what to do in ashville nc this weekend
What is there to do in Asheville? Explore pop, off-the-browbeaten-path, and the best things to do in Asheville, NC — from locals.
What is in that location to do for fun in Asheville? Permit's confront it: It's pretty hard to get restless in this city. The all-time things to do in Asheville are endless.
As residents, nosotros are e'er finding new places to explore. There are unique beer flavors to try and vibrant street art. Nosotros fifty-fifty have a landscape for The Dude.
Nosotros are hiking obsessed. Chasing waterfalls never grows sometime. You can slide down waterfall rocks and kiss a dragon tree on its snout.
See where Katniss plant Peeta hiding in The Hunger Games movie. Go your birdwatching on or hunt ghosts from the town's purple drunk motorcoach.
Terminate at a scenic overlook on the Blueish Ridge Parkway. Fall in dear over a picnic on top of a mountain summit. The word 'baldheaded' has a brand new pregnant.
Plus, Asheville has a rich and scandalous literary history, hipster music scene, and historic downtown filled with unique gems. Old school candy store, anyone?
For fun things to do in Asheville, imagine playing vintage pinball machines and video games all day long. We even take distilleries serving upwardly bookish libations and a champagne bookstore.
For more boozy things to do in Asheville, the countless local arts and crafts beers will quench your thirst. Heck, nosotros've likewise got funky wineries, sweet cideries, rooftop confined, and Biltmore.
What we personally love to practice in Asheville is see a more comedic version of Shakespeare in the Park surrounded by fireflies. Was there actually body glitter in A Midsummer Dark's Dream?
Don't forget that you can cheer for the local baseball team, the Asheville Tourists, with some nachos.
Plus, known as foodie heaven, or Foodtopia, you'll never go hungry. Eating is a serious thing to practice in Asheville.
Recall cider donuts in Apple Alley. We accept a new food hall. And oh, allow's not forget that famous Southern BBQ.
And so, whether you live in AVL or are visiting, what are the best things to practice in Asheville, NC?
We'll share fun things to practise in Asheville as well as friends' musts (we can't consume real cheese, sorry). Uncover just a few Asheville activities and attractions on our WNC saucepan listing, too.
Find both huge Asheville tourist attractions as well as more than local Asheville fun. This is our abode, after all, and we desire yous to love it as well!
Many of these Asheville, NC things to exercise will exist in the center of downtown, just we'll likewise branch out to easy and fun day trips across Western North Carolina (WNC), too. Allow's become started!
Be sure to check out our Asheville Events Calendar.
This post may comprise chapter links that earn us a committee at no actress cost to you.
*Delight recall to cheque all locations, times, and places by going on their website or calling. We update our guides oftentimes, simply activities and events may be seasonal or change frequently.
Best Things To Exercise In Asheville, NC For Outdoor Adventurers
We usually write our lists a piffling biased: The things nosotros beloved to exercise in Asheville involve hiking and drinking. Let'south be real.
It's also no underground that nosotros are New Englanders who lived in Florida for about 8 years, and Florida is a swamp.
Moving to the less humid mountains — and recall, Florida barely even has HILLS — we can't stay exterior long enough here in AVL.
And then what are the best outdoor Asheville, NC things to do? We got you:
i. Hike the trails
Likewise drinking beer by the river, one of the absolute best things to exercise in Asheville is to hike. As locals, what are our favorite treks?
For virtually 360-degree views, caput to Mount Pisgah, Fryingpan Mountain Tower, and Craggy Elevation.
Lover's Leap is sure to make your stomach driblet.
Like Lover's Leap, Max Patch crosses along the Appalachian Trail (camping is banned at Max Patch for a few years due to disrespectful campers).
For stunning fall leaf, don't miss Graveyard Loop, Blackness Balsam via Art Loeb and Sam Knob trails, and Craggy Gardens.
If yous want quieter hikes, Craven Gap — the Obamas hiked hither — and Trombatore Trail to Bluish Ridge Pastures are less scenic just withal cute. Little & Big Butt hikes are peaceful with views at the top.
For short and easy kid-friendly hikes, head to Bearwallow Mount, the trails at Biltmore Estate, or The NC Arboretum. Pink Beds is perfect for nature lovers.
Be certain to check out our chief guide of the all-time Asheville hiking trails.
2. Hunt breathtaking waterfalls
When looking for more of the best outdoor things to practice in Asheville, NC, you cannot miss visiting the waterfalls.
Transylvania County is known as the "Country of Waterfalls." See over 200+ waterfalls spanning across Western North Carolina. Asheville (NC Micropolitan Statistical Area) and Brevard autumn into some of these areas.
A few waterfalls that we recommend include Linville Falls, Catawba Falls, Douglas Falls, Graveyard Field's 2nd and Upper Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Looking Glass Falls.
Nosotros'll go to The Hunger Games waterfalls at DuPont Land Forest soon…
3. Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway
One of Asheville's biggest natural attractions is the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). The BRP runs from Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to Swell Smoky Mountains National Park in Northward Carolina.
Hop on this 45 mph, two-lane road and explore all of the waterfalls, hikes, and breathtaking overlooks. You can read all about our favorite NC Blue Ridge Parkway hikes here.
Drive through the mountains via tunnels, and know that this surface area turns into a mural of vibrant eye candy in the autumn.
In fact, we'd dare say that driving the Blueish Ridge Parkway is 1 of the accented best things to do in Asheville in autumn, hands down.
In the jump and summer, the Parkway fills in with gorgeous wildflowers and rhododendrons. The BRP is a dream for bikers and motorcyclists.
Find romantic fog, artists and birdwatchers pulled over at designated spots, and happy wildlife. Continue in mind, though, that many parts of the BRP close in the winter for ice.
