asheville tourist attractions resort

16 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Asheville

Written by Lura Seavey and Lana Law Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lana Law has visited Asheville several times, most recently as part of an extensive tour of mountain towns in North Carolina.

Asheville, in the far west of North Carolina, has a different pace from the state's bigger urban centers of Charlotte and Raleigh.

The city has become well known for its vibrant culinary scene and continuously thriving artistic community, and you won't be at a loss for things to do. Downtown Asheville is packed with shopping, restaurants, and museums, including the family-favorite Pinball Museum, where you can play with the exhibits.

This city is full of interesting places to visit, including one of North Carolina's top tourist attractions , the Biltmore Estate , home of the Vanderbilts. This iconic estate is also home to one of the best resorts in the state.

Thanks to its proximity to the mountains, this is an ideal base for excursions on the Blue Ridge Parkway and into the Great Smoky Mountains . It's also convenient to many of North Carolina's prettiest mountain towns .

Find the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in and around Asheville.

See also: Where to Stay in Asheville

1. Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway

2. tour the biltmore estate, 3. wander through downtown asheville, 4. visit the western north carolina (wnc) nature center, 5. shop and dine in the river arts district, 6. north carolina arboretum, 7. the botanical gardens at asheville, 8. pisgah national forest, 9. blue ridge national heritage area, 10. smith-mcdowell house museum, 11. pack place, 12. craggy gardens, 13. ziplines and hot air balloon rides, 14. chimney rock state park, 15. asheville pinball museum, 16. biltmore village, where to stay in asheville for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to asheville, map of attractions & things to do in asheville, asheville - climate chart.

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina.

October, when the leaves are colorful and picturesque, is the peak season for the parkway and one of the best times of year to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. But, if you prefer smaller crowds, plan a trip in early to mid-summer to view the blooming rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and flaming azaleas.

You can enjoy the scenic vistas from the road and its many pull-offs, or consider taking a closer look by exploring the hiking trails that wander through the surrounding countryside and the Southern Appalachian mountains.

The mountains around Asheville are also home to some of North Carolina's most beautiful waterfalls . If you are visiting in the heat of the summer, be sure to bring your bathing suit and water shoes to take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.

Those who aren't driving or simply want to get a more enriching experience will enjoy this 5-hour guided hiking tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls . Led by an expert local guide, this tour includes transportation to and from Asheville, refreshments, and the opportunity to see several waterfalls while learning about the area's history, flora, and fauna.

The Biltmore Estate is Asheville's most famous tourist attraction, and a big draw for couples who are looking for a romantic getaway in North Carolina .

At the center of this 8,000-acre estate is Vanderbilt Mansion , the largest private home in the United States. The mansion alone encompasses four acres and features 250 rooms — 199 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms. In addition to admiring the artwork, antiques, and impressive architecture in the home, also leave time to stroll through the gardens and River Bend Farm .

Be sure to set aside plenty of time to fully explore the estate. For an additional charge, you can get a guided tour , which shows parts of the estate that are not open to the public, as well as a tour that highlights the estate's extensive sustainability efforts.

If you want to make this the focus of your trip, consider a stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate , one of the top resorts in Asheville.

Address: 1 Lodge Street, Asheville, North Carolina

The funky, artsy, and eclectic downtown area of Asheville has a friendly, Bohemian vibe. Locally owned shops and boutiques line the streets, along with a tasty selection of restaurants and cafés. Street performers of all kinds, from mimes to musicians, frequently make appearances.

Feel free to join in the regular drum circles that take place at Pritchard Park every Friday night and spontaneously on other nights throughout the summer. If you don't want to participate, just stand around and enjoy the entertainment.

After dark, guests can catch an Asheville Community Theatre , Asheville Lyric Opera , or Asheville Symphony show. You can also explore the historic Urban Trail , a 1.7-mile walking-tour route, which is marked by a series of 30 stations that feature informational plaques and sculptures at various significant sites.

If you are looking for that special souvenir that captures the spirit of Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains, be sure to stop in at the Grove Arcade . This wonderfully restored building dates from 1929 and is full of unique shops. In the evening, try and snag a spot on the patio of one of the many fine restaurants lining a full city block, and engage in some serious people-watching.

Downtown Asheville is a good place to stay if you want to enjoy the city. You can park your car and walk everywhere if you base yourself in the city center.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a 42-acre facility dedicated to educating the public about the area's varied animal life and natural habitats. Indoor exhibits include resident reptiles and amphibians; small mammals; and the World Underground exhibit, which explores what lies beneath.

The Nature Center is a fun family destination with a focus on natural play . Outdoor play areas offer all kinds of interesting and engaging natural things to do that will appeal to kids of all ages. Kids can also try their luck at finding that special rock at the gem and mining sluice for an additional fee. After exploring, take a rest and catch one of the many animal programs that let you get up close with snakes, turtles, and even otters.

Outdoor exhibits include a variety of habitats, which are home to native species like otters, turtles, endangered farm animals, raccoons, and foxes. The Appalachian Predators habitat is the park's largest, housing a bobcat, coyotes, grey wolves, and the critically endangered red wolf.

The nature center also has a hiking trail suitable for all ages and offers special programs and events throughout the year.

Address: 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, North Carolina

An up-and-coming district in Asheville is the River Arts District , known by its acronym "RAD." This eclectic area consists of 23 former industrial buildings by the French Broad River bounded by the railroad tracks. Inside the buildings are a treasure trove of artist studios, restaurants, and cafés. Walking around, touring studios, and grabbing a bite to eat are three of the best things to do in the RAD.

If you need a signature piece of art, this is the place to come. Innovative artisans from around the country descended on this area and have made it a hotbed of craftsmanship. Over 200 artists work in various mediums including, but not limited to, metal, pottery, paint, glass, and paper.

The area hosts Studio Stroll Weekends , and a free trolley runs on certain Saturdays. Something is usually going on, so check their website for the latest news.

The North Carolina Arboretum features over 65 acres of cultivated gardens, which are home to a diverse range of plants. Highlights include the National Native Azalea Collection; the G-scale Rocky Cove Railroad model train; and the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, which houses up to 50 of these unique and fragile plants.

The Heritage Garden will be interesting to those who want to learn more about traditional uses for plants, including medicinal and functional applications, and the Quilt Garden is maintained in homage to Appalachian quilting traditions.

This 434-acre natural escape offers outdoor activities and 10 miles of hiking trails , and the center offers guided trail walks, self-guided mobile device tours, and geocaching. The arboretum also hosts traveling exhibits and special events .

Address: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, North Carolina

For another escape in the natural world, The Botanical Gardens at Asheville are a series of immaculately tended gardens bursting with color and scent. The horticultural displays focus on local flowering plants and trees, many of which are unique to the state.

The gardens are open year-round, but peak bloom seasons are generally during mid-April and mid-August. Families will want to stop at the visitor center to pick up Investigation Passports for the kids, a fun way to engage younger ones in learning about the plants they will see.

There are also classes and topic-focused walks put on throughout the year for varied ages. This non-profit organization is free and open to the public, so be sure to stop by the on-site gift shop for a memento.

Address: 151 W T Weaver Blvd, Asheville, North Carolina

The Pisgah National Forest covers more than 500,000 acres and is one of the first designated national forests in the country. Within the park, there are multiple day-use areas that offer a variety of amenities and activities, including swimming, trails, and boat ramps.

Multiple camping areas are also found throughout the park. Visitors will find numerous geological landmarks including Table Rock , the Chimneys , and Linville Gorge , as well as the Forest Discovery Center located near the town of Brevard.

Other highlights include guided nature hikes and seasonal interpretive programs and activities like horseback riding, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and rock climbing.

Expanding on the scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area includes communities and scenic byways, which add to the area's cultural richness. In addition to scenic drives, hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities, the area has a myriad of things to do.

Within driving distance of Asheville, you'll find farmers markets, local festivals and events, theaters, and gemstone quarries. There are also several opportunities to learn more about the history and culture of the Cherokee and other natives who first occupied the land.

During the peak tourist season, there is a Cherokee Bonfire series and Cherokee Artisan shows, and in the town of Cherokee, you can find a museum dedicated to the culture, as well as the Oconaluftee Indian Village.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the beautiful Smith-McDowell House Museum is Asheville's oldest surviving dwelling. This antebellum mansion currently functions as a history museum, restored with period furniture from the 19th century and decorative arts. The elegant brick building was once also the home for local mayors and a Civil War major.

Note that the Smith-McDowell House Museum is undergoing renovations and is scheduled to re-open in the summer of 2023.

Another point of interest in Asheville is the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site on North Market Street. The childhood home of the famous American author, this Victorian house is the former Old Kentucky Boarding House, once operated by Wolfe's mother. The house is featured in several of Wolfe's works, most notably the largely autobiographical Look Homeward, Angel .

Address: 283 Victoria Road, Asheville, North Carolina

Pack Place Education and Arts Center in Asheville is home to a number of cultural institutions and is a center for Asheville's flourishing artistic and musical pursuits. The Asheville Art Museum focuses on American pieces from the 20th century onwards. It also hosts visiting exhibits and has an on-site café that offers outdoor seating on the Sculpture Terrace.

At the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) (formerly the Colburn Earth Science Museum), exhibits cover topics including geology, climate, astronomy, and other earth sciences. Highlights include a hands-on STEM lab, a Teratophoneus Curriei dinosaur skeleton, and a variety of special events designed for kids and their families.

If you're looking for a more passive cultural experience, the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts hosts regular live shows, including comedy acts, theatrical productions, ballet, and musical concerts of varied genres.

Address: 2 North Pack Sq, Asheville, North Carolina

Being home to some 20 endangered or threatened varieties of flowers, Craggy Gardens is the perfect stop for anyone interested in rare plants. The Visitor Center (open seasonally) has exhibits about the local flora,

Be sure to bring your camera, because you will want to photograph the whimsical, wind-bent trees that grow on the mountain. If you visit during June and July, you will find purple rhododendrons in full bloom, but there are plenty of other blossoms to enjoy throughout spring, summer, and fall.

There is a good hiking trail that leads to panoramic views from Craggy Peak, and amenities include free parking, a picnic area, restrooms, and dog-friendly grounds.

Address: 195 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, North Carolina

For a different perspective on the North Carolina landscape, why not get a bird's-eye view from the sky or the treetops? Quiet and serene, hot air balloon rides offer a unique way to see Asheville and the surrounding countryside from above.

There are multiple tour operators to choose from, and there are also several options for thrill-seekers who want to experience a zipline canopy tour. Autumn is a particularly popular time of year for both activities, when the forest canopy is ablaze with vibrant foliage. Make sure to take (and hold tightly onto) your camera.

Twenty-five miles southeast of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park features its landmark namesake: a 315-foot solid granite spire that rises over 2,280 feet. Don't worry, you don't need to climb to the top, visitors of all physical abilities can reach the top thanks to a 26-story elevator built inside the mountain.

Families will enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities, including the educational Great Woodland Adventure Trail, the Animal Discovery Den, a kids' climbing tower, and scavenger hunts.

Another popular sightseeing spot in the park is reached via the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. The moderate, mostly level trail leads to the base of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls . For boaters, Lake Lure is the destination of choice.

Address: 431 Main Street, Chimney Rock, North Carolina

Located in downtown Asheville, the Asheville Pinball Museum allows you to not only see their 45 vintage pinball machines, but play most of them as well. This nostalgic museum allows free play on its machines, which also include dozens of other classic video games, with a flat admission fee, and is a great way to regain your inner teenager.

The Pinball Museum can become very busy, and the facility limits capacity. To make it easier, the museum has a waiting list service, which allows you to explore and shop in downtown Asheville until your turn comes up. You can also pass your time shopping and dining across the street at the Grove Arcade while waiting.

Address: 1 Battle Square, Suite 1B, Asheville, North Carolina

Biltmore Village was one of the country's first "company towns" — an entire community planned for the purpose of housing Biltmore Estate workers and their families.

Designed to resemble an English village, it has become a top tourist destination for both its historic charm, European ambience, and shopping. You'll find everything from independent boutiques to major labels, as well as a wide variety of some of Asheville's best restaurants.

Another Biltmore-related spot is Grovewood Village , once the center of Biltmore's woodworking and weaving branches. Here, you will find the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum , as well as an antique car museum, an art gallery, and a sculpture garden.

We recommend these great hotels in Asheville, near downtown shops, restaurants, and attractions:

• The Windsor Boutique Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in a great central location. Rooms have exposed brick walls, the apartments have full kitchens and the bedding is luxe linens.
• Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown is a mid-range priced spot in an excellent location that is easily walkable to the sights of downtown. A highlight here is the sunny rooftop terrace that is ideal for catching the sunset. The hotel also has a complimentary downtown shuttle and well equipped fitness center.
• A good mid-range option is the Country Inn & Suites Asheville River Arts District . This 3-star hotel has bright rooms, an indoor pool and gym, and a free downtown shuttle.
• A couple of miles farther out from downtown is the Quality Inn Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road . This is a budget hotel with clean rooms, free breakfast and parking, in-room fridges, and microwaves. The hotel also has a free downtown shuttle.

Ghostly Asheville :

• Believers and skeptics alike will enjoy this evening tour of Asheville's most haunted spots, including the Basilica of St. Lawrence and the Omni Grove Park Inn. A local guide shares stories and interesting historic facts during the two-hour Ghost Walking Tour and visit to Asheville's Mystery Museum .

Blue Ridge by Horseback:

• The Flame Azalea and Fern Forest Combo Horseback Trail Ride gives you the opportunity to see some of the area's most beautiful plant life and scenery from the unique perspective of horseback. Lessons are available for beginners at no extra charge, and ride time is not shortened, making this a great family outing for those who want to try out something new.

Paddle through Downtown:

• You'll be able to see the city from a new angle on the Guided Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour on the French Broad River . Starting in the River Arts District , you are provided with all necessary equipment and will get a paddleboard lesson before embarking on a peaceful small-group tour.

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Nearby Places to Visit: This area of North Carolina is a treasure trove of quaint mountains towns and scenic drives. Other highlights in this region are the beautiful waterfalls . These are easily visited on day trips from Asheville. You can also work in some hiking if you have enough time. If you're visiting in winter, some of North Carolina's best ski resorts are not that far away and can make a nice side trip.

More on North Carolina

Asheville, NC   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Stephen Pruitt Photography | Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

20 Essential Things to Do in Asheville, North Carolina

The mountains are calling and you must go. With so many fun things to do in Asheville, you can cherry pick (or wild berry pick) a one-of-a-kind itinerary. You will discover many of Asheville's most memorable experiences in the great outdoors,

• All Things To Do

Biltmore Biltmore

U.S. News Insider Tip: Though the Biltmore house has 43 bathrooms, you can’t use any of them, so be sure to use one of the public restrooms by the Stable Café before your house tour. – Lindsey Grossman

George Vanderbilt’s enormous French Renaissance-style estate has a storied past dating back to 1889. Considered America's largest private home, it took six years to build, with 250 rooms including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and a whopping 65 fireplaces. The estate grounds designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed Central Park) cover 8,000 acres and feature nearly 22 miles of trails, gardens, a winery and so much more.

Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway close to vehicles in the winter, which affords you the unique opportunity to experience it by foot. If it’s not too far, park and walk to your hiking destination. – Lindsey Grossman

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway begins in Virginia and meanders through about 250 miles of western North Carolina. With a maximum speed of 45 mph, the scenic byway offers drivers numerous opportunities to stop at overlooks, quaint mountain towns , and hiking and biking trails. The parkway is divided by milepost markers that increase as you drive farther south.

Craggy Gardens Craggy Gardens free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Late summer means berry season in the mountains. In August, you can hike up to the top of Craggy Gardens and pick your own wild blueberries! (While “supplies” last.) – Lindsey Grossman

One of the best trails for seeing wildflowers along the Blue Ridge Parkway , Craggy Gardens is located at milepost 364. In June, rhododendrons overtake the evergreen foliage, weaving through tunnels of twisty roots and branches, making the trail as stunning as the views from the top.

