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Check out our full list of Asheville area events. Or visit our interactive searchable Asheville Events Calendar. Bender Gallery is proud to present Abstract Meditations, a solo exhibition of paintings, drawings, and collage by Helmut Barnett, a popular mixed … more. October , , , The Adventure Center of Asheville is excited to be the venue for the 10th Annual Haunted Trail presented by … more.
Every Saturday, starting at 1pm. Blending original bluegrass compositions with folk songs of centuries past, this musical supergroup brings together Grammy-winning artists who share … more. Asheville Art in the Park Will once again be providing access to some of the finest artists in the region … more.
The … more. This event is … more. Ginny Hogan is an NYC-based writer and stand up comic. Visit Antler Hill Village for the return of this popular large-scale model railroad display with a brand new collection of structures that chronicle … more. Join us for the eighth annual CiderFest NC fundraiser, featuring ample tastings of hard cider, mead and apple wine, along with artisanal … more.
These are words that jump to mind when describing singer-songwriter and Mayor of Babetown, Darby Wilcox, whose … more. This exhibit was created by Hola Carolina and highlights Latinx … more. You've found Comedy's Worst Kept Secret. This show will have drinks for sale. This … more. Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present Uncharted, a joint exhibition by multiple-disciplinary artists Georgia Deal and Tom Ashcraft.
Come and visit all the many beautiful and wonderful winged creatures to not only see them up close, but hear all about them. This adventure starts … more. Delicious and simple, Italian food is all … more. The Kenilworth neighborhood, located between downtown Asheville and Biltmore Village, is the setting for the studio art tour. Clayspace members will have lots of new pots fresh from the kiln on display for you to enjoy.
You will see work fired in electric, gas, wood and salt … more. Shred sessions are an opportunity for your experienced shredder to … more. Join us for an evening with Frances Eliza on Saturday, October 8th from pm! Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Asheville-based … more. Drop into our studio and get creative while experimenting with different art materials, tools and techniques related to a work of art from the … more.
Get ready for our biggest Pumpkin Patch yet! Glassblowers will be filling our D Space gallery with a steady stream of glass pumpkins this fall season.
Never Too Late is a seasoned bluegrass band with decades of music experience. Formed in , they have produced two CDs and were invited to perform a … more. Their music takes inspiration from the hot club and small combo sounds of … more. A weekly themed brunch from 9a – 12n, with breakfast specials served with a thoughtful selection of vinyl sides. About this event Join us for our … more.
On the Second Saturday of each month, the River Arts District holds gallery walks with demonstrations, workshops, live music, wine tastings, delicious … more. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and enter a topsy-turvy world of … more.
Between the two main members their instrumentation include acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, … more. LIVE … more. The scientist. The monster.
A creation suffering at the hands of his maker. We know the story, but what if the creation takes on a life of its own, … more. Enjoy an exclusive evening at Bullington Gardens while you sip delicious, locally sourced wine and stroll through the spectacular Dahlias in full … more.
The Half … more. Salt therapy can benefit all ages. We have designed this special session, held every Sunday at 10am, so you and your young ones can enjoy the salt … more.
Come join us for an afternoon of live music in our courtyard, featuring Free Creatures, an Oregon based Trio, whose style can be described as a unique … more. Highland Highlights is a band of musicians and educators who perform with various bands in the region and have a deep appreciation and knowledge of … more.
Irish fiddle tunes, original songs and re-imagined traditional melodies with three-part harmonies and hilarious stories. Rose … more.
Raised in the musical heartland of Texas, Noah Vonne forged an original sound that blends elements of rock, soul, blues, and pop.
From an early age, … more. How about wandering around the brewery while sipping on a delicious 12 Bones Brew! Enjoy a fun afternoon of … more. This tour is offered in Spanish or English depending on needs of the participants.
Anchored by the … more. Fronted by singer … more. Stand up comedy open mic with a focus on new material. Bring your best new jokes … more. All Ages – under 12 requires venue approval … more. But their sound is not … more. In this … more. Learn how to rock out to your favorite songs on the drums!