Save Your Favorite Asheville Things To Practise For Subsequently
four. Stroll through a quaint park
What almost tourists don't know is how many quaint parks and gardens we have here in Asheville, especially if you desire to stay in the city and simply chill out.
In the late spring, 1 of our favorite things to do in Asheville involves walking along the French Broad River and completing a few brisk loops in the local parks.
A few AVL public parks worth your visit include the French Broad River Park and Carrier Park, which connect in a 5k walking 'loop.'
There is also Pack Foursquare Park and the Skate Park over in the River Arts Commune. Pack Square Park is known to host many of Asheville'due south fun festivals and markets.
Don't miss the newly renovated Riverwalk, too. Detect a bike lane and a gorgeous walking path.
five. Explore a state or national park
Of grade, N Carolina is besides infamous for its state and national parks.
Y'all take the Bully Smoky Mountains, Chimney Stone State Park, Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mount, and Gorges State Park.
The Pisgah National Woods is one of Northward Carolina'due south nigh popular country parks with more than 500,000-acres of forest. You'll find many of the waterfalls and BRP hikes mentioned above here.
Climb the highest peak eastward of the Mississippi River at Mount Mitchell with an superlative clocking in at 6684 feet. You can encounter all of your favorite mountains from afar.
Grandfather Mountain is filled with biodiversity. The mountain peaks at 5,946 anxiety higher up WNC.
One of the nigh talked-about things to do in Asheville includes walking across Grandfather Mountain'due south Mile Loftier Swinging Span — if you dare. Don't miss the animal habitats, either.
Spy elk in Bully Smoky Mountains National Park, which is one of the most visited national parks in America.
For an introduction to the Smokies, beginning at the Oconaluftee River Trail in Cherokee, NC. Right earlier this trail, don't miss Mingo Falls.
Never Miss Some other Asheville Update
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Take hold of our free Asheville Favorites checklist today, including restaurants, breweries, and hiking. Plus, get local updates straight to your inbox. Sign up here.
vi. Mountain wheel
If yous love mountain biking, the Blue Ridge Mountains are your domicile away from home. We are not adept mount bikers, by any means, but nosotros exercise dear hitting the trails.
In Asheville, don't miss Aptitude Creek Experimental Forest for hiking and biking. The Hard Times Trail connects into The NC Arboretum. You can also cycle at Biltmore with an annual laissez passer or ticket.
Outside of Asheville, caput to Daniel Ridge Loop, DuPont State Forest, and Tsali Recreation Area.
7. Picnic on a mount acme
Looking for more romantic things to practise in Asheville? Why not picnic?
Living in Asheville, we have transformed into professional picnickers. Y'all can either pack a picnic for your hike or enjoy something lighter by a lake.
For piece of cake picnics, caput to a winery like Rock Ashe Vineyards. Stroll Beaver Lake in North Asheville or Lake Louise in Weaverville.
Pull up to a picnic area like those at Pink Beds, Craggy Gardens, or Mount Pisgah.
For hiking picnics, nosotros love Max Patch, Bearwallow Mountain, Bridal Veil Falls-DuPont, Trombatore Trail, and Black Balsam.
Grab our full listing of the best Asheville picnic spots.
eight. Meander at the Botanical Gardens
Located within the UNC-Asheville campus of Northward Asheville, ane of our favorite Asheville things to do is hang out at the Botanical Gardens. Plus, it'south free!
With 10-acres of streams, nature trails, bridges, and spots perfect for picnicking, this lesser-known jewel is likewise a refuge for endangered wildflowers.
Pack a blanket and bring a book! Visiting the Botanical Gardens at Asheville is also 1 of the lesser-known things to practice in Asheville since it's pretty chill.
9. Attend an event at The NC Arboretum
Nosotros are members of The Due north Carolina Arboretum, located right before you hop on the Blueish Ridge Parkway.
Forth with gorgeous nature, hiking, and biking trails, you won't want to miss their Wintertime Lights Festival. This vacation lights display is truly i of the best winter things to exercise in Asheville.
From November to January 1st, the Arboretum lights up its gardens with innovative creations, wild animals exhibits, and lights that trip the light fantastic to music.
Drinkable peppermint hot chocolate with Christmas cookies throughout the gardens.
In past springs and summers, The NC Arboretum has filled the gardens with nature-themed LEGO installations and art sculptures.
Of class, you can see Bonsais, collywobbles, and their famous Quilt Garden. Yous must pay a small parking fee to enter the grounds.
Take hold of dejeuner at the Bent Creek Bistro and picnic on the lawn.
Does Winter Lights sound magical? Read more than about all of the best spots to catch Christmas lights in Asheville.
10. Visit animals at the WNC Nature Centre
Looking for things to do in Asheville where you lot can meet the hirsuite locals in a prophylactic surround (instead of on the trails or our front steps…)?
Caput to the WNC Nature Center, abode to blackness bears, owls, ruby wolves, otters, and red pandas.
They have snakes, turtles, hawks, goats, and donkeys, too. Like The Due north Carolina Arboretum, there is a small archway fee.
11. Bird picket at Beaver Lake
One of our pinnacle weekly things to do in Asheville, nosotros love walking the 2-mile Perimeter Trail around Beaver Lake and dip into the Bird Sanctuary.
Beaver Lake is perfect for a stroll afterward a North Asheville lunch or dinner. Bring a book and some binoculars.
The Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary houses a .5-mile boardwalk. Birdwatchers can spy hawks, osprey, herons, vultures, kites, sparrows, woodpeckers, ducks, wrens, swallows, warblers, and bluebirds.
Although Beaver Lake is privately owned, the surface area is open to the public and gratis. Please consider leaving a donation in the parking lot box, though.
Y'all will demand a allow for your pooch.
