Asheville, North Carolina is a charming city that has something to offer everyone. From the vibrant downtown district to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, there are plenty of reasons why you should visit this wonderful destination.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the top reasons why it should be your next vacation spot with a list of some of the best things to do in Asheville NC.
Where to Stay in Asheville, NC
A getaway vacation calls for more than your standard cheap hotel. You want a stay that offers comfortable rooms, great amenities, and a unique experience. You’ll get all this at the Grove Park Inn.
This is a resort unlike any other in the area. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll get to experience luxury and southern charm in one stay.
With beautiful mountain views, luxurious rooms, and features like electric car charging stations and a children’s playground, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic or family getaway vacation in Asheville.
Think about all the ways you can enjoy the area when you book your hotels. You’ll want something luxurious and amazing so you can have the best getaway.
How to Get There
Because of all the outdoor activities in the area around Asheville, you’ll definitely want to have access to a car. Unlike metropolitan cities like New York and San Diego, there isn’t an extensive public transportation system unless you are right inside the city.
Another reason to rent a car is how far away the commercial airports are. You can fly into Charlotte, NC, but you’ll have a 3 hour drive to get to Asheville. Knoxville, TN is about 2.5 hours away. You could also fly into the Asheville regional airport on a private flight if you want to fly right into town.
10 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
Asheville is rich in history and culture. The city was founded in 1797 and has since become a hub for the arts, music, and cuisine. There are plenty of historical sites to explore, including the Biltmore Estate, which is the largest privately-owned home in America. Asheville is also home to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, which pays tribute to the famous author who was born here.
The great outdoors is another big draw for visitors to Asheville. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. In addition, Asheville is also home to some of the best golf courses in the country.
Chimney Rock State Park
Anyone who’s ever visited Chimney Rock State Park knows that the views are absolutely breathtaking. This park is located in western North Carolina, and it’s known for its dramatic geologic features like the 1,096-foot Chimney Rock.
If you’re interested in making the trek to the top, it takes around 25 minutes to walk up the 499-step Outcroppings trail to reach the Chimney or you can opt to take the elevator instead.
In addition, the park offers rock climbing, an animal discovery den, and there are plenty of other hiking trails to explore. It’s also dog friendly!
Craggy Gardens
One of the best things to do in Asheville is to take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic byway offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys below. There are also plenty of pull-offs where you can stop and enjoy a picnic or go for a short hike.
Be sure to make a stop at Craggy Gardens, which is one of the most popular spots on the parkway. Did you know that you can hike through a Rhododendron tunnel when you go to the Craggy Gardens trail? The area blossoms with gorgeous pink and purple flowers to reveal some of the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It’s an easy hike of only 1.5 miles to the pinnacle of the trail. It’s a great spot for families who want to take their kids up an easier trail. You can also check out one of the other gardens that are all around Asheville.
The Biltmore Estate
Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate, which is a historic house that was built in 1895. The estate was once the residence of George Vanderbilt and is now open to the public and offers tours of the house, gardens, and winery.
There are a whopping 250 rooms in the opulent castle including 35 bedrooms. This estate is one of America’s most interesting historic attractions much like the historic castles throughout Europe.
The Biltmore Estate grounds are beautiful all year round but they’re especially stunning during Christmas time. The estate is decked out with festive decorations and there are even Santa Claus appearances. You can also go on a candlelight tour of the mansion, which is a truly magical experience.
Visit Waterfalls
Did you know that there are waterfalls in North Carolina where they filmed parts of The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans?
The falls hidden in the forests and mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to have a relaxing getaway. There are so many waterfalls to choose from. Be sure to check the length and difficulty of hikes before you start out.
Asheville is also known as the “Land of the Waterfalls” because there are so many of them close by – hundreds in fact! Some of the most popular waterfalls near Asheville include Linville Falls, DuPont State Forest, Hooker Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. You can easily spend a day exploring all of these natural wonders.
Pisgah National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest is the largest of North Carolina’s national forests and sits on over 500,000 acres. It is mostly a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls, and hundreds of miles of trails.
This forest is located just outside of Asheville and offers plenty of opportunities for camping, fishing, horseback riding, and more. The forest also has a rich history dating back to the Civil War.
If you want to explore the Pisgah National Forest, there are plenty of ranger-led programs and events that are offered year-round. You can also go on your own and take a hike or go camping. Just be sure to follow all of the rules and regulations.
Asheville Brewing Company
No visit to Asheville would be complete without a stop at one of the many breweries. The city is home to over 30 breweries, so there’s definitely something for everyone. One of our favorites is the Asheville Brewing Company, which offers tours and tastings of its award-winning beers.
The brewery also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with your beer. The menu features typical pub favorites but they are best known for the pizza.
North Carolina Arboretum
With more than 400 acres, the North Carolina Arboretum includes multiple gardens and walking trails featuring plant collections from around the world, a bonsai exhibit, and an outdoor sculpture collection. They also offer various educational programs for both adults and children.
The Arboretum is open year-round and admission is free, but parking does have a fee for individual vehicles. Another option would be to ride a bicycle in and it’s only minutes away from downtown Asheville.
Asheville Art Museum
The Asheville Art Museum is located in the Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center downtown. This top-notch facility is home to an array of stunning artworks that are sure to capture your imagination. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just getting started, the Asheville Art Museum is worth a visit.
The museum features a permanent collection of American art as well as rotating exhibitions. Admission to the museum is free but donations are accepted. Plus, it’s conveniently located in downtown Asheville, so you can easily enjoy all the other amazing attractions this city has to offer.
Wine Tasting
Asheville, North Carolina is a city that is known for its natural beauty as well as its strong arts and cultural community. While there are many things to do in Asheville, wine lovers will be especially pleased with all of the options for wine tasting.
There are several wineries in the area, and each one has its own unique vibe and offerings. With distinct regional flavors, you’ll experience some of the best wines in the country.
Whether you are a wine expert or just getting started, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Asheville’s wine scene. Visit Point Lookout Vineyards or stop by Botanist and Barrel Tasting Bar for a unique wine tasting event.
Enjoy Live Music
Asheville has a unique culture and part of it includes a hidden music culture. Find one of many local bars to listen to local artists who love to play for locals and tourists alike. There are music events happening all the time, so be sure to find an option that works for you.
Asheville offers so many incredible outdoor experiences that it would be impossible to list them all here. But we hope this gives you a taste of what Asheville has to offer.
Have you ever been to Asheville? What are some of your favorite things to do there? Let us know in the comments below!