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Pisgah National Forest Pisgah National Forest free

Offering more than 500,000 acres of land about 30 miles southwest of downtown Asheville, Pisgah National Forest is jam-packed with activities and breathtaking vistas. With hundreds of miles of trails and numerous waterfalls and swimming holes, the forest provides ample opportunities to appreciate the great outdoors.

One of the first national forests in the country, created partially with land that once belonged to the Biltmore Estate , the park is home to the first forestry school in the United States as well as the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

Asheville Breweries Asheville Breweries

U.S. News Insider Tip: The hops don’t stop with local breweries. The Whale AVL in West Asheville boasts one of the best beer selections in the world, ranking as one of the country’s top 10 beer bars. – Lindsey Grossman

With more than 50 breweries in the area, Asheville has emerged as the beer capital of the Southeast. Sampling pints from many of the local breweries has become a favorite activity for Asheville residents and visitors alike.

Sliding Rock Sliding Rock free

Waterslide lovers can take their skills to the next level while getting back to nature at Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest . Easily one of the forest's most unique attractions, adventurous visitors can whoosh down 60 feet of sloped, predominantly flat rock that’s powered by 11,000 gallons of water per minute. The slide empties seamlessly into an 8-foot-deep pool below. Many make the trek to Pisgah National Forest to line up and take turns sliding down this fun natural wonder. Adventure Pisgah manages the site during the summer; during the offseason (after Labor Day), it’s an “enjoy at your own risk” attraction and there are no lifeguards. There are two observation platforms where those who don’t want to swim can take in the action. 

Recent visitors who took the plunge at Sliding Rock said they had a blast, and called it a must for every family’s bucket list. While travelers were unanimous in recommending a detour to Sliding Rock, they did warn that the water is cold (even in warmer weather) and you should expect crowds. For fewer lines and easier parking, avoid the peak hours between noon and 4 p.m., visit on a weekday, and bring aqua socks and a rash guard or swim shirt. 

Mount Mitchell State Park Mount Mitchell State Park free

Unsure of where to stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway ? For unbeatable views of the mountains, pay a visit to Mount Mitchell State Park. Home to the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River (6,684 feet), it’s one of the parkway’s most popular attractions. Unlike many trails, this summit can be reached by car. A 4.5-mile paved road off the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you to the top, with a short walk to the observation area where you'll be treated to 360-degree views of the surrounding scenery. What's more, visibility from the top goes as far as 85 miles.

Those hiking to the top have 40 miles of trails available that vary in difficulty and intensity. The Balsam Nature Trail is considered moderate, but is less than a mile long. Along this pathway, you'll find a small stream that is actually the highest spring in the eastern United States. To reach the top of Mount Mitchell like they did in the late 1800s and early 1900s, venture down the Old Mitchell Trail, which is 4 miles roundtrip. Or, you could walk the strenuous 2.1-mile Deep Gap Trail, which follows the ridgeline between Mount Mitchell to nearby Mount Craig.

River Arts District River Arts District free

Asheville’s River Arts District (known locally as RAD) started with a few studios in the mid-1980s and has grown to house nearly 300 artists and their creative endeavors. Former industrial and historical buildings – including a tannery and a cotton mill – have been repurposed and renovated as artist studios, shops, restaurants and a newly opened boutique hotel called The Radical. Visitors can stroll around the district to meet artists and enjoy works in various media, including paintings, textiles, ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. It's also a great place to pick up a unique souvenir from your time in the city, or sign up for a class at the North Carolina Glass Center to make your own special keepsake.

Though some visitors found the artwork expensive, they still loved walking around and watching the artists work. Visitors also noted the excellent reuse of a former industrial area, easy-to-find free parking, and Instagram-worthy public mural art.

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Appalachian Trail Appalachian Trail free

Winding its way from Maine to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail (also known as the AT) spans 2,190 miles through 14 states. About 323 of those miles are found in North Carolina, including 226.6 miles along the Tennessee border.

The North Carolina section offers many of the Appalachian Trail's highest peaks, several above 6,000 feet. Hiking enthusiasts can set out on a multiday or weeklong journey (keep in mind that you'll need permits to camp and hike in some areas, especially inside the Great Smoky Mountains).

French Broad River French Broad River free

You don't need to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway to find adventures in Asheville. In fact, the French Broad River, which runs right through town, is filled to the brim with fun and exciting activities. One of the oldest rivers in the world, the French Broad is also one of the only rivers in the world that flows north instead of south (its headwaters begin in Rosman, North Carolina and runs north to Tennessee). 

Popular river activities include tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing and more. French Broad Outfitters is a highly rated tour operator that offers self-guided tours and rentals, plus gear for kayaking, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding and canoe. You can also find tube rentals at Zen Tubing , and if you happen to be more interested in stand-up paddleboarding with instruction, Wai Muana offers rentals, tours and lessons. 

The North Carolina Arboretum The North Carolina Arboretum free

Those with green thumbs will want to put the North Carolina Arboretum on their must-see list. Located 10 miles south of downtown Asheville off of Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 393, the arboretum is a 434-acre natural museum within Pisgah National Forest . Visitors can wander through 65 acres of lush gardens, including a world-renowned bonsai collection and more than 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking and walking. If you’re in Asheville over the holidays, don’t miss the arboretum’s spectacular Winter Lights walk-through experience that illuminates the gardens and grounds with more than a million lights.

Recent visitors raved about the bonsai exhibition as well as the walking trails. Kids can take part in a variety of interactive youth activities, such as the ecoEXPLORER citizen science program and TRACK Trail Guide.

Folk Art Center Folk Art Center free

At milepost 382 off the Blue Ridge Parkway , you'll find the Folk Art Center, home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The guild dates back to the 1930s and still represents the artists and craftsmen of Southern Appalachia.

One of the most popular spots off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Folk Art Center displays traditional and contemporary crafts in three galleries, and is home to a bookstore, a parkway information desk, a library and the Allanstand Craft Shop – the oldest craft shop in America. From March to December, the center also features daily craft demonstrations. If you happen to be in Asheville in either July or October, be sure to visit the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands at Harrah's Cherokee Center-Asheville. This event draws in more than 11,000 visitors each year and features more than 200 artists selling their craft and teaching the public about their artistic skills.

Western North Carolina Nature Center Western North Carolina Nature Center

If you're itching to learn more about the natural world of Appalachia, or simply have kids in tow, make sure that the Western North Carolina Nature Center is on your itinerary. The Nature Center, located just 5 miles southeast of downtown Asheville, is filled with 60 species of animals that are either native to the region or have at one point lived there. Resident animals – most of which cannot live in the wild on their own due to injury or imprinting (meaning they have no fear of humans and no skills to live in the wild) – include black bears, river otters and foxes. And don’t miss the red wolves, the world’s most endangered wolf species.

Both visitors and locals love coming to the Western North Carolina Nature Center. Travelers really enjoyed getting to see the various animals, especially the wolves and red pandas. Others appreciated the shaded paths and friendly staff. Another thing visitors agree on? This place is perfect for kids. In addition to plenty of exciting animals, the nature center also has Montessori-like interactive play areas for kiddos, gem and fossil mining, as well as free daily animal programs.

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Lexington Glassworks Lexington Glassworks free

Art lovers should get fired up for a stop at Lexington Glassworks. The gallery and studio prides itself on an open door culture, inviting you to watch these talented glass artists hone their craft. The gallery shows off an impressive display of both functional and decorative pieces that make great souvenirs, from drinkware to ornaments. Remodeling? Consult with Lexington Glassworks’ Lighting Design Studio for stunning custom pendants and other fixtures that will literally light up a room.

Several visitors described Lexington Glassworks as one of their Asheville musts, particularly noting the quality of the glass, friendly staff and the mesmerizing experience of watching the makers at work. One visitor points out that while many places in Asheville are closed on Tuesdays, Lexington Glassworks remains open if you’re planning your trip for midweek. 

LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours

The perfect blend of historical and hysterical, LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours welcome visitors aboard the company’s signature purple buses to drive around downtown and surrounding neighborhoods for a look at the city’s history, beer culture, ghosts and more. Along the way, you’ll meet zany characters and enjoy lots of laughter. LaZoom offers four tour options: the popular 90-minute Asheville City Tour (appropriate for ages 13 and older), a one-hour haunted comedy tour (ages 17 and older), a three-hour brewery tour (ages 21 and older) and a one-hour Kids Comedy Tour that’s suitable for all ages.

Both visitors and locals love these one-of-a-kind tours. Reviewers rave about the funny, witty guides and characters you interact with along the way. Locals call LaZoom a great way to introduce out-of-town guests to Asheville.

Asheville Pinball Museum Asheville Pinball Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip : Long line at the Pinball Museum? Check out the Amazing Poster Vault with 40 video games right below the museum for only $5, and the attached Lunchbox Hall of Fame with more than 200 classic lunch boxes for just $1. – Lindsey Grossman

The Asheville Pinball Museum offers the perfect activity for all ages, with 35 pinball machines and 35 classic video games to bring out the kid in everyone. A rotating collection of fully operational vintage games date as far back as the 1960s, with machines on display from as far back as the 1930s. Rare games include "Dragon's Lair," an original "Star Wars" cockpit and a 1979 Atari Football game. With sodas, snacks and beer for sale, you can easily kick back for a couple of hours. Up to 65 people are allowed in at a time, so there’s always a game available to play.

Grove Arcade Grove Arcade free

Self-made millionaire E.W. Grove (developer of The Omni Grove Park Inn ) conceived what he called “the most elegant building in America” when he built the Grove Arcade almost 100 years ago, creating the country’s first indoor shopping mall. Throughout its storied history, the architectural marvel served as a military center during World War II, and was home to the National Weather Records Center before a full renovation returned the Grove Arcade to its original vision. Today, the first floor of the Grove Arcade is filled with galleries, restaurants and shopping, with offices and residences on the higher floors. 

Visitors describe the Grove Arcade as a must-see for architecture lovers (who should check out the self-guided architecture tour ), and appreciated the air-conditioned reprieve from the summer heat. Housed inside the Grove Arcade, the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar is a favorite of both tourists and locals.

Asheville Urban Trail Asheville Urban Trail free

Weaving through downtown, the 1.7-mile-long Asheville Urban Trail walks visitors through the cultural and architectural history of the city. Public sculptures that speak to the city’s history mark each of the trail's 30 stops.

The self-guided tour takes you through five time periods, from the Gilded Age to the present Age of Diversity. The trail starts at Pack Square at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and Patton Avenue and circles around the downtown area, arriving back at the square for the final bronze statue. Set aside two hours to complete the entire trail at once, or discover it in bits and pieces with each visit.

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from $ 74.00

Botanical Gardens at Asheville Botanical Gardens at Asheville free

If you want to connect to nature without driving too far out of town, take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Located less than 2 miles north of downtown and neighboring the University of North Carolina at Asheville campus, the gardens sprawl across 10 acres, showing off Southern Appalachia’s incredible biodiversity with more than 500 species of native plants. The main loop trail is about half a mile, with gravelside trails splitting off for those wanting to explore further. Bring a picnic or choose one of several points to access Reed Creek for some rock hopping and splashing around in warmer months. You’ll also find several benches along the trails to rest and take it all in. There’s always something blooming, but the best time to visit is when the wildflowers peak in April and May and again mid-summer through early fall. Kids can learn about the different plant species with one of five investigation passports, which encourage little ones to interact with the garden and hone their observation skills (passports are available at the visitor center).

Garden visitors emphasize the natural, unmanicured feel (this is not a fancy botanical garden with high-maintenance exhibits), so temper your expectations. Reviewers also appreciated the clear signage and knowledgeable staff.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial Thomas Wolfe Memorial

One of the greatest American literary minds of the early 20th century, Thomas Wolfe was inspired by his time in Asheville, and at this historic downtown Asheville home in particular. Built in 1883, the house has changed ownership several times, and was at one time owned by Wolfe’s mother, who ran it as a boarding house. Wolfe pays tribute to his time in this house and in Asheville in his first and most famous novel, “Look Homeward, Angel.” Tour the house to gain a better understanding of how the renowned author’s childhood home influenced his work. The attached visitor center features a gift shop and an exhibit on the life and work of Thomas Wolfe. 

Visitors say the home not only offers unique insights into Thomas Wolfe’s life, but the city of Asheville as well (it’s a North Carolina State Historic Site). Visitors who weren’t as aware of Wolfe before the tour still enjoyed it and got a lot out of the experience.

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The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

[ Updated January 2, 2024 ] 

For a medium-sized North Carolina mountain town with a population of under 100,000, there is a surprising wealth of unique things to do in Asheville NC.

Thanks to an infusion of wealth brought in by the Biltmore Estate in the early 20th century, there’s historic art deco-influenced architecture.

There are also countless critically-acclaimed restaurants , with lots of craft breweries and farm-to-table fare. There’s also a vibrant cultural community, particularly in the River Arts District.

Thanks to sound city planning, many of the best Asheville hotels are within walking distance of its major attractions. 

But our favorite aspect of Asheville is the fact that it’s surrounded by wilderness, including ecotourism attractions such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Linville Falls , and Pisgah National Forest .

So here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Asheville NC, from touring the Biltmore Estate, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, and hiking in Mount Mitchell State Park to rafting the French Broad River and seeing endangered Red Wolves.

READ MORE: The Top 10 Treehouse Rentals Near Asheville NC

Are you planning a trip to Asheville NC ? If you need recommendations for fun things to do in Asheville NC, check out our tips for some of the top hotels, guided tours, and more! Top Places to Stay in Asheville NC Cambria Hotel (downtown hotel with fridge and on-site restaurant, highly recommended) Kimpton – Hotel Arras, IHG (downtown 4-star hotel w/very good breakfast & bikes) The Inn On Biltmore Estate (Biltmore hotel with on-site spa w/ casual & fine-dining restaurants) Hampton Inn & Suites Biltmore Village (pet-friendly, budget-friendly hotel w/ breakfast) GLō Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road (affordable chic hotel in West Asheville w/ breakfast) Black  Walnut B&B Inn (romantic B&B in the Montford Historic District) Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast Inn (Montford B&B w/spa massages & foot bath services) Popular tours and activities in Asheville NC: Asheville: 3-Hour City Electric Bike Tour with Views (top selling tour) Asheville: Scenic Helicopter Experience (Mountain & French Broad River views) Asheville Ghost Walking Tour with Mystery Museum Admission (2-hr history/ghost tour) Asheville: Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl   (2-hr bar-to-bar walking tour) Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour (3+hr craft breweries tour w/ samples) French Broad Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip (4-hr Class II and III rapids rafting tour) Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville (guided day trip to 3 waterfalls) 2.5-Hour Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Jeep Tour (Small-group tour on the best of the parkway) Guided Horseback Ride through Flame Azalea and Fern Forest (1.25-hr family-friendly ride) Mountain Mural Tour-River Arts and Downtown Asheville (1.5-hr street art, graffiti, murals) Need a car rental for your Asheville NC trip?   Find the best rental car options here !

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ASHEVILLE NC GUIDE

• Tour The Biltmore Estate
• Find Foraged Foods
• See North Carolina’ Red Wolves
• Explore Downtown Asheville’s Restaurant Scene
• Rafting The French Broad River
• Visit the River Arts District
• Rappel In Green River Gorge
• Slip Down Sliding Rock
• Take A Free Highland Brewing Tour
• Watch For Cataloochee Elk
• Ziplining In Asheville
• People Watching In Pack Square Park
• Fishing Linville Gorge
• Mountain Biking Pisgah
• Rock Climbing At Chimney Rock
• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Hike in Mount Mitchell State Park
• See Looking Glass Rock & Skinny Dip Falls
• Find Flora at the NC Arboretum
• Take a Day Trip to Hendersonville NC
• Get Cultured at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center
• Explore the Asheville Botanical Garden 
• See the Thomas Wolfe House/Memorial
• Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
• Watch the Sunset from Craggy Gardens
• Play at the Asheville Pinball Museum
• Explore the Montford Area Historic District
• Take a Day Trip to Weaverville NC
• Visit the Moog Museum
• Wine Tasting at Addison Farms Vineyard
• Family Fun at Grandad’s Apples
• Tour the Basilica of Saint Lawrence
• Go Horseback Riding
• Take a Waynesville Day Trip
• Celebrate Christmas in Asheville

READ MORE: 15 Festive Ways to Celebrate an Asheville NC Christma s

1. TOUR THE BILTMORE ESTATE

Named after former North Carolina governor Samuel Ashe, Asheville was born in 1797. But it wasn’t until George Washington Vanderbilt II finished building his  Biltmore Estate in 1895 that the city began to attract national attention. 

