Discover the best things to do in Asheville, NC, that make this destination and home to many so special. Heck, these activities got us to move here. Think waterfall hiking, wineries, shopping, spa days, live music, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. My local guide has something for everyone in these breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. 💕 Asheville is OPEN post-Helene and needs you. ❤️🩹
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It’s hard to get bored in Western North Carolina. Cheer for the Asheville Tourists with a hot dog. Gawk at George Vanderbilt’s sprawling library at historic Biltmore Estate. See where Katniss found Peeta hiding in The Hunger Games waterfalls, and tour spooky “District 12.” Hunt ghosts on the town’s tipsy purple eyelashed bus, and play vintage pinball on a rainy day. Sunday brunch on a rooftop to live guitar music, or watch an indie comedic version of Shakespeare in the Park, surrounded by fireflies.
As residents since 2019, these are the things that Tom and I enjoy most in Asheville. All photos are our own. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, where we share all of our adventures. 💙 Christine
For a quick trip, our 36-hour AVL itinerary might help narrow down your bucket list. Poor weather? Read our indoor attraction guide for adults and families. Lastly, be sure to visit these nearby magical mountain towns (great day trips!).
Start With Exploring The Great Outdoors
Visit Asheville for its food and hiking scene. Live in Asheville for its gorgeous NC mountain sunsets, waterfall picnics, and stellar trails. These are some of our favorites.
Hike in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains
One of the “must” things to do in Asheville: hit the trails. The hiking here is incredible – and, usually, the weather, too. Tom and I have quite a few favorite trails reopening since Helene. For the best hikes with views, head to Mount Pisgah, Fryingpan Mountain Tower, Craggy Pinnacle, Black Balsam, Lover’s Leap, and Max Patch.
For short and easy kid-friendly hikes, trek Bearwallow Mountain (cows!), Moore Cove Falls, and a part of the Laurel River Trail. I love Bailey Mountain Preserve and the Dragon Tree at Skinny Dip Falls, although Fred annihilated the original falls and swimming hole. Kiss that baby on the snout.
🥾 As someone who has gotten personally lost in these woods (it’s scary), guided tours might be more appealing. Consider this popular Blue Ridge Parkway guided hiking tour (it will sell out).🌲
⛰️ Western North Carolina is also home to great national and state parks, including the Pisgah National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mount Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi River), Chimney Rock State Park (that famous 535-million-year-old monolith), Grandfather Mountain (the mile-high bridge), and Gorges State Park.
Chase breathtaking waterfalls across Western North Carolina
When in Asheville, chase those waterfalls. Known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” Transylvania County boasts over 200+ waterfalls spanning Western North Carolina. A few of our favorites include Linville Falls, Catawba Falls, Mingo Falls, Crabtree Falls (temporarily closed due to Helene), and Looking Glass Falls. DuPont State Forest’s Triple Falls was a filming scene for The Hunger Games (hike their 3-mile, 3-waterfall trail – we do this with all of our guests).
✨ Insider Tip: Head to Henry River Mill Village, where they filmed District 12 for The Hunger Games; it’s a unique tour and ghost town that we’ve enjoyed.
💦 Consider taking a guided waterfall tour or a popular Jeep excursion. 🥾
Cruise the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway with stops along the way
Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), known as “America’s favorite drive.” Running from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, cruise along this 45 mph, two-lane road filled with gorgeous waterfalls, hikes, and scenic overlooks.
The parkway is prettiest in October – talk about those unforgettable fall foliage hikes like Graveyard Loop and the Art Loeb Trail – and may close for winter weather. Be sure to check the NPS site for road and gate closures. Fog might get you, and bring/wear layers. It’s much cooler up here.
Read more about our favorite scenic Blue Ridge Parkway trails near Asheville. This is our top Mount Pisgah area itinerary, including a stop at the Pisgah Inn (think stunning views and food).
Bike down (or up!) those gorgeous mountains and rails-to-trails
For more adventurous Asheville activities, hit the mountain biking trails, which are quite challenging. Tom and I are intermediate/chill bikers with a love for rails-to-trails.
Our favorites include:
- Bent Creek Experimental Forest
- Old Fort Gateway Trails
- Fonta Flora & Point Lookout Trail
- DuPont State Forest
- Swamp Rabbit Trail (Greenville, SC)
- Thermal Belt Rail Trail
- Ecusta Trail
Famous & Iconic “Must” Asheville Attractions
If you are visiting Asheville for the first time, this section is for you. However, as Asheville locals, Tom and I still frequent these places. We are Biltmore Estate annual passholders for the restaurants, Biltmore blooms, special exhibits, and trails, and we love visiting The Omni Grove Park Inn, especially in the fall and winter.