Ganymede is as beautiful as she is entertaining and as the host of Karaoke night, she WILL sing along with you so come prepared to have a great time … more. Trivia, Singo, tailgate games, and more!
Imagine a solid trivia stack with a magnetic host in an outdoor intimate setting. After a two-year hiatus on their popular Sunday Supper experience, Rhubarb is bringing back the family-style prix-fixe menu on a new day! Tuesday … more. This course serves as an introduction to the instrument and will provide students with fun and instant access to making music on the ukulele.
Shaped by her experiences as an artist, teacher, and Catholic nun, Corita Kent used her art to bring people together and ignite social change. Her … more. This year we are expanding our Gardening Series to cover all seasons!
Get year-round garden guidance to support you in having your best year in the … more. Ashevillians is a local comedy showcase featuring up and coming Asheville comedians and a few of your old favorites. Tantrickster is stoked to bring an eclectic mix of yummy bass, dub, trap, funk to get us moving and grooving; bringing us on a journey of embodiment … more. Kuntala Ray is one of the very few lady instrumentalists who plays Hansa Veena, a rare Indian classical instrument. Hansa Veena is designed and named … more.
Doors open at 9PM and … more. The summer market season runs every Wednesdays, May 4th – November 23rd, from pm. Sunny Sweeney makes it look easy. Just as comfortable commanding a stadium stage on tour with Bob Seger as she is pouring her heart out from a … more.
It was in London that he first … more. Courtney Patton is a storyteller. This gallery … more. The music will be … more. Doors open at 7PM and the … more. This is one you don't wanna miss!! Come enjoy a drink and get creative while connecting with the Asheville community.
On select Thursdays throughout the fall, Asheville Art Museum will … more. Students will have … more. A tropical comedy open mic every Thursday from pm at Getaway River Bar. No … more. Friends of the Smokies presents the 4th Annual Smokies Cup, an outdoor lifestyle event and friendly sporting clays tournament hosted at Biltmore … more. District 42 captures the hip vibes of downtown Asheville with live music from talented local musicians. Enjoy an evening out immersed in an ambient … more.
After all the fun and success of last year, we are happy to announce the return of our favorite pupper themed fundraiser. Doors open at 7PM and … more. Adam Mamawala is a stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster based out of New York City.
27 Best Things to Do in Asheville, NC (+ Nearby Attractions!).
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. 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. These companies support the local economy by providing jobs and by sponsoring outdoor industry events, competitions, and professional outdoor athletes in the NC Mountains.
Take a full-service, guided fly fishing or bass fishing trip near Asheville. Professional fishing guides ensure exciting fishing on the best pristine rivers in WNC.
Explore the expansive outdoors surrounding these small towns including the Thermal Belt Trail, ziplines, waterfalls, hikes, camping, and more! Stroll through a 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 during the year. Enjoy a variety of private guided paddleboard tours on the French Broad River in Asheville and Brevard!
They also offer paddleboard rentals, river shuttles, and paddleboard delivery to any lake home in Western North Carolina. The season runs from April- October Hike gorgeous mountaintops and visit 5-star waterfalls! Your guides are expert naturalists and locals, showing you the hidden gems of Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take a "forage to table" tour with No Taste Like Home and play with your food. Our area is a Garden of Eden with over wild edibles. NOC's big Nantahala River campus offers rafting, zip lines, treetop adventures, paddleboards, kayaking, hiking, biking, and more for the entire family.
It's like Disneyland for lovers of the outdoors! Dine riverside at two restaurants. 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 the taste of Asheville while on the go! Explore more with Asheville Picnic in hand! Expert guides offer a wide array of hiking excursions, including outfitting gear.
In addition to group hikes, they can also customize a trip just for you. Find six waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, with short, guided hikes "off the beaten path" with the Pisgah Field School , and end with a wine tasting. Small groups, book in advance. This beautiful lake town near the Great Smoky Mountains is home to trails, boat tours, golf, gardens and a big variety of lodging options, including lakefront hotels and cabin rentals for a Methodist church retreat.
