Are you looking for the best things to do in Asheville North Carolina? You have come to the right place! Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Asheville is the perfect blend between stunning landscapes and an urban downtown area. And don’t forget about the craft beer, it is widely known as one of the best Asheville activities!
Many brides come here to celebrate their bachelorette parties, but it is also a very family-friendly vacation spot. Take a look at the best Airbnb and cabins in Asheville and get your trip planning started today!
How many days do you need to visit Asheville NC?
You need 2-3 days to truly visit everything to do in Asheville North Carolina. But it largely depends on what you are looking to do. Many people book a whole week in Asheville NC and use a few days to take short day trips to other cities in the Blue Ridge. But, on the other hand, you can also make a quick pit stop on your road trips through the USA.
If you are visiting, make sure to check out my Weekend In Ashville itinerary!
What is Asheville known for?
Asheville is known for many things. There is an amazing craft beer scene in Asheville, but they are also known as the hub of culture art, and beautiful architecture. And since Asheville is located in the Blue Ridge there are ample outdoor activities to enjoy as well.
What are the best months to go to Asheville?
The best months to go to Asheville depend on what you are looking to do! In the wintertime, Asheville transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland, but the summer is the perfect time to explore the breweries. And the hiking in Asheville during the fall and spring is just magical!
Best Things to Do in Asheville North Carolina
Pinball Museum
This one-of-a-kind attraction is more than just a museum, it’s an interactive arcade experience that both children and adults love.
At the Asheville Pinball Museum, you’ll be transported back to a time when arcades were the go-to spot for fun. The Pinball Museum has an impressive collection of over 80 pinball and vintage video games. With classic machines dating back to the 1960s. They also have classic video games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.
All you have to do is pay the small entrance fee and all the games are free to play. All of the machines also have cards pinned to them with historical information about them. They sell snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. This is one of the fun things to do in Asheville for all ages!
All you have to do is pay the small entrance fee and all the games are free to play. All of the machines also have cards pinned to them with historical information about them. They sell snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. This is one of the fun things to do in Asheville for all ages!
Biltmore Estate
No visit to Asheville is complete without stopping by the Biltmore Estate. This 8000-square-foot home is the largest privately owned home in America. Wonder around the rooms and explore this vintage home with over 250 rooms!
Even if you have been before, it is one of the top things to do in Downtown Asheville and changes with the season. During the spring and summer enjoy the beautiful gardens. There is also a winery, indoor pool, and bowling alley.
And it’s one of the top places to visit in Asheville during Christmas time! The entire grounds transform into a beautiful display of bells and lights.
Don’t forget to put this place on your USA bucket list!!
There are also hotel properties which is why this tops our list of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina!
Brewery Tours
One of the best things to do in Asheville for adults is to take a few brewery tours. It is known as “Beer City USA” and is a paradise for brew lovers.
One of the most popular is the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. You have to try their best seller, the pale ale in the gorgeous brewhouse. Order a meal and stroll around the beautiful gardens.
Another brewery to check out is the New Belgium Brewing Company. You can find them in the heart of the River Arts District with beautiful views of the river. Here the beer to try is the Fat Tire Amber Ale, but they make wonderful seasonal craft beer as well! Visiting here is one of the top things to do in Asheville at night!
Another brewery to check out is the New Belgium Brewing Company. You can find them in the heart of the River Arts District with beautiful views of the river. Here the beer to try is the Fat Tire Amber Ale, but they make wonderful seasonal craft beer as well! Visiting here is one of the top things to do in Asheville at night!
Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains
Asheville is a beautiful mountain town with thick forests and plenty of hiking trails through the Blue Ridge. One of the most popular hikes is Mount Michell, which is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It is challenging but rewarding with stunning 360 views at the peak.
An easier trail is the Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail. It is one of the best things to do near Asheville, as it’s only about 20 miles away. It is a moderate 1.4-mile round-trip steep trail. There are several benches to relax along the way. It’s pretty all year long, but June and July are peak flower blooming seasons.
Explore the Art Districts
When visiting Asheville you will notice there is a huge art scene. The main art district is located along the French Broad River and is a huge hub of creativity. The old warehouses have been renovated into working studios with room for over 200 artists.
Make your first stop at the RAD’s visitor center, here you can grab a map before your stroll. There are all types of art to view. Pottery, paintings, glass blowing, and photography studios. Many are open daily and you can even meet a few artists. Grab some souvenirs and enjoy walking around the Art Districts.
Make your first stop at the RAD’s visitor center, here you can grab a map before your stroll. There are all types of art to view. Pottery, paintings, glass blowing, and photography studios. Many are open daily and you can even meet a few artists. Grab some souvenirs and enjoy walking around the Art Districts.
Tour the NC Arboretum
Just south of Asheville, you will find the 434-acre North Carolina Arboretum. The main building, the Baker Exhibit Center has interactive exhibits about Southern Appalachian culture. Next door is the Heritage Garden, with popular plants found in the South.
Another garden to see is the Quilt Garden, which changes from season to season but always looks like a traditional quilt. And when you are ready to relax a bit head out to the Stream Garden with waterfalls and pounds.
