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It's been a popular resort and relocation area for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities for many years. They have half-day tours that are aimed at beginners ages 8 and up. You can also pedal for beer on a people-fueled pub-cycle. After hours, stroll the grounds with a beer or cider in hand. The 3-hour zip line flight is powered by gravity and a gradual 3 percent elevation change. Spread out along the falls and take a dip in one of its pools.
What to do near asheville north carolina – what to do near asheville north carolina.The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
Get away from it all. Nestled in the Pisgah Forest, these creekside tiny cabins are. Visit Asheville, NC with our guide to the top things to do in the mountains—Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, live music, waterfalls, downtown Asheville. Hike the Appalachian Trail at Max Patch or Lover's Leap, soak in natural hot springs, go horseback riding, raft down whitewater rapids, ski, bike, fish, camp.
– What to do near asheville north carolina – what to do near asheville north carolina
Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures offers half-day, full-day, multi-day, and even nighttime tours guided by locals who know the area like the back of their hand. Best of all, they can customize your Pisgah mountain bike adventure to match your style and ability, whether you prefer climbing, downhill, or single-track riding!
Check out Rumbling Bald Mountain, which features 1, acres of world class technical rock climbing and around 1, boulders to conquer. All are easily accessible by car. Stretching miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway attracts more than 15 million annual visitors a year.
The world-renowned scenic route passes through Asheville, making it easy to explore the remarkable array of majestic mountains , lush valleys, and fertile forests that surround the city.
But there are loads of breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks , not to mention many noteworthy landmarks. There are also plenty of Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails to explore, many of which lead to wondrous waterfalls. The shortest is of them all is also the most rewarding. The trek to the summit from the parking lot is moderately strenuous due to the sharp incline. The park also offers loads of camping options, a restaurant and concession stand, and an exceptional picnic area that includes 40 tables and two shelters with fireplaces.
Located less than 40 miles from Asheville near Brevard NC , Blue Ridge Parkway milepost offers a chance to see two excellent attractions in one stop. Looking Glass Rock is named for the fact that it often ices over in winter, reflecting sunlight from its stony summit.
The Looking Glass Rock Trail gains 1, feet of elevation in 3. So you could reach the summit and be back to your car in hours. Devoted to education, research, conservation, and garden demonstrations, the Arboretum offers an array of activities, including various educational programs, tours, and events. There are 7 main garden areas.
The Heritage Garden features plants used in medicinal herbs and crafts; the Quilt Garden features Appalachian-style floral designs; and the Plants of Promise Garden demonstrates landscaping design with flora and stone. The town of 14, people is beloved for its climate, gorgeous scenery, rich history, and many parks. In an effort to help Appalachian women who wove traditional quilts, she founded the Allanstand Craft Shop around They opened the Folk Art Center in , with three galleries, a library, an auditorium, and the historic Allanstand Craft Shop.
Properly known as the Botanical Gardens at Asheville , the tranquil nature sanctuary is located on the grounds of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, but operates as an independent non-profit. It was established in on abandoned timberland that had been badly eroded.
Today there are more than species of native plants found in the garden, which has a gurgling creek running through it as well as some great spots for a picnic. We saw tons of North Carolina wildflowers and flowering trees during our visit, including trillium, flame azaleas, and Eastern redbuds. It was another one of our favorite free things to do in Asheville NC. Thomas Wolfe Memorial is the boyhood home of the legendary author. Tom, who lived there for 10 years before enrolling at UNC, adapted colorful stories of his family, friends, and boarders into the fictionalized novel.
Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost , less than 7 miles from Downtown Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the history of the route. 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.
Expert guides lead up to four guests at a time through the world-renowned estate, which is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. Note that all participants will need a Biltmore day pass or annual pass, or an overnight room at the estate.
The area is home to two beautiful lakes Junaluska and Logan , surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in NC, and offers awesome outdoor recreation in the Shining Rock Wilderness.
Downtown Waynesville is very walkable, with the best shops in a 5-block area on Main Street. Christmas at the Biltmore is easily the largest celebration, with a tree-raising event, daytime and candlelit nighttime tours of the festively decorated rooms of the Biltmore House, and holiday happenings in both the Antler Hill and Historic Biltmore Village areas. But the largest privately owned home in America is far from the only Asheville Christmas game in town.
We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the Leave No Trace principles of responsible environmental stewardship. Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore.
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. Watch these incredible instruments being made and take one home for yourself.
Each season they perform a blend of timeless compositions along with 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 local flavors at our specialty beers shops. Stop by the Asheville 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 over a century, and offers an amazing view of the western mountains. Categories: Featured , Itineraries.
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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