Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and situated alongside the French Broad River, Asheville simply could be essentially the most stunning metropolis in the USA.

Take in the views of the town from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and also you’ll rapidly see why it’s known as the Land of the Sky.

There are quite a few issues to do in Asheville and for such a small metropolis, it actually packs a punch in the case of actions on provide.

Mountain climbing in the mountains, feasting on southern delicacies, enjoyable in sizzling springs, and sampling craft beer are only a few of the stuff you received’t wish to miss. 

I’ve spent loads of time in Ashville during the last decade, and in reality, my spouse and I received married and had our honeymoon in right here! It’s simply one among my favorite cities in the USA and a spot I all the time look ahead to visiting.

On this Asheville journey weblog, I’m excited to share among the greatest actions, sights, and locations to go to in the town!

1. Go to the Biltmore Property

A go to to the Biltmore Property positively deserves the highest spot on this record of issues to do in Asheville.

This historic mansion was constructed between 1889 and 1895 by George Vanderbilt. It’s a fantastic instance of the Gilded Age and a completely gorgeous place to discover.

The Biltmore Property is definitely the most important privately-owned house in the US.

It options an astounding 250 rooms and is surrounded by picturesque gardens, ponds, and a beautiful conservatory full of assorted crops and flowers.

After touring the property and the grounds, remember to drop by the vineyard. You’ll be able to take a tour of the underground cellars, pattern a number of differing types, and decide up a bottle of your favorite wine to take house.

You’ll be able to go to the Biltmore Property daily from 9AM to 5PM. Tickets price $70 for adults and $35 for youth with a free audio information.

Professional tip – when you e-book your tickets a minimum of per week in advance, you save $10! It’s a couple of 15-minute drive from downtown to achieve the property, which you’ll find on the map right here.  

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2. Take a Strolling Tour

At any time when I’m in a brand new metropolis, I really like happening a strolling tour to get to know the place. Asheville is a small metropolis and may be very walkable, so you possibly can simply discover downtown by yourself two ft.

Due to Discover Asheville, you possibly can select between two wonderful self-guided strolling excursions of Asheville. They’ve an city path in addition to an structure path that you could observe.

Each have interactive and printable maps, and the city path even has an audio information as effectively.

Should you’d favor to go together with a information, you possibly can join the Tip-Primarily based Asheville Strolling Tour.

This wonderful strolling tour is about 2.5 hours lengthy, taking you thru downtown Asheville whereas overlaying all of the highlights and insider tips about the place to eat and drink (plus, some samples alongside the way in which). The fee relies on ideas, so no matter you are feeling is acceptable. 

3. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

Should you’re questioning what to do in Asheville, simply soar in your automobile and take a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This Nationwide Parkway and All-American Street is a part of the Appalachian Mountains and some of the scenic drives in the nation.

The Blue Ridge Parkway really stretches by each Virginia and North Carolina. It’s 755 km (496 miles) lengthy and is stuffed with viewpoints, mountain climbing trails, historic websites, and a lot extra. This is likely one of the most unimaginable locations to go to in your journey to Asheville.

Each time we now have folks come to go to once we’re in Asheville, one of many first issues we do is head out for a drive on the Blue Ridge. These wonderful views actually by no means get previous, so I don’t thoughts going again each time we’re in city.

4. Climb Mt. Pisgah

As I discussed, there’s so much to see and do alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway. The most effective issues to do in Asheville NC is mountain climbing up the path at Ms. Pisgah, which is well accessible through the Parkway.

It’s a couple of 45 minute to hour-long hike to achieve the highest of Mt. Pisgah. Whereas it’s not precisely a straightforward hike, it’s not too tough. The hike is about 1.2 miles (1.85 km) to the highest and there are many locations to relaxation alongside the way in which.

There’s a big TV tower on the high and an statement deck. From right here, you possibly can get pleasure from among the greatest views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the town off in the space. You will discover the trailhead for Mt. Pisgah on the map right here.

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5. Dinner With a View at Pisgah Inn

After mountain climbing up Mt. Pisgah, you’re positive to work up an urge for food. Whilst you can actually deliver a picnic lunch to have on the Parkway, my vote goes to having fun with a meal on the close by Pisgah Inn.

Seize a drink and head out to their statement deck whilst you watch for a desk. They’ve loads of rocking chairs the place you possibly can relax and soak in the wonderful views.

