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Since we cover a mile radius around Asheville 16 countieswhat to do around asheville north carolina is something what to do around asheville north carolina everyone, no matter your interests. If you love outdoor activities, there are so many places to go in our national forests and parks, filled with hiking trails, waterfalls and spectacular mountain views. Start making your wish list what to do around asheville north carolina – and click the links for many more ideas!
Check our calendar of events for festivals during each season, including art caeolina craft shows, throughout the year including most weekends. Most of these things to do are free! Skip to main content. Search form Search. Nantahala Outdoor Center offers whitewater rafting trips on the What to do around asheville north carolina Broad River just outside of Asheville, or just a short drive is acres of family-friendly adventure near Bryson What is ethnic makeup of carolina with over itineraries of river and land-based activities like rafting, kayaking, zip lines, ropes courses, mountain biking, hiking and more.
Go to their website. Save to Trip. There's a lot happening in this lake town! In addition to a beach to keep cool on hot summer's day, there's ssheville wonderful Town Center Walkway that connects the beach to the beautiful Нажмите чтобы прочитать больше Bridge. Take a boat tour of the lake or bring your mountain bike for their new trail system at Buffalo Creek Park. Read and see more! Stroll through t variety of gardens and on peaceful woodland trails, located in Asheville adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Don't miss their impressive bonsai garden exhibit and many special events di the year. Open all year and just minutes from downtown Asheville. See our feature.
Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys, and through what to do around asheville north carolina. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing from Bryson City. Many agound event train rides including beer, wine, and Polar Express. Downtown's quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries and general store take hwat back to a more leisurely time. Each summer, Folkmoot U.
On summer Friday nights, come down for the Mountain Street Dances. Soak away your stress in a private hot tub under a canopy of trees, dip into an invigorating cold plunge and relax in the cedar sauna.
After your tp, get a customized massage and a variety of treatments. Located what to do around asheville north carolina ten minutes from downtown Asheville.
The largest downtown in western North Carolina outside of Asheville is filled with historic buildings aroknd updated streetscapes with flowers and art. Find many spots for outdoor dining and a morth variety of quality shops and galleries along a six-block stretch of Main Street.
Free parking. Take the most fun city tour ever in a nortu purple bus full of laughter! Through captivating stories, comedy skits, and an enthralling musical soundscape, experience Asheville's history, current culture, and counterculture with their minute interactive bus tours that depart from downtown.
Haunted and beer tours, too! Stop by their big Tasting Room to best civil war in – best civil war sites south 15 brews every day of the week, along with live music carolinq many outdoor d. Take a minute guided tour of the fascinating brewing and packaging process. Easy wisconsin 2021 coliseum schedule. Just 22 minutes from Asheville, Navitat Canopy Adventures is a world-class eco-adventure with huge ziplines traversing a secluded acre mountain cove with 1, ft of elevation what to do around asheville north carolina.
Fly above the treetops on zip lines up to ft high, from ft to 3, xsheville long and at speeds up to 65 mph! Rappel, walk suspended sky bridges and see xarolina views of the Aroun Ridge Mountains.
Experience a unique oasis in Asheville, a salt-enriched microclimate that allows the body and mind to gain relaxation and balance. The power of salt therapy has been known for centuries. Plus, get a hot salt stone massage and нажмите чтобы узнать больше spa treatments. Read more in our full-page feature on the Salt Cave.
Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee, NC offers a variety of ways to experience the cultural heritage and long history of the tribe. Watch "Unto These Hills. One of the few museums in the carolinw dedicated to ashevill. Near Dillsboro. Picturesque Main Street has many local shops, restaurants, galleries, brewery, museums and favorite O.
Taylor toy store. This is the Land of the Waterfalls with hiking, biking and famous Sliding Rock. Enjoy professional theatre in what to do around asheville north carolina heart of downtown Asheville with world-class productions in craolina very intimate setting only seats!
They also host concerts and other events, so there's something happening whatt every weekend. Asheville Picnic Company caters to your adventurous spirit! The souvenir food baskets are curated with you in mind and filled with local favorites, allowing you to truly experience aseville taste of Asheville while on the go! Explore more with Asheville Picnic in hand! Sample wines in the Tasting Room, included in admission to Biltmore Estate.
