55 Best Things To Do In Asheville, NC – From Locals

Uncover the best things to do in Asheville, NC, both popular and off-the-beaten-path, from locals.

Let’s face it: It’s pretty hard to get restless in the mountains, and as residents, we could list endless things to do in Asheville. 

Hit the trails and chase those breathtaking waterfalls. Slide down waterfall rocks and kiss a dragon tree on its snout. Cheer for the Asheville tourists, and gawk at Biltmore Estate’s library.

See where Katniss found Peeta hiding in The Hunger Games or head to District 12. Get your birdwatching on, and hunt ghosts from the town’s purple drunk bus.

Stop at a scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fall in love over a picnic on top of a mountain summit.

Plus, Asheville has a rich and scandalous literary history, a terrific music scene, vibrant street art – with a mural for The Dude – and a historic downtown filled with unique gems. Old school candy store, anyone?

For fun things to do in Asheville, imagine playing vintage pinball and video games all day long. Meet a dinosaur – well, at least its bones.

Plus, this is “Foodtopia,” and the restaurant, brewery, food truck, and coffee scenes are on fire.

Taste local libations at a distillery, brunch on a rooftop bar, eat at a James Beard award-winning restaurant, and meet up for book club at a champagne bookstore serving lit cocktails.

Watch a comedic version of Shakespeare in the Park surrounded by fireflies. Was that really body glitter in A Midsummer Night’s Dream? And, day trip across Western North Carolina.

So, if you are wondering what to do in Asheville for 2 days, a week, or a lifetime, we got you!

Keep reading for the best things to do in Asheville, NC for couples, families, friends, solo travelers, and residents – potential, new, and native – from locals. Let’s get started!

Be sure to check out our Asheville Events Calendar.

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55 Best Things To Do In Asheville, NC

1. Hike the trails

It’s no secret that hiking is one of the absolute best things to do in Asheville. Those Blue Ridge Mountains are why we moved here.

What are some of our favorite trails?

For almost 360-degree views, head to Mount Pisgah, Fryingpan Mountain Tower, and Craggy Pinnacle.

Lover’s Leap in Hot Springs is sure to make your stomach drop, and like Lover’s Leap, Max Patch crosses the Appalachian Trail.

If you want quieter hikes, Craven Gap – where the Obamas hiked – and Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures are less scenic but still beautiful.

Little & Big Butt hikes are peaceful with views from the top.

For short and easy kid-friendly hikes, head to Bearwallow Mountain, the trails at Biltmore Estate, or The NC Arboretum. Pink Beds is perfect for nature lovers.

Be sure to check out our master guide of the best Asheville hiking trails.

2. Chase breathtaking waterfalls

When looking for more of the best outdoor things to do in Asheville, chase those waterfalls. Transylvania County is known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” after all.

Explore over 200+ waterfalls spanning across Western North Carolina. Parts of Asheville (NC Micropolitan Statistical Area) and Brevard fall into many of these areas.

Our favorite waterfall hikes include Linville Falls, Catawba Falls, Douglas Falls, Graveyard Field’s Second and Upper Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls, Crabtree Falls, Moore Cove Falls, and Rainbow Falls.

Drive up to Looking Glass Falls, and catch a double waterfall, Soco Falls, in Maggie Valley.

We’ll get to The Hunger Games waterfalls at DuPont State Forest soon – another one of our top Asheville things to do.

Peruse all of our WNC waterfall guides before heading out.

3. Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway

Cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) is one of the “must” things to do in Asheville as well as one of WNC’s most popular natural attractions.

The BRP runs from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Hop on this 45 mph, two-lane road and explore all of the gorgeous waterfalls, hikes, and scenic overlooks.

Drive through the mountains via tunnels, and know that this area turns into a mural of vibrant eye candy in the fall.

In fact, we’d dare say that driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the absolute best things to do in Asheville in October, hands down.

In the spring and summer, the Parkway fills in with gorgeous wildflowers and rhododendrons. It is a dream for bikers and motorcyclists.

Spy romantic fog, artists and birdwatchers pulled over at designated spots, and serene wildlife like black bears.

Just keep in mind that many parts of the BRP and its gates close in the winter for ice and weather. Fog may also obscure your views.

We recommend checking with the National Park Service for all Blue Ridge Parkway road and facility closures.

4. Watch a Grove Park Inn sunset

Catching a sunset at the famous and historic Omni Grove Park Inn is definitely one of the best things to do in Asheville, NC at night.

You don’t have to stay on-property to access this gorgeous adult Disney World-like resort.