Kayak, canoe, tube or paddleboard down the river through Asheville. Start your trip near downtown at the area's largest paddle shop – with shuttle service, rentals, camping gear, disc golf supplies and more. Three locations along the French Broad River. Explore back roads and forests on Biltmore Estate while learning to drive the latest Range Rover loaded with technology.
Develop off-road skills on extreme terrain with your guide, departing from Antler Hill Village. This well-equipped outdoor store in downtown Bryson City has everything for your adventure. Services include kayak, paddleboard and gear rentals, a hiker shuttle, and guided tours! Open to beginners, women, men, couples, families and small groups for 2 or 3-hour yoga hikes during weekdays and weekends, year-round. Private groups and private yoga classes are also available.
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 visitors to learn more about the night sky. Watch horse jumping competitions with the best riders in the country at this amazing new world-class equestrian resort south of Asheville.
Free admission to many events. The most popular river for whitewater rafting and kayaking is about 12 miles west of Bryson City in the beautiful Nantahala River Gorge. Fun for ages 7 and up, with no experience necessary. Choose from nine outfitters, all offering a variety of options. 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. Take an exciting zipline tour in the Great Smoky Mountains. The 3-hour zip line flight is powered by gravity and a gradual 3 percent elevation change. Walk across the beautiful Flowering Bridge that is now home to thousands of blooming plants, sun on the beach or take a boat ride across the lake. 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 and explore the unspoiled mountains just north of Asheville.
Explore Biltmore's 8,acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard, taste award-winning wines, dine and shop. See our extensive guide with many photos and tips. Stroll down Marion's Main Street lined with historic buildings, churches and the courthouse.
It sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near popular attractions like Mt. Mitchell and Linville Falls. Traveling with your dog? See our Pet-Friendly Guide to Asheville and the North Carolina mountains that includes lodging, hiking, Biltmore, kennels, dog parks and more. Gem mining has been a favorite activity for visitors to the mountains of North Carolina for many years.
Most gem mines in the Asheville and Franklin areas are open from spring through autumn. Also tour several gem and mineral museums. Explore our mountains with hikes, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and many thousands of acres of national forest and park land. See gorgeous countryside, mountain views and charming communities on a windshield tour via national and state scenic byways near Asheville.
Lots of opportunities for stops along the way. Since the late s, tourists have flocked to this tiny railroad town of residents. Main Street has many longtime businesses, including fantastic galleries and restaurants. A must stop is the Pace's "old time" General Store that is part museum.
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. This is the coolest town on our list for temperature highest town in the eastern USA at 5, feet elevation. While it's very popular for skiing and snowboarding each winter, they have an impressive trail system for hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Summer golf and scenic chairlift rides too. Each fall, follow the yellow brick road at Autumn at Oz.
Visit for many festivals and gem mining. Many are located downtown, so you can create your own walking tour. See our top spots for local brews. Enjoy many choices for great theatre, plays, music, dance and more in Asheville and nearby areas.
This quaint mountain village at 3, feet elevation has great restaurants, breweries, shops, Wildcat Lake beach, and many events including the Woolly Worm Festival in October. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. From casual to sophisticated, there are many restaurants for all tastes, with flavors from around the world.
Plus, find many more award-winning chefs throughout the mountains. See our top picks for dining in Asheville. 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. Drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This state park has an observation tower, plenty of hiking and a restaurant. Be prepared for much cooler temperatures at the top. Open year-round except snowy days in the winter. Swim, boat, camp and fish in the pristine waters, near Robbinsville.
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. 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. 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. You can even learn how to kayak in the rapids or paddleboard on a lake.
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 holistic and alternative wellness. The park also features the highest waterfall in an NC State Park and hiking trails. Shopping and dining located at the park entrance. Before kayaking on the river, guests are instructed and trained with the basics of Watersport to make you feel confident when boating.
The tour of the French Broad River lasts 2. Asheville Food Tours may compete with any cultural tour about downtown because it includes all the gastro centers and the must-try Asheville dishes. Guests are welcomed to the best restaurants and cafes to test local food and enjoy Asheville from a different perspective.