The family’s 125,000-acre estate became a popular retreat among early 20th century icons such as automaker Henry Ford, inventor Thomas Edison, and Presidents William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson.

With 250 rooms encompassing over 135,000 square feet, the historic landmark’s Châteauesque-style architecture, lushly landscaped gardens, and forestry initiatives have made it the most popular Asheville attraction. 

There are numerous Biltmore tour options, included self-guided and audio tours of the house , gardens , winery, and rooftop, as well as tours just for kids.

There are also endless outdoor activities on the 8,000-acre estate, ranging from biking, hiking, and kayaking to falconry, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and sporting clays.

READ MORE: The History of Downtown Asheville, NC: From Biltmore to Boom

2. FIND FORAGED FOODS

Did you know that the nature-lover’s paradise around Asheville boasts over 300 wild edibles?

Founded in 1995, eco-tour operator No Taste Like Home offers “Wild Food Adventures” that teach travelers how to safely harvest edible wild plants for themselves.

Exploring local fields and forests with an expert, you’ll find a broad variety of edible berries, greens, wildflowers , nuts, seeds and North Carolina mushrooms. 

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Asheville with kids, check out their 90-minute Wild Food Stroll at the Omni Grove Park Inn .

Afterwards, you can take your foraged foods home or visit one of six local restaurants whose chefs will whip up an appetizer with the ingredients you’ve foraged.

It’s a great way to give kids a taste of what founder Alan Muskat calls, “ find dining .”

READ MORE:  The Top 10 Treehouse Rentals near Asheville, NC

3. SEE NORTH CAROLINA RED WOLVES

The Red Wolf is one of the most critically endangered canid species in the world. But thanks to captive breeding programs, they’ve slowly begun to recover. There are now around 130 in the wild, and 250 others in captivity.

One of our favorite things to do in Asheville is visit the 42-acre Western North Carolina Nature Center , which connects people with the native plants and animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Their animal exhibits include Black Bears, Cougars, Coyotes, Red and Gray Foxes, Raccoons, River Otters, and birds . But the WNC Nature Center’s most unique offering is the chance to see Red Wolves in North Carolina.  

The Nature Center’s breeding program is helping to save this beautiful species, which is endemic to North Carolina . Their beloved wolves have been known to howl in unison when the mood strikes. 

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Asheville NC for kids, check out their “Junior Wild Walk” an educational behind the scenes tour.

READ MORE: The Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in North Carolina

4. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE’S RESTAURANT SCENE

Downtown Asheville has an astounding array of critically acclaimed restaurants for a 45-square-mile mountain town with a population of less than 100,000 people.

Those seeking vegetarian, vegan, or just plain healthy food will have a wealth of options to choose from, from the Green Sage and Laughing Tree Cafes to Plant and Rosetta’s Kitchen & The Buchi Bar.

Looking for more exotic fare? Check out the award-winning Indian food at Chai Pani, the French fare of Bouchon, Korean restaurant Stone Bowl, and new-ish Ramen joint Futo Buta. 

If you’re looking for chef-driven dining, foodies fawn over hotspots such as Katie Button’s Cúrate (tapas), Peter Pollay’s Posana (farm-to-table), Linton Hopkins’ H&F Burger, John Fleer’s Rhubarb, and Elliott Moss’ Buxton Hall.

But for good old-fashioned Appalachian food, check out rising star Ashleigh Shanti’s Benne on Eagle, 12 Bones Smokehouse (the Obamas’ favorite), and the Tupelo Honey Cafe, one of the oldest restaurants in Asheville. 

READ MORE: The Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants

5. RAFTING THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER

The French Broad River winds its way right through the heart of Asheville. The river is lined with lush, verdant parks  that are perfect for picnics and recreation.

Rafting the French Broad River is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville with kids, or a group of friends.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been offering guided white water rafting trips here longer than anyone else.

They have half-day tours that are aimed at beginners (ages 8 and up). There are also full-day, 8-mile, intermediate tours that tackle more challenging Class IV rapids.

This is a great river for kayaking in the off-season, when the water is high and tourist traffic on the French Broad River is relatively low.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in North Carolina

6. EXPLORE THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT

Asheville has emerged over the past 10 to 15 years as a progressive cultural haven in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge region.

NYC-bred clothing designer Pattiy Torno (former chair of the Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission) was one of the area’s artistic pioneers.

She set up  CURVE Studios in the River Arts District in 1984, when Downtown Asheville was teetering on the brink of economic collapse. Now the area is the creative home to more than 200 artists working in a broad variety of mediums.

Visitors looking for a weekend getaway immersed in culture will find excellent shopping opportunities in countless galleries occupying 22 former industrial buildings along a one-mile stretch of the tranquil French Broad River. 

From Curve and the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts  to the 110,000-sq foot Riverview Station and the relatively new Pink Dog Creative , each building is a treasure trove of creativity. 

READ MORE: Asheville River Arts District: A Guide to Galleries & Restaurants

7. RAPPEL IN GREEN RIVER GORGE

A tributary of the Broad River, the Green River begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows into the Piedmont region.

Located just southeast of Asheville, the area surrounding the Green River Gorge boasts some of the most biodiverse forest in the eastern United States.

River tubing is always popular here due to the river’s controlled water flow. But for a change of pace, try canyoneering, one of the most adrenaline-pumping things to do in Asheville.

Green River Adventures offers two options for rappelling. At 70 feet tall, the Little Bradley Waterfall is perfect for youngsters (aged 12 and up) and first-timers.

Big Bradley Falls, at 200 feet, is more challenging, and recommended for thrill-seekers ages 15 and up. Both tours include expert instruction and plenty of practice time.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes for NC Day Trips

8. SLIP DOWN SLIDING ROCK

It may be a mountain town , but Asheville can still get extremely hot during the dog days of summer.

There’s nothing better at the end of a long day of outdoor adventures than cooling off in one of the area’s countless waterfalls .

If you’re still hungry for more action, head to  Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest. This is considered “the king of NC swimming holes ,” offering a 60-foot natural rock water slide that feeds into an 8-foot deep pool.

While this may be one of the most fun things to do  in Asheville for kids, be aware that the waters can be chilly– usually around 55-60º!

But there are observation areas for folks who find those temps too “refreshing.” Just get there early, because this local hotspot is a popular place for families in the summertime!

READ MORE: The 50 Best North Carolina Waterfalls to Visit

9. TAKE A FREE HIGHLAND BREWING TOUR

Arguably the best Beer City in America, the extensive  Asheville breweries list ranges from nationally recognized companies such as Sierra Nevada and New Belgium to locally grown brands like Wicked Weed and Hi-Wire.

But the very first Asheville brewery, Highland Brewing Company, was founded back in 1994 and remains one of the best breweries in Asheville.

Guided walking tours of the facilities– one of the best free things to do in Asheville– are available every day of the week.

The original Asheville beer tour is offered 3 times a day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each lasts around 45 minutes, and include a beer tasting to celebrate the occasion.

They also offer private tours. Email [email protected] for more information.

READ MORE: Visiting Highland Brewing, the First Asheville Brewery

10. WATCH FOR CATALOOCHEE ELK

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited of America’s National Parks , boasts a bevy of wildlife species.

It’s home to 200 species of North Carolina birds , 50 species of fish, 39 species of reptiles , 43 species of amphibians, and mammals such as Black Bears, Raccoons, Bobcats, River Otters, Beavers, and two species of Fox.

Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best free things to do near Asheville, especially if you’re going to see the ever-expanding Cataloochee Elk herd .

Elk once roamed these North Carolina hills by the thousands, but they were all killed off by hunters in the 1700s.

Thanks to a 2001 reintroduction program, there are now over 150 Cataloochee Elk in the park. The Cataloochee Valley (which is surrounded by picturesque 6000-foot peaks) is easily the best place to see them.

These massive megafauna can often be found grazing along the road into the park. But park volunteers can typically tell you where the herd was spotted last.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Western NC Small Towns to Visit (& Live In)

11. ZIPLINING IN ASHEVILLE

Putting an eco-friendly spin on typical zipline tours , Navitat Canopy Adventures speaks for the trees and encourages their guests to respect the beauty of nature.

The company’s Treetop Tour is perfect for zip lining first-timers, combining 6 ziplines (one 1250 feet), two bridges, two rappels and two hikes. Treetop Tour participants must weigh between 90 and 250 pounds.

The Mountaintop Tour is bigger, higher and faster. It boasts one zip measuring 3,600 feet long and 350 feet high, going at speeds up to 65 mph. Mountaintop Tour participants must weight between 70 and 250 pounds.

Adrenaline junkies will love The Ultimate Adventure Tour, which combines both packages for six hours of invigorating action and incredible Blue Ridge mountain views. 

READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Elkin NC (BRP Milepost 229)

12. PEOPLE WATCHING IN PACK SQUARE PARK

When it comes to free things to do in Asheville, NC, just sitting and watching the wonderfully eclectic array of people milling about in Pack Square Park was easily our favorite.

Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, the park was created in 1900 and named for lumber tycoon George Willis Pack (who died just six years later). 

Known as Asheville’s greatest philanthropist, he donated the land on which Pack Square was built, which is now surrounded by the historic art deco buildings for which the downtown area is known.

It’s a great place to get a feel for the mountain town’s remarkable diversity, where city slickers, grungy backpackers, young hipsters and aging hippies, tattooed cowboys, and young moms pushing their babies in strollers all commingle. 

If shopping is more your speed, you’ll also find Asheville’s best-known shops here along Biltmore Avenue.

You can see everything from indie book and record stores to trendy clothing boutiques, an old-timey general store, lively brewpubs and more in a span of just a few blocks.

READ MORE: Camping in Asheville NC: The 15 Best Campgrounds to Visit

13. FISHING LINVILLE GORGE

Known as “the Grand Canyon of North Carolina,” the 11,876-acre  Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is one of only two gorges in the Southern United States that was never clear-cut for logging.

The Linville River is situated approximately 1,400 feet below the ridge, so hiking Linville Gorge is most enjoyable for those who like a somewhat strenuous challenge.

In addition to bears, foxes, raccoons, hawks, and other wildlife , the area is also a haven for fly fishing in North Carolina.

Anglers come here from all over the US, hoping to hook their limit of well-stocked brown, brook, and rainbow trout.

Hiking down into Linville Gorge is an intense, all-day affair. But there’s much easier access near the 45-foot drop of Linville Falls (located about 70 minutes outside Asheville), where the Linville River intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway .

READ MORE: The 30 Best Waterfalls Near Asheville NC

14. MOUNTAIN BIKING PISGAH

One of the first national forests in the eastern United States, Pisgah National Forest encompasses more than 510,000 acres of the southern Appalachian Mountains .

This gorgeous haven offers lots of things to do near Asheville NC for hiking, camping and mountain biking enthusiasts.

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!

READ MORE: The 15 Best Pisgah National Forest Hiking Trails

15. ROCK CLIMBING AT CHIMNEY ROCK

Made famous by the 1992 Daniel Day Lewis film, The Last of the Mohicans,  Chimney Rock State Park is located 25 miles outside Asheville.

It’s become increasingly popular amongst rock climbers in recent years thanks to its challenging array of cliffs, rock walls, and boulders.

Fox Mountain Guides & Climbing School (the only school in the Southeast certified by the American Mountain Guide Association) offers 1-on-1 rock climbing instruction and guided trips for skill levels ranging from beginners to experts.

Check out Rumbling Bald Mountain, which features 1,100 acres of world class technical rock climbing and around 1,500 boulders to conquer. All are easily accessible by car.  

READ MORE: The 10 Best Places for Snow Skiing in North Carolina

16. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

Stretching 469 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.

You won’t find any billboards, neon signs, restaurants , shopping centers, or other signs of commerce along the way. But there are loads of breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks , not to mention many noteworthy landmarks. 

A few of our favorites include Mount Mitchell (the highest point in NC), Pisgah National Forest, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, the Linn Cove Viaduct, and Grandfather Mountain State Park.

There are also plenty of Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails to explore , many of which lead to wondrous waterfalls. Looking Glass Falls, Crabtree Falls , and Soco Falls are especially worth visiting, as areCraggy Gardens and Little Switzerland .

READ MORE: The Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes for NC Day Trips

17. Hike in Mount Mitchell National Park 

Located in Burnsville NC , just 30 miles north of Asheville at BRP milepost 355, massive Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet.

Mount Mitchell State Park is one of North Carolina’s most popular outdoor attractions (especially in summer ), offering 7 different hiking trails encompassing around 15 miles.

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.

But it’s just .4 miles, and rewards you with spectacular 360º scenic views (particularly when fall colors reach their peak).

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.

READ MORE:   Fall in North Carolina (The Best Places to See Fall Color)

18. See Looking Glass Rock & Skinny Dip Falls

Located less than 40 miles from Asheville (near Brevard NC ), Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 417 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. 

It’s possible to climb the massive monolith, if you’re inclined. The Looking Glass Rock Trail gains 1,700 feet of elevation in 3.2 miles (6.5 miles round-trip), with lots of switchbacks along the way.

So you could reach the summit and be back to your car in 4-5 hours. Or you could just view it from the overlook and take the MUCH easier Skinny Dip Falls hike, leading to one of our favorite Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls .

It’s a lovely 0.9-mile hike through gentle inclines and gorgeous forest. Sadly, Skinny Dip Falls is still recovering from severe damage caused by Tropical Storm Fred back in 2021. 

READ MORE: The Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina

19. Find Flora at the NC Arboretum

The largest of the Asheville botanical gardens , the NC Arboretum encompasses 434 acres in the Pisgah National Forest. 

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 Blue Ridge Court is central to the Promenade, and features a garden pool, while the Stream Garden features mostly native North Carolina plants. 

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. 

Along with the Holly Garden and National Native Azalea Repository (featuring 16 species that bloom in April), these features make the North Carolina Arboretum one of the best botanical gardens in the Eastern United States. 

It’s especially lovely at Christmas , when the entire garden is illuminated by millions of twinkling lights!

READ MORE: The Best Christmas Tree Farms in Boone, Asheville & Beyond

20. Take a Day Trip to Hendersonville NC

Located 25 miles from Asheville, Hendersonville NC used to be one of many sleepy  Blue Ridge mountain towns .

But as Asheville’s growth has exploded, Hendersonville has emerged as an impressive alternative to the bustling metropolis. The town of 14,254 people is beloved for its climate, gorgeous scenery, rich history, and many parks . 

A day trip to Hendersonville can include laid-back activities, such as strolling the charming downtown area’s lovely art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants .

There are cool attractions like the Appalachian Pinball Museum, Mineral Lapidary Museum, and Pisgah Forest Gem Mine .

For active pursuits, there’s Holmes Educational State Forest and DuPont State Forest , which is full of waterfalls and 80+ miles of roads and hiking trails .

Don’t miss Jump Off Rock, which offers those spectacular misty mountain views the Blue Ridge region  is known for.  

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC

21. Get Cultured at the Folk Art Center

Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 382, just 11 miles from Downtown Asheville, the Folk Art Center is arguably the finest collection of Appalachian arts and crafts in the USA. 

The most popular attraction on the BRP, the Center dates back to 1890, when Yale grad Frances Goodrich came to Asheville to do missionary work.

In an effort to help Appalachian women who wove traditional quilts, she founded the Allanstand Craft Shop around 1900. 

The Southern Highland Craft Guild  was founded in 1930, making it the second oldest craft organization in the US. They opened the Folk Art Center in 1980, with three galleries, a library, an auditorium, and the historic Allanstand Craft Shop.

