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The entire estate will probably take the average guest an entire afternoon to get a good look at all there is to offer. Nature lovers can enjoy the most gorgeous species of plants that North Carolina has to offer, whether they are active outdoors or not. This Arboretum has more 65 acres of gardens, plus an additional 10 miles of trails outside, leading to more great views. The arboretum is famous for its great bonsai trees and exotic flowers.
Take your time going through these gardens and join one of the many tour guides. There are thirty stops in total on a 1. This unique granite formation shoots up over two thousand feet high.
Chimney Rock really lives up to its name. Designed by Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish architect who worked on the Biltmore Estate, in , it is a mark of the 20th-century prosperity that the city and its wealthiest residents enjoyed.
Guastavino worked with fellow Biltmore architect Richard Sharp Smith to create what he felt the city needed: an opulent and grand Catholic church. Religious artifacts live inside, from German stained glass windows to Italian statues and even a marble frescoed high altar.
Keen to explore other areas of North Carolina? Why not check out some of the places to visit in Greensboro, NC? The reason Pink Dog Creative is one of the best artistic Asheville attractions is that artists here open their studios for two days every week. It is an interactive location that is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.
It showcases artifacts and information regarding the life and times of Bob Moog, or Robert Arthur Moog, who had a huge impact on the electronic music scene with his synthesizers. He would also invent concepts for the synth, like envelope generation, voltage control, pitch wheel, and modularity — all key fundamentals now! Moog began working on his synthesizer back in and it quickly skyrocketed to popularity — especially in , when it was used in a Grammy-winning album.
Moog passed away in and, a year later, his family established the Bob Moog Foundation to retain and pass on his legacy. Exhibits are interactive and involve multiple senses, with visualization showcases, playable exhibits, and educational info about how electricity can make sound.
For unique activities and unorthodox stuff to do, check out the Asheville Mystery Museum. 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.
Having a big vacation in a small town may not sound practical, but Bryson City never settles for practicality! Ever want to have an adventurous trip with your friends?
Then Bryson City is for you! One place you can visit when in Bryson City is the Tunnel to Nowhere. Despite its creative and unusual name, the Tunnel does in fact lead to somewhere: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is on the way to the park and part of an absolutely beautiful landscape. Visiting Deep Creek at Smoky Mountains National Park is a must where you could either chill with your floaties near the waterfalls or go fishing, swimming, horseback riding, or camping!
It is even a great place to visit in winter! The hike to the park is very easy and a mere 2. However easy, make sure to take a map of the trail with you! When in Pigeon Forge, you will definitely have a blast with your family! From playing mini-golf to g-carting to whitewater rafting, Pigeon Forge has it all! Did we miss any amazing places to visit near Asheville?
Let us know your favorite day trips from Asheville NC in the comments. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Are you planning your trip to Asheville last minute? Linville Caverns 2. Johnson City 3. Nantahala National Forest 4.
Brevard 5. Ocoee Whitewater Center 6. Greenville 7. There are themed exhibits on everything from Blue Ridge flora and fauna to Cherokee history , traditional Appalachian culture, and the construction of the Parkway which lasted from to The Visitor Center features a foot, interactive digital map of the Parkway, as well as an award-winning minute film that offers an excellent overview of the history and nature that make the BRP so special.
It ultimately connects to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail , which stretches 1, miles from the North Carolina mountains to its coast. One of our favorite memories from our latest trip to Asheville was a magnificent picnic we shared while watching the sunset at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center.
Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost Note that it can get quite windy and cold up there, with an elevation of approximately 5, feet. So this excellent Asheville attraction brought back loads of nostalgic arcade memories. They also offer adult beverages such as beer some from local breweries , as well as snacks and sodas. As we search for a Blue Ridge Mountain town to call home, Weaverville NC would be at the top of our list if real estate prices were not a factor. Located 8 miles from downtown Asheville, Weaverville population 4, feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the burgeoning metropolis.
There are lots of fun things to do in Weaverville NC, including an array of downtown parks, great restaurants , historical museums , and cultural attractions. From weekly drum circles in Pritchard Park to decades of killer concerts at the Orange Peel, Asheville is known as one of the hippest music towns in the Blue Ridge region. The Moog Store and Moogseum both offer great opportunities to learn more about this iconic inventor and his enduring influence on the evolution of popular music.
The Moog Store is offering small group sessions by appt only that include a brief history of Moog Music, demos of historically significant instruments, and more. Located on a picturesque acre plot of land in Leicester NC about 17 miles from Downtown Asheville , this fourth-generation family farm started focusing on growing grapes back in They have more than 6 acres of grapes planted now, and plan to gradually expand it 10 acres. You can also purchase their small-batch wines online.
