There are many enjoyable issues to do in Asheville NC to maintain you busy! Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and situated on the French Broad River, Asheville simply may be one in all essentially the most stunning cities in the USA.
Take within the views of the town from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and also you’ll shortly see why it’s known as the Land of the Sky.
21 Greatest Issues to Do in Asheville
There are quite a few issues to do in Asheville and for such a small metropolis, it actually packs a punch relating to actions on supply.
Climbing within the mountains, feasting on southern delicacies, stress-free in scorching springs, and sampling craft beer are only a few of the actions in Asheville you received’t wish to miss.
I’ve spent plenty of time in Asheville over the past decade, and in reality, my spouse and I acquired married and had our honeymoon right here! It’s simply one in all my favourite cities within the USA and a spot I at all times stay up for visiting.
On this Asheville journey weblog, I’m excited to share among the finest actions, sights, and locations to go to within the metropolis.
1. Go to the Biltmore Property
A go to to the Biltmore Property undoubtedly deserves the highest spot on this checklist of issues to do in Asheville.
This historic mansion was constructed between 1889 and 1895 by George Vanderbilt. It’s an excellent instance of the Gilded Age and a completely gorgeous place to discover.
The Biltmore Property is definitely the largest privately-owned residence within the US.
It options an astounding 250 rooms and is surrounded by picturesque gardens, ponds, and a beautiful conservatory full of assorted vegetation and flowers.
After touring the property and the grounds, be sure you drop by the vineyard. You’ll be able to take a tour of the underground cellars, pattern a number of differing kinds, and decide up a bottle of your favourite wine to take residence.
You’ll be able to go to the Biltmore Property each day from 9 AM to five PM. Tickets price $79-109 (relying on the season) for adults, and at sure occasions of the yr, tickets are free children 16 and beneath.
It’s a few 15-minute drive from downtown to achieve the property, which yow will discover on the map right here.
Deal with: One Lodge Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28803, USA
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2. Take a Strolling Tour
At any time when I’m in a brand new metropolis, I really like happening a strolling tour to get to know the place. Asheville is a small metropolis and could be very walkable, so you’ll be able to simply discover downtown by yourself two toes.
Due to Discover Asheville, you’ll be able to select between two wonderful self-guided strolling excursions of Asheville. They’ve an city path in addition to an structure path which you can observe.
Each have interactive and printable maps, and the city path even has an audio information as nicely.
Should you’d favor to go along with a information, you’ll be able to join the Tip-Primarily based Asheville Strolling Tour.
This wonderful strolling tour is about 2.5 hours lengthy, taking you thru downtown Asheville whereas masking all of the highlights and insider tips about the place to eat and drink (plus some samples alongside the best way). The fee is predicated on suggestions, so no matter you are feeling is suitable.
One other (spookier) choice is to affix this 1-hour haunted ghost tour. The entire tales your information will inform you’re based mostly on historic occasions, native legends, and eyewitness accounts of paranormal exercise throughout the downtown space. Creepy! Discover out extra right here.
3. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Should you’re questioning what to do in Asheville, simply bounce in your automobile and take a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This Nationwide Parkway and All-American Street is a part of the Appalachian Mountains and one of the vital scenic drives within the nation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway really stretches by way of each Virginia and North Carolina. It’s 755 km (496 miles) lengthy and is filled with viewpoints, climbing trails, historic websites, and a lot extra.
This is likely one of the most unimaginable locations to go to in your journey to Asheville.
Each time we have now individuals come to go to after we’re in Asheville, one of many first issues we do is head out for a drive on the Blue Ridge. These wonderful views actually by no means get previous, so I don’t thoughts going again each time we’re on the town.
4. Climb Mt. Pisgah
The most effective issues to do in Asheville NC is climbing up the path at Ms. Pisgah, which is definitely accessible through the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It’s a few 45-minute to hour-long hike to achieve the highest of Mt. Pisgah. Whereas it’s not precisely a straightforward hike, it’s not too tough both. The hike is about 1.2 miles (1.85 km) to the highest and there are many locations to relaxation alongside the best way.
There’s a big TV tower on the prime and an remark deck. From right here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from among the finest views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the town off within the distance. You could find the trailhead for Mt. Pisgah on the map right here.
One other nice choice is to affix this expertise with an area information and revel in a 3-5 mile hike with unimaginable views. This off-track hike is reasonably priced, and enjoyable, and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Asheville. Study extra right here.
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5. Dinner With a View at Pisgah Inn
After climbing up Mt. Pisgah, you’re certain to work up an urge for food. When you can actually carry a picnic lunch to have on the Parkway, my vote goes to having fun with a meal on the close by Pisgah Inn.
Seize a drink and head out to their remark deck when you look forward to a desk. They’ve loads of rocking chairs the place you’ll be able to sit back and soak within the wonderful views.