With over 1000 artists and craftspeople representing 9 southeastern states, the Guild’s permanent collection of 3,500+ pieces dating back to the dawn of the 20th century is second to none. 

From stunning quilts, woven baskets, and pottery to turned wood, furniture, and stained glass, it’s an extraordinary testament to the creativity of the Blue Ridge region.

READ MORE: The 15 Best VRBO Cabins in Asheville NC

22. Explore the Asheville Botanical Gardens 

Though it’s not nearly as large or popular as the more famous gardens at the Biltmore and the NC Arboretum, the 10-acre Asheville Botanical Gardens is a lovely place to explore the native plants of Western North Carolina . 

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 1961 on abandoned timberland that had been badly eroded. Noted landscape architect Doan Ogden (who also planned the Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone NC ) created the design, and 5,000+ plants were brought in from private lands and national forests. 

Today there are more than 650 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 .

READ MORE: The 10 Best Boone NC Hiking Trails to Explore

23. See the Thomas Wolfe House

Located in the Downtown Asheville Historic District, the Thomas Wolfe House (a.k.a. Thomas Wolfe Memorial) is the  boyhood home of the legendary author.

Declared a  National Historic Landmark in 1971, the two-story yellow house was famously used as the setting for Wolfe’s classic novel, Look Homeward, Angel .

Called “Dixieland” in the book, the big boarding house was actually named “Old Kentucky Home.” Built in 1883, it was purchased by Julia Wolfe in 1906.

Tom, who lived there for 10 years before enrolling at UNC, adapted colorful stories of his family, friends, and boarders into the fictionalized novel. The house became a memorial to the author after his mother’s death, and has been open to visitors since 1949. 

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site is open from 9AM to 5PM Tuesday through Saturdays, with guided tours offered daily at half past each hour. 

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Fairs in North Carolina to Visit

24. Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 384, 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.

You can also get personal tips from park rangers on things to see and do on your epic road trip. 

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 1935 to 1987). 

The Visitor Center  features a 22-foot, interactive digital map of the Parkway, as well as an award-winning 24-minute film that offers an excellent overview of the history and nature that make the BRP so special.

There’s also a 1.4-mile loop trail that begins at the far end of the visitor center parking lot. It ultimately connects to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail , which stretches 1,175 miles from the North Carolina mountains to its coast. 

READ MORE: The Best Places to See Christmas Lights in North Carolina

25. Watch the Sunset from Craggy Gardens

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 364.4, it’s a 40-minute drive from Downtown Asheville. But if you’re looking for an epic sunset above those trademark rolling hills, this spot atop Black Mountain is the place to be.

Note that it can get quite windy and cold up there, with an elevation of approximately 5,497 feet. So you’ll definitely want to dress in layers, and bring hats and gloves just in case. 

But picking up a “Tapas For 2” from Cúrate and spending a few hours watching the sky evolve into the glorious vision depicted above was truly a trip highlight we will never forget.  

READ MORE:   The Best Hiking in Asheville NC Bucket List (Top 25 Hiking Trails)

26. Play at the Asheville Pinball Museum

Growing up as a child of the ’80s, I was an avid video game junkie (Atari 2600 was my jam). So this excellent Asheville attraction brought back loads of nostalgic arcade memories. 

Located across from the Grove Arcade in Downtown Asheville, the  Asheville Pinball Museum offers an extensive collection of 70+ vintage pinball machines and classic video games you can play.

Since there’s a set price (Adults $15, Children 10 & under $13), you can stay as long as you want and not need to buy more tokens.

Several of their machines date way back to the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, but most of them are from the Golden Age of Video Games in the ’80s-’90s.

So you’ll find Star Trek, Evel Knievel, The Black Hole, and Creature From the Black Lagoon pinball machines, as well as classic video games such as Frogger, 1942, Q-Bert, etc. 

They also offer adult beverages such as beer (some from local breweries ), as well as snacks and sodas. 

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary

27. Explore the Montford Area Historic District

28. Take a Day Trip to Weaverville NC

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. It truly has everything we’re looking for in a community.

Located 8 miles from downtown Asheville, Weaverville (population 4,000) feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the burgeoning metropolis. Its ample green space earned a “Tree City USA” designation from the Arbor Day Foundation.

There are lots of fun things to do in Weaverville NC, including an array of downtown parks, great restaurants , historical museums , and cultural attractions. 

And while the fine hotels of the former resort town’s 1930s heyday have long since closed down, charming bed-and-breakfasts and cute cabins are commonplace (including some right along Reems Creek).

The town of Weaverville also boasts a great arts and live music scene, and there’s a weekly tailgate market offered from April through October.

READ MORE : The Best Things to Do in Weaverville NC

29. Visit the Moog Store & Moogseum

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 . 

But engineering physicist Robert Moog , the electronic music pioneer who invented the first commercial synthesizer (and moved to Western NC in 1978), was an Asheville resident long before the city’s 21st century boom. He even taught at UNC Asheville back in the early ’90s! 

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. 

The Moogseum, the hallmark project of the Bob Moog Foundation, is an impressively immersive and interactive museum where Moog’s influential legacy and the science of sound truly come alive. 

READ MORE: The 20 Best North Carolina Music Festivals in 2022

30. Wine Tasting at Addison Farms Vineyard

Located on a picturesque 55-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 2009.

They have more than 6 acres of grapes planted now, and plan to gradually expand it 10 acres. They make numerous tasty wines , such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano.

Addison Farms has also formed a partnership with several other local wineries , including Moon Lake Vineyard, Spring Branch Vineyard, and Two Moons Vineyard.

Collectively, these small farms produce more than 800 cases of North Carolina wine each year.

If you want to visit Addison Farms for a tour and/or wine tasting , please make reservations in advance. You can also purchase their small-batch wines online.

READ MORE: The 15 Best NC Wineries to Visit

31. Family Fun at Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such

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. 

Grandad’s Apples is one of the most popular places to get fresh apples in NC. Founded in 1994, it’s led by a 4th generation farmer and his family, who grow apples, pumpkins , peaches, and more. 

Their U-pick apple season begins in August and runs through late October, with 40+ varieties of apples (including Ginger Gold, Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Shuzuka, Red Rome, Arkansas Black, Braeburn, Nittany, Evercrisp, and more).

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. 

While you’re there, check out Grandad’s Barn and Country Store & Bakery, where you can shop for apple -themed gifts and apple-based goodies, including pies, hot cider, and apple cider slushies!

READ MORE: Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 15 Best NC Apple Orchards

32. Tour the Basilica of Saint Lawrence

Formally known as the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr , this minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church is a major architectural highlight of downtown Asheville.

Included on the National Register of Historic Places, the elaborate church was designed and built by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino and local legend Richard Sharp Smith (lead architect of the Biltmore Estate). 

This is the only basilica in Western NC, and it’s 52 X 82-foot dome is reportedly the largest free-standing elliptical dome on the North American continent. 

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). 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC

33. Go Horseback Riding

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.

It’s highly recommended that visitors book their horseback riding tour   reservations several days in advance in order to ensure availability.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Places for Horseback Riding In/Near Asheville NC

34. Waynesville Day Trip

There are a lot of reasons to love the small town of Waynesville NC, and I’d say that even if I weren’t related to the town’s founder, Revolutionary War hero Colonel Robert Love. 

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. This is also where you’ll find the best restaurants in Waynesville , including the Chef’s Table, Suwana Asian Cuisine, and Wild Flour Bakery.

If history and culture are your thing, check out the Folkmoot Friendship Center (famous for their cultural festivals ), Haywood Arts Regional Theater, and the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts. 

Haywood County is also a hotbed of Appalachian culture: The area gave birth to bluegrass music icons like Don Reno and Raymond Fairchild (both banjo virtuosos), as well as “Square Dance King” Sam Love Queen.  

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County

35. Celebrate Christmas in Asheville

From the myriad Boone Christmas tree farms and Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock to the Polar Express Train in Bryson City , there are many Western NC Christmas events that have become popular holiday traditions.

But for our money, it’s difficult to beat the diversity of attractions you can find during Christmas in Asheville. 

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. 

There’s also the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn, Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, and numerous other Christmas light displays that make Asheville a great place to spend the holidays! –by Bret Love; lead image via Canva

READ MORE: 30 Fun Facts About Appalachian Scots-Irish History & Culture

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. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Bret and Mary

The BRMTG was created by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, the award-winning team behind the world-renowned responsible travel website Green Global Travel. Born and raised in North Georgia, Editor-In-Chief Bret Love grew up hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains with his family. A professional writer/editor since 1995, he's covered travel and culture for 100+ publications, including American Way, Destination Marriott, Georgia Travel Guide, National Geographic, and Southbound. In 2010 he co-founded the award-winning website, Green Global Travel, which is ranked among the world's top travel blogs. Since launching BRMTG in 2020, he and Mary Gabbett have visited 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns together. Though she lived in NYC for 14 years, photographer/Business Manager Mary Gabbett's family has Georgia roots dating back 200+ years. Her great-grandfather was President of the Western Railroad of Alabama. Before moving to Atlanta in 1989, she fell in love with the North GA mountains, where her aunt owned a cabin. In 2010 she co-founded Green Global Travel, and has since traveled to more than 40 countries on six continents. Her photos have appeared in numerous travel publications (including National Geographic and Southbound) and various textbooks.

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The 40 Best Things To Do In Asheville, North Carolina

The ultimate guide to the City of Land and Sky.

Kruck20/Getty

Asheville, North Carolina is far from a sleepy mountain town . The City of Land and Sky is energetic, eclectic, and bursting with artistic vitality. While its location among the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains calls visitors to the trails, the city's vibrant culinary and arts scene answers right back. It's a city with a rich history and an ever-evolving present that celebrates the region's multicultural roots while simultaneously embracing progress. Even so, it's the city's natural surroundings—the craggy bluffs and cool mountain air —that lure visitors and locals alike.

From outdoor adventures to local sips and shops, Asheville offers an experience for every taste. Here's how to spend your time in the "Paris of the South."

Grab A Beer

Asheville is known for its craft beer community —the city has more breweries per capita than any other in the United States. From award-winning producers of some of the best beers in the country to new, small-batch breweries bringing fresh creativity to the craft beer scene, there are endless options for beer lovers to grab a glass after a day on the trails. As a matter of fact, national craft brands Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, and New Belgium opened big-budget East Coast operations here, thanks to the abundant water flowing from the mountains that is said to have ideal pH levels for making beer.

Behold The Biltmore Estate

The crowning jewel of George Vanderbilt’s sprawling mansion built in 1895, the Biltmore Estate is the largest private home in America. Open to the public, the 8000-acre estate includes restaurants, lodging, gardens, trails, and an award-winning winery offering tastings and tours.

www.biltmore.com , One Lodge St., Asheville, NC 28803

Peruse Marquee

This converted 50,000-square-foot warehouse is an art gallery and marketplace full of pieces from regional vendors. Grab a beverage or snack from St. Brighid's just inside the entrance and wander through the aisles of this pet-friendly venue. Showcasing and selling antiques, vintage and contemporary pieces, home decor, jewelry, and crafts, this space is a highlight of the River Arts District.

marqueeasheville.com , 36 Foundy St., Asheville, NC 28801

Catch A Show

John A. Zara

Catch a show with some of the biggest names in music and hot up-and-comers at one of the many live music venues in the city. The Grey Eagle Music Hall is the longest-running venue boasting a long list of local and national talent acts performing in an intimate stage setting. The venue offers options for seated shows; it also has an in-house Taqueria featuring Latin American cuisine and an ever-expanding beer selection.

www.thegreyeagle.com , 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Explore The Gardens

Abby Cantrell

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden, located just south of Asheville and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Influenced by famed Biltmore architect Frederick Law Olmsted, cultivated garden exhibits , and hiking and biking trails cover the grounds. Don't forget to stop for a meal or snack at the Bent Creek Bistro.

www.ncarboretum.org , 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806

Chow Down At Chow Chow Culinary Festival

Marisa Muldoon Photography; Courtesy Chow Chow Culinary Festival

Celebrating the unique foodways of the Southern Appalachian region, this multi-day food festival features panel discussions, tasting bazaars, and dinners focusing on promoting an equitable regional food system. Founded in 2019, the flavors and food culture of Asheville come alive during Chow Chow each September.

Dine At Cúrate

Helmed by James Beard Award-winning couple, Katie Button and Felix Meana, Cúrate is a love letter to Spain through elevated small plates, cured meats, cherries, and wine. The flagship restaurant is in a former 1920s bus depot while a wine club, online retail store, and Spanish market and bakery rest right around the corner. Feast on stuffed piquillo peppers, Iberico pork, and Spanish cheese. Looking for lunch? Don't miss Button's La Bodega around the corner.

curatetapasbar.com , 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Set Out On The Mountains-To-Sea Trail

ExploreAsheville.com

Part of a 935-mile byway connected by footpaths, bike trails, bridges, and roads, the trail passes through Asheville and spans 71 miles. The terrain is rugged with elevations ranging from 2,000 feet at the French Broad River to over 6,600 feet at the summit of Mount Mitchell, this segment is accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway .

Stay In The City

The Foundry Hotel

While some may seek a quiet mountain retreat away from the hustle and bustle, there's something to be said for waking up within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Check in and say goodbye to your car at The Foundry Hotel , a modern, restored steel foundry in the heart of Asheville's historic East End. Between the hotel's cocktail lounge, nearby boutiques, and neighborhood eateries, you'll really only need your car if you're leaving the city. The Restoration is another delightful place to stay downtown. New to the scene, this boutique hotel offers some of the best mountain views in the city from its rooftop bar.

Indulge With Doughnuts

The donuts at Hole Doughnuts are considered some of the best yeast doughnuts in the state of North Carolina, but it’s not only these sweets that keep locals coming back. Hole is home to a secret noodle night called NoodleHole, where diners have to sign up via a secret Instagram account. If you’re deadset on cake doughnuts, head over to SouthSlope for Vortex Doughnuts . Vortex has the added benefit of having a ton of vegan options for plant-based customers.

Boost Your Spirits On A Distillery Tour

Cultivated Cocktails

Nestled in the mountains are the secrets of mountain moonshiners but all are open to the public for tours and samples of gin, whiskey, rum, moonshine, liqueurs, and cocktails for those who imbibe. Local distilleries include Chemist , Eda Rhyne , Asheville Distilling Co , Cultivated Cocktails , Rye Knot , Dalton , and Oak & Grist .

Tour The South Slope Mural Trail

Take a self-guided tour along a two-mile walkable trail around the South Slope neighborhood. Nearly 20 murals completed by local artists span the trail bringing color, vibrancy, and ingenuity to public art spaces.

Get In The Mood For Indian Street Food

Meherwan Irani opened Chai Pani in 2009 to introduce Asheville to the Indian street food of his childhood. With no formal training as a chef, he’s now a James Beard Award winner, and Chai Pani regularly has a line out the door.

www.chaipani.com , 22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Cure Your Chocolate Cravings

French Broad Chocolate

Asheville is known for its dessert scene, namely chocolate confections. The most popular, French Broad Chocolate , has bean-to-bar factory tours and a chocolate lounge downtown in Pack Square. The Chocolate Fetish and Asheville Chocolate both have retail counters, and the latter has monthly confectionery classes.

Get Lost In A Game

Well Played Board Game Café

If you're into board games, card games, or even obscure role-playing games, Well Played Board Game Café is for you. Connect (Four) through play with friends and strangers, and engage in friendly competition with a game library of more than 700 games. Add the beer, food, and drink options, and you may never leave.

wellplayedasheville.com , 162 Coxe Ave. #101, Asheville, NC 28801

Indulge At Cultura

Wicked Weed Brewing/Julia Lindholm Photography

The interiors at Cultura are just the beginning. The seven-course tasting menu is the true extravaganza. Wicked Weed's first venture into fine dining, the restaurant brings fermentation to the table under a glow of orb lights in unexpected ways. An al la carte menu is available on Thursday nights, and for some fun, Sunday's Cease and Desist dinners give diners a clever, upscale spin on comforting dishes from their favorite fast-food chains.

www.culturaavl.com , 147 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Join The Weekly Drum Circle

Inside its amphitheater, Pritchard Park serves as an urban oasis to hit up the drum circle every Friday night (weather permitting) starting at 6 p.m. Spectators and drummers are all welcome to join in the music by communing or bringing their own drum. Don’t forget to check out the drum circle at Lake Julian on the last Thursday of every month starting around 5:30 p.m.