Although there are no apple orchards in Asheville proper, there are quite a few options in Hendersonville NC, which is just 25 miles south of the city. Starting on Labor Day weekend, the farm also features family-friendly activities such as an apple cannon, cow train, and a corn maze you can try to navigate.
Formally known as the Basilica of St. Inside, the basilica features elaborate stained glass windows made in Munich , statues of saints made in Italy , a marble altar from Tennessee , and a wood carving of the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle made in Spain.
Walk-in visits are permitted during the hours posted on their website, and self-guided tours of the basilica are free though donations are always appreciated. Horseback riding is a great way to immerse yourself in natural beauty Asheville has to offer, and the Biltmore Equestrian Center offers private two-hour tours. Theirs are the only Asheville horseback riding tours within the city limits, exploring the trails of the historic property. Led by an expert local guide, this tour includes transportation to and from Asheville, refreshments, and the opportunity to see several waterfalls while learning about the area's history, flora, and fauna.
Biltmore Estate in Asheville. At the center of this 8,acre estate is Vanderbilt Mansion , the largest private home in the United States. The mansion alone encompasses four acres and features rooms — bedrooms and 43 bathrooms.
In addition to admiring the artwork, antiques, and impressive architecture in the home, also leave time to stroll through the gardens and River Bend Farm.
Be sure to set aside plenty of time to fully explore the estate. For an additional charge, you can get a guided tour, which shows parts of the estate that are not open to the public, as well as a tour that highlights the estate's extensive sustainability efforts.
If you want to make this the focus of your trip, consider a stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, one of the top resorts in Asheville. Official site: www. Downtown Asheville. The funky, artsy, and eclectic downtown area of Asheville has a friendly, Bohemian vibe. Street performers of all kinds, from mimes to musicians, frequently make appearances.
Feel free to join in the regular drum circles that take place at Pritchard Park every Friday night and spontaneously on other nights throughout the summer.
If you don't want to participate, just stand around and enjoy the entertainment. You can also explore the historic Urban Trail , a 1.
If you are looking for that special souvenir that captures the spirit of Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains, be sure to stop in at The Grove Arcade. This wonderfully restored building dates from and is full of unique shops. In the evening, try and snag a spot on the patio of one of the many fine restaurants lining a full city block, and engage in some serious people watching.
Downtown Asheville is a good place to stay if you want to enjoy the city. You can park the car and walk everywhere if you base yourself in the city center. The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a acre facility dedicated to educating the public about the area's varied animal life and natural habitats. Indoor exhibits include resident reptiles and amphibians; small mammals; and the World Underground exhibit, which explores what lies beneath. The Nature Center is a fun family destination with a focus on natural play.
Outdoor play areas offer all kinds of interesting and engaging natural things to do that will appeal to kids of all ages. Kids can also try their luck at finding that special rock at the gem and mining sluice for an additional fee. After exploring, take a rest and catch one of the many animal programs that let you get up close with snakes, turtles, and even otters.
Best places to visit near asheville nc –
Helen is one of the coolest small towns in Georgia. For all those who are adrenaline junkies or just like to simply hang out and relax, Helen is for them as it has just the right mix of both!
You can do so at the Unicoi State Park. When visiting Lake Lure NC , make sure to engage in as many activities as you possibly can, as, although you may think that activities available at lakes are limited, there is much to see and do near Lake Lure! For example, if you like horseback riding, you stop by the Cedar Creek Riding Stables where you can choose from different tours and pick the one that suits your needs the most.
You can also take advantage of the golf areas there and go golfing. There, you can enjoy the gorgeous lawns, the awesome water features, and walkways ready for you to explore! You can also visit the Tennessee Movie Theater. First opened in , the movie theater has only grown over time, creating an atmosphere truly worth visiting!
The place is seen as a historic place in Tennessee and still has the historic architecture and feel to it as well! Down in Blowing Rock , experience the extraordinary remnants of American history as well as a touch of European influence. There, you can explore the cute churches that add to the picturesque scenery of the mountains. The oldest church there is on Main Street, which first opened in The churches are still open for service and prayer today, so feel free to join.
The art mainly portrays nature, and Blowing Rock is a place where nature and appreciating nature is a big part of society, it only makes sense that the material at their museum would be no different. Carl Sandburg was one of the most influential authors of the 20th century, winning three Pulitzer Prizes. According to President Lyndon B.
If you enjoy the works of this popular American author or you simply want to learn more about him, you can visit his home, which is now a National Historic Site. If you would like to visit, hours are from 10 am-3 pm, seven days a week. For a day filled with new revelations along with feeling the comfort that is the coziness of small towns, visit Boone!
Located not too far from Asheville , it has a world of its own, filled with history, art, and much more! One place you can visit is the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine.