Enjoy specialty tastings and a variety of tours. Shop for all the Biltmore wines and plenty of gift items. Located in Antler Hill Village, it's open late every day. Experience a fun-filled rafting adventure with knowledgeable guides or choose a milder calmwater trip csrolina the heart of the scenic valley near Hot Springs. Enjoy both indoor and whwt experiences.
Half and full-day trips. Located at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park in Yancey County, this nationally recognized observatory is open to the public for degree views of the moon, planets, and stars through custom-built telescopes.
Each 2-hour stargazing session offers a chance for ashfville to learn more about the night sky. This historic building houses 30 local shops, restaurants, and lifestyle services. Their Makers Market, an open air market featuring local artisans, is open daily. Grove Arcade is pet-friendly and offers free public WiFi. This former NASA campus in Pisgah National Forest is now a fascinating space and science center open for camps, events and occasional tours. See exhibit galleries, a gem and meteorite collection, hands-on research and star gazing nights.
Previously called Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. North Carolina's only natural limestone caverns cwrolina stalactite, stalagmite formations and an underground stream.
Guided tours. Watch horse jumping competitions with the best riders in the country at this what to do around asheville north carolina new world-class equestrian resort south of Asheville.
Free admission to many events. This t the novelist's boyhood home and setting for "Look Homeward, Angel. Market Street. Stroll through downtown shops and galleries, visit craft breweries norfh enjoy great restaurants.
What to do around asheville north carolina the Catawba Valley Wine Trail. Learn pottery skills from this husband and wife team in their quaint, professional pottery studio! In 2 hour lessons, what to do around asheville north carolina will make 4 pieces, including a turn on the wheel. Choose from 8 finishing colors and have your читать shipped to you once completed.
No experience necessary! Find a big variety of great restaurants, hotel, spa, shopping and more. Come and enjoy the atmosphere and bounty of the mountains.
The retail area features displays of high-quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey and dozens of other farm-fresh items. The market is open year-round, seven days a week. Hike the Appalachian Trail at Max Patch or Lover's Leap, asheviille in natural hot springs, go horseback riding, raft down whitewater rapids, ski, bike, fish, camp and explore the unspoiled mountains just north of Asheville. Relax and rejuvenate as you get pampered at a spa.
From natural hot springs to world-class destination spas, there are plenty of choices. We have been a destination for wellness for centuries. Also, find a mecca for holistic and alternative wellness. In recent years, Asheville has become a well-known destination for travelers seeking читать and alternative wellness.
Shop 75 national and local outlets in this beautiful, new outdoor shopping village. It's located on I, just six miles from Biltmore and seven miles from downtown Asheville. It's pet-friendly, and there are many events and sales throughout the year.
Visit a gallery to be amazed at a big variety of local art and craft, including glass, paintings, pottery and every other medium you can imagine. Asheville and the North Carolina mountains are home to hundreds of world-class what to do around asheville north carolina.
Here are our favorite galleries to see their creations. This tiny town of residents is perhaps best known for its hot mineral springs.
What to do around asheville north carolina.The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
Since is Thompson's Store and Ward's Grill. Learn about the Saluda Grade at the Depot. Raft and tube on the Green River. Video Tour Save to Trip. Shop ’til you drop with a huge variety of stores, galleries and outlets in the Asheville area.
Find plenty of local, unique shops with items you won't find anywhere else. See the best areas to hit. Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views. Of hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, we picked the most spectacular falls that are easy to find. Some can be enjoyed with a short walk or even roadside. Others require a scenic hike. See full descriptions for each, with plenty of photos! Meander tree-lined streets, explore 40 unique shops and relax at 10 cafes and restaurants.
Most businesses are housed in historic cottages and buildings. Don't miss the fabulous New Morning Gallery. Explore a big variety of very interesting museums and historic places in Asheville and the surrounding mountain small towns, filled with the fascinating history and culture of the Appalachian Mountains. Many are free to visit. Find children's museums and other hands-on learning centers in Asheville and Western NC including STEM-focused, interactive play, science museums, aquariums, and more.
Visit for many festivals and gem mining. Find the best places to tube down a river on a hot summer day, including the French Broad River through Asheville, Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains and Green River Gorge – with rentals and shuttle services. Asheville offers a multitude of places to go for live music and dancing any day of the week. Enjoy plenty of fishing spots, whether novice or experienced. Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes and classes geared toward women.