Stop By Citizen Vinyl

Justin Friede

Shop for classic, vintage, and new vinyl while having a snack. Housed in the historic Asheville Citizen-Times newspaper building, this cafe and vinyl shop showcases the art of preserving music in a casual, laid-back setting. Make sure to check out one of three vinyl pressing plants within the building while taking one of the free factory tours.

citizenvinyl.com , 14 O'Henry Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Reserve A Table At Rhubarb

Chef John Fleer's restaurant Rhubarb is a fixture on Pack Square for a good reason. His approachable yet elevated menu reads like a love letter to the Blue Ridge’s bounty. While the dishes change with the seasons, you can always count on locally sourced ingredients and fare that grounds the restaurant with a sense of place.

www.rhubarbasheville.com , 7 SW Pack Sqare, Asheville, NC 28801

Walk The Asheville Urban Trail

Jess Johnson/Getty

This easily walkable 1.7-mile loop is a self-guided walking tour of art, local history, and outdoor landmarks. Walk in the footsteps of F. Scott Fitzgerald, O. Henry, or Thomas Wolfe. There is an audio tour guide and a blueprint of a scavenger hunt available online.

Visit Local Farmers' Markets

RAD Farmers Market

Don’t forget your reusable shopping bags as you head out to stock up on local goods, produce, and art at local farmers' markets. Open year-round on Wednesdays, the River Arts District Farmers Market is held at the Smoky Park Supper Club. Alternatively, the Western NC Farmers Market is open to the public daily. 

Relax At Omni Grove Park Inn

With sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown Asheville, this 100-year-old hotel was built by business magnate E.W. Grove. One of more than 100 sites in Asheville listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this mountain oasis features world-class accommodations , multimillion-dollar spa facilities, seven bars and restaurants, and a self-guided audio history tour.

www.omnihotels.com , 290 Macon Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28804

Cheer For The Asheville Tourists

Asheville Tourists

Root for the home team at an Asheville Tourists Minor League Baseball game. This affiliate team of the Houston Astros was founded in 1897 and plays at McCormick Field. This ballpark was one of the sets for the 1988 film “Bull Durham” starring Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon.

www.milb.com/asheville , 30 Buchanan Place, Asheville, NC 28801

Take A Drive On The Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited National Park according to the National Park Service. Luckily, Asheville is home to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. Pick up maps , purchase souvenirs, speak to docents, and see interactive exhibits extolling the natural beauty of the area.

www.blueridgeparkway.org , 195 Hemphill Knob Rd., Asheville, NC 28803

Tour The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Asheville’s most famous former resident’s childhood home is now open as a museum and for guided tours. Named “Old Kentucky Home" and originally used as a boardinghouse owned by Wolfe’s mother, the house is the setting for the 1929 novel "Look Homeward, Angel." Today the home is a museum and landmark. 

wolfememorial.com , 52 North Market St., Asheville, NC 28801

Watch Lexington Glasswork Artists At Work

A delicate and unique part of the arts community, this studio is part workshop, part gallery. View the glassblowing process from start to finish, watch the artists at work, and stroll the gallery for a unique gift or home decoration.

www.lexingtonglassworks.com , 81 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Float Down The French Broad River

Several companies will outfit and send you down the river to go with the flow during the warmer months of the year. The shortest float trip takes you through the River Arts District while others explore points on the French Broad River Paddle Trail , covering more than 140 miles of protected waters.

Check Out The S&W Market

Originally a fine example of art-deco architecture that served as a flagship building for the S&W Cafeteria chain based out of Charlotte. Today, the food hall has six food stalls featuring local independent restaurant vendors. The building’s mezzanine is home to anchor tenant Highland Brewery, with an elevated taproom experience with seating overlooking the hall.

swmarketavl.com , 56 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Grab A Drink At The Double Crown

A beloved classic dive bar, The Double Crown is housed in a tiny house in West Asheville. This spot beckons guests with funky speakeasy vibes and the promise of karaoke, inexpensive drinks, and excellent people-watching. Don’t miss the last Thursday of each month as it’s Gospel Night, one of the most popular special event nights of the week.

www.facebook.com , 375 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806

Spend An Afternoon At The Biltmore Village

Originally an enclave created to house employees of the Biltmore Estate, today the Biltmore Village is a shopping center with over 50 shops, boutiques, and cafes. Farm-to-table restaurants, cafes, and craft breweries span the area. The Cathedral of All Souls is a recognized landmark in the area lauded as a fine example of Romanesque Revival architecture.

Take A Hood Tour With Hoodhuggers

Ami Worthen

Buried history is unveiled on this series of walking tours of Eagle Street, Burton Street, and The Block, some of Asheville’s oldest African American neighborhoods and portions of Downtown that include shops and galleries featuring African American artisans, the YMI Cultural Center , and significant African American architecture. 

Grab Brunch At Benne On Eagle

Benne on Eagle has seen its fair share of James Beard-recognized chefs at the helm. Each brought a new take on Appalachia’s diverse food history and the legacy of The Block, a once thriving Black neighborhood where the restaurant is located, to the menu. Through each new interpretation, brunch has remained a bright spot. Pair the shrimp and grits made with andouille sausage with Benne Biscuit, and you'll be ready to tackle the day.

www.benneoneagle.com , 35 Eagle St., Asheville, NC, 28801 

Explore GRINDFest

This free, three-day festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend in downtown Asheville. The festivity celebrates the life and progress of Black entrepreneurs and business owners. GRINDFest events include street dance parties, hip-hop aerobics, a poetry slam, yoga and storytelling sessions, local food vendors, and a line-up of national acts.

grindfestavl.com , 8 River Arts Place, Asheville, NC 28801

Soak In the Sounds At Shindig On The Green

Shindig On The Green Music And Dance Festival

An annual summer event, this free, outdoor bluegrass music and dance festival takes place in Pack Square in downtown Asheville. In addition to scheduled performances, informal jam sessions are encouraged on the stage and around the park. Sit back, relax, and experience old-time string band performances and dancing.

folkheritage.org , Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801

Check Out The Grove Arcade

cosmonaut/Getty

After E.W. Grove completed the Grove Park Inn, he set his sights on the construction of Grove Arcade. Considered Asheville’s original shopping mall, Grove Arcade has gone through many phases during its 100 years of history, including a military base and the National Weather Records Center. Today, local crafts, shopping, restaurants, office spaces, and luxury apartments fill the historic building.

grovearcade.com , 1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

Visit The Folk Art Center

Courtesy of Explore Asheville

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is one of the nation's oldest and represents hundreds of skilled artisans across the Southeast. At The Folk Art Center, you can admire guild members' works in clay, glass, wood, fiber, metal, leather, paper, jewelry, and more. It's a fantastic place to pick up a few gifts (along with something for yourself).

southernhighlandguild.org , 382 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805

Browse Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

Malaprop's is a longtime fixture in downtown and a local favorite. You can find every kind of book for adults and children here, but the most popular section may be "Books Undercover." Take your chances and buy a book wrapped in brown paper and identified only as "Dragons! Shenanigans! More Shenanigans!" The staff liked it and think you will, too.

www.malaprops.com , 55 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801

Zip Line Down A Mountain

 Getty Images/Noah Clayton

The Asheville area offers all the zip lining experiences you need to get your blood pumping. At the Adventure Center of Asheville , urban zip lines provide sweeping views of downtown, plus there is a zip line for smaller kids. A short drive away, Navitat Canopy Adventures and The Gorge Zipline will have you zooming from treetop to treetop and plunging down mountainsides.

Catch Live Music At Jack Of The Wood

Charlotte Observer / Getty Images

This downtown pub is a must for traditional music lovers. Depending on the night, you could be treated to a traveling bluegrass band, a few Irish tunes, or an old-time mountain jam session. Jack of the Wood is also a pleasant place to while away a few hours eating pub food, drinking local brews, or sampling whiskeys.

jackofthewood.com , 95 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Grab Brunch At Tupelo Honey Cafe

Courtesy of Tupelo Honey

The Tupelo Honey phenomenon has spread to cities around the South, but Asheville is where it all started. Enjoy a farm-to-table, scratch-made, Southern-style brunch that honors traditions and shakes things up a bit. A few of those breakfast favorites are also available on the lunch and dinner menu.

tupelohoneycafe.com , 12 College St., Asheville, NC 28801

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » North Carolina (NC) » 25 Best Things to Do in Asheville (NC)

25 Best Things to Do in Asheville (NC)

The romantic, purple-tinged peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains have brought generations of visitors to this city in Western North Carolina . One important fan was the scion George Vanderbilt, who built America’s largest home here in the 1880s and filled it with priceless works of art. The Biltmore House is still in the family, and is unrivaled in scale and splendor, with 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain terrain to discover on the estate.

Downtown Asheville is like a time capsule, with a big quantity of early Art Deco architecture that has made it intact to the present day, all setting the scene for shopping, dining and live entertainment.

In fact, Asheville’s irresistible sense of creativity is everywhere you look, from the traditional Southern Appalachian crafts at the The Folk Art Center, to the open studios at the River Arts District, and outdoor fairs and performances at Pack Square Park.

1. Biltmore Estate

George Washington Vanderbilt II (1862-1914) fell for the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and so in 1889 he commissioned this humble abode on the French Broad River in the south of Asheville.

The Biltmore House is officially the largest privately owned house in the United States, with 250 rooms and four acres of floor space.

Every inch of this Châteauesque mansion is lavishly decorated, with tapestries, family portraits, European masterpieces, original furnishings, and intricate architectural details.

Among the major rooms are the library, with 10,000 volumes, and the Banquet Hall, with ceilings rising 70 feet.

The house is the crowning glory, but also just one element of an 8,000-acre estate. You’ll see gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a conservatory with a model railroad, natural landscapes with 22 miles of trails, and a winery with complimentary wine tasting.

2. The North Carolina Arboretum

The Southern Appalachian Mountains have a degree of biodiversity that is off the charts, so Asheville had always been a perfect candidate for a major arboretum.

A century after it was mooted by Frederick Law Olmsted, this was finally planted in the late 1980s, on 434 acres off Milepost 393.6 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

As these institutions go, the North Carolina Arboretum is relatively young, and is still being developed some 40 years later.

Still, you’ll be wowed by the size of some of the specimens, especially by the stand of metasequoias, rising to more than 100 feet, making them the tallest in the South.

There are 65 acres of cultivated gardens awaiting you, with more than 100 specimens on show in the Bonsai Collection, and uplifting spring color thanks to the National Native Azalea Collection and dozens of species of native wildflowers scattered across the property.

I definitely recommend visiting when you’re in Asheville around Christmas for the walk-through Winter Lights display, featuring a 50-foot lighted tree.

3. River Arts District (RAD)

Starting in the mid-19th century an open patch of land on the east side of the French Broad River became an industrial area.

This growth was accelerated when the railroad arrived in 1879, and soon the river was hugged by a line of factories, mills, and warehouses.

These hulking buildings were slowly abandoned in the 20th century, which made the area ripe for a transformation when artists came in search of cheap rents and ample space to let their ideas take flight.

Now the River Arts District is a true community, with hundreds of artists happy to show off their skills to the world.

Enticing food and drink options make this somewhere you could spend an entire trip, hopping from studio to studio and gallery to gallery. If you happen to be here on a Second Saturday the district is a mass of demonstrations, workshops, live performance and fresh culinary experiences.

4. The Folk Art Center

Eight miles from downtown Asheville at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Folk Art Center is dedicated to Southern Appalachian craft and culture, both traditional and contemporary.

This is the home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, with three galleries displaying examples of workmanship passed down the generations to the present day.

To see these skills in action you can check out daily craft demonstrations in the lobby from March to December.

And if you want to pick out a piece to call your own, the center is home to the Allanstand Craft Shop, established in 1895 and officially the oldest craft shop in America, with work by more than 400 members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

The center has its own nature trail, while Milepost 382 is also an access point on North Carolina’s 1,200-mile Mountains-to-Sea trail.

5. Biltmore Village

Near the main entrance to the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt built this idyllic village in the 1890s as a company town for the estate’s small army of workers.

With Tudor-style half-timbering, Biltmore Village was designed to resemble an English country village, complete with a parish church, the Cathedral of All Souls.

Now the village’s cottages and leafy cobblestone streets are the canvas for a quaint commercial district, with a mix of small businesses and national brands.

You can hunt for antiques, browse galleries, try some local craft beer, and try to choose from a menu of cuisines.

6. Downtown Asheville

In a curious twist of fate, a long period of hardship has helped make downtown Asheville so enthralling. The Great Depression was cruel to the city, which elected to pay off its debts over the course of more than half a century.

The upside is that very little development happened, which meant that one of America’s finest and largest arrays of Art Deco buildings has made it to the 21st century intact.

At a time when downtown Asheville is on top of its game, that exquisite architecture is allied with upscale shopping at more than 200 locally owned stores and boutiques.

You’ve got dining for all tastes, contemporary art and culture, and so many events that there will always be something happening when you’re in town. Pack Square Park, at the foot of several Art Deco wonders, is where many of the free festivals and events take place.

Be sure to also check out my guide on Downtown Asheville !

7. Thomas Wolfe Memorial

The novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938), one of the great American literary figures of the 20th century, was born and grew up in Asheville.

His childhood home downtown became the setting for his first novel, Look Homeward, Angel (1929), as “Dixieland”, and is preserved as an historic house museum.

This two-story Queen Anne house dates to 1883, and is presented as it was when Wolfe was growing up, when a changing cast of boarders would spend the summer at what was then called “Old Kentucky Home”.

The rooms are sprinkled with snippets of Wolfe’s writing, and give you a taste of early 20th-century Asheville as a summer health resort.

8. Water Adventures on the French Broad River

Flowing at a gentle pace through Asheville from south to north, the French Broad River is thought by some to be the third oldest river on the planet.

Almost half of the river’s total length is an official paddle trail, and there’s a big choice of access points in and around Asheville, whether you’re kayaking, paddleboarding or tubing.

At the drop of a hat you can set off on your own self-guided trip, with the help of a roster of local adventure companies like French Broad Outfitters, The Outpost, Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours, and Asheville Adventure Co.

To mix nature with sightseeing you can start a little way south of the Biltmore Estate and see that magnificent house cresting over the treeline from the river.

If you like some adventure I suggest having a look at this French Broad Whitewater River Rafting Experience

9. Grove Arcade

One of the first indoor shopping malls in America was built on a full city block in Asheville in the late 1920s. If you’re wondering about the peculiar profile of the Grove Arcade from the street on Battery Hill, this is actually the base for a skyscraper that was never constructed.

The architecture fits in well downtown, with Late Gothic stonework and a Parisian feel along the corridors, illuminated by skylights.

Since 2002 the building has become a tasteful lifestyle destination, with galleries, specialty shops and lots of enticing places to eat, many with seating on the sidewalks outside.

Off the Battery Park end you can see what catches your eye at the outdoor Makers Market, with a dozen stalls for artisans selling art, jewelry, local farm products and more.

10. Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Asheville shines on its own, but there are many reminders that the city can be a key component in long-distance adventures.

And it doesn’t get much longer than the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is the longest linear park in the United States at 469 miles.

No unit in the National Park System receives more visitors, and that isn’t too surprising given the awesome scenery along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where waterfalls and soaring peaks await you.

The headquarters and visitor center for the parkway are on the eastern edge of town, and this is the place to go to plot every detail of your journey and get excited about the things you can see and do along the way.

11. Craggy Gardens

Another place you have to visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway is this set of natural summit meadows about 14 miles northeast of downtown.

Much higher than Asheville, Craggy Gardens are posted more than a mile above sea level, and the absence of tree cover at the highest points gives you epic panoramas like something from a fantasy movie.