Gem mining has played a huge role in the area because of the jewels found in places like Boone. This is when the era of the Gold Rush started. One of the major tourist attractions as well as creative wonders of Toccoa is the Broken Bridges! Because of its obvious rich soil and awesome natural benefits, Toccoa is also ideal for making wine! When in Toccoa, make sure to stop by the Currahee Vineyard and Winery where you can enjoy the scenic views of the vineyard while enjoying some tasty local wine.
Filled with waterfalls and breathtaking views, Pisgah National Forest is definitely for those who love and appreciate being in the great outdoors. It also has some of the best waterfalls near Asheville! Hikers can enjoy hiking up to reach either the heights to enjoy the amazing views, or they could hike up to reach the many beautiful North Carolina waterfalls in the forest.
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. AMOS is also one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Asheville. They even have a forest-themed playground with bears. Visitors of the home can take a guided tour, walk the park, hike the grounds, or visit the bookstore.
Looking for dark tourist things to do in Asheville, NC? Head to Riverside Cemetery to pay your respects to literary greats. Henry — are buried here. Grab a walking guide at the gates and stroll 3. Grab our guide to Riverside Cemetery , and see why we think this is one of the best haunted places to visit in Asheville.
If you are looking for evening things to do in Asheville, attend a concert. We try to list a few concerts and live music on our Asheville Events Calendar. Picture quirky and comedic theater under the stars as fireflies light up the night sky. They are magical. Many of the plays are by Shakespeare, but they mix it up too. Bring or purchase boozy beverages. Theatergoers go all out with their professional picnic baskets. Rent or bring your own chairs and blankets.
While tickets are free, leave a generous donation. Performers circulate the crowd at intermission with collection baskets. Well-behaved pooches are welcome.
Grab dinner at Nine Mile beforehand. Riverside Cemetery is nearby. Thinking of attending? Opened to the public in , experienced guides take you into this subterranean world, providing the history of the caverns and allowing you to view the work of nature.
The temperature stays a comfortable 52 degrees Fahrenheit virtually year-round. During winter and early spring, you'll also see bats that hibernate here. The Rocky Broad River tumbles downward through Hickory Nut Gorge to feed the deep, clear waters of Lake Lure , a acre body of water beautifully surrounded by tree-covered mountain ridges.
A favorite of water-sports enthusiasts, Lake Lure has a beach and marina where you can swim, boat, sail, canoe, kayak, fish, tube, wake board, water ski and knee board. Scott Fitzgerald to Franklin Roosevelt. However, the inn and surrounding area may now be best known for the filming of Dirty Dancing.
But there is much more than scenery to keep you busy, including hiking, rock climbing and nature explorations. The intimate setting of the seat establishment and the wide variety of performances make this a wonderful place to catch something exciting that everyone will enjoy!
The Asheville Urban Trail spans 1. The tour is self-guided and takes you through five different eras in time, ranging from the very beginning of the Gilded Age to the current age, called the Age of Diversity. It takes about two hours to complete the self-guided tour, which feels a little like a scavenger hunt in many ways.
The one sculpture you must make a point to find your way to with the tour travel guide is the Flat Iron Sculpture, named after the Flatiron building, by local artist Reed Todd. It was set up in as a bit of a joking nod to the flatiron buildings popping up in the early s. This sculpture is a part of the Asheville Public Art Collection and is known in North Carolina for its unorthodox, tongue-in-cheek nature!
Designed by Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish architect who worked on the Biltmore Estate, in , it is a mark of the 20th-century prosperity that the city and its wealthiest residents enjoyed. Guastavino worked with fellow Biltmore architect Richard Sharp Smith to create what he felt the city needed: an opulent and grand Catholic church.
Religious artifacts live inside, from German stained glass windows to Italian statues and even a marble frescoed high altar. Keen to explore other areas of North Carolina? Why not check out some of the places to visit in Greensboro, NC? The reason Pink Dog Creative is one of the best artistic Asheville attractions is that artists here open their studios for two days every week. It is an interactive location that is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.
It showcases artifacts and information regarding the life and times of Bob Moog, or Robert Arthur Moog, who had a huge impact on the electronic music scene with his synthesizers. He would also invent concepts for the synth, like envelope generation, voltage control, pitch wheel, and modularity — all key fundamentals now! Moog began working on his synthesizer back in and it quickly skyrocketed to popularity — especially in , when it was used in a Grammy-winning album.
Moog passed away in and, a year later, his family established the Bob Moog Foundation to retain and pass on his legacy. Exhibits are interactive and involve multiple senses, with visualization showcases, playable exhibits, and educational info about how electricity can make sound.
For unique activities and unorthodox stuff to do, check out the Asheville Mystery Museum. 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.