Watch a breathtaking Grove Park Inn sunset with dinner
One of the most iconic things to do in Asheville: watching a sunset at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn. It’s also a great couples’ activity. You do not have to stay on the property to access this gorgeous Disney World-esque, cabin-feel luxury resort – although the cost of parking isn’t cheap. This is Asheville lodging at its best. I especially love sitting in a rocking chair in front of the massive stone fireplaces with a drink from The Great Hall Bar.
I highly recommend advanced sunset-hour dinner reservations at their delicious on-site restaurant, Edison (my favorite of theirs). In November and December, don’t miss our “must” holiday tradition: the Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. Sip on hot chocolate and shop for gifts in their numerous boutiques; our house is filled with goodies, including local shirts, art, and holiday tree ornaments.
👻 Spookily, the Pink Lady is their resident ghost. Our readers also love their world-class spa and fancy golf course.
🚴🏻♀️ This popular electric bike tour visits the Grove Park Inn. Our friends recently did it and had a fabulous time. 🎟️
Gossip at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial & pay your respects to literary greats at Riverside Cemetery
Asheville is home to famous writers like Thomas Wolfe, author of Look Homeward, Angel, a loose retelling of his life growing up here. The book is quite dry and long-winded, but The Thomas Wolfe Memorial tour is not. You also don’t have to be familiar with his story to enjoy this particular Asheville attraction.
I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the memorial, which is Julia Elizabeth Westall Wolfe’s (his mother) boarding house on Market Street. Then, drive over to Wolfe’s grave at historic Riverside Cemetery. O. Henry is also laid to rest in the gorgeous Victorian-style cemetery. All of these stops are perfect for Asheville literary travelers like us.
If you enjoy museums and historic sites, head to the Asheville Art Museum, filled with American art, or the small Asheville Museum of Science for little geologists who want to see a teratophoneus dinosaur skeleton.
Tour the Biltmore Estate like a passholder
Visiting Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, is one of the top Asheville attractions for first-time visitors. While this is one of the pricer things to do, everyone should go at least once.
Wine taste, walk the gardens, listen to live music in Antler Hill Village, tour Biltmore House, hike, and eat at their delicious restaurants. We recommend Cedric’s Tavern and Stable Cafe. Candlelight Christmas Evenings are magical. Check for special exhibits, too.
And yes, Biltmore is for kids! Find a farmyard, Bike Barn, wooden playground, and educational demonstrations. Tom and I “staycation” on the property during Passholder Appreciation months. Buy advanced tickets on Biltmore’s website.
Extra Special & Unique Things To Do In Asheville
I love these activities to relax, laugh, and meet up with friends. These are more unique things to do in Asheville, great for residents and visitors.
Soak your feet paired with a massage at Wake Foot Sanctuary
Wake Foot Sanctuary is one of the most transcendent things to do in Asheville. Go with friends, family, or your partner. Choose from various soothing foot soaks filled with goodies to replenish and rejuvenate.
I enjoy the Salty Beach Rose soak with lavender, jasmine, and rose salts paired with a hand & arm or foot massage. Order tea or wine. Make advanced reservations. Treat yourself!
Watch a comedic Shakespeare in the Park performance after dinner in Montford
One of my favorite free things to do in Asheville includes grabbing dinner at nearby Nine Mile or Tall John’s and watching the Montford Park Players perform a Shakespeare play or The Little Prince. Picture quirky, kitschy, and comedic theater under the stars as fireflies light up the sky most Friday through Sunday evenings, May through October.
Bring or purchase boozy beverages with a picnic. I suggest taking your comfy canvas folding chairs. While tickets are free, leave a donation. These are performances you won’t soon forget.
Relax with 30 tons of pink salt in the Asheville Salt Cave
Tom and I love the therapeutic Asheville Salt Cave, and trust me, we were skeptical at first. Now, I want to move into their community salt cave; it’s heavenly. Sit surrounded by 30 tons of pure pink salt with water features. They have blankets, earplugs, and multiple comfy seating options.