12. Uncover The Hunger Games Falls
Did you fifty-fifty visit Asheville, if you lot didn't make the 40-minute drive to DuPont Forest located in Cedar Mountain?
One of our top recommended things to do in Asheville is enjoying the three (or 4) waterfalls at DuPont.
Did you know that they filmed scenes from The Concluding Of The Mohicans and The Hunger Games at DuPont State Recreational Woods? Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are famous.
We suggest parking in the Hooker Falls Admission Area. Head to Hooker Falls first — the easiest waterfall hike — and and so loop back up to Triple Falls and High Falls.
If you all the same have free energy, walk under the covered wooden span to Conjugal Veil Falls, which adds four more miles to your hike.
If you lot need lunch afterward, bulldoze xx-minutes to nearby Hendersonville — another one of our favorite towns. Nosotros'll share more than almost things to exercise in Hendersonville below.
13. Spy autumn foliage
Asheville sees the about visitors in the autumn and around the holidays. What's the big bargain? The leaves!
Growing up in CT, we thought New England was the boss of autumn leafage. Who knew that the Western N Carolina mountains had an as breathtaking fall flavour?
Zilch beats an Asheville fall. Savor fall leafage hikes, corn mazes, apple tree picking, and catching those purple and pinkish sunsets.
Our peak things to do in Asheville, NC in autumn include visiting the apple orchards for cider donuts and brewery hopping for spiced and pumpkin beers.
Option a pumpkin. Trek the most beautiful fall foliage hikes, and vino sense of taste at the vineyards with the best views.
Asheville in the fall is too a dandy time to drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don't miss our fall festival and color forecast.
14. Dip into a swimming hole*
*Skinny Dips Falls and Sliding Rock were recently damaged with severe flooding this August 2021. Sliding Stone is temporarily closed, and Skinny Dip Falls is currently dangerous — the bridge washed away and the falls have a new path. We volition update this section when nosotros accept more information.
In need of cooler summer things to do in Asheville, NC? Drive under one hour to Skinny Dip Falls to kiss the magical Dragon Tree on your way to this serene waterfall.
Spread out forth the falls and accept a dip in i of its pools. You tin can besides head over to Sliding Rock and literally slide down a sixty-foot natural boulder into the chilly waters.
15. Float down the French Wide River
Total disclosure on this bad boy, simply we love *watching* other people float down the French Broad River in the summertime.
Imagine walking along the Riverwalk in the River Arts District and of a sudden spying a gaggle of floating and cackling unicorns…
Where can yous get your tubing on? French Wide Outfitters and Zen Tubing are just a few.
Meridian Asheville Things To Do For Boozy Folks
While the best things to do in Asheville, NC — to united states — are all outdoors, our side by side get-to are those breweries.
Asheville has no shortage of beer. In fact, we think "Asheville" even translates to beer…
However, nosotros get that beer isn't for anybody. Below, find the best Asheville things to do that involve all of the booze: wineries, distillers, cideries, vino confined, and rooftop bars. This department is for the boozy folks.
16. Drinkable beer at AVL'due south famous breweries
You cannot come to Asheville without trying as much of the local arts and crafts beer every bit possible. As locals, what are our favorite breweries in AVL?
We dearest Asheville Brewing, Zillicoah, Wedge at Foundation, Eurisko, Hillman Beer, Light-green Man, and Twin Leaf. If basements are your jam, One World Brewing downtown is a lesser-frequented AVL brewery.
South Gradient guards our favorite breweries like Hi-Wire and Catawba, and don't miss the infamous places similar Sierra Nevada, New Kingdom of belgium, Wicked Weed, and Burying.
For ginger beer — gluten-gratis and Keto — you take to try Ginger's Revenge. For something different, Bhramari and Funkatorium (sours) are sure to impress or weird you out.
Don't miss our Ultimate Asheville Brewery Guide.
17. Wine gustatory modality at the hipster wineries
If beer isn't your matter, there are plenty of wineries in and around Asheville. Directly in Asheville, check out pleb urban winery in the River Arts District.
Of grade, Biltmore has a famous winery, and wine tasing is included with your ticket. Biltmore also offers a Behind-The-Scenes winery tour and a Chocolate And Carmine Wine Tasting Tour.
If yous head out of Asheville, our personal favorite wineries are in Hendersonville, including Sawyer Springs, St. Paul Mountain Vineyards, Stone Ashe Vineyards, and Point Lookout.
18. Sip on a distillery cocktail
If i of your favorite things to do in Asheville is trying all of the local libations, you don't want to miss the Asheville distilleries.
Our favorites include Cultivated Cocktails, Adam Dalton Distillery, and Chemist.
At all three, yous tin can gustatory modality their local spirits and order a cocktail — although for Chemist, you'll demand to visit their bar, Antidote, for cocktails.
P.S. If you lot know Christine from The Uncorked Librarian, you likewise know that nosotros partner with Cultivated Cocktails for some of our literary-inspired drinks. They sell the all-time cocktail schwag, besides.
Don't miss Oak & Grist Distilling Visitor in Black Mountain, too.
xix. Try all of the local cider
Of class, if you lot are gluten-free or looking for apple tree-related drinks, Asheville and Hendersonville take the all-time cideries and meaderies. Many ciders are sold at the local breweries and wineries.
Urban Orchard and Noble are the most well-known cideries in Asheville. Botanist and Barrel and Bold Rock just opened downtown Asheville taprooms.
Also in and around Asheville, detect Mills River Cidery, Blackness Mountain Cidery, and Little Switzerland Orchard and Winery.
twenty. Sip craft cocktails on a rooftop bar
Rooftop bar hopping e'er makes the meridian of the list for the best things to do in Asheville, NC. You'll see why…
The poshest Asheville rooftop confined promise sunsets, pocket-size plates with your Southern favorites, and jaw-dropping views. Their delicious craft cocktails are perfect before a fancy dinner out in downtown Asheville.