Treat yourself to dinner on Sunset Terrace, watching the sun melt into Downtown Asheville and Mount Pisgah.

We prefer grabbing a lighter and more budget-friendly dinner with some of our favorite cocktails at Edison. Edison is truly one of Asheville’s most unforgettable dining experiences.

Just make sure to make advanced reservations online, and check those sunset times.

Or, if you are stuffed from lunch, snack on a charcuterie board with drinks at The Great Hall Bar. The second-level outdoor terrace is first-come, first-serve.

In the winter, everyone flocks to Grove Park to see the Gingerbread House Competition while sipping on hot chocolate. On a cold day, sit in front of the floor-to-ceiling fireplaces.

5. Explore a state or national park

Of course, North Carolina is also famous for its state and national parks.

If you are wondering what to do in Asheville next, look to the Great Smoky Mountains, Chimney Rock State Park, Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, and Gorges State Park.

The Pisgah National Forest is one of North Carolina’s most popular 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 east of the Mississippi River at Mount Mitchell with an elevation clocking in at 6684 feet. Spy all of your favorite mountains from afar.

Grandfather Mountain is filled with biodiversity. The mountain peaks at 5,946 feet above sea level.

One of the most talked-about and fun things to do in Asheville includes walking across Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge – if you dare.

Be sure to visit the animal habitats, too. On your way out of Grandfather Mountain, look for Forrest Gump Curve where scenes from the movie were filmed.

Spy elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is one of the most visited national parks in America.

For an introduction to the Smokies, start at the Oconaluftee River Trail in Cherokee, NC. Right before the park entrance, catch Mingo Falls.

6. Watch Shakespeare in the Park

Wondering what to do in Asheville during the spring and summer?

One of our absolute favorite free things to do in Asheville includes grabbing dinner at Nine Mile and watching the Montford Park Players perform a Shakespeare play.

Picture quirky and comedic theater under the stars as fireflies light up the night sky.

Most Friday through Sunday evenings, May through October, watch 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 up too. Think The Sword in the Stone and The Little Prince for non-Shakespeare plays.

Then, enjoy classics like Macbeth, Hamlet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Bring or purchase boozy beverages. Theatergoers go all out with their professional picnic baskets. Rent or bring your own chairs and blankets

While tickets are free, leave a generous donation. Performers circulate the crowd at intermission with collection baskets.

Well-behaved pooches are welcome. There’s plenty of free parking around the area. Riverside Cemetery is nearby.

While some plays are family-friendly, attending Shakespeare in the Park is also one of the most romantic things to do in Asheville.

7. Sip craft cocktails on a rooftop bar

Rooftop bar hopping always makes the top of the list of the best things to do in Asheville, NC. You’ll see why…

The poshest Asheville rooftop bars promise sunsets, small plates filled with Southern favorites, and jaw-dropping views.

We always recommend swanky Capella On 9, speakeasy-like Top Of The Monk, and The Montford Rooftop Bar.

There is also Antidote – part of Chemist Spirits – Hemingway’s Cuba, and Pillar Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn.

You may wish to take an Asheville Rooftop Bar Tour to see them all with a designated driver.

8. Tour Biltmore Estate

Touring Biltmore Estate – America’s largest home – is one of the “must” Asheville things to do for first-time visitors.

Even as locals, we are annual passholders and head to Biltmore a few times a month. Yes, a ticket will cost you at least $60+, but it’s completely worth it.

Easily spend a day at Biltmore touring the house and wine tasting. Grab a bite to eat, walk the gardens, and hike or bike one of its 22 miles worth of trails.

Take one of Biltmore’s delicious and intriguing special tours for wine and history lovers. Think red wine and chocolate.

Also, know that there are kid-friendly activities on the Estate, including a farmyard, playground, and live demonstrations.

Biltmore highlights include visiting Biltmore pool and library, taking a Behind The Scenes Winery Tour, and walking the lagoon and gardens.

For meals at Biltmore, Stable Cafe serves up the best sandwiches and cocktails in the coolest setting: The former Vanderbilt horse stables.

The cafe is also one of Asheville’s top kid-friendly restaurants for travelers.

Then, as an ode to their beloved Saint Bernard, Cedric’s Tavern in Antler Hill Village offers seasonal cocktails, delicious southern and American contemporary cuisine, and pickles.

Stay overnight at Biltmore’s gorgeous properties like The Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate or The Inn On Biltmore Estate.

If you are visiting WNC from November through early January, Biltmore at Christmastime is spectacular and one of the best holiday things to do in Asheville.