Asheville Salt Cave also boasts a children’s quiet play session and offers services like Hammam, massages, pop-up yoga, and sound healing concerts. Reservations are required. Afterward, shop for relaxing goodies in their store – we own a salt lamp – and order a healthy bevie to enjoy on their back porch. On a clear day, spy Downtown Asheville.
Money Saving Tip:
💵 Follow the Asheville Salt Cave on social media; they always have last-minute discounts. The community salt cave is cheaper during non-peak, weekday times (Tuesdays and Thursdays are a steal). Check their website.
Wonder WTF you got yourself into with a LaZoom comedy bus tour
How many times have you spied a purple bus with eyelashes tearing down the streets of Asheville, full of giggling and rowdy adults? Or seen a nun on a bike or a ladybug running down Montford’s side streets? If you are looking for hilariously fun things to do in Asheville, check out the LaZoom bus. They offer a variety of comedy tours, including kid and family-friendly options.
Enjoy their funky, kitschy bar full of eccentric tour guides and cat pillows. We enjoyed a ghost tour where Zelda Fitzgerald humped a bush in the rain. You never know what to expect, and it’s not always tasteful for some. I warned you.
Cheer for the Asheville Tourists with great souvenirs
For sports lovers and families, watch Asheville’s minor-league baseball team, the Asheville Tourists, play at McCormick Field. Grab souvenirs, local beer, and baseball food. Watch cheesy in-between-innings games, and join in for the wave. Snap a photo with Ted E. Tourist. Maybe even catch fireworks. Tickets are pretty budget-friendly.
Best Things To Do For Foodies
Asheville is nicknamed “Foodtopia,” which is why we have so many food and drink guides. While this section is a bit boozy – we have a reputation/brand name to maintain – consider one of Asheville’s great coffee shops, too.
Sip wine at the beautiful vineyards & wineries around Asheville, Hendersonville, & SC’s Upstate
As Uncorked Asheville, it’s no surprise that wine tasting is one of our top Asheville things to do. Find countless wineries and vineyards around WNC, especially in the Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA in Henderson County and the Tryon Foothills. I most love:
- Souther Williams Vineyard – Their Cab Franc is my favorite
- St. Paul Mountain Vineyards – Cozy fireplace
- Stone Ashe Vineyards – Gorgeous view and tasting room
- Eagle Mountain Vineyards & Winery – Travelers Rest, SC – grapes sourced from CA, including the Russian River Valley
Always check their websites, as some are 21+ and have strict food and pet policies.
Sip handcrafted cocktails and have weekend brunch at a rooftop bar
The poshest Asheville rooftop bars promise weekend brunch, sunsets, small plates filled with Southern favorites, and jaw-dropping views. I most enjoy:
However, you cannot go wrong with places like Capella on 9, Pillar, or Hemingway’s (Cuban food).
Devour an unforgettable or award-winning dinner
Nicknamed “Foodtopia” with James Beard award-winning restaurants, it’s no secret that eating out truly is one of the best things to do in Asheville.
A few of our top restaurants include:
- Plant – Asheville’s ridiculously good vegan restaurant
- Zambra – Perfect date night restaurant and wine bar
- Posana – Dedicated GF kitchen (Celiac household here)
- Bone & Broth – North Asheville neighborhood tavern
- Nine Mile – Caribbean-inspired, allergy-friendly food
- Cúrate – James Beard & fine dining Spanish wine and tapas
- Neng Jr.’s – You’ll want to lick the sauce right off your plate at this Asian restaurant; food that will make you cry tears of joy
Try all of the craft beers
Asheville has a happening craft beer scene filled with delicious rotating and permanent food trucks. If you can’t decide, take a Downtown Asheville guided beer tour.
As locals, just a few popular (and unique) Asheville craft breweries include:
- Hillman Beer – Get lunch
- Zillicoah Beer Co. – The best Helene comeback and our absolute favorite; sit along the French Broad River
- Green Man Brewery – My favorite ESB in town
- Wicked Weed Brewing – A Downtown Asheville staple with worthy pub grub
- Ginger’s Revenge – Great for those needing gluten-free beer options with hard ginger beer
- Highland Brewing – Fun events, dance parties, and more
Great Asheville Activities For The Entire Family
Is Asheville kid and family-friendly? You bet! In fact, we have an entire family-friendly Asheville guide. Just a few quick highlights:
See Winter Lights (Nov. & Dec.) and flowers at The NC Arboretum
Tom and I have been members of The North Carolina Arboretum since moving here. You will either need a membership or have to pay for parking per vehicle, but it’s budget-friendly.
