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 is perhaps one in every of probably the most lovely cities in the US.
Take within the views of town from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and also you’ll shortly see why it’s known as the Land of the Sky.
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 in relation to 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 gained’t wish to miss.
I’ve spent lots of time in Asheville over the past decade, and in reality, my spouse and I bought 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 sit up for visiting.
On this Asheville journey weblog, I’m excited to share a number 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 incredible instance of the Gilded Age and a completely gorgeous place to discover.
The Biltmore Property is definitely the largest privately-owned house within the US.
It options an astounding 250 rooms and is surrounded by picturesque gardens, ponds, and a beautiful conservatory full of varied vegetation and flowers.
After touring the property and the grounds, make sure to drop by the vineyard. You may take a tour of the underground cellars, pattern a number of differing types, and decide up a bottle of your favourite wine to take house.
You may go to the Biltmore Property day-after-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 succeed in the property, which you could find on the map right here.
Tackle: One Lodge Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28803, USA
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2. Take a Strolling Tour
Every time I’m in a brand new metropolis, I like happening 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 glorious self-guided strolling excursions of Asheville. They’ve an city path in addition to an structure path you can comply with.
Each have interactive and printable maps, and the city path even has an audio information as properly.
If you happen to’d favor to go along with a information, you possibly can join the Tip-Based mostly Asheville Strolling Tour.
This glorious strolling tour is about 2.5 hours lengthy, taking you thru downtown Asheville whereas overlaying all of the highlights and insider tips about the place to eat and drink (plus some samples alongside the best way). The associated fee is predicated on suggestions, so no matter you are feeling is suitable.
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
If you happen to’re questioning what to do in Asheville, simply soar in your automotive and take a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This Nationwide Parkway and All-American Highway is a part of the Appalachian Mountains and one of the vital scenic drives within the nation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway truly stretches via 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 unbelievable locations to go to in your journey to Asheville.
Each time we have now individuals come to go to after we’re in Asheville, one of many first issues we do is head out for a drive on the Blue Ridge. These 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
Probably the greatest issues to do in Asheville NC is mountaineering up the path at Ms. Pisgah, which is definitely accessible by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It’s a few 45-minute to hour-long hike to succeed in the highest of Mt. Pisgah. Whereas it’s not precisely a simple hike, it’s not too tough both. The hike is about 1.2 miles (1.85 km) to the highest and there are many locations to relaxation alongside the best way.
There’s a big TV tower on the prime and an remark deck. From right here, you possibly can take pleasure in a number of the greatest views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and town off within the distance. You could find the trailhead for Mt. Pisgah on the map right here.
One other nice choice is to hitch this expertise with an area information and luxuriate in a 3-5 mile hike with unbelievable views. This off-track hike is inexpensive, 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 certain to work up an urge for food. When you can definitely carry a picnic lunch to have on the Parkway, my vote goes to having fun with a meal on the close by Pisgah Inn.
Seize a drink and head out to their remark deck when you look ahead 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 may get instructions and discover the Pisgah Inn on the map right here.
If you happen to’d relatively be up within the mountains than down on the town, you would possibly wish to look into reserving a room right here. It’s fairly superior when you possibly can get up and have the Blue Ridge Mountains proper outdoors your window!
6. Play Disc Golf
If you happen to benefit from the nice open air, one of many prime 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 a substitute. 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 completely different discs within the course of.
The largest distinction between disc golf and common golf is that it’s nearly all the time completely free! That’s the case at close by Richmond Hill, a wonderful course and native hangout. Get instructions and discover the park on the map right here.
If you happen to’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 cellphone quantity on discs as a precautionary measure.
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7. Feast on Southern Meals
Asheville is house to loads of superb eating places of all completely different kinds. If you happen to’re travelling right here for the primary time, I like to recommend sticking principally to southern fare. In any case, you’re within the south despite the fact that the State is North Carolina!
For brunch, a stable alternative 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 like the pulled pork) and prime it off with their numerous 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 individuals, so you recognize your cash goes proper into the native financial system if you eat right here.
I personally love their Redneck Pot Pie or buttermilk fried hen. You may 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 whole! As such, sampling native craft beer needs to be excessive atop your checklist of issues to do in Asheville NC.
Strolling round Asheville, you’re by no means too removed from a brewery. Among the greatest locations for a beer embrace 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 completely 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, make sure to join properly prematurely! I’ve been to lots of breweries, and these are two of the most effective I’ve ever seen.
9. Go to a Few Museums
If you happen to’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 occupied with artwork, science, and even pinball, there’s a museum for you right here.
The Asheville Artwork Museum has just lately had some main renovations and is greater and higher than ever!
It’s open from 11-6 Monday-Sunday (closed Tuesday) and 11-9 on Thursday, and tickets price $15. You could find the museum on the map right here.
Only a block away, you’ll discover the Asheville Museum of Science. They’ve bought a lot of cool exhibitions and shows which might be enjoyable for all ages. It’s open Monday-Saturday from 10-5 (closed Tuesday) and from 1-5 on Sunday and prices $10 to go to.
If you happen to love a very good 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 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 prime 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 full of life place. There are demonstrations, workshops, wine tastings, stay music, and much more. There’s even a free trolley you can experience as you bounce across the completely different venues.
Whether or not you’re occupied with portray, ceramics, pictures, or jewellery, you’ll discover one thing to take pleasure in within the RAD.