The scenery is jaw-dropping at any time of year, but takes on an ethereal quality in June when the sea of pink and purple Catawba rhododendrons are in flower.

The hike of choice here is the Craggy Pinnacle Trail, leading through wind-sculpted hardwood forest with rare or endangered species up to a high overlook, with the peaks of Pisgah National Forest zigzagging for miles.

Temperatures here are up 20° cooler than downtown Asheville, so this is a great place to come for a little respite in summer.

12. Basilica of Saint Lawrence

The Spanish building engineer, Rafael Guastavino (1842-1908), spent the last part of his career in Asheville, working on the Vanderbilt House, but also on this stately minor basilica downtown.

In the Spanish Renaissance style, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence was ready in 1909 and is one of Asheville’s great landmarks.

The most celebrated feature, and the reason you have to go inside, is the dome. This measures 58 feet x 82 feet, which makes it the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the country.

The highly detailed stained glass windows are also a delight, and there’s a wealth of statuary carved in Italy.

13. The Orange Peel

Opened in 2002 during downtown Asheville’s transformation, The Orange Peel remains the pick of the city’s many live music venues.

The building dates back to 1950 and was a roller skating rink and then a nightclub where the likes of The Bar-Kays and The Commodores played. After a long abandonment, the Orange Peel has rebounded as the place to catch your favorite live act.

A few performers over the last 20+ years are Bob Dylan, Lauryn Hill, Sonic Youth, The Flaming Lips, Smashing Pumpkins, Queens of the Stone Age, and Kings of Leon.

The venue holds 1,100 and has been listed among the Top Five Rock Clubs in the Country” by Rolling Stone.

14. Woolworth Walk

How much more Asheville can you get than an art gallery in a converted Art Deco department store?

Woolworth Walk is in a former Woolworth branch, built in 1938 and staying open until 1989. A lot happened here in that time, including sit-ins at the lunch counter during the Civil Rights movement.

The origins of the gallery go back to downtown’s revival in the early 00s, and the meticulous restoration work at that time earned the owners two Griffin Awards.

This is officially the largest gallery in the city, but what makes it such a destination is its focus on local artists.

There’s photography, painting, woodwork, pottery, glass, digital art, metal work, and more, along with an old-school soda fountain, in full working order.

15. Western North Carolina Nature Center

A zoo with a sense of place, the Western North Carolina Nature Center shows off the wildlife of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region.

This attraction goes back decades, but has made some big changes since the late 1990s, focusing on regional species and designing a variety of award-winning habitats as part of a long-term masterplan.

Local faces include American river otters, turkey vultures, great horned owls, gray foxes, cougars, eastern mud turtles, American red wolves, and black bears.

These are a few of the 60+ species at the center, matched with interesting natural history facts, and set on winding wooded trails by the Swannanoa River. All through the park, restless kids can stretch their legs at a series of play stations.

16. Asheville Art Museum

At Pack Place downtown, the Asheville Art Museum reopened in 2019 after a $24 million expansion and renovation project.

There are up to 20 important exhibitions in these galleries every year, and one of the great things about the expansion is that the museum can now receive major traveling exhibitions from the country’s top institutions.

The permanent collection specializes in American art from the 20th and 21st century, but is also steeped in the traditions and eclectic cultures of Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachia.

There’s a rooftop sculpture terrace over Pack Square, with the Blue Mountains in the distance, while the first thing you’ll see when you arrive is Henry Richardson’s Reflections on Unity, a two-ton glass sphere at the entrance.

17. Gray Line Trolley Tours

A good first port of call in Asheville is the Visitor Center, which has an information desk, brochures and a store stocked with goodies from across Western North Carolina.

This is also the departure point for Gray Line’s hop-on, hop-off trolley tours around the city. Setting off every half an hour, these trips last 90 minutes and wrap up many of Asheville’s highlights in a neat package, with a lot of riveting anecdotes on the way.

You’ll see downtown’s Art Deco wonders, the River Arts District, the famed Omni Grove Park Inn, and the stately residences of the Montford Area Historic District, with more than 600 buildings from the turn of the 20th century. If you’re in town for 2 days I suggest getting 2-Day Pass .

18. Grovewood Village

This historic campus next to Omni Grove Park Inn once housed Biltmore Industries’ woodworking and weaving operations, producing crafts and textiles of the finest quality.

That tradition continues into the 21st century, as the picturesque complex has been revived as an arts and crafts hub. Grovewood Village has working artist studios, home to specialists in anything from ceramic art to metalwork.

You can shop for exceptional crafts at the gallery, see these skills in practice at the studios, and find out about the village’s craft heritage on a guided history tour.

Also take time to explore the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, and the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, with a set of gleaming vintage cars in the old weaving shop.

19. McCormick Field

If you love quirky old ballparks, the 4,000-capacity home of MiLB’s Asheville Tourists is a treat. McCormick Field is one of the oldest minor league stadiums still in use, and has a setting that is typical Asheville, resting on a small plateau halfway up a wooded hillside.

The stadium has been here since 1923, and was being updated when we wrote this article. The Tourists meanwhile date right back to 1897, and have bounced around a long list of classes and leagues since then. When we went to press they were the High-A affiliate for the Houston Astros.

Here as much as anywhere else, food and drink are part of the experience, and there’s a good choice of vegetarian options, local craft beers, and specials on hot dogs on Fridays.

20. Fine Arts Theatre

In downtown’s contingent of sleek Art Deco buildings there’s a movie theater that opened in 1946. With an understated cream facade featuring a stepped gable and two narrow strips of block glass, this spot opened in 1946 and was originally the Strand Theatre.

Since then a second screen has opened on the former balcony, and both auditoriums went digital in 2012. The Fine Arts Theatre is the only operating movie theater downtown, and is devoted to independent, foreign and classic movies.

Both screens have working curtains, which may come as a shock to younger audiences, while this is one of those rare theaters where you can sip on a glass of wine or beer as you watch.

21. Asheville Community Theatre (ACT)

We know what you’re thinking. But, rest assured, the Asheville Community Theatre is no ordinary community theatre. Founded in 1946, this is one of the oldest still operating in the United States.

More than that, the legendary actor Charlton Heston and his wife Lydia Clarke were in charge for a season in 1947. It was here that Clarke decided to get into acting full time, while Heston’s career in Broadway started soon after.

It’s easy to be swept along by these shows, because everything is on point, from the performances to costume, direction and sets. The mainstage auditorium downtown is named for Heston, with all-volunteer shows for all tastes throughout the season.

22. Appalachian Trail

The trail to end all trails passes close to Asheville, along the North Carolina/Tennessee border. On its 2,200-mile path from Springer Mountain, GA, to Mount Katahdin, ME, the trail cuts through the scenic town of Hot Springs, about 30 miles north of Asheville.

This is a good on-ramp for a day hike, for a shorter out-and-back adventure for a taste of what those hardy thru-hikers have to endure.

Within a mile you’ll get to a breathtaking lookout at Lovers Leap. Another stunning location within reach of Asheville is Max Patch, a bald mountain summit, freckled with wildflowers, and with views that scroll out for miles in all directions.

23. Barley’s Taproom

If you’re into craft beer I highly recommend a visit to Barley’s Taproom. Asheville has a craft beer scene to be reckoned with, and it was spearheaded by this local icon on Biltmore Avenue downtown.

Barley’s Taproom opened in 1994, in a converted appliance store from the 1920s. With the taproom came Highland Brewing, which operated in the basement as the first brewery in Asheville since Prohibition and has since moved to larger premises.

You can try Highland’s signatures, Oatmeal Porter and Gaelic Ale, which are poured along with dozens of other local and regional craft beers.

There are 28 taps in the main bar, another 28 upstairs, along with a billiards room, and a food menu dominated by Barley’s famous sourdough pizza.

24. Botanical Gardens at Asheville

You don’t need to stride out onto the Appalachian Trail to see the region’s rich flora. There’s a more manageable showcase by the University of North Carolina at Asheville campus, a mile or so north of downtown.

Free to enter, the Botanical Gardens at Asheville present the plants and habitats of the Southern Appalachians, and were planted on ten acres of abandoned timberland in the early 1960s.

There are more than 650 species of trees, grasses, herbs, ferns, and wildflowers growing here, a proportion of which are seldom found in the wild. Although there’s color to be found at any time of year, the gardens are a joy during wildflower season in spring.

25. Festivals

If there’s a city that knows how to have fun it’s Asheville, where there’s something going on all year round, and often with an artsy twist.

Take the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in July, when close to 200 artists and crafters from the region descend on Asheville. You’ve got a weekly dose of free mountain music at Pack Square Park for Shindig on the Green all through July.

Then in August AVL Fest is a four-day medley of music and art, filling a host of venues around the city. Fall means Blue Ridge Pride, and Asheville Art in the Park, when Pack Square Park becomes a giant art fair on consecutive Saturdays in October.

The Biltmore Estate welcomes its fair share of action, with heartwarming displays in the holiday season, and 130,000+ flowers for Biltmore Blooms in spring.

You may also like some of the other posts I wrote on Asheville and North Carolina:

• Best Day Trips from Asheville
• Neigborhoods & Area Guide of Asheville
• The best hotels in Asheville
• 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in North Carolina

25 Best Things to Do in Asheville (NC):

• The North Carolina Arboretum
• River Arts District (RAD)
• The Folk Art Center
• Biltmore Village
• Downtown Asheville
• Thomas Wolfe Memorial
• Water Adventures on the French Broad River
• Grove Arcade
• Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
• Craggy Gardens
• Basilica of Saint Lawrence
• The Orange Peel
• Woolworth Walk
• Western North Carolina Nature Center
• Asheville Art Museum
• Gray Line Trolley Tours
• Grovewood Village
• McCormick Field
• Fine Arts Theatre
• Asheville Community Theatre (ACT)
• Appalachian Trail
• Barley’s Taproom
• Botanical Gardens at Asheville

Explore Asheville

Plan Your Trip to Asheville: Best of Asheville Tourism

Essential asheville.

How to do Asheville in 2 days

A food crawl in Asheville

Browse collections

Outdoor mountain adventures.

Explore Asheville’s flavours

Next-level relaxation

Bring the children

Tap into the best craft beers

Explore Asheville

Plan Your Trip to Asheville: Best of Asheville Tourism

Essential asheville.

How to do Asheville in 2 days

A food crawl in Asheville

Browse collections

Outdoor mountain adventures.

Explore Asheville’s flavours

Next-level relaxation

Bring the children

Tap into the best craft beers

38 Best & Fun Things To Do In Asheville (North Carolina)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: September 19, 2020  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Asheville is a small but vibrant city, known for its art, culture, and beer.

It’s packed with tourist attractions that range from eateries to museums and from parks to galleries.

With all these options for activities and things to see, what should you do in the city?

Here are 38 best and fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.

Table of Contents

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a very wide-reaching 469-mile stretch that spans from the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina all the way to Virginia.

But did you know that it is headquartered in Asheville?

That’s right – milepost 384 is where the main visitor center of the Blue Ridge Parkway rests.

The parkway allows for a 45 mph speed maximum.

It offers many great stops along the road in the form of pull-offs that encourage drivers to witness the glory of the scenery surrounding them.

Hiking and biking trails are also littered throughout, making for easy places to stretch your legs and get some exercise in during this long drive.

Small towns are also great rustic stops for a meal or some exploration.

You don’t actually have to drive far to get some of the best that the parkway has on display, though!

Keeping your adventure to or within the vicinity of Asheville gets you to the Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell, and the Folk Art Center – and two of these are such good city tourism staples that they’re discussed further in this list!

The Blue Ridge Parkway is busiest in the fall months thanks to the beautiful leaves as they turn orange in the fall.

Mid-summer is also a good time to try visiting if you want a less crowded but still enriching experience.

Even better, mid-summer is when a lot of blooming flowers can be seen dotting the parkway, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and laurels.

Address:  195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, United States

2. River Arts District

apasciuto / flickr

A trip to the River Arts District is a must-do for artists and art enthusiasts.

True to the free-spirited nature of Asheville, the River Arts District is made up of 22 buildings of historical or previous industrial purpose.

A cotton mill, a tannery, and all sorts of other fascinating spaces by the French Broad River fill the district with an old-fashioned atmosphere, offset by the modernity of the art found.

Walking through the River Arts District will let you feast your eyes on works created by over 200 different artists, ranging from paintings to ceramics and from photography to textiles.

Even hand-crafted jewelry and more lovely souvenirs can be found here, and you might get to meet some of the artists behind them!

Local artists enjoy talking about their work but take note of studio operating hours if you want to meet them.

If you’re in Asheville at the right time, check out Studio Strolls, which happens twice annually.

Studio Strolls is an exciting event where a free trolley service takes guests across multiple different studios, all open for the special occasion!

Address:  3 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

3. Biltmore Estate

Thomas Kreulen / Shutterstock

Looking for one of the best places to go on vacation ?

No trip to Asheville is complete without a stop at Biltmore Estate .

The huge private estate was once the home of George Washington Vanderbilt.

It is cited as the biggest privately owned house not just in North Carolina, but in all of the country.

It’s a great representation of the Gilded Age and its prominence makes a visit here one of the best things to do in Asheville.

At its largest, the estate covered 125,000 acres of land, though Vanderbilt’s passing led to 87,000 acres being sold in 1914.

The sold land would, later, become the Pisgah National Forest.

Even later, the National Gallery of Art would use the estate to store its prized pieces during World War II.

The home eventually expanded its uses, with a winery being built in the 1970s and hotels being set up in the 2000s.

The home of the Biltmore Estate itself is nothing short of grand.

Finished in 1895, it boasts an opulent French Renaissance design and a whopping 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms.

The house – and its rather shocking 65 fireplaces – took six years to build.

Many secret passages hidden behind trick doors are scattered about the home, some of which are available to tour.

Meanwhile, the outside consists of 8,000 acres of garden, with 2.5 miles of paths to walk through, designed by Central Park architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

If you’re a little tight for cash, the Biltmore Estate isn’t the kind of attraction you can just pop into tomorrow thanks to its relatively high entrance fees.

Still, if you do cough up the $60 admission (or $50, if you buy in advance), you’ll likely find it to be very much worth it.

Tours explain the Biltmore Estate’s history, architecture, and exhibits.

Each season hosts different events, ranging from regal Christmas displays to beautiful spring blooms.

Address:  1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, United States

4. North Carolina Arboretum

Jill Lang / Shutterstock

The North Carolina Arboretum is a part of the Pisgah National Forest, which is also on this list.

The arboretum is a public garden encompassing 434 acres of space, perfect for sightseeing as you walk around, and it’s easily one of the most loved attractions in Asheville.

The arboretum first opened its metaphorical doors in 1986.

If you visit, you’ll be able to wander through the gardens themselves, which span 65 acres and see different themed gardens.

A Heritage Garden pays homage to the horticulture of the Southern Appalachia, a Bonsai Exhibition Garden provides one of America’s most famous bonsai collections, and the National Native Azalea Collection is a wonder for flower-lovers everywhere.

There are also gardens for hollies, gardens by streams, and more!

If you opt for a guided tour of this delightful Asheville location, botanists will talk to you about the region’s fauna and flora, taking you through diverse species of flowers.

You’ll get to walk along 10 miles of walking and biking trails, some easier than others, and there are youth events for kids.

Don’t forget to stop by the education center to learn more or buy some refreshments from the Savory Thyme Café.

Address:  100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, United States

5. Folk Art Center

Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center

The Folk Art Center can be found along the Blue Ridge Parkway, right at milepost 382 in Asheville, North Carolina.

It’s one of the most delightful and culturally valuable points of interest in the city.

Essentially, the Folk Art Center is an eclectic exhibit of all sorts of arts and crafts made locally, not just from Asheville but across the Appalachian region.

It is the Southern Highland Craft Guild headquarters.

If you’re not familiar with the guild, it’s a group made up of 900 artists, juried, from nine different Southeastern states.

It was created during the Great Depression in 1930 in order to help create a market for artists and their work across the area – though it does have roots all the way back to the 1800s.