We always recommend Capella On 9, Top Of The Monk, W XYZ Bar at the Aloft, and The Montford Rooftop Bar.
In that location is besides Antidote — part of Chemist Spirits — Hemingway's Cuba, and Pillar Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn. You may wish to have an Asheville Rooftop Bar Tour to meet them all with a designated driver.
21. Relax in a cozy wine bar
Unfortunately, Asheville has seen quite a few wine bars become under in 2020-'21, including Sante and Rustic Grape.
All the same, if y'all are looking for relaxing things to practise in Asheville with a canteen or glass of vino, caput to:
5 Walnut Vino Bar – Located in downtown Asheville, find an extensive listing of wines in a cute rustic and pastel bar.
Bottle Riot – Situated in the River Arts District, enter a RAD vino bar with baller bottles. You'll understand when y'all get there… You lot could even visit 12 Basic or pleb urban winery first. Wedge Brewing is right next door.
Leo'southward House Of Thirst – Newer to West Asheville, bask tapas, brunch, dinner, and a sizable wine list.
Battery Park Book Exchange – This champagne bar used bookstore is iconic.
Marked Tree Vineyard Tasting Room – Located behind the Aloft Hotel in the old Rustic Grape, cozy-up with some wine.
Read more about the best and most hipster Asheville wine bars.
22. Dip into a dive bar for live music
With bars taking a major hitting during the different pandemic phases, I am going to proceed this one short because of the devastating turnover — and want to keep you up-to-engagement.
Asheville Club, Pack Tavern (besides great for lunch), Dalton Distillery Bar, Barley'southward Taproom, and Angry Jacks are some of our favorite bars in downtown Asheville.
Best Asheville, NC Things To Do For Foodies
Have nosotros fabricated you hungry nonetheless? You lot must demand something to eat by now to soak up all of that booze. And man, all of those waterfalls and hikes sure do brand a gal ravenous.
One of the best things to do in Asheville is eat. Asheville is a foodies' dream. The city is even known as "Foodtopia."
We ever openly share that Tom and I (Christine) have many food intolerances. Christine has UC and Tom has Celiac Illness. We are both lactose-intolerant, and Tom can't affect gluten.
Asheville is extremely understanding and all-around for food allergies, intolerances, and preferences.
This entire department is all about the food. If yous are having trouble choosing, though, these are Asheville's most unforgettable restaurants.
23. Wake upwards with local coffee
The moment friends and visitors land in town, the DMs start pouring in: "Where can we get the best coffee in Asheville?"
PennyCup Coffee Co. is a small-batch roaster. Vortex has succulent donuts and java. We love the French Broad Chocolate Lounge (more to come) and Well-Bred Bakery.
You can't go wrong with the buffet in Malaprop'due south Bookstore because, well Malaprop'south, and Double D's is an Instagrammer'south moisture dream. Just wait for the autobus cherry omnibus.
Don't forget to take hold of a possum shirt at Izzy's. Newer to Asheville, Rowan Coffee in downtown is elementary but delicious. That celebrated building is gorgeous within.
24. Sip hot chocolate
If yous are looking for sweeter Asheville, NC things to practise, Pack Foursquare is always a good idea. Notice a park, art museum, music, restaurants, and chocolate shops.
The French Broad Chocolate Lounge has everything a chocolate lover desires. Discover desserts, hot cocoa, truffles, bonbons, cakes, custards, cookies, coffee, brownies, booze, and ice cream.
Need we say more? French Broad Chocolates serves up lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.
At the French Wide Chocolate Factory Riverside Drive location, you can take a 45-infinitesimal chocolate mill tour.
We also personally dearest nearby Asheville Chocolate. Asheville Chocolate features tea, coffee, and hot chocolate with a variety of hand-crafted chocolates.
They've even sculpted chocolate in the shape of Scotties. Plus, find decadent gelato. Vegan and gluten-free options included.
Read more about all of Asheville's tempting dessert cafes — there are quite a few. 1 even has hookah, if that's your jam.
25. Apple pick and get lost in a corn maze
At the end of August, the best apple orchards around Asheville outset opening. They won't shut again until late October or early on Nov.
Hendersonville, known as "Apple tree Alley," is the identify to be for apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hot cinnamon cider donuts, cider slushies, hard cider, farm animals, and fifty-fifty a bamboo wood.
Sky Acme Orchard (Apartment Stone), Stepp's Hillcrest, and Granddaddy'due south Apples are the elevation three orchards we recommend for fun things to practise in Asheville, NC in the fall.
We besides enjoy quieter Coston Subcontract, and our readers dear Jeter Mountain Farm.
26. Watch a Grove Park Inn dusk
1 of the best things to do in Asheville, NC at night is communicable a sunset at the famous Omni Grove Park Inn.
You lot don't take to stay overnight on this gorgeous developed Disney World-like property to accept dinner on Sunset Terrace, watching the sunday melt into downtown Asheville and Mount Pisgah.
We love grabbing a lite dinner with some of my favorite cocktails at Edison. If you are stuffed from dejeuner, just snack on a charcuterie board with drinks from The Great Hall Bar.
In the winter, everyone flocks here to see Grove Park Inn's Gingerbread brandish with hot chocolate.
27. Bask breakfast all solar day at Tupelo Honey
We are not going to lie: waking upward in the mountains is rough, especially if there is fog. The darker mornings make information technology harder to get up and out the door early on. Plus, you want fuel before chasing those waterfalls.
If yous are searching for a non-hotel breakfast, Tupelo Honey is 1 of downtown Asheville'due south most popular restaurants.
Not merely do they serve breakfast all day, but they offer luncheon and dinner equally well equally locally source their food. And, mimosas.