It will be a mile long stroll with six stops with a myriad of dishes and stories about the town. You will taste ethnic appetizers, meat and cheese assortments, handmade chocolates, beer and wine lists, and many more tempting names. This is one of the best restaurants in Asheville and is a must for all itineraries! Tired of restaurants and cafes? Take a tour with No Taste Like Home , and you will have a bunch of impressions.
No Taste Like Home is the first wild food and foraging tour company operating since The tour offers seasonal foraging walks into the wild, where you can explore more than species of wild edibles. The expert guides will lead you through fields and forests, searching for mushrooms, wild fruit, berries, wood nettle, and more. A minute food walk is held in the Omni Park Grove Inn. The more extended 3-hour tour will take you to the Blue Ridge area. Moogseum is an original place, a museum dedicated to the legacy of Bob Moog, an American engineer best known for electronic music and synthesizer.
Bob Moog and Moog Music company revolutionized traditional synthesizers and made them smaller and more affordable. The museum was created after his death in to present his legacy and work to the public, honor the talent and creativity that blended music, science, and innovation.
The museum is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Ask anyone about 12 Bones , and they will describe this place in all the flavors. The smokehouse offers the best barbecue in the town, pulled pork, beef briskets, and slow-smoked baby back ribs with signature sauces. It is strongly advised to try their craft beer as a perfect complement to meat dishes.
Lawrence D. M is the most important spiritual anchor and architectural treasure in Asheville, with the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the country. The Catholic Church is located in downtown Asheville and is open daily from am to 5 pm.
The Basilica of St. M heads daily masses, virtual masses, and self-guided tours available in the side vestibule. Constructed in , it connected the Zealandia Mansion to the road to Asheville. The bridge was named after Helen, who lived with her infant daughter in Asheville. Helen hung herself from one of the steel posts.
Asheville is a unique place for time travels into past centuries and past decades where you can even touch the history. The Pinball Museum , located in downtown Asheville, displays an original collection of 75 vintage pinball machines you can touch and even play with.
Just like you were used to playing pinball and video games in cafes, Asheville Pinball Museum recreates the whole atmosphere offering snacks, soda, and beer to make your experience more realistic.
Activities near asheville nc
Friday – Saturday, October , 6 p. Adventure Center of Asheville. Take the family out to enjoy the 10th Annual Haunted Trail featuring live actors, spooky sounds, and spectacular props. This no-contact trail is the only Halloween event in Asheville ideal for children ages years old. During the evening, adults and kids ages 4 and over can climb the Treetops Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail, which are illuminated with thousands of colored twinkle and laser lights.
Friday, October 7, Begins at 9 a. Carolina Avian Research and Education, Fletcher. See and learn about 65 exotic, and in some cases endangered, birds at this sanctuary and education center. Discounts for the guided tour are available on the first Friday of each month. Saturday, October 8, 1 p. Salvage Station.
Take part in the grand tasting or upgrade to the VIP experience for an extra hour of early admittance. Enjoy unlimited samplings of food, wine and beer and watch live demonstrations. Saturday, October 8, 10 a. Black Mountain Home for Children.
Saturday, October 8, 9 a. Asheville Art Museum. River Arts District. Saturday, October 8, 12 – 9 p. Saturday, October 8, 1 – 4 p. Find your way through Eliada's annual corn maze at this family-friendly event.
There are also corn cannons, a spider climber, lawn games, hay rides, and face painting. You'll also be able to purchase a pumpkin to take home with you. Friday – Sunday, October , various times Biltmore. 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. Related Stories. Read More. Check Out:. Adults: 1 2 3 4. Plus, get local updates — including events and hidden gems — straight to your inbox. Sign up here.
How many times have you spied a purple bus with eyelashes tearing down the streets of Asheville full of giggling people? LaZoom offers a variety of comedy tours — some for the entire family while others are designated for those of the legal drinking age. Walk into a kitschy bar full of cat pillows and rubber chickens. Each character shares the darker history of the city. We suggest purchasing tickets in advance.