Enjoy a Candlelight Christmas Evenings Tour of the home with blazing fireplaces and Christmas trees in every room.

Make the most out of your Biltmore ticket with all of our Biltmore Guides, including our Biltmore facts cheat sheet.

And, don’t miss the best restaurants to eat at near Biltmore – think boozy milkshakes with burgers, Indian fine dining, and charcuterie in a ritzy hunting lodge.

9. Attend an event at The NC Arboretum

Wondering what to do in Asheville next? How about visiting one of the most beautiful gardens in WNC?

We are members of The North Carolina Arboretum, located immediately before an entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Along with gorgeous nature, hiking, and biking trails, The NC Arboretum is most famous for its Winter Lights Festival.

This massive holiday lights display is by far one of the best winter things to do in Asheville.

In November and December, the Arboretum lights up its gardens with innovative creations, wildlife exhibits, and nature-themed light displays.

Drink peppermint hot chocolate with Christmas cookies throughout the gardens as holiday lights dance to music. Do you spy a unicorn or hungry caterpillar?

If you are visiting in the spring and summer, The NC Arboretum fills its gardens with special exhibits. Past displays include LEGO installations and art sculptures.

Of course, you can always see Bonsais, butterflies, and their famous Quilt Garden.

Grab lunch at the Bent Creek Bistro and picnic on the lawn. You must pay a small parking fee to enter the grounds.

10. Devour an unforgettable dinner

Nicknamed “Foodtopia,” it’s no secret that eating out is one of the best things to do in Asheville for foodies.

Plant, Asheville’s top vegan restaurant, is a mind-blowing experience – and we aren’t vegan. RAD’s RosaBees serves up the best Polynesian.

Bouchon, Ukiah, and Limones are the perfect date night restaurants before a concert.

For mouthwatering Asheville fine dining, we enjoy La Bodega by Cúrate and The Bull and Beggar.

Around North Asheville and Montford, the best restaurants include Nine Mile, Edison, Bone & Broth, Rye Knot, and Zillicoah’s food truck.

Luella’s and Bear’s are great for Asheville BBQ.

For more Downtown Asheville restaurants, enjoy Posana – with its dedicated gluten-free kitchen – and Chestnut. Shanghai Dumpling House and Pack’s Tavern are delicious too.

Lastly, for more convenient meals, grab dinner at the breweries like Wicked Weed and Bhramari.

We always recommend making dining reservations when possible. Many of the restaurants use Open Table or Resy.

If you’d prefer to order in, don’t miss our favorite Asheville takeout spots.

11. Picnic on a mountain summit

Are you looking for more romantic things to do in Asheville? Why not picnic?

Living in Asheville, we have transformed into professional picnickers. Pack a picnic for your hike or enjoy something lighter by a lake.

For easy picnics, head to a winery like Sawyer Springs or Saint Paul. 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, we love Max Patch, Bearwallow Mountain, Bridal Veil Falls – DuPont, Trombatore Trail, and Black Balsam.

Grab our full list of the best Asheville picnic spots – we couldn’t possibly name them all here.

12. Play vintage arcade games

Playing vintage arcade games is by far one of the most fun things to do in Asheville, especially on a rainy day.

Located behind the Grove Arcade (1 Battle Square Ste 1b), if you are a gamer, head to the Asheville Pinball Museum.

Spend $15 for a wristband to play old arcade games as long as you like. Of course, kids are welcome too.

Find older games like Donkey Kong and Frogger, video consoles for Nintendo and Super Nintendo, and of course, pinball machines.

There is also the Appalachian Pinball Museum in Hendersonville.

13. Learn about critters at the WNC Nature Center

For more educational Asheville things to do, meet the furry Western North Carolina locals in a safe environment (instead of on the trails or our front steps…).

Head to the WNC Nature Center, home to black bears, owls, wolves, otters, and red pandas. The center also houses snakes, turtles, hawks, goats, frogs, and donkeys.

Find plenty of exploration stations and themed playground areas for the littles – spider-web jungle gym included. Wide and paved walking paths are extra stroller-friendly.

During the summer – June through August – attend the WNC Nature Center’s Brews and Bears. After hours, enjoy the grounds with a beer or cider in hand. Find local eats too.

Like The North Carolina Arboretum, there is a small entrance fee. Or, become a member.

If you are a Buncombe County library card holder, reserve a ZOOM Pass for free admission.

Visiting the WNC Nature Center is one of the most kid-friendly things to do in Asheville.