Having eaten right here a number of occasions, I’ll give my suggestions for the fried inexperienced tomatoes and the walnut crusted mountain trout.

They’re open from 11:30-Four for lunch after which once more from 5-9 for dinner. You may get instructions and discover the Pisgah Inn on the map right here.

Should you’d somewhat be up in the mountains than down in city, you may wish to look into reserving a room right here. It’s fairly superior when you possibly can get up and have the Blue Ridge Mountains proper outdoors your window! 

6. Play Disc Golf

Should you benefit from the nice outdoor, one of many high issues to do in Asheville is enjoying a spherical of disc golf.

For these unfamiliar with the game, it’s identical to golf however with a frisbee as an alternative. The purpose is to get your disc right into a basket with the least quantity of throws, and you should use quite a lot of totally different discs in the method.

The largest distinction between disc golf and common golf is that it’s virtually all the time completely free! That’s the case at close by Richmond Hill, a wonderful course and native hangout. Get instructions and discover the park on the map right here.

Should you’ve by no means performed disc golf earlier than and don’t have any gear, there are many outlets in Asheville the place you possibly can decide up a starter package.

For about $10, you will get a driver, a mid-range disc, and a putter. Simply attempt to not lose them in your first spherical. Most individuals write their title and cellphone quantity on discs as a precautionary measure.

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7. Feast on Southern Meals

Asheville is house to loads of wonderful eating places of all totally different kinds. Should you’re travelling right here for the primary time, I like to recommend sticking largely to southern fare. In spite of everything, you’re in the south though the State is North Carolina!

For brunch, a strong selection is Biscuit Head. Their slogan is “put some south in your mouth” and that’s precisely what you’ll do right here. Select your favorite biscuit (I really like the pulled pork) and high it off with their numerous jams and butters. 

The most effective eating places in Ashville, in my humble opinion, is Residence Grown. This native eatery serves native meals cooked by native folks, so you realize your cash goes proper into the native economic system while you eat right here.

I personally love their Redneck Pot Pie or buttermilk fried rooster. You’ll be able to see Residence Grown and far more in our “Streets, Beats & Eats” video on Asheville.

8. Drink Native Craft Beer

Asheville has been named Beer Metropolis USA on a number of events. There are over 40 breweries and beer pubs right here in complete! As such, sampling native craft beer must be excessive atop your record of issues to do in Asheville NC.

Strolling round Asheville, you’re by no means too removed from a brewery. A few of the greatest locations for a beer embody Asheville Brewing Firm, Burial, and Inexperienced Man. One of the simplest ways to search out your favorite brew is ordering up a flight to pattern 4-5 totally different kinds.

Whereas they’re not precisely microbreweries, it’s additionally price it to go to the Asheville places of New Belgium and Sierra Nevada. The previous has a scenic location proper alongside the French Broad River, whereas the latter is a little bit of a hike because it’s out by the airport.

If you wish to take a tour of both, remember to join effectively in advance! I’ve been to loads of breweries, and these are two of the perfect I’ve ever seen.

9. Go to a Few Museums

Should you’re downtown and aren’t fairly positive what to do in Asheville, why not drop into one of many metropolis’s museums for a bit? Whether or not you’re in artwork, science, and even pinball, there’s a museum for you right here.

The Asheville Artwork Museum has just lately had some main renovations and is larger and higher than ever!

It’s open from 10-5 Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 on Sunday. It’s completely free to go to, however donations are very a lot appreciated. You will discover the museum on the map right here.

Only a block away, you’ll discover the Asheville Museum of Science. They’ve received numerous cool exhibitions and shows which are enjoyable for all ages. It’s open Monday-Saturday from 10-5 and from 1-5 on Sunday and prices $7-Eight to go to.

Should you love retro pinball machine or online game, you’ll positively wish to take a look at the Asheville Pinball Museum.

For $15, you possibly can play as many video games as you need on their 80+ machines. Hours fluctuate relying on the day, however they’re sometimes open till 9PM. Get instructions to the museum right here.

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10. Discover the RAD (River Arts District)

For artwork lovers, one of many high issues to do in Asheville NC is visiting the RAD (River Arts District).

A whole lot of artists have galleries and studios in this space alongside the French Broad River. It’s a very enjoyable place to probe for some time, particularly on the weekends.