Be a kid again and splash around in a cool mountain swimming hole. Ride down Sliding Rock, swim under a waterfall, sun on a mountain beach or pristine lake, or spend a lazy day tubing down a river. Drive the Parkway north or south from Asheville and quickly climb the Blue Ridge Mountain ridge to see breathtaking vistas. Our mile-by-mile guide of the Parkway covers the mile section near Asheville. Along the way, plan to stop to visit the Folk Art Center or discover one of the other fun things to do along one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
Fly above the trees and experience the mountains' natural beauty from a bird's perspective. No experience is needed.
Canopy guides provide all instruction and assistance. It's fun for all fitness levels! Explore our mountains with hikes, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and many thousands of acres of national forest and park land.
Unwind at one of our favorite downtown Asheville wine bars and great places for cocktails. Check out our very diverse and passionate food and drink scene. Be a little adventurous and try something new. Or, enjoy time-honored classics. From crafted cocktails to local brews, there's plenty to drink. Forage for food, visit a farm or tour a vineyard. Hike, mountain bike or horseback ride a multitude of trails to see many waterfalls and lakes on 10, acres.
Plus, picnic on mountaintops and swim at Hooker Falls. Visitor center, free admission. We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. Overflowing with art and history, thanks to its past use as a weaving and woodworking center, the Grovewood Village — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — is a great artsy enclave to get creative yourself at one of its many art studios or workshops.
And, as far as classes go, choose from pottery painting and glassblowing to candle-making and weaving! Right in the middle of Downtown, Lexington Glassworks is a whimsical combination of art studio, gallery, and bar; you can sign up for classes and walk away with your own handmade glass creation, admire intricate works handcrafted by experts, or simply knock back a beer or two while other tourists meander around.
Keep in mind that the rotating Asheville craft beers are usually only served Fridays through Sundays in the afternoons. As what is officially the oldest house and first mansion in the city, dating back to the s, this National Historic Landmark is also home to some of the most ornate woodcarvings and lush gardens in the area.
One for the hippies and musicians, the Asheville Drum Circle is a weekly opportunity to let loose and get creative, with locals forming their own impromptu percussion group around the bonfire at Pritchard Park on Friday evenings.
As far as drums go, you can simply bring your own or borrow one from a fellow drummer — just make sure to arrive early for a prime spot! Sore muscles after all that hiking? Head to the Blue Ridge Parkway for some soothing yoga — combined with an easy stroll, blissful views, and the open air, it makes for quite a relaxing activity. Or, for something a little different, consider a yoga session atop a stand-up paddleboard on the French Broad River.
One for the sports nuts, McCormick Field is home to the local minor league baseball team, the Asheville Tourists, which plays around 70 home games a year. The Grove Arcade — a historic landmark and one of the first indoor shopping malls in America — is now home to more than shops, with everything from art galleries and boutiques to novelty stores.
Featuring an eclectic line-up of sweet think: stuffed fruity French toast and towering buttermilk pancakes and savory dishes like loaded hash browns and eggs of all shapes and sizes , this bright eaterie is a great place to start the day.
Traveling with youngsters? With areas dedicated to younger kids, older kids, and a seating area for the parents, it makes for a perfect rainy day activity for the whole family. Asheville is a city that loves its craft beer — however, it also loves its harder stuff: whiskey, gin, rum and even moonshine.
With that said, it should come as no surprise that Paris of the South is home to some award-winning distilleries. The Cultivated Cocktails Distillery in East Asheville slings all of the main spirits and sells delicious bitters.
Eda Rhyne Distilling Company stands out for its use of local plants, famous for its signature Amaro liqueur. Asheville Music Hall is a great place for catching local and national artists in the heart of downtown, thanks to its intimate space. With a bounty of mouth-watering food options, Asheville is the perfect place to go on a culinary adventure.
A locally-led food tour! These walking tours take in some of the best restaurants and cafes that Asheville has to offer — many of which are tucked away down alleyways or along cobbled streets you might otherwise miss — and supply you with a delicious snack at each stop.
While every tour is different, expect samples of local cheese, chocolate, coffee, craft beer and more. One for the theater enthusiasts, Montford Park Players is a local performing group that puts on an array of high-quality plays and musicals in yep, you guessed it Montford Park, made all the more special by the warm summer air. The go-to eaterie for Southern fare made from scratch, Tupelo Honey is an Asheville staple.