14. Spend a day at the lake

Western North Carolina is known for its gorgeous lakes. Think Lake Lure, Lake Junaluska, and Lake James, just to name a few.

One of our top closeby things to do in Asheville, we love walking the 2-mile Perimeter Trail around Beaver Lake and dipping into the Bird Sanctuary.

Beaver Lake is perfect for a stroll after 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 area is open to the public and free. Please consider leaving a donation in the parking lot box, though.

You will need a permit for your pooch, and there are no on-site restrooms.

15. Drink craft beer

Let’s be real, drinking beer is one of the best things to do in Asheville, NC, especially after a long hike.

You cannot come to Asheville without trying as much craft beer as possible. As locals, what are our favorite breweries?

We frequent Asheville Brewing, Zillicoah, Wedge at Foundation, Eurisko, Hillman Beer, and Green Man. 7 Clans Brewing is a new 2022 brewery that’s Indigenous and female-majority owned.

If basements are your jam, One World Brewing (Downtown) is a lesser-frequented AVL brewery.

South Slope guards our favorite breweries like Hi-Wire and Catawba, and don’t miss famous places like Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, Wicked Weed, and Burial.

For ginger beer – gluten-free and Keto – you have to try Ginger’s Revenge. For something different, Bhramari and Funkatorium (sours) are sure to impress or weird you out.

Read more about Asheville’s pet-friendly breweries and gluten-reduced beer too.

16. Visit The Hunger Games waterfalls

We swear, the best Asheville things to do are right out of the movies.

This makes even more sense when you realize that Wilmington, NC has one of the largest production facilities east of California.

Take the 40-minute drive to DuPont Forest located in Cedar Mountain. It’s worth it.

One of the top things to do in Asheville is enjoying the three (or four)-waterfall hike at DuPont.

Parts of both The Last Of The Mohicans and The Hunger Games were filmed at DuPont State Recreational Forest’s Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

We suggest parking in the Hooker Falls Access Area. Head to Hooker Falls first – the easiest waterfall hike — and then loop back up to Triple Falls and High Falls.

If you still have energy, walk under the covered wooden bridge to Bridal Veil Falls, which adds 4 more miles to your hike.

If you need lunch afterward, drive 20-minutes to nearby Hendersonville – another one of our favorite towns and top Asheville things to do. We’ll share more about Hendersonville below.

P.S. For even more Hunger Games filming locations, head to Henry River Mill Village, an abandoned NC town and home to District 12. It’s pretty cool!

17. Celebrate the weekend with brunch

What’s one of Asheville, NC’s best things to do on the weekend, especially after a long night out at the breweries and bars?

Brunch! Dine at a rooftop restaurant while live guitar music gently strums in the background. Think breakfast bowls, lox, handhelds, and pancakes.

A few brunch spots to get you started include The Social Lounge, La Bodega, Early Girl Eatery, Isa’s French Bistro, The Market Place, and ELDR.

One of our personal weekend brunch favorites includes Jerusalem Garden Cafe for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine in Downtown Asheville.

18. Meet Asheville’s ghosts

One of the best things to do in Asheville, NC for dark tourists is to take a ghost tour, especially If you love paranormal stories and haunted houses.

Along with LaZoom, Gray Line Trolley Tours offers a fun 75-minute tour of haunted Asheville.

Meet Asheville’s ghosts, including the Grove Park Inn’s Pink Lady and Montford’s Zelda Fitzgerald. See why you should never turn off your car at Helen’s Bridge. Eat at a haunted restaurant.

Then, uncover the urban legend of the bullseye in Pack Square -it’s gruesome – and always walk down Church Street with one eye out for a nun.

North Carolina is a state filled with cryptids, folklore, and monsters similar to Nessie and Bigfoot.  The Boojum isn’t just a beer.

For even more things to do near Asheville, explore NC’s abandoned sites and ghost towns. 

Henry River Mill River was used for the filming of District 12 in The Hunger Games, and there’s an abandoned plane crash site near Maggie Valley.

19. Wine taste at the hipster wineries

Since we are Uncorked Asheville, it’s no surprise that drinking wine is one of our top Asheville things to do.

And trust us, there is no shortage of wineries in and around Asheville.

Directly in Asheville, check out pleb urban winery in the River Arts District. Of course, Biltmore has a famous winery, and wine tasting there is included with your ticket.

Biltmore also offers a Behind-The-Scenes winery tour and a Chocolate And Red Wine Tasting Tour.