Of course, people swoon over Biscuit Head and Sunny Point Cafe (our top choice), two of the all-time Due west Asheville restaurants.
Green Sage Buffet is ordinarily one of our stops after an early morning appointment, and y'all tin grab pastries and coffee from Erstwhile Europe Pasteries or Geraldine's Bakery.
Read all of our top breakfast recommendations — touristy and more local — with vegan and gluten-free options, also.
28. Brunch at a fancy downtown eating place
Brunching is another one of Asheville, NC's all-time things to do, especially on the weekends afterwards a long night out at the breweries and confined.
A few brunch spots to go you started include The Social Lounge (Saturdays and Sundays), Early Daughter Eating house, Isa'south French Bistro, The Market Identify, Leo's House Of Thirst, and Rosetta's Kitchen.
Ane of our weekend brunch favorites includes Jerusalem Garden Buffet in downtown Asheville. Read more nigh the best Asheville brunch spots.
29. Devour a hearty luncheon
Personally, two of the most fun places to get lunch if you are visiting Asheville are at Biltmore Estate. You will need a Biltmore ticket or almanac to enter them.
Stable Buffet has the best sandwiches and cocktails in the coolest setting: The former Vanderbilt horse stables. The buffet is also 1 of Asheville'due south elevation kid-friendly restaurants.
And so, equally an ode to their love Saint Bernard, Cedric'south Tavern in Antler Hill Village offers seasonal cocktails, delicious southern and American contemporary cuisine, and pickles. Ask for some Lusty Monk mustard.
For more local lunch joints around Asheville, if yous beloved pizza and burgers, there is Farm Burger, Asheville Pizza & Brewing, Wicked Weed BrewPub, and Gypsy Queen Cuisine (GQC). GQC has both vegan and gluten-free options.
We frequent Edison at the Grove Park Inn in North Asheville, and we crave Red Ginger Dimsum and Tapas similar it'south our task.
The Madness AVL is i of the all-time sushi restaurants in Asheville, and Thai Pearl makes fantastic Thai food.
Whether or not you lot are a vegan or vegetarian, Laughing Seed Buffet is another precious stone, and we devour subs (gf pizza and grinders available) at Apollo Flame Bistro, especially after a BRP parkway hike.
12 Basic BBQ and the new Southward&W Market are also pop lunch spots.
If yous love beer and tacos, don't miss all of the best taco places in Asheville including White Duck Taco.
Or, head to Haywood Common and stop next door at The Whale for the largest local, national, and international beer option in AVL.
For Indian restaurants, head to Chai Pani, Andaaz, or Mela.
xxx. Grab aperitifs and dinner before a concert
Where should you eat dinner in Asheville?
Plant — Asheville's best vegan restaurant — is a mind-blowing experience.
Bouchon, Ukiah, and Limones are the perfect date night restaurants. For unforgettable Asheville fine dining, we enjoy Cúrate, Sunset Terrace, and The Bull and Beggar.
Around N Asheville and Montford, the best restaurants include Ix Mile, Edison, and Zillicoah's nutrient truck. Luella'southward and Bear's are dandy for Asheville BBQ.
In downtown Asheville, don't miss Posana (with a dedicated gluten-free kitchen), Strada, and Anecdote. You may also catch dinner at the breweries like Wicked Weed and Bhramari.
We always recommend reservations when possible. Many of the restaurants utilise Open Table or Resy.
If y'all'd adopt to order in, don't miss our favorite Asheville takeout spots.
31. Shop at a Farmer'due south Market
We don't know about you, but when we travel out of land or even internationally, we love visiting local Farmer's Markets and even grocery stores.
A fiddling foodie shopping trip is perfect to effort the area's cuisine and meet a urban center in a brand new way. Western North Carolina Farmer's Market is the largest.
The other most popular Farmer's Marketplace is the Asheville City Market on Saturdays in downtown AVL between Woodfin Street and East Walnut St. at 52 North Market place Street.
We pop past this one on our manner to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.
32. Gustatory modality cheese forth the WNC Cheese Trail
If y'all are looking for cheesy things to exercise in Asheville, NC — flash, wink — don't miss tasting artisan cheese in Western North Carolina. Follow the cheese trail map to meet with and buy from your local cheesemakers.
**Full disclosure on this one: Since nosotros are lactose-intolerant, we have not washed the WNC Cheese Trail. Nosotros had to mention information technology since everyone talks most and recommends the WNC Cheese Trail.
If we could eat cheese, we'd be all over this.
33. Discover all of the donuts
Asheville has the best donut shops. We only ate a delicious Vortex donut the other day; it melted in our mouths.
A few other local places include Duck Donuts, Hole Doughnuts, and Geraldine'south Bakery.
If you are here in the fall, become to all of the apple tree orchards and effort their donuts. We call back Sky Peak has the all-time since they make their cinnamon cider donuts in forepart of yous and serve them piping hot.
34. Attempt the Asheville food trucks
Many of the AVL food trucks circulate the brewery scene. If y'all are looking for foodie things to do in Asheville effort Deli Llama, Cook Your Heart (grilled cheese), and The Trashy Vegan.
Zillicoah Brewing has our favorite resident food truck, Taqueria Muñoz. We always go for the tacos and burritos — and yes, they tin do lactose and gluten-free.
If you want crepes and Cuban sandwiches, Cecilia'due south Kitchen has a permanent spot in North Asheville and a nutrient truck that moves around to places similar New Belgium.
Conduct's Smokehouse BBQ has a permanent location in downtown Asheville now.
Asheville, NC Things To Exercise For History, Music, Sports, Theater, & Art Lovers
35. Tour Biltmore Manor
Touring Biltmore — America's largest home — is one of the most popular things to do in Asheville, NC. Visiting Biltmore is a must, at to the lowest degree once.
