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 considered one of essentially the most lovely cities in america.
Take within the views of town from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and also you’ll rapidly 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 in terms of actions on provide.
Mountaineering within the mountains, feasting on southern delicacies, enjoyable in sizzling springs, and sampling craft beer are only a few of the actions in Asheville you received’t wish to miss.
I’ve spent quite a lot of time in Asheville during the last decade, and in reality, my spouse and I acquired married and had our honeymoon right here! It’s simply considered one of my favourite cities within the USA and a spot I at all times look ahead to visiting.
On this Asheville journey weblog, I’m excited to share a number of the greatest actions, sights, and locations to go to within the metropolis.
1. Go to the Biltmore Property
A go to to the Biltmore Property positively 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 amazing instance of the Gilded Age and a fully 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 varied vegetation and flowers.
After touring the property and the grounds, make sure you drop by the vineyard. You’ll be able to take a tour of the underground cellars, pattern a number of differing types, and decide up a bottle of your favourite wine to take residence.
You’ll be able to go to the Biltmore Property day by day from 9 AM to five PM. Tickets price $79-109 (relying on the season) for adults, and at sure occasions of the 12 months, tickets are free youngsters 16 and beneath.
It’s a couple of 15-minute drive from downtown to succeed in the property, which yow will discover on the map right here.
Handle: One Lodge Road, Asheville, NC, 28803, USA
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2. Take a Strolling Tour
Each time I’m in a brand new metropolis, I really like occurring a strolling tour to get to know the place. Asheville is a small metropolis and may be very walkable, so you possibly can simply discover downtown by yourself two ft.
Because of Discover Asheville, you possibly can 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.
When you’d favor to go together with a information, you possibly can join the Tip-Based mostly Asheville Strolling Tour.
This wonderful strolling tour is about 2.5 hours lengthy, taking you thru downtown Asheville whereas protecting all of the highlights and insider tips about the place to eat and drink (plus some samples alongside the best way). The fee relies on ideas, so no matter you’re feeling is suitable.
One other (spookier) possibility is to affix this 1-hour haunted ghost tour. The entire tales your information will inform you might be primarily based 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
When you’re questioning what to do in Asheville, simply soar in your automotive and take a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This Nationwide Parkway and All-American Street is a part of the Appalachian Mountains and probably the most scenic drives within the nation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway really stretches via each Virginia and North Carolina. It’s 755 km (496 miles) lengthy and is stuffed with viewpoints, climbing trails, historic websites, and a lot extra.
This is among the most unbelievable 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 outdated, 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 well accessible through the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It’s a couple of 45-minute to hour-long hike to succeed in the highest of Mt. Pisgah. Whereas it’s not precisely a straightforward hike, it’s not too troublesome 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 commentary deck. From right here, you possibly can take pleasure in a number of the greatest views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and town off within the distance. You could find the trailhead for Mt. Pisgah on the map right here.
One other nice possibility is to affix this expertise with a neighborhood information and luxuriate in a 3-5 mile hike with unbelievable views. This off-track hike is reasonably priced, and enjoyable, and is among the greatest issues to do in Asheville. Be taught 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. Whilst 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 commentary deck when you anticipate a desk. They’ve loads of rocking chairs the place you possibly can chill 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.
When you’d reasonably 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 possibly can get up and have the Blue Ridge Mountains proper exterior your window!
6. Play Disc Golf
When you benefit from the nice open air, one of many prime issues to do in Asheville is enjoying a spherical of disc golf.
For these unfamiliar with the game, it’s identical to golf however with a frisbee as an alternative. The objective is to get your disc right into a basket with the least quantity of throws, and you need to use a wide range of completely different discs within the course of.
The most important distinction between disc golf and common golf is that it’s nearly 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.
When you’ve by no means performed disc golf earlier than and don’t have any gear, there are many retailers in Asheville the place you possibly can decide up a starter package.
For about $20, you may get a driver, a mid-range disc, and a putter. Simply strive to not lose them in your first spherical. Most individuals write their identify and cellphone 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 types. When you’re travelling right here for the primary time, I like to recommend sticking principally to southern fare. In any case, you’re within the south though the State is North Carolina!
For brunch, a strong 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 varied 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 while you eat right here.
I personally love their Redneck Pot Pie or buttermilk fried hen. You’ll be able to see HomeGrown and far 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 complete! As such, sampling native craft beer ought to 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 number of the greatest locations for a beer embrace Asheville Brewing Firm, Burial, and Inexperienced Man. The easiest way to seek out your favourite brew is by ordering up a flight to pattern 4-5 completely different types.
Whereas they’re not precisely microbreweries, it’s additionally price 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, make sure you join nicely upfront! I’ve been to quite a lot of breweries, and these are two of one of the best I’ve ever seen.
9. Go to a Few Museums
When 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 occupied with artwork, science, and even pinball, there’s a museum for you right here.
The Asheville Artwork Museum has lately had some main renovations and is greater 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 a lot of cool exhibitions and shows which might 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.
When you love a very good retro pinball machine or online game, you’ll positively wish to take a look at the Asheville Pinball Museum.
For $15, you possibly can play as many video games as you need on their 80+ machines. Hours fluctuate relying on the day, however they’re sometimes 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).
Tons 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, dwell 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 occupied with portray, ceramics, pictures, or jewellery, you’ll discover one thing to take pleasure in within the RAD.