If you head out of Asheville, our personal favorite wineries lie in Hendersonville, including Souther Williams, St. Paul Mountain Vineyards, and Stone Ashe Vineyards.

In Flat Rock, we love Marked Tree Vineyard – and both Hendersonville and Flat Rock make for terrific day trips from Asheville.

20. Stalk that fall foliage

Are you wondering what to do in Asheville in the fall?

Asheville sees the most visitors in October and around the holidays. What’s the big deal? The leaves!

Growing up in CT, we thought New England was the boss of fall foliage. Who knew that the Western North Carolina mountains had an equally breathtaking fall season?

Our top fall things to do in Asheville, NC include trekking those breathtaking fall leaf hikes, picking pumpkins, and wine tasting at the vineyards with the best views.

For stunning fall foliage, head to Graveyard Loop, Black Balsam via the Art Loeb and Sam Knob trails, and Craggy Gardens.

Asheville in the fall is also a great time to drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just be sure to check the fall festival and color forecast.

21. Head to a roller skating rink

In the late spring and mid-fall, one of our favorite things to do in Asheville includes roller skating and rollerblading at Carrier Park.

Along with its outdoor skating and hockey rink, Carrier Park also houses a former NASCAR circuit turned velodrome – or “Mellowdrome,” as locals know it. 

Safely run, bike, and skate loops with Asheville’s residents.

Or, if you love those fun indoor rinks with music and strobe lights, head to Waynesville’s Smoky Mountain Sk8way, which also has mini-golf, inflatables, and comfort food.

22. Sip on a distillery cocktail

If one of your favorite things to do in Asheville is trying all of the local libations, you won’t want to miss the Asheville distilleries.

Think whiskey, Genever, vodka, rum, and liquors.

Our favorites include Cultivated Cocktails, Rye Knot (also a brewery), and Chemist. Cultivated Cocktails sells fantastic cocktail schwag.

At all three, taste their local spirits and order a cocktail – although, at Chemist, you’ll need to visit their bar, Antidote, for cocktails.

Don’t miss Oak & Grist Distilling Company in Black Mountain, too. It’s our all-time favorite spot for drinks.

23. Gossip at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial

We always recommend reading a book set in a destination before heading there, and Asheville is no exception.

Wolfe is a famous Asheville writer and one of those not-to-miss North Carolina authors.

You might recognize his name 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 changed the names and spellings of his Asheville community members. As you can imagine, this was scandalous and ill-received gossip, at the time.

Today, one of the best Asheville things to do for book lovers includes taking a tour of The Thomas Wolfe Memorial.

Head into Julia Elizabeth Westall Wolfe’s (Wolfe’s mother) boarding house on Market Street. Wolfe’s childhood home is no longer standing, but he spent most of his childhood in this business home.

Quite the character, Julia’s story is both inspirational and a tad frustrating. She was quite the entrepreneur. Also, watch a short video, and tour the museum.

24. Appreciate breakfast like a local

Waking up in the mountains is rough, especially if there is fog. The darker mornings make it harder to get up and out the door early.

Plus, you might want to fuel up before chasing those waterfalls.

As foodies, one of our favorite things to do in Asheville is getting breakfast – both like a local and a visitor.

If you are searching for a non-hotel breakfast, Tupelo Honey is one of Downtown Asheville’s most popular restaurants.

Not only do they serve breakfast all day, but they also offer lunch and dinner and locally source their food. Their mimosas are delicious.

For more local spots, though, Sunny Point Cafe and Sawhorse are two of the best West Asheville restaurants.

We also enjoy Montford’s All Day Darling, and 5 Points is the best old-school breakfast diner. Green Sage Cafe makes for a quick and healthy stop.

Or, grab pastries and coffee from Old Europe Pasteries or Geraldine’s Bakery.

25. Play in the park

For more outdoor things to do in Asheville, know that the city is full of beautiful parks and gardens, perfect for casual strolls, picnics, and local sports.

Along with the skating rink and Mellowdrome mentioned above, Carrier Park has volleyball and basketball courts along with a playground and lawn bowling area.

Or, enjoy the French Broad River Greenway connecting French Broad River and Carrier Parks. French Broad River Park even boasts a dog park.

Personally, we cannot get enough of the newly renovated RAD Riverwalk with designated bike lanes and a strolling path along the scenic French Broad River.

While there, drop into RAD’s mouthwatering restaurants, artists’ studios, and breweries. Jam out in RAD’s Skatepark.

Lastly, attend a fun festival or arts and crafts fair in Pack Square. If you are wondering what to do in Asheville next, this Downtown park almost always has something fun happening.