On the second Saturday of every month, the RAD is a really full of life place. There are demonstrations, workshops, wine tastings, dwell music, and much more. There’s even a free trolley that you could trip as you bounce across the totally different venues.

Whether or not you’re in portray, ceramics, images, or jewellery, you’ll discover one thing to get pleasure from in the RAD.

Whilst you’re over right here, remember to drop in one other wonderful native craft brewery — Wedge. You will discover the River Arts District on the map right here. 

11. Enjoyable on the River

Talking of the French Broad River, there are many enjoyable issues to do there. Effectively, a minimum of through the hotter months. There’s not a lot happening in the lifeless of winter…

Certainly one of my absolute favorite issues to do in Asheville is tubing down the river.

One of the simplest ways to benefit from the Homer Simpson of water sports activities is by signing up with this tubing expertise. It’s like a floating pub crawl!

I received’t’ give all of it away, but it surely’s loads of enjoyable and you too can deliver your personal drinks to place in the onboard cooler. Click on right here for particulars.

Should you’d favor a bit extra exercise than simply lazily floating down the river, you too can lease a kayak or a SUP (rise up paddleboard). There are a number of totally different locations that lease boards in addition to excursions you possibly can join to get out and revel in a day on the river.

12. Hearken to Buskers

Strolling round downtown Asheville, you’re positive to listen to loads of music. A few of it might be popping out of outlets and bars, however as a rule, it’s precise musicians jamming in the road!

It’s quite common to see folks “busking” on the streets of Asheville. Busking is while you play music in public and easily open your guitar/violin/keyboard case to take ideas from passersby. 

The assorted musicians busking round downtown Asheville actually add to the eclectic environment of the town. Should you benefit from the music, cease for some time to hear and toss a couple of bucks in to indicate your appreciation. 

13. Day Journey to Sizzling Springs

Should you’re in search of some good old style R&R in your journey to Asheville, then you could wish to add in a day journey out to the city of Sizzling Springs, NC. It’s not only a intelligent title, because the small city is house to some wonderful sizzling springs.

It’s a couple of 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville on the market, and it’s effectively price it.

The Sizzling Springs Resort & Spa has wonderful mineral baths and spa companies. After a busy couple of days exploring the town, a pleasant therapeutic massage and a soak in the recent springs is simply what you want.

The resort has quite a lot of totally different choices, so remember to test their web site for particulars.

Simply remember to e-book in advance, because it’s a well-liked place. In addition they have a number of totally different decisions for on-site lodging when you’re . You may get instructions to the Sizzling Springs resort on the map right here.

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14. Be a part of the Friday Drum Circle

One of many coolest issues to do in Asheville NC, for each guests and locals alike, is becoming a member of in the weekly drum circle. Folks of all ages and backgrounds come out to get pleasure from this enjoyable and free occasion.

The drum circle goes on each Friday at Pritchard Park downtown. Folks often begin displaying up round 5 and it will get greater and greater till the entire park is full of folks drumming, dancing, and singing.

Even when you don’t have a drum of any type, it’s time. You’ll be able to simply dance to the music and revel in connecting with folks. As soon as the drum circle wraps up, you’re smack dab in the center of downtown Asheville on a Friday night time.

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15. Store on the Grove Arcade

Should you’re trying to perform a little procuring earlier than you permit Asheville, remember to swing by the Grove Arcade downtown. This constructing has a really fascinating historical past, which I like to recommend you learn earlier than going there!

On the Grove Arcade, you’ll discover a very various array of outlets, together with the Batter Park Ebook Alternate and Champagne Bar, Nutz About Fudge, the Woodrow Instrument Firm, and far more.

Along with all the good outlets inside, there’s additionally the Out of doors Artists Market. You’ll discover work, clothes, jewellery, and native honey, amongst different issues. The Grove Arcade is open from 10-6 Monday-Saturday and noon-5 on Sunday.

16. Deal with Your self on the Grove Park Inn

For individuals who benefit from the finer issues in life, a visit out to the Grove Park Inn is a should when visiting Asheville. In case you have been questioning, sure, it’s the similar Grove who began the procuring arcade.

E.W. Grove is named the “father of contemporary Asheville.” He was a self-made millionaire who moved right here in 1910 and opened this grand inn quickly thereafter. 100 years later, and it’s nonetheless going robust as one among Asheville’s premier resorts.

