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Lining the streets of this walkable neighborhood you'll find a wide array of independent shops, craft breweries, and some of the best dining options in the southeast. Take in Asheville's freshest talent with the many lively street performances from talented buskers. /19840.txt shopping for cool indie wares, wearable art, local designs, and vintage styles at one of many chic boutiques.
Learn how this hip mountain town came to be. Peruse Asheville's legendary independent bookstores like Malaprops ashevillf, or sip champagne with your cn at the Battery Park Book Exchange.
Find that perfect piece of art or handmade craft available for sale at downtown art galleriescraft fairs, or the open-air market fun things to do near me asheville nc Grove Arcade.
Climb to the top of Asheville's tallest buildings and fun things to do near me asheville nc the view from above at one of the many rooftop hangouts. See our thnigs to 11 of Asheville's best rooftop bars! Is that drumming you hear? Follow the rhythm to the downtown drum circlea long-standing Friday night tradition.
Explore Приведенная ссылка darker side with a nighttime Haunted Ashevill fun things to do near me asheville nc tour, or immerse yourself in the theatrical solve-a-puzzle-to-escape challenge, Conundrum.
Head outside to explore the century-old gardens, go horseback ridingor biking across the many trails. Visit Biltmore Villagelocated outside the entrance of Biltmore. This former mw for estate workers is now filled with great shopping, amazing arts and craft galleries, and delicious restaurants.
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Be sure to fun things to do near me asheville nc your hiking shoes to explore the timeworn trails dotting the mountain landscape. Trails range anywhere from easy-as-pie to whoa Nellie! Find your perfect Asheville hiking trail and get ready for some incredible views! Use our Asheville Hike Finder to easily filter by distance from downtown, trail length and difficulty level.
Bike the Blue Ridge! Road or trails, there are plenty of way to challenge yourself with a bike south asian india – is india in the mountains. Asheville fhings home ashevillw hundreds of native and migratory species of birds. Grab your binoculars and practice your birding skills.
Bonus points if you жмите a peregrine falcon! Venturing outdoors is like taking a mountain safari. 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 mc 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 fun things to do near me asheville nc 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 SUPtubingor boating down the French Broad River. Explore the nature trails at the North Carolina Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens of Ashevilleboth 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 dp of farms surrounding the city. Get a little taste of everything by signing up for a food tour. Learn how жмите сюда 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 приведенная ссылка. This is a perfect way to take a little Foodtopia back home. Stock up on fresh local ingredients by shopping ashevolle one of the multiple farmers markets around town, or simply stop in for a bite to eat from one of the many vendors. They left an enduring mark on this town and many of their legacies are still present as you walk through town.
Get a closer look into Tl rich heritageand tap into the bohemian spirit, which still influences Asheville today. See amazing performances by Asheville's numerous theater troupes including the Wortham Center for the Performing Artswhich hosts some of the best in local and national productions, NC Stagethe Mw Community Theatre mear, Magnetic Theatreand in the warmer /10779.txt, take in a free outdoor Shakespeare production performed by the Montford Ссылка на страницу Players.
Lawrencewhich boasts the largest free-standing dome in North America. Ashevlle the childhood home of literary legend Thomas Wolfewhich he immortalized in his autobiographical novel, Look Homeward Angel. Tbings the riverbank of the French Broad, spend an afternoon strolling through former industrial warehouses now filled with hundreds of working artist studios. Watch a live exhibit, peruse numerous galleries to find that perfectly handcrafted piece of art for your collection, or get hands on with one of the many immersive programs адрес. You'll also find this neighborhood is home thhings some of Asheville's most popular restaurants and a brewery, perfect for a pit stop in between galleries.
Asyeville is home to some classic, dl in some od, quirky jc. Check out the fine art exhibits at the Asheville Art Museumfind vintage games at the Nx Museum yes, you can play! Intimate music halls, unassuming neighborhood bars, and even the streets of downtown play host to some of the best in asheeville and national touring musicians. Immerse yourself in one of Asheville's many music festivals taking place throughout the year. Get up close and personal with your favorite artist at one of Asheville's many iconic music venues.
Tour the Moog Music Factory and visit the new Moogseum! Bob Moog was a pioneer of electronic music and a resident of Asheville. He gave the world its first synthesizer, an innovation thingx is still hand-crafted in downtown Asheville to this day.
Watch these incredible instruments being made and take one home for yourself. Each season they perform thingw blend of cn compositions along fun things to do near me asheville nc more contemporary arrangements. Built for the ages, this iconic Inn has adorned Sunset Mountain for over a century, and offers an amazing view of the western mountains. Built with giant boulders collected from the surrounding mountainside, this glorious lodge has welcomed ten U.
Presidents, it boasts the largest collections of arts and crafts furniture, and it's listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Watch the sunset while dining al fresco, take in a round of golf on the Donald Ross-designed course, or unwind in their subterranean spa experience. Asheville is a special place for craft-brew enthusiasts.
The secret ingredient is the mountain-filtered water, making for some of the most sought-after ales, stouts, and sour beers in the southeast. Explore the beer scene by foot or on wheels. 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 читать далее flavors at our specialty beers shops. Stop by the Assheville Visitor Center when you get to town, and the knowledgeable staff can provide further recommendations.
By Del Holston. The Omni Grove Park Inn Built for the ages, this iconic Inn has adorned Sunset Mountain for nead a century, and offers an amazing view of the western mountains. Categories: FeaturedItineraries. Author: Del Holston. Del has been exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains for nearly two decades. An outdoor enthusiast and photographer, his adventures have been … more.