When you’re over right here, make sure to drop in one other glorious native craft brewery — Wedge. You could find 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.
Certainly one of my absolute favourite issues to do in Asheville is tubing down the river. One of the simplest ways to benefit from the Homer Simpson of water sports activities is by signing up for this tubing expertise. It’s like a floating pub crawl!
I gained’t give all of it away, nevertheless it’s lots of enjoyable and you may also carry 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 lots of music. A few of it could 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 if you play music in public and easily open your guitar/violin/keyboard case to take suggestions from passersby.
The varied musicians busking round downtown Asheville actually add to the eclectic ambiance of town. If you happen to benefit from the music, cease for some time to hear and toss a couple of bucks in to indicate your appreciation.
13. Day Journey to Scorching Springs
If you happen to’re on the lookout for some good old school R&R in your journey to Asheville, then it’s possible you’ll wish to add in a day journey out to the city of Scorching Springs, NC. It’s not only a intelligent title, because the small city is house to some superb scorching springs.
It’s a few 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville on the market, and it’s properly price it.
The Scorching 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 scorching springs is simply what you want. That is undoubtedly one of the vital stress-free issues to do in Asheville.
The resort has a wide range of completely different choices, so make sure to verify their web site for particulars.
Simply make sure to guide prematurely, because it’s a well-liked place. In addition they have a number of completely different selections for on-site lodging in case you’re . You may get instructions to the Scorching 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 take pleasure in 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 full of individuals drumming, dancing, and singing.
Even in case you don’t have a drum of any type, it’s a very good time. You may simply dance to the music and luxuriate in connecting with individuals. As soon as the drum circle wraps up, you’re smack dab in the course of downtown Asheville on a Friday night time.
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15. Store on the Grove Arcade
Be sure you swing by the Grove Arcade downtown in case you’re seeking to do some procuring 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 various array of outlets, together with the Batter Park E book Trade and Champagne Bar, Nutz About Fudge, the Woodrow Instrument Firm, and rather more.
Along with all the nice 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 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 have been questioning, sure, it’s the similar Grove that began the procuring arcade.
E.W. Grove is called the “father of contemporary Asheville.” He was a self-made millionaire who moved right here in 1910 and opened this grand inn quickly thereafter. 100 years later, it’s nonetheless going sturdy as one in every of Asheville’s premier resorts.
Even in case you don’t splurge on a room on the inn, it’s properly price it to pay a go to right here.
E book your self a pleasant spa remedy 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 one of the vital standard issues to do in Asheville.
In case you have your personal wheels and are keen to drive 45 minutes to an hour outdoors of city, you’ve gotten tons of choices for glorious 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 problem and distance from city. Simply verify this superior Asheville path finder to determine which choice is greatest for you!
If you happen to don’t have your personal automobile 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. Study extra right here.
18. Discover the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is one other implausible alternative for spending time open air in Asheville. Right here you’ll discover some pretty cultivated gardens, a bonsai exhibit, mountaineering & biking paths, and rather more.
It’s an incredible place to spend a few hours, particularly on a pleasant day.
Really, the arboretum can be a stable alternative 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 tip of the 12 months.
The arboretum is open from 8-7 within the fall/winter and from 8-9 within the spring/summer time. They don’t cost an entrance payment per individual, however relatively cost a flat payment of $20 per automobile to enter. You could find them on the map right here.
Tackle: 20 Frederick Regulation Olmsted Method, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
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19. Go on a Ghost Tour
One of many spookiest issues to do in Asheville is occurring a ghost tour. Haunted Asheville has a number of completely different choices for chilling, thrilling excursions which might be enjoyable for the entire household.
On their basic strolling tour, you’ll study the tales behind a few of Asheville’s most haunted spots from a resident ghost knowledgeable. Excursions normally run at 8 PM and typically there’s one other one at 9. Tickets price $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids 14 and beneath.
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 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 outdoors 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 happening in Asheville. Take your decide between theatrical performances, stand-up comedy, stay music, and extra.
The stay music scene is without doubt one of the issues I like probably the most about Asheville.
The town has a number of venues that vary in dimension and elegance, so that you get all kinds of various acts coming to city. Among the greatest locations to see music right here embrace the Asheville Music Corridor, Salvage Station, and the Orange Peel.
Be sure you verify the calendar and see what’s enjoying if you’re on the town.
In the course of the hotter months, you’ll additionally discover many various out of doors occasions and festivals occurring in Asheville.
One such competition is Shindig on the Inexperienced, which takes place all all through the summer time at Pack Sq. Park. There are free exhibits most Saturdays in addition to a lot of casual jam periods and different enjoyable issues happening.
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 completely different excursions. Decide 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. 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 incredible artwork scene, and the encompassing nature is a paradise. Due to these causes, individuals like Asheville lots!
With a love for yoga, native meals, the nice open air, music, artwork, and beer, Asheville might undoubtedly be thought-about 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 time 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 road, 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
Effectively, there you’ve gotten it. I hope you’ve loved this Asheville weblog, which gave you a have a look at one in every of my many houses away from house.
Asheville is such a cool metropolis with a lot to supply, whether or not you’re into the nice open air, epic adventures, the humanities, or simply stress-free and chilling out. No matter you do, there’s all the time a lot of superb beer, meals, views, and music!
Photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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