Even when you don’t splurge on a room on the inn, it’s effectively price it to pay a go to right here.

Ebook your self a pleasant spa therapy after which seize a handmade cocktail and a chew to eat at their Sundown Terrace Lounge, or select one of many many different choices for wining and eating. 

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17. Take a Hike

By far some of the fashionable issues to do in Asheville is mountain climbing.

Should you’ve received your personal wheels and are prepared to drive 45 minutes to an hour outdoors of city, you’ve tons of choices for wonderful mountain climbing trails.

Along with the aforementioned Mt. Pisgah path, different nice choices embody Catawba Falls, the Satan’s Courthouse, or Max Patch. A hike to the latter may be rewarded with a visit to the recent springs, because it’s a fairly brief drive between the 2.

There actually are tons of choices for mountain climbing in Asheville with various problem and distance from city. Simply test this superior Asheville path finder to determine which choice is greatest for you!

18. Discover the North Carolina Arboretum

One other improbable selection for spending time outdoor in Asheville is the North Carolina Arboretum. Right here you’ll discover some pretty cultivated gardens, a bonsai exhibit, mountain climbing & biking paths, and far more.

It’s a fantastic place to spend a few hours, particularly on a pleasant day.

Truly, the arboretum can also be a strong selection in the colder months because of the Winter Lights show they put up. The place actually turns right into a winter wonderland from late November till the top of the 12 months.

The arboretum is open from 8-7 in the autumn/winter and from 8-9 in the spring/summer time. They don’t cost an entrance payment per particular person, however somewhat cost a flat payment of $14 per automobile to enter. You will discover them on the map right here.  

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19. Go on a Ghost Tour

One of many spookiest issues to do in Asheville is occurring a ghost tour. Haunted Asheville has a number of totally different choices for chilling, thrilling excursions which are enjoyable for the entire household.

On their traditional strolling tour, you’ll study the tales behind a few of Asheville’s most haunted spots from a resident ghost professional. Excursions often run at 8PM and typically there’s one other one at 9. Tickets price $23 for adults and $15 for kids 9-14, whereas these beneath Eight go without cost.

An alternative choice is their Biltmore Village Thriller Tour. Apparently, you find out about a kangaroo that appeared from one other dimension on this tour. Sounds cool to me!

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20. Sundowners at Sky Bar

After a busy day of exploring Asheville, there’s no higher place to observe the solar go down with a pleasant grownup beverage than SkyBAR.

Seize a cocktail and take in the wonderful views from this rooftop bar, and also you’ll see why Asheville actually is the Land of the Sky.

Whereas there are some high quality beer and wine decisions on the menu, this place is all in regards to the cocktails. I personally suggest their Blended Berry Mule or the Peach Ginger Whiskey Bitter. You actually can’t go fallacious with any of the choices.

SkyBAR is situated in the historic Flatiron Constructing in downtown Asheville.

Half the enjoyable of visiting there’s going up in the old-fashioned elevator, which nonetheless requires an operator. They open at 5 through the week and an hour earlier on the weekends. 

21. See a Present

It doesn’t matter what night time of the week it’s, there are many reveals happening in Asheville. Take your decide between theatrical performances, stand-up comedy, dwell music, and extra. 

The dwell music scene is likely one of the issues I really like essentially the most about Asheville.

Town has a number of venues that vary in dimension and magnificence, so that you get all kinds of various acts coming to city. A few of the greatest locations to see music right here embody the Asheville Music Corridor, Salvage Station, and the Orange Peel.

Be sure you test the calendar and see what’s enjoying while you’re in city.

In the course of the hotter months, you’ll additionally discover many alternative outside occasions and festivals taking place in Asheville.

One such pageant is Shindig on the Inexperienced, which takes place all all through the summer time at Pack Sq. Park. There are free reveals most Saturdays in addition to numerous casual jam classes and different enjoyable issues happening.

Now You Know What to Do in Asheville NC!

Effectively there you’ve it. I hope you’ve loved this have a look at one among my many properties away from house.

Asheville is such a cool metropolis with a lot to supply, whether or not you’re into the good outdoor, epic adventures, the humanities, or simply chilling out. No matter you do, there’s all the time numerous wonderful beer, meals, views, and music!

Photographs in this text courtesy of Shutterstock.com. 

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