Nosotros are annual passholders and caput to Biltmore a few times a calendar month. Yes, a ticket will toll you at least $60+, but information technology's completely worth it.
Y'all can easily spend a twenty-four hour period at Biltmore touring the house and wine tasting. Grab a bite to swallow, walk the gardens, and hike one of their 22-miles worth of trails.
Don't miss Biltmore's succulent and intriguing tours for wine and history lovers. Remember red wine and chocolate.
Encounter how to make the nearly out of that Biltmore ticket price. As well, know that there are kid-friendly activities on the Manor, including a farmyard and live demonstrations.
Biltmore highlights include visiting Biltmore pool and library, grabbing lunch at the Stable Buffet or Cedric's Tavern, taking a Behind The Scenes Winery Tour, and walking around the lagoon and gardens.
Yous may likewise wish to stay overnight at (and treat yourself to) Biltmore's gorgeous backdrop likeThe Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate orThe Inn On Biltmore Manor.
If you are visiting Asheville in November through early January, Biltmore at Christmastime is spectacular. Relish a Candlelight Christmas Evenings Tour of the home with the fireplaces lit and Christmas trees in every room.
36. Gossip at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Ane of our personal favorite things to exercise in Asheville involves visiting The Thomas Wolfe Memorial and taking a house tour.
You might recall Wolfe from his novel Look Homeward, Angel. The story is a loose retelling of Wolfe's life growing up in Asheville, NC.
Most notably, Wolfe barely inverse the names and spellings of his Asheville community members. This was scandalous and ill-received gossip, at the fourth dimension.
Visitors accept a guided bout of Julia Elizabeth Westall Wolfe, Wolfe'due south mother's, boarding house on Market Street. Wolfe's childhood domicile is no longer standing, but he spent most of his babyhood in this business home.
Quite the character, Julia's story is both inspirational and a tad frustrating. She was quite the entrepreneur of her time. You can too watch a brusque video and tour the museum.
Grab our list of Books About & Set In Asheville forth with Famous Asheville Authors similar Thomas Wolfe.
37. Peruse the art galleries at Black Mountain Higher Museum & Arts Heart
One of the costless things to do in Asheville, the Black Mountain College Museum offers contemporary and historic exhibitions, events, and inquiry opportunities for the community.
We dropped in one afternoon and toured the current art exhibitions. Small but worth a quick visit, you can budget nigh 30-minutes here. Please consider leaving a small donation. The museum is free to enter.
38. Play vintage arcade games at the Asheville Pinball Museum
Located backside the Grove Arcade, don't miss the Asheville Pinball Museum. I of the best things to practise in Asheville museum-wise, as an adult, spend $fifteen for a wristband to play old arcade games equally long equally you like.
Of course, kids are welcome. You'll detect older games similar Donkey Kong and Frogger, video consoles for Nintendo and Super Nintendo, and of course, pinball machines.
39. Tour the urban fine art and studios in Asheville'due south River Arts District
If yous are looking for the all-time things to do in Asheville for art lovers, head to the River Arts District (RAD). This area is a mini-version of Wynwood Walls in Miami, Florida.
RAD is where you lot will find the infamous "Practiced Vibes" Silo — painted by Ian Wilkinson and Ishmael — which now says "Stay True." Hello, famous Instagram spot.
Yous might just catch Gus Cutty or Jerry Cahill working on a masterpiece. Spy Jerkface's Homer Simpson landscape.
Explore endless urban street fine art across warehouse infinite, and drop in and out of galleries, artists' studios, and shops. Marquee is Asheville's newest European-mode, high-end decor and blueprint warehouse.
Plus, RAD is habitation to pleb urban winery, Bottle Riot, and Wedge Brewing. Uncover amazing RAD restaurants like The Balderdash & Beggar, Baby Bull, and RosaBees. Perk up at a local RAD coffee store like Elevation.
Watch an indie film at Grail Moviehouse or attend the Uncommon Market place. Bike the new RAD greenway.
Listen to music at the Asheville Guitar Bar at Cotton Mill Studios or Salve Station, and store for gorgeous wooden sculptures at Foundation Woodworks.
In RAD and across the city, be sure to scavenger hunt for all of Asheville's stunning murals. Learn more well-nigh their history & the artists too.
40. Accept a haunted LaZoom ghost tour
If you are looking for wilder things to do in Asheville, check out theLaZoom bus. How many times have y'all spied a purple bus trigger-happy down the streets of Asheville full of giggling and rowdy adults?!
LaZoom offers different comedy tours, some for the unabridged family and others for the boozier folks with 18 or 21+ age requirements.
We suggest purchasing tickets in advance. Get there early, likewise, equally you board the motorbus based on your arrival guild.
For my hubby'due south 40th altogether, we booked the LaZoom Ghost Motorcoach Bout. Totally worth that ticket price at to the lowest degree one time.
Walk into a funky, kitschy bar full of eccentric tour guides and cat pillows before hopping on the drunk bus. Whoops; I don't think that I am supposed to call it that…
Our tour took us around downtown Asheville as 'ghosts' hopped on and off, sharing the darker history of the city. Zelda Fitzgerald stole my centre although she did hump a bush in the rain.
For the 21+ group, you are allowed to bring unopened drinks on the jitney — to open up in one case seated — purchased from LaZoom's bar. Find locally crafted bevies. They fifty-fifty hand yous a personal libation.
Just don't drink too much equally some tours accept no restroom stops. Don't say we didn't warn you.
41. Walk the Asheville Art Museum galleries
If you dearest art museums, don't miss the newly renovated Asheville Art Museum situated next to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge (hint, hint). This museum focuses on American fine art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Read more nearly all of Asheville'southward museums and historic sites for adults and children.