Whilst you’re over right here, make 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 among my absolute favourite issues to do in Asheville is tubing down the river. The easiest way 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, nevertheless it’s quite a lot of enjoyable and you can too carry your personal drinks to place within the onboard cooler. Click on right here for particulars.
12. Hearken to Buskers
Strolling round downtown Asheville, you’re certain to listen to quite a lot 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 while you play music in public and easily open your guitar/violin/keyboard case to take ideas from passersby.
The assorted musicians busking round downtown Asheville actually add to the eclectic ambiance of town. When you benefit from the music, cease for some time to pay attention and toss a couple of dollars in to indicate your appreciation.
13. Day Journey to Sizzling Springs
When you’re in search of some good old school R&R in your journey to Asheville, then you might wish to add in a day journey out to the city of Sizzling Springs, NC. It’s not only a intelligent identify, because the small city is residence to some wonderful sizzling springs.
It’s a couple of 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville on the market, and it’s nicely price it.
The Sizzling Springs Resort & Spa has wonderful mineral baths and spa providers. After a busy couple of days exploring town, a pleasant therapeutic massage and a soak within the sizzling springs is simply what you want. That is positively probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Asheville.
The resort has a wide range of completely different choices, so make sure you examine their web site for particulars.
Simply make sure you guide upfront, because it’s a preferred place. Additionally they have a number of completely different selections 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 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. Folks of all ages and backgrounds come out to take pleasure in this enjoyable and free occasion.
The drum circle goes on each Friday at Pritchard Park downtown. Folks normally begin displaying up round 5 and it will get greater 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 luxuriate 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 night time.
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15. Store on the Grove Arcade
Be sure you swing by the Grove Arcade downtown when you’re trying to do some buying in Asheville. This constructing has a really fascinating 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 far more.
Along with all the good retailers inside, there’s additionally the Out of doors 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.
Handle: 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 buying arcade.
E.W. Grove is named 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 sturdy as considered one of Asheville’s premier resorts.
Even when you don’t splurge on a room on the inn, it’s nicely price 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.
Handle: 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28804, USA
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17. Take a Hike
Mountaineering is by far probably the most standard issues to do in Asheville.
You probably have your personal wheels and are keen to drive 45 minutes to an hour exterior of city, you’ve gotten tons of choices for wonderful climbing trails.
Along with the aforementioned Mt. Pisgah path, different nice choices embrace Catawba Falls, the Satan’s Courthouse, or Max Patch. A hike to the latter might be rewarded with a visit to the recent springs, because it’s a fairly quick drive between the 2.
There actually are tons of choices for climbing in Asheville with various problem and distance from city. Simply examine this superior Asheville path finder to determine which possibility is greatest for you!
When you don’t have your personal automobile in Asheville, you possibly can 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. Be taught extra right here.
18. Discover the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is one other improbable selection for spending time open air in Asheville. Right here you’ll discover some beautiful cultivated gardens, a bonsai exhibit, climbing & biking paths, and far more.
It’s an amazing place to spend a few hours, particularly on a pleasant day.
Really, the arboretum can also be a strong 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 12 months.
The arboretum is open from 8-7 within the fall/winter and from 8-9 within the spring/summer time. They don’t cost an entrance payment per individual, however reasonably cost a flat payment of $20 per automobile to enter. You could find them on the map right here.
Handle: 20 Frederick Regulation Olmsted Manner, 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 just a few completely different choices for chilling, thrilling excursions which might be enjoyable for the entire household.
On their basic 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.
An alternative 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 in regards to the creepy paranormal exercise round Asheville…all tales are primarily based 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 look at 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 provides Cuban delicacies and cocktails, or Highland Brewing which is simply exterior of downtown, however provides nice views, beers, and a chilled-out vibe.
21. See a Present
It doesn’t matter what night time of the week it’s, there are many reveals occurring in Asheville. Take your decide between theatrical performances, stand-up comedy, dwell music, and extra.
The dwell music scene is among the issues I really like essentially the most about Asheville.
The town has a number of venues that vary in dimension and magnificence, so that you get all types of various acts coming to city. A number of the greatest locations to see music right here embrace the Asheville Music Corridor, Salvage Station, and the Orange Peel.
Be sure you examine the calendar and see what’s enjoying while you’re on the town.
Throughout the hotter months, you’ll additionally discover many alternative out of doors occasions and festivals occurring in Asheville.
One such competition is Shindig on the Inexperienced, which takes place all all through the summer time at Pack Sq. Park. There are free reveals most Saturdays in addition to a lot of casual jam periods and different enjoyable issues occurring.
Bonus! Meals Tour for a Trigger
This is among the greatest issues to do in Asheville NC for foodies. The locally-owned meals tour firm Consuming Asheville provides 3 completely different excursions. Choose between the basic tour, the high-roller (with new sizzling 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. Be taught 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 amazing artwork scene, and the encompassing 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 positively be thought of a hippie/hipster metropolis. It has all the great things!
From March to Might you possibly can benefit from the spring blooms, whereas within the fall months from September to November, you possibly can see the gorgeous fall foliage. The summer time months are nice for climbing, biking, concert events, 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 top-of-the-line 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’ve gotten it. I hope you’ve loved this Asheville weblog, which gave you a have a look at considered one of my many properties 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 enjoyable and chilling out. No matter you do, there’s at all times a lot of wonderful beer, meals, views, and music!
Photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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