Having eaten right here a number of occasions, I’ll give my suggestions for the fried inexperienced tomatoes and the walnut-crusted mountain trout.
They’re open from 11:30-4 for lunch after which once more from 5-9 for dinner. You may get instructions and discover the Pisgah Inn on the map right here.
Should you’d slightly be up within the mountains than down on the town, you may wish to look into reserving a room right here. It’s fairly superior when you’ll be able to get up and have the Blue Ridge Mountains proper exterior your window!
6. Play Disc Golf
Should you benefit from the nice open air, one of many prime issues to do in Asheville is taking part in a spherical of disc golf.
For these unfamiliar with the game, it’s identical to golf however with a frisbee as a substitute. The purpose is to get your disc right into a basket with the least quantity of throws, and you need to use quite a lot of completely different discs within the course of.
The most important distinction between disc golf and common golf is that it’s virtually at all times completely free! That’s the case at close by Richmond Hill, a superb course and native hangout. Get instructions and discover the park on the map right here.
Should you’ve by no means performed disc golf earlier than and don’t have any gear, there are many outlets in Asheville the place you’ll be able to decide up a starter equipment.
For about $20, you may get a driver, a mid-range disc, and a putter. Simply attempt to not lose them in your first spherical. Most individuals write their title and telephone quantity on discs as a precautionary measure.
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7. Feast on Southern Meals
Asheville is residence to loads of wonderful eating places of all completely different kinds. Should you’re travelling right here for the primary time, I like to recommend sticking principally to southern fare. In spite of everything, you’re within the south though the State is North Carolina!
For brunch, a stable selection is Biscuit Head. Their slogan is “put some south in your mouth” and that’s precisely what you’ll do right here. Select your favourite biscuit (I really like the pulled pork) and prime it off with their numerous jams and sorts of butter.
The most effective eating places in Asheville, in my humble opinion, is HomeGrown. This native eatery serves native meals cooked by native individuals, so you already know your cash goes proper into the native economic system once you eat right here.
I personally love their Redneck Pot Pie or buttermilk fried hen. You’ll be able to see HomeGrown and rather more in our “Streets, Beats & Eats” video on Asheville.
8. Drink Native Craft Beer
Asheville has been named Beer Metropolis USA on a number of events. There are over 40 breweries and beer pubs right here in whole! As such, sampling native craft beer must be excessive atop your checklist of issues to do in Asheville NC.
Strolling round Asheville, you’re by no means too removed from a brewery. A few of the finest locations for a beer embody Asheville Brewing Firm, Burial, and Inexperienced Man. One of the best ways to seek out your favourite brew is by ordering up a flight to pattern 4-5 completely different kinds.
Whereas they’re not precisely microbreweries, it’s additionally value it to go to the Asheville places of New Belgium and Sierra Nevada. The previous has a scenic location proper alongside the French Broad River, whereas the latter is a little bit of a trek because it’s out by the airport.
If you wish to take a tour of both, be sure you join nicely prematurely! I’ve been to plenty of breweries, and these are two of one of the best I’ve ever seen.
9. Go to a Few Museums
Should you’re downtown and aren’t fairly certain what to do in Asheville, why not drop into one of many metropolis’s museums for a bit? Whether or not you’re thinking about artwork, science, and even pinball, there’s a museum for you right here.
The Asheville Artwork Museum has just lately had some main renovations and is larger and higher than ever!
It’s open from 11-6 Monday-Sunday (closed Tuesday) and 11-9 on Thursday, and tickets price $15. You could find the museum on the map right here.
Only a block away, you’ll discover the Asheville Museum of Science. They’ve acquired numerous cool exhibitions and shows which can be enjoyable for all ages. It’s open Monday-Saturday from 10-5 (closed Tuesday) and from 1-5 on Sunday and prices $10 to go to.
Should you love a very good retro pinball machine or online game, you’ll undoubtedly wish to try the Asheville Pinball Museum.
For $15, you’ll be able to play as many video games as you need on their 80+ machines. Hours range relying on the day, however they’re usually open till 9PM. Get instructions to the museum right here.
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10. Discover the RAD (River Arts District)
For artwork lovers, one of many prime issues to do in Asheville NC is to go to the RAD (River Arts District).
Lots of of artists have galleries and studios on this space alongside the French Broad River. It’s a extremely enjoyable place to probe for some time, particularly on the weekends.
On the second Saturday of every month, the RAD is a really full of life place. There are demonstrations, workshops, wine tastings, reside music, and much more. There’s even a free trolley which you can journey as you bounce across the completely different venues.
Whether or not you’re thinking about portray, ceramics, pictures, or jewellery, you’ll discover one thing to get pleasure from within the RAD.
