one in all my many houses away from residence.
Asheville is such a cool metropolis with a lot to supply, whether or not you’re into the good 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!
Photos on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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