Fun Things To Do In Asheville, North Carolina

From its majestic architecture and breathtaking gardens to its world-class winery and array of activities and events, visiting the estate is one of the best things in North Carolina.

Visitors can also explore the expansive grounds, which encompass forests, meadows, and rolling hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether exploring the grandeur of the mansion, strolling through the gardens, or sampling fine wines, a visit to the Biltmore Estate is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Walk this self-guided tour through downtown Asheville to learn about the city's history, art, and architecture. The Asheville Urban Trail is free and open to the public year-round.

You can pick up a brochure and map at the Asheville Visitor Center or download them from the Explore Asheville website. Allow two to three hours to complete the entire trail, but feel free to go at your own pace and explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions along the way.

Situated along the French Broad River just minutes from downtown Asheville, RAD is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Wander through this lively neighborhood filled with galleries, studios, and shops showcasing local artists' work.

It is home to hundreds of artists working in a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, glassblowing, metalwork, fiber arts, and more. Explore numerous studios and galleries, housed in repurposed industrial buildings.

Home to over 50 breweries, the city offers a diverse and vibrant craft beer scene that caters to every palate. Exploring through guided tours is a fantastic way to delve into Asheville's brewing culture, sample a variety of beers, and gain insights from the experts who create them.

Brewery crawls visit multiple breweries, typically 3-4, within a specific area like downtown or the South Slope. Behind-the-scenes tours go beyond the tasting room and explore the production facilities.

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is one of the most iconic long-distance hiking trails and most beautiful places in the world. Asheville serves as a prominent gateway to this famed trail, offering access points, resources, and a vibrant outdoor community for hikers.

Whether you're embarking on a thru-hike of the entire Appalachian Trail or simply exploring a nearby section for a day hike, Asheville provides the perfect starting point and base camp for your outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Wander through the eclectic shops, restaurants, and galleries in downtown Asheville, soaking in the city's unique vibe. Browse the stalls of the Asheville City Market, teeming with fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Throughout the year, downtown Asheville comes alive with exciting events and festivals. Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Bele Chere street fair, a celebration of French and American culture. Savor the deliciousness of the Asheville Food & Wine Festival, or groove to the music at LEAF.

The Asheville City Market is a bustling downtown market held on Saturdays from April to December. This market features a curated selection of vendors offering farm-fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and more.

Visitors can shop for seasonal fruits and vegetables, chat with local farmers and food producers, and sample a variety of culinary delights. The market also hosts special events and themed days, such as Tomato Day, Apple Day, and Harvest Festival.

Visit the childhood home of renowned author Thomas Wolfe, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The house retains its original Victorian charm, with many rooms furnished just as they were during Wolfe's time.

Experienced docents provide insightful tours, weaving together historical facts and literary anecdotes to bring Wolfe's story to life. Visitors can wander through the parlor, dining room, bedrooms, and kitchen, each imbued with a sense of history and personal connection to the author.

As you ride through the city's streets aboard an open-air trolley, your guide will regale you with fascinating tales of Asheville's past, from its early days as a small mountain town to its emergence as a thriving cultural hub.

During the trolley tour, you'll have the opportunity to admire some of the city's most iconic architectural landmarks, including the Biltmore Estate, the Grove Park Inn, and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence.

Take a scenic drive or hike to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. The centerpiece of the park is Mount Mitchell itself, which stands at an impressive elevation of 6,684 feet (2,037 meters) above sea level. 

The park features several scenic hiking trails that cater to all skill levels leaving tons of stuff to do in Asheville NC. There are picnic areas located within the park where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.

Looking for spooky attractions in Asheville North Carolina? Look no further than Haunted Asheville Ghost Tours, the original and acclaimed ghost tour operator in the city.

Led by renowned paranormal experts, these tours promise to send shivers down your spine as you explore the dark history and haunted hotspots of downtown Asheville. Hear captivating stories of ghosts, murders, mysteries, and the paranormal that lurk beneath Asheville's picturesque facade.

Stroll through these beautiful gardens featuring native plants, streams, and walking trails. The gardens also feature a diverse range of natural habitats, including wetlands, upland forests, meadows, and streams.

They are open to the public free of charge, offering a convenient location for a budget-friendly vacation. Interpretive signs and guided tours offer insights into the ecological significance and cultural importance of these plants.

Play vintage pinball and arcade games while learning about the history of these beloved pastimes. Dive into a collection of over 70 pinball machines, ranging from vintage classics to modern marvels.

Relive your childhood with 35+ classic video games, including Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter, and Galaga. Pay one flat admission fee and enjoy unlimited access to all the games for as long as you like on the day of your visit.

Explore Appalachian culture and art at this center showcasing traditional and contemporary Southern Appalachian crafts. The center houses multiple exhibition galleries showcasing a rotating selection of folk art, including textiles, pottery, woodwork, metalwork, and more. 

Visitors can browse and purchase a wide array of handcrafted goods from the center's craft shop. From traditional Appalachian quilts to contemporary ceramics, the shop offers something for every taste and budget.

Take a scenic drive along this iconic 469-mile scenic roadway, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. In the spring, the parkway is alive with wildflowers. In the summer, it is a great place to go for a hike or swim.

In the fall, the leaves change color, creating a spectacular display. In the winter, the parkway is often snow-covered, providing outdoor things to do Asheville North Carolina such as opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Grove Park Inn is a historic resort renowned for its stunning architecture, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking mountain views. It has stood as an icon of Southern hospitality and elegance since its opening in 1913.

Besides accommodation, guests can enjoy various amenities such as golf, spa, dining, and more. The resort offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, including guided hikes, yoga classes, cooking demonstrations, and more.

The French Broad River is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with lots of activities Asheville NC. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding offer serene journeys along its calm stretches, while whitewater rafting provides an adrenaline rush on its more turbulent sections.

Hikers and bikers can explore miles of trails that hug the riverbanks, immersing themselves in the verdant beauty of the surrounding forests. Anglers can cast their lines for an abundance of fish species, including trout, bass, and catfish.

Lake Julian, a picturesque reservoir located near the city of Asheville offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The lake is well-known for its fishing opportunities, with anglers targeting species such as bass, catfish, sunfish, and crappie.

Several picnic areas are scattered around the lake, providing scenic spots for families and groups to enjoy meals amidst nature. It also offers various amenities such as walking trails, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and a disc golf course.

The French Broad Chocolate Lounge is a renowned establishment nestled in Asheville, North Carolina. The menu is a chocolate lover's dream come true. From truffles and bonbons to cakes and cookies, there's something to satisfy every craving.

The lounge is renowned for its creative flavor combinations, with offerings like Lavender Caramel, Salted Honey Caramel, and Espresso Ganache delighting the taste buds of visitors. In addition to chocolates, the lounge also serves a variety of pastries, including croissants, tarts, and brownies.

Not to miss attractions in Asheville NC, Chimney Rock State Park is perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, or those simply seeking a peaceful retreat in the mountains. It boasts a network of hiking trails that cater to a range of skill levels, from easy walks to strenuous hikes.

In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, rock climbing, and photography throughout the park. During the warmer months, the park's rivers and streams offer opportunities for fishing and swimming.