When you’re over right here, be sure you drop in one other wonderful native craft brewery — Wedge. You could find the River Arts District on the map right here.
11. Have Enjoyable on the River
Talking of the French Broad River, there are many enjoyable issues to do there within the hotter months.
One in every of my absolute favourite issues to do in Asheville is tubing down the river. One of the best ways to benefit from the Homer Simpson of water sports activities is by signing up for this tubing expertise. It’s like a floating pub crawl!
I received’t give all of it away, however it’s plenty of enjoyable and you may as well carry your individual drinks to place within the onboard cooler. Click on right here for particulars.
12. Take heed to Buskers
Strolling round downtown Asheville, you’re certain to listen to plenty of music. A few of it might be popping out of outlets and bars, however as a rule, it’s precise musicians jamming on the street!
It’s quite common to see individuals busking on the streets of Asheville. Busking is once you play music in public and easily open your guitar/violin/keyboard case to take suggestions from passersby.
The varied musicians busking round downtown Asheville actually add to the eclectic environment of the town. Should you benefit from the music, cease for some time to pay attention and toss a couple of bucks in to indicate your appreciation.
13. Day Journey to Sizzling Springs
Should you’re on the lookout for some good old style R&R in your journey to Asheville, then chances are you’ll wish to add in a day journey out to the city of Sizzling Springs, NC. It’s not only a intelligent title, because the small city is residence to some wonderful scorching springs.
It’s a few 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville on the market, and it’s nicely value it.
The Sizzling Springs Resort & Spa has wonderful mineral baths and spa providers. After a busy couple of days exploring the town, a pleasant therapeutic massage and a soak within the scorching springs is simply what you want. That is undoubtedly one of the vital stress-free issues to do in Asheville.
The resort has quite a lot of completely different choices, so be sure you test their web site for particulars.
Simply be sure you ebook prematurely, because it’s a well-liked place. Additionally they have a number of completely different decisions for on-site lodging when you’re . You may get instructions to the Sizzling Springs resort on the map right here.
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14. Be a part of the Friday Drum Circle
One of many coolest issues to do in Asheville NC, for each guests and locals alike, is becoming a member of within the weekly drum circle. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds come out to get pleasure from this enjoyable and free occasion.
The drum circle goes on each Friday at Pritchard Park downtown. Individuals normally begin displaying up round 5 and it will get larger and larger till the entire park is full of individuals drumming, dancing, and singing.
Even when you don’t have a drum of any sort, it’s a very good time. You’ll be able to simply dance to the music and revel in connecting with individuals. As soon as the drum circle wraps up, you’re smack dab in the midst of downtown Asheville on a Friday evening.
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15. Store on the Grove Arcade
Remember to swing by the Grove Arcade downtown when you’re seeking to do some procuring in Asheville. This constructing has a really attention-grabbing historical past, which I like to recommend you learn earlier than going there!
On the Grove Arcade, you’ll discover a very various array of outlets, together with the Batter Park E book Change and Champagne Bar, Nutz About Fudge, the Woodrow Instrument Firm, and rather more.
Along with all the good outlets inside, there’s additionally the Outside Artists Market. You’ll discover work, clothes, jewellery, and native honey, amongst different issues. The Grove Arcade is open from 10-6 Monday-Saturday and noon-5 on Sunday.
Deal with: 1 Web page Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
16. Deal with Your self on the Grove Park Inn
For many who benefit from the finer issues in life, a visit out to the Grove Park Inn is a should when visiting Asheville. In case you had been questioning, sure, it’s the similar Grove that began the procuring arcade.
E.W. Grove is called the “father of recent Asheville.” He was a self-made millionaire who moved right here in 1910 and opened this grand inn quickly thereafter. 100 years later, it’s nonetheless going robust as one in all Asheville’s premier resorts.
Even when you don’t splurge on a room on the inn, it’s nicely value it to pay a go to right here.
E book your self a pleasant spa therapy after which seize a home made cocktail and a chunk to eat at their Sundown Terrace Lounge, or select one of many many different choices for wining and eating.
Deal with: 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28804, USA
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17. Take a Hike
Climbing is by far one of the vital well-liked issues to do in Asheville.
If in case you have your individual wheels and are prepared to drive 45 minutes to an hour exterior of city, you will have tons of choices for wonderful climbing trails.
Along with the aforementioned Mt. Pisgah path, different nice choices embody Catawba Falls, the Satan’s Courthouse, or Max Patch. A hike to the latter might be rewarded with a visit to the new springs, because it’s a reasonably brief drive between the 2.
There actually are tons of choices for climbing in Asheville with various issue and distance from city. Simply test this superior Asheville path finder to determine which choice is finest for you!