The restaurant, which also has locations in several other states, serves tantalizing Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, honey-dusted Southern fried chicken, mac and cheese waffles, and heaving desserts.
Scenery aside, Asheville is home to a number of amazing rooftop bars that are perfect for spending an afternoon or evening. With hand-crafted cocktails and views to boot, it screams date night. It is easily the most popular Asheville attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In addition to the massive shop, the Center also houses galleries, all featuring art by local artists. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to see one of the resident artists working in the studio that has windows for the public to look in on.
This makes it one of the coolest places to visit in Asheville! The Biltmore Village was originally built as a place for the employees of the Biltmore Estate.
Now the former employee homes have been converted into a charming shopping district across the street from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate. It is free to wander through the Village, making it one of the best free things to do in Asheville.
There are 40 shops to explore and 10 restaurants and cafes. It is a picturesque way to enjoy a quiet afternoon. The shops are almost all housed in historic homes and cottages. Stroll along on the charming antique brick sidewalks lined with trees and shops. There are also several original buildings in the Village like the Cathedral of All Souls that add to the charming atmosphere.
The best way to see all the best parts of Asheville is through the Urban Trail. If you walk the trail at a leisurely pace, it takes about two hours. It is also completely self-guided and one of the best free things to do in Asheville, NC.
Scott Fitzgerald. The Urban Trail is a super fun way to explore Asheville if you have some time and want to stretch your legs. One of the best things to do in Asheville with kids is the Asheville Museum of Science. The museum is fairly small, but the kids will have tons of fun. It features a more hands-on technique for learning about science. The goal of the Asheville Museum of Science is for visitors to experience science, not just observe it. If you are interested in rocks and minerals, there is the Colburn Hall of Minerals.
They also have a self-guided STEM lab that is also interactive. It is one of the most popular exhibits in the museum. The museum also has exhibits that change throughout the year, making it a fun and exciting Asheville activity to come back to throughout the year.
The kids will love exploring the museum and interacting with all the fun exhibits. Thomas Wolfe was a famous American author in the 20th century. He was born in in Asheville and his childhood home still stands in Asheville. Wolfe would later immortalize his childhood home in his writings, although he gave everything different names. Now visitors can experience the Victorian home as Wolfe would have experienced it.
They offer daily tours and there is also a walking tour you can take around the home and the area. It is in downtown Asheville, so it is a stop on the Urban Trail too. For those interested in American literature or historic homes, this is one of the best things to do in Asheville. It features a unique Spanish Catalan design that is not very common in the area. The church was built in by the famous Spanish architect, Rafael Guastavino. Now the Basilica is the only basilica in Western North Carolina.
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. While the best things to do in Asheville, NC — to us — are all outdoors, our next go-to are those breweries.
Asheville has no shortage of beer. Below, find the best Asheville things to do that involve all of the booze: wineries, distillers, cideries, wine bars, and rooftop bars. You cannot come to Asheville without trying as much of the local craft beer as possible. As locals, what are our favorite breweries in AVL? For something different, Bhramari and Funkatorium sours are sure to impress or weird you out. Directly in Asheville, check out pleb urban winery in the River Arts District.
Of course, Biltmore has a famous winery, and wine tasing is included with your ticket. If you head out of Asheville, our personal favorite wineries are in Hendersonville , including Sawyer Springs, St.
If you know Christine from The Uncorked Librarian, you also know that we partner with Cultivated Cocktails for some of our literary-inspired drinks. They sell the best cocktail schwag, too. Of course, if you are gluten-free or looking for apple-related drinks, Asheville and Hendersonville have the best cideries and meaderies. Many ciders are sold at the local breweries and wineries. Urban Orchard and Noble are the most well-known cideries in Asheville.
Botanist and Barrel and Bold Rock just opened downtown Asheville taprooms. Rooftop bar hopping always makes the top of the list for the best things to do in Asheville, NC. The poshest Asheville rooftop bars promise sunsets, small plates with your Southern favorites, and jaw-dropping views.
Their delicious craft cocktails are perfect before a fancy dinner out in downtown Asheville. You may wish to take an Asheville Rooftop Bar Tour to see them all with a designated driver. 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.