The goal of the Folk Art Center is to promote handmade works that combine traditional and contemporary elements, some dating all the way back to the 19tch century.

Three galleries showcase all sorts of handicrafts, ranging from sculptures to woodworking, from paintings to glass, and from quilts to jewelry.

There are also demonstrations of crafts that have almost been forgotten since they were brought down from mountain tribes, such as broom-making, cabinetry, and weaving.

Don’t forget to visit the oldest craft store by the Guild, called the Allanstand Craft Shop, for fun souvenirs.

Address:  382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, United States

6. Western North Carolina Nature Center

WNC Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is one of the top 10 Asheville attractions, especially for animal fanatics.

The facility covers 42 acres and is dedicated to an educational mission: to teach the public about the habitats, diversity, and variation of the everyday life of mammals in Asheville and beyond.

The indoor exhibits of the nature center include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and the very interesting World Underground exhibit that discusses what exists beneath the ground.

The outdoor exhibits, on the other hand, are dedicated to local species, like foxes, turtles, raccoons, otter, and even endangered farm animals.

There is also a special area, the nature center’s biggest, called the Appalachian Predators habitat.

Here, grey wolves, bobcats, coyotes, and the rare and endangered red wolf live and thrive.

There are more than 60 different animal species at the Western North Carolina Nature Center.

Black bears, cougars, and more are waiting to be seen.

Events are hosted every now and then throughout the year, and a hiking trail spans the grounds of the center so you can take a nice hike and enjoy the natural atmosphere.

Address:  75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28805, United States

7. Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Nolichuckyjake / Shutterstock

From how famous novelist Thomas Wolfe described the home he grew up in, you likely wouldn’t think much of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial , known also as Dixieland or the Old Kentucky Home.

Wolfe spoke of the home unflatteringly: a cheaply-made house, as he called it, with dirt yellow paint and a broken-down look.

It’s hard to believe that it’s now one of the best among Asheville tourist hotspots.

The home was purchased by Wolfe’s mother in the year 1906 when Wolfe was just six years old.

It was converted into a boarding house and became the site of many traumatic events in Wolfe’s life.

This led to the inspiration for his novel “Look Homeward, Angel”, which was controversial for the way it described the location and people of Asheville.

This may have contributed to the fact that Wolfe left the city and didn’t return for almost a decade after the book’s publication.

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, housed in that former boarding house, is amazing for fans of the novel because of the accuracy with which he described each room.

Located in downtown Asheville, there’s no doubt that the memorial house is where to go if you’re a history buff.

Don’t forget to check out the visitor’s center, which has a recreation of an apartment Wolfe would live in later in life.

Address:  52 N Market St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

8. Grove Arcade

jadimages / Shutterstock

The Grove Arcade was one of the first indoor shopping malls in all of the country, which makes it a unique mix of historical and fun on this list of places to go in the city of Asheville.

Like many spots in this North Carolina city, it has existed for almost a century.

Better yet, it has something for everyone.

The shopping complex was opened as a celebration of Asheville by E. W. Grove in the year 1929.

The architecture is pretty interesting and there’s a good mix of stores inside, with eclectic options ranging from galleries to restaurants and from bars to bookshops.

Here’s a fun fact: the Grove Arcade was used by the American Government during World War II and was only leased back to Asheville in the year 1997!

If you get to visit it, you’ll be glad that it’s open to the public as a marketplace once more.

Address:  1 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

9. Gray Line Trolley

The Gray Line Trolley is an amazing way to see all the tourist attractions and activities that the city has to offer.

Guides are amusing and enthusiastic as they talk about the city’s history and its many fascinating locations.

The tour is a hop-on, hop-off kind, and multiple different kinds of tours are available.

Whether you want a kid-friendly retelling of the city’s background, a gritty look into the realities of the society, or an eerie attempt at ghost hunting, there’s something here you’re sure to like.

Call in advance to secure a spot!

Address:  36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

10. Grovewood Gallery

Grovewood Gallery

Grovewood Gallery is housed in a building that was once the woodworking and weaving factory for Biltmore Industries – a name you likely remember from another one of the places to visit in the city of Asheville, Biltmore Estate.

Now, Grovewood Gallery is home to crafts of all kinds from contemporary artists, both local to North Carolina and from all across the country.

More than 500 creators have their work on display here, and there are sculpture gardens outside that promote a peaceful and calming environment.

The gallery on the whole has a vibe that mixes fun with Old World atmosphere.

It has become an Asheville staple for art-enthusiasts and is now known as one of the United States’ most respected craft retailers.

Address:  111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804, United States

Visting other areas of North Carolina? Why not check out some of the things to do around Fayetteville, NC  & some of the places to visit in Cherokee, NC ?

11. Pritchard Park Drum Circle

Jeffrey Davis / flickr

If you’re looking for things to do in downtown Asheville on a Friday night, you can’t go wrong with the awesome Pritchard Park Drum Circle.

This group of drummers gathers every week without fail – except in the winter – in Pritchard Park.

While there, together, they perform an impressive set of impromptu jams that fill the park and the areas near it with joyful music.

A mix of all sorts of drum players come to this gathering.

They bring dunduns, djembes, congas, shekeres, and other percussion instruments to create catchy beats and flowing rhythms.

Usually, a crowd of interested audience members and excited dancers will slowly gather to join in on the fun and entertainment.

The Pritchard Park Drum Circle is said to congregate in order to keep Asheville, North Carolina weird, which is quite a lovely thought.

The tradition began with just 10 drummers in 2001 and has since grown to showcase cultural diversity, teach classes, and entertain the public.

There are no leaders and everyone goes where the music takes them, so join in and have some fun!

Address:  67 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

12. Asheville Museum Of Science

The Asheville Museum Of Science is a small and humble but very fun location.

Packed with must-see interactive exhibits that can be exciting for the whole family.

The most loved parts of this museum are very varied, providing lots of different experiences in one.

A French Broad River Water table display lets you make rain.

A Hurricane Simulator lets you experience the worst forcefulness of a storm.

A Tyrannosaurus Rex exhibit lets you get close to and interact with a T-rex skeleton.

The Colburn Hall of Minerals is packed with geological displays that reflect North Carolina.

All in all, there’s so much to see!

Address:  43 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

13. Botanical Gardens at Asheville

Gingo Scott / Shutterstock

Termed as one of the most beautiful places in the USA , the Botanical Gardens at Asheville are a delightful mix of habitats for different species of flora.

Gardens are vibrant, delightfully scented, and truly relaxing and unique.

Horticultural displays range from trees to flowers, including many local varieties of plants for a more personal and tailor experience.

These gardens are a part of a non-profit organization, owned independently.

It’s completely free to enter, which makes it one of the best things to do in Asheville if you have some extra free time today.

It’s one of the coolest things to do in the city!

Address:  151 W T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, NC 28804, United States

14. Pisgah National Forest

Kwok Min Hui / Shutterstock

Pisgah National Forest was one of the country’s first national forests to be officially designated.

With over 500,000 acres of land, it’s full of sights that make it many nature-appreciating tourists’ go-to in Asheville, North Carolina.

It is noted for its many beautiful spots and the glory of the nature that it preserves.

The land of this forest was once a part of the Biltmore Estate.

It is, now, the home of America’s first school of forestry, the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute.

Three different ranger districts make up the forest, divided for visitor convenience.

Waterfall-lovers will enjoy the Pisgah Ranger District, experienced hikers may love the Grandfather Ranger District, and horseback riders will enjoy the Appalachian District, which is further out and away from the city.

Geological landmarks of note at the Pisgah National Forest include the Chimneys, Linville Gorge, Table Rock, and even the Forest Discovery Center.

In your exploration of this natural Asheville location, you can go on guided hikes or participate in programs that change seasonally.

There are swimming holes, waterfalls, and unique vistas that are a true sight for sore eyes.

Day-use areas are scattered throughout the forest, with amenities and options to keep the whole family busy.

Trails, swimming spots, boat ramps, showers, and camping areas are all available to use and try out.

You can try horseback riding, cycling, rock climbing, hiking, and fishing.

All in all, there is plenty to do – but do note that you need a camping permit if you want to set up camp here!

Address:  1600 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, United States

15. Asheville Food Tours

Asheville Food Tours

Are you a foodie in this North Carolina city?

What better way to get a taste – pun intended – of this town than through Asheville Food Tours ?

It’s the best way to visit all the food-related points of interest that are a testament to the Southern charm and flavors of the city.

You will visit seven different locations, each one wisely selected, from normal eateries to food stores and to fancy restaurants.

Whether you’re trying appetizers, wine, full meals, or desserts, the food tours will show you how to enjoy the very best of local cuisine and local businesses.

Gourmet food awaits you throughout!

16. No Taste Like Home

No Taste Like Home

Have you ever wanted to forage for your own food, but have been too anxious to start because of hygiene or safety?

No Taste Like Home can give you the perfect opportunity for such activities.

At No Taste Like Home, expert guides bring you through a forest area that is truly quintessential Asheville.

You’ll be able to pick your own food from the forest, then return to the facility to try cooking with what you collected.

Different experiences might offer presentations or different adventures, so try them out if you’re interested.

As far as Asheville attractions go, No Taste Like Home is not very typical, but you can probably see the great appeal to it!

17. LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours

LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours offer a fun way to get around Asheville, North Carolina.

Wacky hijinks ensue throughout the ride as the bus shows you what to see in the downtown portion of Asheville – edutainment at its finest!

Expect silly slapstick comedy, ridiculous costumes, and jokes throughout each ninety-minute bus ride.

The big purple bus is here to make an impression and it will certainly do just that while managing to teach you about history, too!

Address:  76 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

18. Craggy Gardens

Dave Allen Photography / Shutterstock

The Craggy Gardens are a delightful spot that offers the best things to see for plant-lovers and nature enthusiasts in general, especially those who love rare plants.

More than 20 threatened or endangered flora types are grown and displayed here in these amazing Asheville, North Carolina gardens.

Trees, bent by the wind, are scattered throughout the Craggy Gardens.

The trees are quite unique thanks to the high winds faced in this part of Asheville, which means they only have vegetation growing on one side of them and they never get very tall.

It’s definitely a fascinating experience worth checking out!

The Craggy Gardens are located on Hemphill Knob Road.

They’re dog-friendly and well outfitted with amenities, including a picnic area!

Address:  364 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Black Mountain, NC 28711, United States

19. The Moog Factory

David Hilowitz / flickr

The Moog Factory is home to the Moog synthesizer, a big brand that left a large imprint on the world of entertainment and music composition when it emerged in the 1960s.

This factory offers a unique glimpse into the process of creating such an instrument.

It’s no surprise, then, that this is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Asheville for music-lovers!

On a guided tour of The Moog Factory, you’ll learn about Moog assembly, how the creators make sure the sound is perfect, and even what it feels like to hold and try one of these synths out.

It’s surprising to think how such an important aspect of musical culture began its life in Asheville!

Address:  160 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

If you have more time and you’re looking for more thrill, check out our lists of things to do in Charlotte  & best things to do in Wilmington, NC !

20. Omni Grove Park Inn Spa

The Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa is considered one of the places to visit for relaxation in Asheville, thanks to being famous not just in North Carolina but all across the nation for being one of the most highly-rated spas of its kind.

The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa has steam rooms packed with relaxing scents, contract pools to relax in, and lounges by fireplaces, all provided for on a huge service menu.

The design of the spa is pretty impeccable and fun, with a 6,500-star ceiling made with fiber optics, music that plays underground, and two waterfalls.

The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa was also once a relocation facility during the Cold War, owned and operated by the Supreme Court of America.

This history gives the spa some added meaning, especially when you catch little bits and pieces of that old history within.

Address:  290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, United States

21. Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa

Wake Foot Sanctuary

The Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa is situated in an Asheville, North Carolina location already discussed: the Grove Shopping Arcade.

The fact that it’s one of the best ways to relax as you jump between attractions on your list of what to do in Asheville means it deserves its own number on this list.

The Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa focuses on providing its customers with luxurious and indulgent levels of pampering.

Massages, foot soaks, and other relaxing services are provided to help you enjoy peace and serenity during the more hectic periods of your holiday.

Furniture in the form of plush chairs and sofas let you lounge while treatments are provided in rustic but equally opulent bowls of copper, handmade.

Water is perfumed with delightfully calming fragrances that engage the senses without overwhelming them.

For further indulgence, you’ll be served sweet tidbits, coffee, and tea as you enjoy a foot soak.

If you feel like it, you can even stop by Wake’s own store, which sells handmade candles, artisanal products, and apothecary items.

Address:  1 Page Ave #115, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

22. Visit A Brewery

Asheville is called Beer City for a reason, and given that reputation, it goes without saying that visiting breweries is a must-do while you’re in Asheville, North Carolina.

Despite having only a population of 90,000, it has multiple beer breweries and factories that provided unique, expertly crafted drinks special to the local area.

One brewery to stop by is Wicked Weed , which has a delightful Funktorium taproom praised for its industrial-chic charm.

It specializes in sour beers and has a gift shop where you can purchase beers by their pH level and barrel type.

It’s a good spot for beer enthusiasts who like the little details.

Another place you have to check out is Highland Brewing.

After Prohibition, it became the first legal brewery, though it only was established in 1994.

It is, now, the southeast’s biggest independently-owned brewery.

Its founder is commonly considered the godfather of craft brewing in the region, Oscar Wong.

Other breweries you should visit are The Wedge, Twin Leaf, One World, Green Man, Bhramari, and Burial.

Each one has something unique to offer to guests, so don’t be afraid to – responsibly – try them all!

Address (Wicked Weed):  91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

23. Diana Wortham Theatre

Jeffery Edwards / Shutterstock

Looking for some of the top things to do in Asheville while you’re in the city this weekend?

Head down to the Pack Square Cultural District, which is where all the art of Asheville comes together.

Here, you’ll find the Diana Wortham Theatre , a premier performance space that caters to many different acts.

Some of the Diana Wortham Theatre’s hosted acts include the Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, the Asheville Puppetry Alliance, and the Asheville Lyric opera.

The intimate setting of the 500-seat establishment and the wide variety of performances make this a wonderful place to catch something exciting that everyone will enjoy!

Address:  18 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

24. Asheville Urban Trail

Bradley Griffin / flickr

The Asheville Urban Trail spans 1.7 miles and is a wonderful way to get some sightseeing in while you’re at this historical North Carolina city.

The trail has 30 fun stops, each one decorated with a sculpture that educates you on an important part of the city’s architectural or cultural background.

The tour is self-guided and takes you through five different eras in time, ranging from the very beginning of the Gilded Age to the current age, called the Age of Diversity.

Beginning at Park Square, the trail winds through the city’s downtown portion.

It takes about two hours to complete the self-guided tour, which feels a little like a scavenger hunt in many ways.

The one sculpture you must make a point to find your way to with the tour travel guide is the Flat Iron Sculpture, named after the Flatiron building, by local artist Reed Todd.

The piece is made from cast iron and looks like, well, a clothing iron.

It was set up in 1997 as a bit of a joking nod to the flatiron buildings popping up in the early 1900s.

This sculpture is a part of the Asheville Public Art Collection and is known in North Carolina for its unorthodox, tongue-in-cheek nature!

Address:  11 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

25. Basilica of Saint Lawrence

Whether or not you’re religious, few can deny the appeal of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence as one of the points of interest that speaks of a wealthier time in Asheville, North Carolina.

Designed by Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish architect who worked on the Biltmore Estate, in 1905, it is a mark of the 20th-century prosperity that the city and its wealthiest residents enjoyed.

Guastavino worked with fellow Biltmore architect Richard Sharp Smith to create what he felt the city needed: an opulent and grand Catholic church.

Funds were raised from local Catholics and now, we get to enjoy what is the state’s only basilica!

Religious artifacts live inside, from German stained glass windows to Italian statues and even a marble frescoed high altar.

The Basilica of Saint Lawrence is very much made in a Spanish Renaissance Revival design, with one of the country’s biggest elliptical domes that is freestanding right on top.

It was built from masonry items, like tile, stone, mortar, and brick.