See Bonsais and their famous Quilt Garden. I love the NC Arboretum’s rotating special exhibits, which include anything from nature-themed LEGO displays to giant bugs. Plus, they offer safe, easy-to-navigate, and scenic hiking and biking trails. Eat at their on-site cafe, Bent Creek Bistro.
In November and December, don’t miss The NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights event – Tom and I go every year. Drink hot chocolate with cookies in the gardens as nature-themed holiday light displays dance to music. See even more Christmas lights across WNC.
If you enjoy gardens, drop into the free Asheville Botanical Garden on the edge of the UNCA campus. This is a great spot for a quick nature walk or picnic. They also have a Visitor Center (closed in the winter) with souvenirs. Nearby, head to Beaver Lake, just one of the many pretty lakes in and near Asheville.
Learn about our local critters at the WNC Nature Center
For kid-friendly things to do in Asheville, meet our furry locals at the WNC Nature Center. See black bears, owls, wolves, otters, and red pandas. Find exploration stations and themed playground areas. Wide and paved walking paths are stroller-friendly. If you are a Buncombe County library cardholder, reserve a ZOOM Pass for free admission.
Play vintage arcade games
If you are looking for something fun to do on a rainy day, play vintage arcade games behind the Historic Grove Arcade at the Asheville Pinball Museum. Find older games like Donkey Kong and Frogger, video consoles for Nintendo and Super Nintendo, and pinball machines. There’s a similar museum in Hendersonville.
More To Do In Asheville For Art, Culture, History, & Music Lovers
Asheville loves its indie music scene, and I won’t lie: Greenville, SC, offers a bit more at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and Peace Center, if you love mainstream concerts and off-Broadway shows like us.
Attend a hipster or mainstream concert
Thrillest named AVL as one of the best music cities in the United States. If you are looking for evening things to do in Asheville, attend a concert. Asheville hosts a variety of festivals and concerts at places like:
- Thomas Wolfe Auditorium/Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville
- Wortham Center For The Performing Arts
- The Grey Eagle Music Hall
- The Orange Peel
- Asheville Yards
Or, take a day trip or weekend getaway to Greenville. We saw Disturbed, Falling In Reverse, Seether, Staind, Bush, Lighthouse, and Blink-182 at The Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Shop until you drop at the terrific boutique stores
We have a complete guide to our favorite shops in Asheville, including our must-visit area bookstores (MLIS-degreed, rogue librarian here). Just a few great shopping areas include: Downtown Asheville’s Woolworth Walk and historic Grove Arcade. The vibrant River Arts District, as well as Biltmore Village, are coming back post-Helene, with Marquee re-opening, too.
Go on a mural hunt (they are constantly changing)
Can you spot Dolly, RuPaul, Ella the “Joan of Asheville,” Homer Simpson, and The Dude? With such a vibrant arts scene, it’s no surprise that Asheville has terrific murals and urban art.
To start, we recommend heading to West Asheville or the River Arts District (as everyone begins to rebuild post-Helene). In Downtown Asheville, check out Triangle Park, paying homage to the city’s most important people and moments in the Black community.
Meet Asheville’s ghosts while learning about the city’s history
For dark tourists, take a ghost tour, especially if you love paranormal stories and haunted houses. See why you should never turn off your car at Helen’s Bridge. Eat at a haunted restaurant. Learn about the Grove Park Inn’s Pink Lady. Popular Asheville ghost tours include:
- Asheville Nighttime Walking Ghost Tour
- Gray Line Trolley Ghost Tour (we found this informative; no walking) – Or, book a general sightseeing hop-on, hop-off tour with them
- LaZoom Haunted Comedy Tour (mentioned above)
North Carolina has plenty of cryptids, folklore, and monsters similar to Nessie and Bigfoot. The Boojum isn’t just a beer.
Before You Go, We Have So Many More Asheville Travel Guides
I’ve been writing about Asheville since 2019. Peruse all of our adventure planning guides here.
Blue Ridge Roller Derby!
Yes! Thank you!
Would love to see a list of must go to shops: not the chains or spots where you can go anywhere but unique to Asheville: fun little gifty shops! Candles, stationary, unique holiday things, etc. If i missed it I am sorry! there was a lot to read here! Well done!
Hi Lisa, This is the current shopping article I run that I think you’ll like: https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/shopping-in-asheville/. And no worries, it is a large site. Thank you so much!