Get there early, too, as you board the bus based on your arrival order. For free Asheville fall activities, why not head to the lake and enjoy a stroll or picnic? There are plenty of lakes near Asheville to choose from, including those within the city and a few that are under one hour away. In North Asheville, Beaver Lake is home to a 2. Find a hidden picnic table as well as benches around the lake. Or, head to Lake Powhatan, a recreational center next to The NC Arboretum that promises local trails and a waterfall dam.
This is another great mountain biking area. Like its award-winning foodie scene, Asheville is famous for its craft breweries. We live for ambers, stouts, reds, and anything infused with spice. We cannot even begin to keep up with the Asheville breweries and their wild Count Chocula concoctions. However, we are all here for it. If you want to see a massive beer factory, head to Sierra Nevada for their Oktoberfest — order the duck fries — or even New Belgium for a pumpkin brew. Those are both more touristy but delicious breweries.
We live for corn mazes. The 5-acre corn maze is wickedly large and confusing. You have to try it. We also highly recommend using the restroom before you enter but also making sure that you are well-hydrated.
Buncombe and Henderson counties may still be quite warm weather-wise. Snap a picture of the map on the wall for when you get desperate. There are no clues along the way, and if you go during a quiet weekday, you might be one of the only ones out there.
We have certainly been around the donut block so we can safely say that Sky Top Orchard makes our favorite donuts, ever. Our first time here, we had no idea why everyone was sitting around gorging on donuts instead of playing and apple picking.
Now we get it. Walk up to their window to watch as the staff makes fresh-out-of-the-frier donuts. They shake those steamy bad boys in cinnamon and sugar, and they land straight in your mou …container.
Fair warning: the donuts are beyond popular, and they may run out on weekends. Sky Top serves hard cider as well as cider slushies to wash down that clump of delicious gooey goodness.
After a donut, for more Asheville fall activities, head to the bamboo forest and say hello to the goats. Try your luck at the apple cannon. Even on weekdays, Sky Top stays pretty busy. The weekends fill up with crazed orchard-goers, especially in October and November. Go early and on the weekdays, when possible. Read our complete guide to visiting Sky Top Orchard. There are multiple waterfall hikes, and we suggest seeing Hooker, Triple, and High Falls — around a 3-mile trek.
Further in the forest, find Bridal Veil Falls where Katniss cools her burning leg from the fireballs. DuPont will grow incredibly busy, though, and their multiple parking lots may fill up, especially by mid-day. There are on-site restrooms and a visitor center. Please exert caution around all waterfalls and learn more about waterfall safety. People have died. If you are looking for more adult fall things to do near Asheville, the Hendersonville wineries are both delicious and gorgeous.
A few top wineries near Asheville we recommend:. We love sitting on the hill overlooking the grapes. Their tasting room has floor-to-ceiling windows too. Choose between a wine or mead tasting, and they have food on-site.
Paul Mountain Vineyards — St. Paul grows 14 varieties of grapes. Grab a glass of wine and sit on the patio overlooking the vineyards or chill inside by the fireplace. Sawyer Springs Vineyard — A lesser-known winery in Hendersonville, grab a picnic outside this family-run business. Sawyer Springs is perfect if you are craving a quieter Asheville fall experience. The views are stellar here. The free-standing chimneys add to the spooky atmosphere. Whether you are a local, visitor, or snowbird, we highly recommend getting cozy and warm with a blanket and fall book in front of a fireplace during your AVL mountain evenings.
Also, check out these local Asheville authors like Denise Kiernan. Plus, our sister site, The Uncorked Librarian, offers plenty of fall reading lists too: wickedly witchy books , steamy vampire series and romances , Salem Witch trial books , dark academia books , and seriously spooky books for adults. Each has its own attractions and character. Immediately to the north of Asheville, you can also head into Weaverville to escape the crowds.
Wine taste in the Tryon Foothills. Read more about the best mountain towns around Asheville. If you are looking for spookier things to do in Asheville this fall, take a walk through Riverside Cemetery. Henry are buried here. Pick up a walking guide at the gates that will point out historical sites and famous people interned here. The 3.