42. Spy rocks at the Asheville Museum Of Science
For the best Asheville things to do for your inner geologist, head to the Asheville Museum of Science. A smaller science learning centre, acquire more than about North Carolina geology and local specimen.
AMOS has gemstones, dinosaur bones, and animal installations. Encounter easily-on exhibits and scavenger hunts, acquire nigh the French Broad River, and dig for fossils.
AMOS is also one of the best child-friendly things to practise in Asheville. They even accept a forest-themed playground with bears.
Don't forget to snap a photo in front of the butterfly mural.
43. Hike at the Carl Sandburg Abode
Deemed the "Poet of the People," Carl Sandburg lived in Connemara, NC (Apartment Rock), exterior of Hendersonville. In his lifetime, Sandburg won iii Pulitzer Prizes and was a Civil Rights activist.
Built-in in Illinois, Sandburg and his wife moved to Connemara in 1945.
The Carl Sandburg Home forth with The Hunger Games waterfalls and downtown Hendersonville makes for a dandy Asheville mean solar day trip.
Visitors of the home tin take a guided bout, walk the park, hike the grounds, or visit the bookstore.
44. Pays your respects at Riverside Cemetery
Looking for dark tourist things to practice in Asheville, NC? Head to Riverside Cemetery to pay your respects to literary greats. Famous authors Thomas Wolfe and William Sydney Porter — O. Henry — are buried hither.
Established in 1885, yous'll encounter ghost stories, Victorian-way mausoleums, and W.O.'south famous Angels. Yous'll discover a walking guide at the gates along with 3.5 miles of paved roads.
P.S. Lesser-known writer, Wilma Dykeman is buried at Lewis Memorial Park.
Take hold of our Historical Guide To Riverside Cemetery, and run into why we retrieve this burying footing should be on your Asheville itinerary.
45. Nourish a concert
Thrillest named AVL as i of the best music cities in the The states. If you are looking for evening things to practice in Asheville, attend a concert.
Asheville hosts a multifariousness of festivals and concerts at places similar Thomas Wolfe Auditorium/Harrah's Cherokee Eye Asheville, Isis Music Hall, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, The Gray Eagle Music Hall, and The Orange Peel.
Nosotros endeavor to listing a few concerts and live music on our Asheville Events Calendar.
46. Watch Shakespeare in the park
Picture quirky and comedic theater nether the stars as fireflies low-cal upwards the night sky. Don't miss the Montford Park Players open up-air performances. They are magical.
Nigh Friday through Sunday evenings in the spring through fall, you tin scout the Montford Park Players perform at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Historic Montford neighborhood of Asheville.
Many of the plays are by Shakespeare, but they mix it upwards, too.
Y'all tin can bring or buy boozy beverages. Theatergoers go all out with their professional picnic baskets. Yous may also bring your ain chairs and blankets
While tickets are complimentary, you lot can cull to rent chairs and leave a donation. Performers circulate the crowd at intermission with drove baskets.
Well-behaved pooches are welcome. There'due south plenty of parking around the area. Grab dinner at Ix Mile beforehand. Riverside Cemetery is nearby.
47. Cheer for the Asheville Tourists
For sports lovers and families, ane of the almost fun things to exercise in Asheville is to picket the Asheville Tourists play at McCormick Field. The Asheville Tourists are a minor league baseball squad.
Tickets are a steal although parking is a picayune funky. Grab souvenirs, local beer, and of form, baseball game food. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a weeknight with friends.
48. Visit each of Asheville's unique neighborhoods
Did you know that Asheville's neighborhoods are very singled-out and worth a visit? We highly recommend spending a picayune time in each.
Parts of Montford are on the National Register of Historic Places. Discover Riverside Cemetery, Montford Park Players, tons of Bed and Breakfasts, and gorgeous architecture.
Due west Asheville is pretty hipster with breweries, trendy restaurants, and a gorgeous Dolly Parton and RuPaul mural.
At that place is a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and you'll observe a mix of millennials and GenXers.
North Asheville is home to the Grove Park Inn, UNC-Asheville, gorgeous Charlotte Street homes, golf, botanical gardens, and Beaver Lake. Find delicious restaurants like Plant, Luella'south, and Taco Temple.
Downtown is where information technology's at for beer, coffee, and concerts. As mentioned above, RAD showcases the most vibrant street art.
Biltmore Village has yuppie shopping and cafes.
For local things to do in Asheville, NC touring the neighborhoods truly gives you a experience for residential life. Heck, it might convince you lot that you desire to move to Asheville — similar us.
49. Have a literary tour
There are tons of things to exercise in Asheville, NC for book lovers.
You lot could easily spend a few days touring The Hunger Games waterfalls and filming sites at DuPont, Craggy Pinnacle, and Henry River Manufactory Village (District 12, anyone?!).
Meet endless bookstores, book bars, and of grade, The Thomas Wolfe Memorial.
Every bit mentioned above, you tin visit the Carl Sandburg Domicile, Biltmore library, and fifty-fifty drop into Pack Memorial Library to see history along the walls.
Pay your respects to Zelda Fitzgerald who perished in the Highlands Hospital fire, and tip your hat to F. Scott Fitzgerald while at the Grove Park Inn.
All-time Things To Do In Asheville, NC For Shoppers
Are yous ane of those people that volition store until y'all drop? Nope; me either.
Just, if you lot are looking for things to do in Asheville that involve ownership gifts, fun stuff you never knew y'all needed, and local treats, we accept only the shopping listing for yous.
50. Buy books to read
Bookish Asheville things to do include a visit to the Bombardment Park Volume Exchange and Malaprop's bookstores.