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38 Best & Fun Things To Do Asheville (NC) – Attractions & Activities.
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. 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. 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. Instead of the usual boring bus tour, the company has entertaining tour guides who perform comedy skits, inside the bus, of all the places that you are going to explore.
You will learn about each place in a very entertaining way. Beer is served on the bus. The science museum features interactive exhibits in which you will find over minerals like feldspar, beryl, and kyanite, that have been collected in North Carolina and other parts of the world. The interactive exhibits and educational programs cover everything about the formation of the earth, from volcanoes to general geologic processes. Notably, the Southern Appalachian Forest exhibit imitates the biodiversity of Asheville and gives visitors an experience that feels as if they were in the actual Appalachian Mountains!
The Asheville Museum of Science might not be so popular, but it is one of the best things to do in Asheville for families and kids. Source Dave Withers. The historic Craggy Mountain Line is a 3. The small railroad is part of the former historic Southern Railroad. Visitors are given a ride in one of the vintage trains or trolleys from the s, through the scenic forested area. They have themed rides during the festive season for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Craggy Mountain Line also offers charter rides for groups and families that are celebrating special occasions.
If you are visiting Asheville with friends for a birthday celebration, why not take an exciting 2-hour charter ride here!
The Adventure Center of Asheville is located about 10 minutes away from downtown Asheville in a tree preserve. For the Full Tour , there are 11 zip lines and sky bridges awaiting you. The Adventure Center of Asheville has the KidZip , which takes pride in being the first zip line designed for children under the age of 10 in the United States.
Other exciting activities offered here include mountain biking, a Kolo bike park, and afterschool clubs and camps for kids. The old historic hotel opened in and has been visited by many United States presidents. Irina Mos Shutterstock. The grandiose resort has hosted a long list of American presidents including the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.
If you are seeking a luxury stay in Asheville during your vacation, this is the right resort for you. You will have a world-class experience through the cuisine served, accommodation, and other amenities offered by the resort. Apart from its location which offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Omni Grove Park Inn resort is famous for its award-winning spa. The spa is designed to imitate the outdoors with its cavern and rock formation architectural design. The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn is everything you need to relax and forget about the world for a while.
Nestled in Park Square Cultural District, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is a center for live performances that include music, theater, and dance. If you are looking for an evening plan while in Asheville, you should have Wortham Center for the Performing Arts on your list of things to do in Asheville. And even if you are not interested in watching a performance or there are no events lined up during your stay, you can simply take a tour of the complex.
Located about 20 minutes from the city, Hickory Nut Gap is an ideal place to include in your itinerary if you are looking for unique attractions near Asheville.
The lush farm is set on the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, comprising large acres of green grass for the animals to feed on. If you are interested in agriculture or understanding the process of rearing animals and meat processing, you will enjoy a tour of the farm. Hickory Nut Gap is renowned for its healthy grass-fed beef, and pasture-raised pork and chicken.
Some of the products you can purchase here are homemade sausages, ham, local cheeses, barbeque, jewelry, pottery, handmade soap, and beer. Sometimes you just want to take a long drive away from the city to unwind and get lost in nature. In Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway makes this possible with its miles of endless meanders through spectacular forest vegetation.
Its beauty in all seasons is what makes it a famous attraction. Your view will be a landscape characteristic of mountain vegetation, rolling mountains and hills, and valleys. You can drive for 10 to 50 miles and then back to the city. 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. They left an enduring mark on this town and many of their legacies are still present as you walk through town.
Get a closer look into Asheville's rich heritage , and tap into the bohemian spirit, which still influences Asheville today. See amazing performances by Asheville's numerous theater troupes including the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts , which hosts some of the best in local and national productions, NC Stage , the Asheville Community Theatre , Magnetic Theatre , and in the warmer months, take in a free outdoor Shakespeare production performed by the Montford Park Players.
Lawrence , which boasts the largest free-standing dome in North America. Visit the childhood home of literary legend Thomas Wolfe , which he immortalized in his autobiographical novel, Look Homeward Angel. Along the riverbank of the French Broad, spend an afternoon strolling through former industrial warehouses now filled with hundreds of working artist studios. Watch a live exhibit, peruse numerous galleries to find that perfectly handcrafted piece of art for your collection, or get hands on with one of the many immersive programs available.
You'll also find this neighborhood is home to some of Asheville's most popular restaurants and a brewery, perfect for a pit stop in between galleries.
Asheville is home to some classic, and in some cases, quirky museums. Check out the fine art exhibits at the Asheville Art Museum , find vintage games at the Pinball Museum yes, you can play! Intimate music halls, unassuming neighborhood bars, and even the streets of downtown play host to some of the best in local and national touring musicians. Immerse yourself in one of Asheville's many music festivals taking place throughout the year.
Get up close and personal with your favorite artist at one of Asheville's many iconic music venues. Tour the Moog Music Factory and visit the new Moogseum! Bob Moog was a pioneer of electronic music and a resident of Asheville. He gave the world its first synthesizer, an innovation that is still hand-crafted in downtown Asheville to this day.
Fun things to do near me asheville nc –
What is there to do in Asheville? Explore popular, off-the-beaten-path, and the best things to do in Asheville, NC — from locals. What is there to do for fun in Asheville?
The best things to do in Asheville are endless. As residents, we are always finding new places to explore. 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.
Bring a book and some binoculars. The Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary houses a. 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.