There is absolutely no steel or wood used in the foundation of the basilica.

Address:  97 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

Keen to explore other areas of North Carolina? Why not check out some of the places to visit in Greensboro, NC  & some of the fun things to do in Durham, NC ?

26. Pink Dog Creative

fabulousfabs / flickr

Created by Hedy Fisher and Randy Shull, Pink Dog Creative stands in the River Arts District in what was once a textile warehouse.

It is a large complex that has 27 artist studio spaces, with the entire area being shared by some of this North Carolina city’s best businesses.

The reason Pink Dog Creative is one of the best artistic Asheville attractions is that artists here open their studios for two days every week.

You’ll get an inside look into the world of these artists, their thought processes, and how they work, live, and create.

It can be quite an incredible experience, especially if you’re an artist yourself!

Address:  348 Depot St #342, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

27. Moogseum

We’re already talked about Moog synthesizers and the Mood Factory – so now, consider the Moogseum !

It is an interactive location that is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.

It showcases artifacts and information regarding the life and times of Bob Moog, or Robert Arthur Moog, who had a huge impact on the electronic music scene with his synthesizers.

Before Moog’s synthesizers entered the market, existing synthesizers were large, heavy, and very expensive.

Moog’s work modernized the synth, making it more portable and revolutionizing it for repeated use throughout the world.

He would, eventually, go on to make more of the first Moog Music synthesizers’ near siblings, coming up with new ways to make them more accessible to everyone.

He would also invent concepts for the synth, like envelope generation, voltage control, pitch wheel, and modularity – all key fundamentals now!

Moog began working on his synthesizer back in 1964 and it quickly skyrocketed to popularity – especially in 1968, when it was used in a Grammy-winning album.

Moog passed away in 2005 and, a year later, his family established the Bob Moog Foundation to retain and pass on his legacy.

The Moogseum, run by the Bob Moog Foundation, opened on his 85th “birthday” in 2019.

It spans 1,400 square feet and tells tales of the work that Moog did and his life.

Exhibits are interactive and involve multiple senses, with visualization showcases, playable exhibits, and educational info about how electricity can make sound.

Address:  56 Broadway Street, Front, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

28. Asheville Mystery Museum

Spiritwolf-Photography / Shutterstock

For unique activities and unorthodox stuff to do, check out the Asheville Mystery Museum .

It is made from a collection of curiosities set up by Joshua P. Warren, a paranormal investigator whose name you may recognize from his fictional counterpart in The Conjuring series of horror movies.

This museum in North Carolina shows off photographs of alleged paranormal activity, exhibited items and memorabilia that tell the tales of said paranormal activity, and plenty of interesting creepy artifacts.

You’ll find the museum in the Asheville Mason Lodge basement, aptly in an eerie location with an entrance that requires you to walk through an alleyway and down a set of twisted, narrow stairs.

Do note that the museum isn’t open to the public unless you’re a part of a Haunted Asheville ghost tour, so you’ll have to sign up for one of them in order to visit it.

The tours are well-reviewed and run by Warren himself!

Address:  80 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

29. Helen’s Bridge

Kathy Kelley / Shutterstock

Helen’s Bridge earned a reputation for being haunted thanks to an old legend.

The bridge, built in 1909 to connect land to the Zealandia Mansion, is made from quarried stone.

It is said that a woman named Helen once lived either at the mansion or close to it with her daughter, who she loved dearly.

A fire then supposedly took that daughter’s life, driving Helen to hang herself at the bridge.

People believe that Helen continues to haunt the bridge even now.

Some say her depressed figure appears when her name is called and others find that their cars won’t start if they stop in this area to find her.

But it’s not all scary on this bridge.

Thomas Wolfe actually included the bridge in his famous novel, Look Homeward, Angel, because he walked under it so often in his youth.

And, of course, there’s no way to know if the creepy lore is true, to begin with.

But if you find spooky investigations fun, then Helen’s Bridge should be among your places to visit.

Address:  201 Beaucatcher Rd, Asheville, NC 28805, United States

30. Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

The Black Mountain College was once a central artists’ hub in Asheville, where thinkers and creatives – many of them famous – would go to learn, experiment, and make.

It was created thanks to John Andrew Rice, who had been dismissed from his Florida teaching spot in an allegedly unjust manner.

This drove him to want to create his own school.

At this time, the Nazi Party antagonism led to intellectuals fleeing Europe as the Great Depression swung harder than ever.

Rice and some European artists found themselves with a similar goal, and they holed up in this little wooded area of Asheville.

This was the beginning of black Mountain College.

It wasn’t long before artists were attracted and considered it among their places to visit in search of inspiration and a safe place.

The college began to operate a farm, collaborate on art, and build structures.

They would, eventually, begin racial integration before much of the country.

Debts caused the college to shut down in 1957, but that didn’t stop its legacy.

Mary Holden Thompson, an advocate for the arts, opened the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center in 1993 to tell the college’s story.

Since then, it has relocated and grown to encompass 6,500 square feet, with two floors, a library, and a bookstore.

Exhibitions showcase all sorts of historical, meaningful works and rotating events are often fun and unique.

Address:  120 College St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

31. Asheville Pinball Museum

Asheville Pinball Museum

The Asheville Pinball Museum is located in downtown Asheville and is a fantastic way to spend your time in North Carolina this weekend, especially if you’re a vintage game freak.

The museum is housed in an old hotel that is actually on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is home to over 20 classic arcade video games, 30 vintage pinball tables, and it charges only one fee for you to enter and play many of them!

Some of the collections of the Asheville Pinball Museum can be traced to the 1940s.

Machines from the 1960s and beyond are operating and ready to play.

Each and every single machine has a plaque that contains product information and stories about its impact on the world of gaming.

Don’t forget to check out the original working Golden Age cabinets you can find in the back.

If you’re a collector, some of the machines showcased in the museum are available to purchase, too.

Address:  1 Battle Square Ste 1b, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

If you’re looking for some more excitement, we’ve got you covered! Check out some of the coolest things to do in Raleigh  & things to do in Boone, NC !

32. Buxton Hall Barbecue

Buxton Hall Barbecue

Fans of barbecue meals will love Buxton Hall Barbecue in Asheville, North Carolina.

It is the result of Elliot Moss and Meherwan Irani, two chefs who have been nominated for the James Beard Award.

The goal is to provide Carolina-style barbecue authentically in Asheville in a modern and more fun manner.

Buxton Hall Barbecue opened its doors in 2015 in a building that was once a Standard Paper Sales Company structure.

It focuses on smoked wood-cooked whole-hog barbecue, including chicken, pork, ribs, and even catfish.

All sorts of side dishes from the south accompany the mouth-watering meat that gives you the lovely taste of Asheville and its surroundings.

Address:  32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

33. Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum

Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum

Biltmore Industries has a storied past, as evidenced by the fact that so many things connected to it are among the best things to do in Asheville.

The company produced some of the finest wool not just in North Carolina, but in the world, and it was extremely renowned internationally.

The company first began with the goal of teaching children weaving and woodworking before growing from an education center to a production business.

The Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum celebrates this legacy in an educational way full of activities.

It showcases wool, original machines and equipment, suits, fabrics, and more that belonged to this prestigious company.

It’s a bit of a hidden gem in the city, but it’s one well worth a visit to immerse yourself in its past.

34. Burton Street Community Peace Gardens

Burton Street Community Peace Gardens

The Burton Street Community Peace Gardens were established in 2003 by volunteers from the community of West Asheville’s Burton Street.

The community had been fighting against development in order to preserve their neighborhood for years, and this garden was meant to be a peaceful response to the troubles they and other neighborhoods near to them faced.

At first, this wasn’t one of Asheville’s prettier sites – a lot overgrown with weeds and covered in trash.

Now, though, it has two flower gardens, two vegetable gardens, a fire pit, and pizza oven, a stage, a pavilion, a greenhouse, and lots of sculptures and art have turned it into quite a stunning location.

It also functions as a museum, with found objects, art, and works featuring black historical figures educating guests.

The Burton Street Community Peace Gardens prides itself on the value of community.

Volunteers grow as much as they can in order to dole out seed starts and fresh produce to their neighborhood.

It’s a beautiful place with a beautiful mission!

Address: 47 Bryant St, Asheville, NC 28806, United States

35. 12 Bones Smokehouse

12 Bones Smokehouse

The premiere, go-to smokehouse of Asheville, North Carolina, 12 Bones Smokehouse is famous across the city.

Essentially, if you’re a foodie, it’s one of the places to see that you shouldn’t miss.

Opened first by Sabra Kelley and Tom Montgomery, 12 Bones Smokehouse specializes in slow-smoked meats, all cooked on cherry and oak wood.

All its dishes are homemade and the ingredients used throughout the menu are fresh but simple, which adds a homey, fun, and relaxing environment to the Asheville staple.

If you really love their meals, you can buy their cookbooks onsite!

Address:  5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

36. Chai Pani

Chai Pani is probably the best place to get Indian food in all of Asheville, North Carolina.

It is run and owned by Meherwan Irani, who has been nominated for the James Beard Award thrice.

Though it only began operations in 2009, Chai Pani has already been featured in multiple publications in different countries.

The menu primarily offers scrumptious takes on Indian chaat street food, including meals like vegan corn bhel, chicken and kale pakoras, kheema pav, and okra fries.

In its own right, Chai Pani can almost be considered among Asheville attractions – but even if you don’t think of it as one, it’s well worth a visit regardless.

Address:  22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

37. Silver River Center For Chair Caning

Silver River Center For Chair Caning

The Silver River Center For Chair Caning is the only place in all of North America that is a museum and learning center for the dying art of chair caning.

This makes it one of the most unique things to do in the state of North Carolina.

Chair caning is the process of applying cane – or a rattan peel – to different parts of chairs, usually the seats and backs.

This art form has been used for millennia upon millennia and is considered a type of basketry.

It’s such an old practice that there are chairs made with this method dating back to 1300 BC, made by ancient Egyptians.

Of course, the current mass production of furniture and products means chair caning is being left in the past.

Still, the ancient art form is celebrated at the Silver River Center For Chair Caning.

The working museum portion of the center is open to people – and pets – of all ages, allowing you and the whole family to easily observe the techniques used in restoring, caning, and creating these chairs.

Workshops and classroom areas are usually open and those teaching are happy to answer guest questions – and you can join a class yourself!

Of course, there are also exhibits in the museum, with the most interesting part being the permanent exhibit’s Chair Wall.

Eight different weaving styles are showcased on that wall, which clues you into intricacies of the art that you may never have thought about.

There is also the Anatomy of a Rush chair exhibit and an education library to peruse.

Plus, the Silver River Center hosts multiple events like the SeatWeavers’ Guild Fathering or The Chair Affair.

Interestingly, the Silver River Center For Chair Caning hosts something of an international icon in its gardens: an eight-foot-tall Chair Arch.

The cathedral art installation attracts people within the industry from all over the world right to this spot in humble Asheville, North Carolina.

Address:  5 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

38. Curate Bar de Tapas

Cúrate

Looking for a fun spot for good food?

Head to the downtown portion of Asheville to check out Curate Bar de Tapas .

This fashionable, stylish eatery was built in a bus depot dating back to 1927.

Now, it provides traditional Spanish fare – something not exceedingly common in North Carolina – and a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere.

The menu at Curate Bar de Tapas is varied and changes regularly.

Whether you like the sophisticated flavors of olive oil and olives or the fiery heat of peppers, there’s something for everyone.

Try their croquetas de pollo, patatas bravas,jamón Ibérico, or fine wine and you’ll soon know why this tapas bar is one of the city’s most loved!

Address:  13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina is such an exciting and colorful place with no shortage of must-see locations and activities.

Hopefully, this guide to the best of what Asheville has to offer has given you some great ideas for what to do in the city and add to your bucket list!

T&C Travel Guide: 3 Days in Asheville

Plus an idea for a fourth-day outing—because you won't want to leave.

Where to Stay

If you want to be in the thick of it all, the Windsor Boutique Hotel is walking distance to just about every major city attraction—and its thoughtfully renovated suites are an added perk. Just down the block, Elevation Lofts Hotel offers a boutique experience in a historic setting, with amenities including gas fireplaces, full kitchens, in-room laundry, and dining areas. Those after a prime location with a bit of history should check into the Kimpton Hotel Arras , a bank-turned-boutique accommodations conveniently located on Patton Avenue in the heart of downtown.

Alternatively, you can literally vacation like a Vanderbilt by booking a beautifully appointed room or private cottage at Biltmore , just southwest of the city center. The French Renaissance castle-home and 8,000-acre estate once belonged to George and Edith Vanderbilt. Within the gated getaway are meticulously kept gardens, wooded trails, dining and shopping experiences, and even the country's most-visited winery.

If getting out of the city is one of your top priorities as a traveler, Asheville has some incredible ways to ensconce yourself in the great outdoors without totally roughing it. Asheville River Cabins are only 12 miles from downtown, but they feel a world away. You can rent a cabin or luxury trailer with modern amenities (and the French Broad River as your front yard!). If you prefer mountain views over forest scenes, check out AutoCamp , opening in late spring 2024. It boasts incredible vistas from private cabins and decked out travel trailers, less than 20 minutes from the city center.

Day 1: Delve Into Downtown

What to See and Do

A must-see, the Asheville Art Museum is a sprawling reflection of the visual traditions of the Southern Appalachian region. Here, you'll find special exhibitions and permanent collections of 20th- and 21st-century art on display, with the option of guided tours . If you'd like to explore the art-education legacy of Asheville, consider a visit to the Center for Craft which has been at the vanguard of the craft movement for over 25 years. For a more offbeat experience, swing by the Radical Hotel's Afterglow —an espresso bar by day and club by night—or enjoy a walking tour of a different kind at the historic Riverside Cemetery . Stick with the spooky theme on a post-dinner ghost tour with Haunted Asheville or LaZoom Tours .

Where to Eat

Dine where the locals go—like The Med, a beloved old-school diner, and Cucina24 , a cozy brick-oven-adorned space featuring fine Italian-inspired fare. For a twist on soul food, check out Rosetta's Kitchen , a beloved vegetarian and vegan spot that also offers multiple flavors of kombucha (a tasty alternative for the non-alcoholic crowd).

Day 2: Have Some High-End Fun

Even if you're not staying on property at Biltmore, you won't want to miss its popular seasonal attraction Biltmore Blooms . New flowers crop up weekly, so no one trip is the same: On any given day you might stroll past daffodils, azaleas, tulips, or roses among famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted's picturesque landscapes. After taking in spring's bounty, get all dolled up for a night out at the Asheville Symphony for one of their beloved Masterworks concerts or ALT ASO productions.

There are myriad fine-dining experiences to be had—if you're craving traditional live-fire cooking, Asheville Proper 's steaks and classic cocktails can't be beat. For a critically acclaimed locale, try chef Katie Button's lauded Cúrate , which features thoughtfully created Spanish tapas-style plates. Or enjoy a romantic dinner on the patio of Posana , which features imaginative seasonal and sustainable culinary creations and an award-winning wine list.

Day 3: Get Into Nature

Hikers will love the jaw-dropping 360-degree mountain views at Craggy Pinnacle Trail , while thrill-seekers can get their pulses pumping by ziplining through the treetops of a 242-acre wildlife habitat with Navitat Canopy Adventures , or going whitewater rafting with French Broad Adventures (which also offers hot-springs float trips for the less adrenaline-inclined).

Support the community with a visit to Plant , where nationally-recognized Chef Jason Sellers serves up an innovative menu of dishes sourced from the earth. If you want to patronize an area maker after a full day of outdoor activities, you can't beat Asheville Brewing Company 's award-winning craft beer and pub food. Or grab some burgers to go from Baby Bull —an offshoot of Asheville's iconic Bull & Beggar restaurant—to enjoy at your outdoor oasis.

Extend Your Trip

If you're itching to explore a little further past the city limits, stay an extra day or two and check out Black Mountain , a cozy town just 25 minutes east, known as a creative hub. Or you could branch out into nearby Weaverville to shop small businesses on the buzzing Main Street.

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