Battery Park Book Commutation is a multi-level champagne book bar. Located in the celebrated Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, they sell used books and have extensive vino, cocktail, and champagne selections.
Battery Park Volume Exchange also hosts readings, live music, and themed events.
Some other dearest AVL bookstore, Malaprop's holds numerous author events and has a fabulous newsletter, which points out new releases and notable indie reads. They have a cafe, book clubs, and children's storytime.
Don't miss the best bookstores in Asheville.
51. Shop until you drop
Asheville offers a ton of shopping in independent stores, boutiques, and open-air markets in all of its districts, including places like Historic Biltmore Village, the River Arts Commune, Westward Asheville, and Downtown.
You'll observe everything you lot could ever need including old-school processed, unicorn hats, soda pop (Rocket Buzz), magnets, and books.
52. Walk the celebrated Grove Arcade
The Grove Arcade is architectural eye candy filled with a piffling yuppie love, including places similar the Bombardment Park Book Substitution and Asheville Proper.
For a little history lesson: E.W. Grove, also infamous for constructing the Grove Park Inn, opened theGrove Arcade in 1929 as a retail center. Grove was all nearly fresh mountain air and serving upwardly quinine to fight diseases.
Like George Vanderbilt with Biltmore, Grove didn't live to see his gem to fruition; however, the Grove Arcade bloomed into a thriving center for commerce and trade.
During WW2, the Arcade transformed into a more covert armed services hub. Then, in 1951 the National Weather condition Records Centre took over the edifice until the metropolis reclaimed the space in the 90s. Today, find shops and restaurants.
Day Trips & Things To Do Around Asheville, NC
Although you can spend a lifetime doing all of the things in Asheville, nosotros speedily wanted to mention a few brief getaways.
We especially love exploring AVL's nearby cities and towns similar Hendersonville, Weaverville, and Black Mountain.
Grab our Complete List Of Top Asheville Mean solar day Trips Here.
53. Caput to downtown Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville is about 40-45-minutes away from downtown Asheville. A smaller city, find fifty-fifty more cafes, restaurants, shops, bookstores, and the best Hendersonville breweries.
Walk around the historic downtown and take hold of chocolate at Kilwin's. Umi Sushi is our favorite fine-dining Japanese eating house in WNC. The wineries, orchards, and DuPont State Forest are all nearby.
Hendersonville also has sugariness Bed and Breakfasts and museums. Uncover all of the fantastically fun things you lot tin do in Hendersonville, NC.
We also have a mail service showcasing our favorite Hendersonville restaurants, including German food and more BBQ.
54. Day trip to Knoxville, TN
A little under 2 hours away, you besides might want to head over to Knoxville, Tennessee for the day. Like Asheville, Knoxville has a historic downtown filled with distilleries, breweries, bookstores, and countless fun.
The final time we went, we ice-skated in the historic square effectually the holidays.
Our expert friend, Clayton, runs a Knoxville travel web log, KnoxRoadTripper. He shares all that there is to dear nigh the city — and he'south total of unique tidbits and history.
55. Ride coasters at Dollywood
Our friend Justin introduced us to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. A little over one.five-hours from Asheville, if you are Dolly-obsessed this theme park is for You lot.
Detect rides, southern cuisine, live shows, and everything DOLLY. Plus, Dove Forge itself makes for a great day trip with its waterparks, Parrot Mountain and Gardens, the Titanic Museum, breweries, wineries, and naught-lining.
Where Can You Stay In & Nigh Asheville, NC?
Beneath are 3 summit recommendations for accommodations. Don't miss our Master List For Where To Stay In Asheville, too.
Aloft – Downtown Asheville – If yous are looking to stay in downtown Asheville, the Aloft hotel is newly renovated. Vibrant local murals, updated rooms, and sprawling public areas greet visitors. The Aloft hosts live music, has a sexy new bar with selfie mirrors, and the patio space overlooks humming downtown AVL. Did I mention in that location is a rooftop pool overlooking the mountains?
Hampton Inn And Suites Asheville Biltmore Expanse – Although this hotel is on busy Brevard Road – NC-191 – across from the Asheville Outlets, it's one of our favorites before moving to Asheville. Clean, updated, and in the centre of everything, you tin can access downtown, Biltmore, and the Blue Ridge Parkway adequately quickly. Plus, you tin take hold of a quick breakfast with tons of food options nearby if yous want a hiking tiffin for the road. We are obsessed with grinders at the nearby Apollo Flame Chophouse.
1898 Waverly Inn Bed and Breakfast — While house hunting, nosotros stayed at this sweet B&B in Hendersonville, NC (35-40 mins from Asheville closer to DuPont State Wood). Nosotros loved their social happy hour and friendly hosts. You can walk into downtown Hendersonville, and don't miss Umi Sushi. Hendersonville is its own hip little town.
Too Many Things To Do In Asheville? Save This Post For All Of Your Asheville Vacations:
What are your favorite things to practise in Asheville, NC?
What are your favorite Asheville attractions and activities? Where practise you head starting time, and what are your Asheville musts? Let united states know in the comments.
Asheville Things To Practise By Season & Mood:
Autumn In Asheville
Winter In Asheville
Christmas In Asheville
Romantic Asheville
Events Agenda
For Outdoors Lovers:
Asheville Hiking Trails Locals Love
Best Waterfalls Near AVL
Breathtaking Asheville Picnic Spots
Parks & Gardens To Stroll
Where To Bike In Asheville
For Foodies:
Our Asheville Food & Drink Guide
Top Restaurants Around Asheville
Asheville, NC Itineraries:
36-Hours In Asheville
Asheville For Book Lovers
Asheville For Kids
Day Trips:
Best Twenty-four hour period Trips From Asheville
Hendersonville
Weaverville
Black Mountain
Source: https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/things-to-do-in-asheville-nc/
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