There are also over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails around the arboretum. Take your pick from easy to extra hard trails, the most popular is a moderate 3.2 route called the Bent Creek Road. This is one of the top places to go near Asheville for flower lovers!
Asheville Art Museum
Another one of the top things in Asheville is visiting the Art Museum. Most of the exhibits are from the 20th to 21st period and are Southern American artists.
Take your time and explore the 5,000 different works of art with paintings, sculptures, and new media emerging every day. Don’t forget about the rooftop sculpture terrace and cafe with views of downtown.
On the first Friday of every month, the Art Museum hosts an Art After Dark. Enjoy the galleries in a different light, while listing to live music and participating in workshops. The Art Museum is one of the best attractions in Asheville North Carolina, you don’t want to miss it.
Visit the Omni Grove Park Inn
The Grove Park Inn is an iconic Asheville landmark. Known for its beautiful architecture and mountain views. It was built back in 1913 with a unique Arts and Crafts style. With epic fireplaces, and historical photographs.
There are several dining options. The fine-dining Blue Ridge restaurant serves farm-to-table buffets. And the Edison serves casual comfort food and craft beers from the breweries in Asheville.
And you can’t forget about the Spa! The 43,000-square-foot spa has mineral and waterfall pools, a steam room, and all the classic treatments for the ultimate time visiting Asheville NC.
Basilica of Saint Lawrence
A Basilica is a church, but that has been given ceremonial rights by the Pope. There are not many in America, and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence is the largest in North America. The interior has beautiful tile work and a beautiful Roman revival style. The main altar is made of wood and marble with a large stained glass rose window shipped over from Germany.
It is open to the public for self-guided tours and regularly scheduled masses. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase religious items, books, and souvenirs. But other than that it is one of the free things to do in Asheville, for history lovers.
Carl Sandburg Home
Carl Sandburg is one of the most beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning poets from North Carolina. His home in Flat Rock, North Carolina is right outside Asheville. Today it has been preserved and motivated to look just as it did when Mr. Sandburg used it as a writing hub.
Complete with his personal books and original furniture. Book yourself a guided tour and you will see the study, where he wrote for three hours a day, and the living room where he played his guitar. There are also hiking trails and a goat farm out back where his wife, Paula was an award-winning goat breeder.
Start your tour at the visitors center and watch the short film about Sandburg’s life, then stroll around the bookstore, before taking the guided tour and visiting the goats! You are going to love visiting the Carl Sanburg Home, it is one of the best things to do near Asheville North Carolina.
Visit the Black Mountain College Museum
The Black Mountain College Museum and Art Center is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the Black Mountain College which operated from 1933 to 1957. It was an experiment in early art education. With classes about art, music, writing, and dance.
The permanent collections include artwork documents and books about the history of the school. There are also regular lectures, film screenings, and workshops. You can take a guided tour or self-guided. Be sure to check their website for upcoming events and for a list of what is currently on display. Visiting here is one of the top things to do in Asheville with kids who are interested in pursuing a career in the arts.
WNC Nature Center
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a 42-acre wildlife park specializing in with plants and animals native to the Southern Appalachian Region.
There are over 60 species including cute otters, red wolves, bobcats, and even black bears. The center is designed to look just like the animal’s natural habitats. You can also explore the botanical gardens and nature trails with several spots for picnics.
The WNC is actively involved in conservation efforts and participates in the Species Survival of Plants and Animals such as the American red wolf. This is one of the best activities in Asheville for families looking to get out in nature.
Lake Junaluka
There is so much fun to be had on the 200-acre Lake Junaluke. You can spend the day out on the water canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It is also safe to swim in the lake during the summer months. There is also an 18-hole golf course or take a long walk along the lake.
The Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center host spiritual retreats, leadership conferences, and music festivals. Don’t forget to check out the historic chapel and the beautiful meditation garden. There are so many fun things to do in Asheville, and Lake Junaluka is at the top of the list.
Asheville Farmers Market
One of the best things to do in Asheville for couples is visit the Asheville Farmers Market. Officially known as the Western North Carolina Farmers Market, is where locals meet up to showcase their products. Depending on the season you can find the freshest fruits and veggies. From juicy strawberries to ripe tomatoes and fresh apples.
Besides fruits and veggies, there are also fresh eggs, local cheese, and sweet honey. Grab a few houseplants, or fresh herbs as well.
And if you are looking for souvenirs, you can find all the best handmade items here. From soaps, candles, and handmade jewelry. The farmers market is open every day year-round, and is inside a covered market!
And if you are looking for souvenirs, you can find all the best handmade items here. From soaps, candles, and handmade jewelry. The farmers market is open every day year-round, and is inside a covered market!
Orange Peel for a Show
For the best nightlife in Asheville NC, you want to check out the Orange Peel! This epic music venue has gained a reputation as one of the best music clubs in the country. The shows range from rock and indie to local country artists looking for fame.
They have had epic artists such as Bob Dylan and the Beastie Boys. Besides music, you can also grab tickets to comedy shows or book a private event. Before or after the show stop in the PULP the private bar in the basement of the Orange Peel. If you are looking for what to do in Asheville the Orange Peel always puts on a great show.
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