Should you don’t have your individual car in Asheville, you’ll be able to at all times be a part of a tour that may take you out to the mountains. This extremely rated journey contains transportation, a information, visits to three waterfalls, climbing, and refreshments. Study extra right here.
18. Discover the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is one other implausible selection for spending time open air in Asheville. Right here you’ll discover some beautiful cultivated gardens, a bonsai exhibit, climbing & biking paths, and rather more.
It’s an excellent place to spend a few hours, particularly on a pleasant day.
Truly, the arboretum can also be a stable selection within the colder months because of the Winter Lights show they put up. The place actually turns right into a winter wonderland from late November till the tip of the yr.
The arboretum is open from 8-7 within the fall/winter and from 8-9 within the spring/summer season. They don’t cost an entrance charge per individual, however slightly cost a flat charge of $20 per car to enter. You could find them on the map right here.
Deal with: 20 Frederick Regulation Olmsted Means, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
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19. Go on a Ghost Tour
One of many spookiest issues to do in Asheville is happening a ghost tour. Haunted Asheville has a number of completely different choices for chilling, thrilling excursions which can be enjoyable for the entire household.
On their traditional strolling tour, you’ll study the tales behind a few of Asheville’s most haunted spots from a resident ghost professional. Excursions normally run at 8 PM and typically there’s one other one at 9. Tickets price $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for youngsters 14 and beneath.
Another choice is their Biltmore Village Thriller Tour. Apparently, you find out about a kangaroo that appeared from one other dimension on this tour. Sounds cool to me!
Lastly, on this extremely rated, 2-hour ghost tour, you’ll study concerning the creepy paranormal exercise round Asheville…all tales are based mostly on eyewitness accounts, historic occasions, and native folklore. Don’t miss it!
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20. Sundowners at a Rooftop Bar
After a busy day of exploring Asheville, there’s no higher place to observe the solar go down with a pleasant grownup beverage than on a rooftop bar.
Seize a cocktail and take within the wonderful views — you’ll see why Asheville actually is the Land of the Sky.
Take a look at Capella on 9 with handcrafted cocktails and tapas, Hemingway’s Cuba which affords Cuban delicacies and cocktails, or Highland Brewing which is simply exterior of downtown, however affords nice views, beers, and a chilled-out vibe.
21. See a Present
It doesn’t matter what evening of the week it’s, there are many exhibits happening in Asheville. Take your decide between theatrical performances, stand-up comedy, reside music, and extra.
The reside music scene is likely one of the issues I really like essentially the most about Asheville.
The town has a number of venues that vary in dimension and elegance, so that you get all types of various acts coming to city. A few of the finest locations to see music right here embody the Asheville Music Corridor, Salvage Station, and the Orange Peel.
Remember to test the calendar and see what’s taking part in once you’re on the town.
Throughout the hotter months, you’ll additionally discover many various out of doors occasions and festivals occurring in Asheville.
One such pageant is Shindig on the Inexperienced, which takes place all all through the summer season at Pack Sq. Park. There are free exhibits most Saturdays in addition to numerous casual jam classes and different enjoyable issues happening.
Bonus! Meals Tour for a Trigger
This is likely one of the finest issues to do in Asheville NC for foodies. The locally-owned meals tour firm Consuming Asheville affords 3 completely different excursions. Decide between the traditional tour, the high-roller (with new scorching spots!), or the chilly one which is a meals and craft beer tour.
For each tour booked, one meal is donated to somebody in want. Study extra about this enjoyable exercise in Asheville.
FAQs About What to Do Asheville
Nonetheless have some questions on actions and sights in Asheville? Listed here are solutions to some generally requested questions on this enjoyable metropolis.
Asheville has a relaxed vibe, some wonderful eating places and breweries, an excellent artwork scene, and the encircling nature is a paradise. Due to these causes, individuals like Asheville loads!
With a love for yoga, native meals, the good open air, music, artwork, and beer, Asheville might undoubtedly be thought of a hippie/hipster metropolis. It has all the good things!
From March to Could you’ll be able to benefit from the spring blooms, whereas within the fall months from September to November, you’ll be able to see the gorgeous fall foliage. The summer season months are nice for climbing, biking, live shows, waterfall visits, paddling down the river, and having fun with a chilly brew.
Biltmore Ave is essentially the most well-known avenue, and it’s probably the greatest Asheville sights. It’s the middle of the walkable downtown part of Asheville.
Now You Know What to Do in Asheville NC
Effectively, there you will have it. I hope you’ve loved this Asheville weblog, which gave you a take a look at one in all my many houses away from residence.
Asheville is such a cool metropolis with a lot to supply, whether or not you’re into the good open air, epic adventures, the humanities, or simply stress-free and chilling out. No matter you do, there’s at all times numerous wonderful beer, meals, views, and music!
Photos on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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