Of course, playing in the park is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Asheville too.

26. Sip hot chocolate & eat truffles

If you are looking for Asheville, NC things to do in one place, Pack Square is always a good idea. Find a park, art museum, music, restaurants, and chocolate shops.

The French Broad Chocolate Lounge has everything a chocolate lover desires.

Select from gourmet desserts, hot cocoa, truffles, bonbons, cakes, custards, cookies, coffee, brownies, booze, and ice cream.

Most notably, French Broad Chocolates serves up lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options, including vegan truffles, hot chocolate, and affogatos.

At the French Broad Chocolate Factory Riverside Drive location, take a 45-minute chocolate factory tour.

We also personally love nearby Asheville Chocolate. Asheville Chocolate specializes in tea, coffee, and hot chocolate with a variety of hand-crafted chocolates – with vegan and gluten-free options.

They’ve even sculpted chocolate in the shape of Scotties. Plus, find decadent gelato.

For more sweet things to do in Asheville, head to a tempting dessert cafe. Crave has hookah, extravagant dessert cocktails, and food.

Or, get ice cream sandwiches at Sunshine Sammies. Enjoy vegan and dairy ice cream scoops at one of The Hop’s numerous locations.

27. Laugh along with LaZoom

If you are looking for hilariously fun things to do in Asheville, check out the LaZoom bus.

How many times have you spied a purple bus tearing down the streets of Asheville full of giggling and rowdy adults?!

LaZoom offers different comedy tours, some designed for the entire family and others for the boozier folks with 18+ or 21+ age requirements.

We suggest purchasing tickets in advance. Get there early, too, as you board the bus based on your arrival order.

For Tom’s birthday, we booked the LaZoom Ghost Bus Tour. It was totally worth that ticket price, at least once.

Walk into a funky, kitschy bar full of eccentric tour guides and cat pillows before hopping on the drunk bus. Whoops; we don’t think that we are 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 our hearts – although she did hump a bush in the rain.

For the 21+ group, you are allowed to bring unopened drinks on the bus – to open once seated – purchased from LaZoom’s bar.

Find locally crafted bevies. They even hand you a personal cooler. Just don’t drink too much as some tours have no restroom stops. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

For cheesy but unforgettable Asheville things to do, LaZoom is it.

28. Dip into a local bar or pub

We just love the Asheville cocktail scene, and bar hopping is one of the best things to do in Asheville for bachelor and bachelorette parties, friends’ reunions, or a night out on the town.

Plus, there are so many dive, LGBTQ+, sports, and classy bars to choose from.

A few of our favorite bars include Asheville Club, The Malvern – serving up one of the best burgers in town – The Times Bar and Coffee Shop, and The Odditorium.

For Asheville pubs and taverns, try Barley’s Taproom (pizza!), Bone and Broth, and the luxurious Red Stag Grill.

29. Walk the Asheville Art Museum galleries

For more educational things to do in Asheville – and perfect for a rainy day – check out the city’s plethora of museums and historic sites.

For art lovers, especially, head to the newly renovated Asheville Art Museum situated next to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge.

The Art Museum showcases American art from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Catch pop-up art featuring North Carolina pottery and the art of basketry. Study glass as a medium, and meet new and old American artists.

30. Apple pick and get lost in a corn maze

At the end of August, the best apple orchards around Asheville start opening. They won’t close again until late October or early November.

Hendersonville – about 40 minutes away from Asheville – is known as “Apple Alley.”

This is the place to be for apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hot cinnamon cider donuts, farm animals, and even a bamboo forest.

Shoot apples from a cannon, and take a hayride. Enjoy cider – hot, cold, and boozy.

Sky Top Orchard (Flat Rock), Stepp’s Hillcrest, and Jeter Mountain Farm are the top three orchards we recommend for the most fun Asheville things to do.

31. Become a coffee connoisseur

One of the best things to do in Asheville is drink coffee. How else can you adventure all day?

Not to mention that the moment friends and visitors land in town, the DMs start pouring in: “Where can we get the best coffee in Asheville?”

We get (and got) you! We love and live for coffee too.

PennyCup Coffee Co. is a small-batch roaster. Vortex has delicious donuts and coffee. Summit makes the strongest roast.

Double D’s is an Instagrammer’s wet dream. Just look for the double-decker red bus. Trade & Lore is a coffee fairyland.

Grab a possum shirt at Izzy’s. Rowan Coffee is simple but delicious. That historic building is gorgeous inside.

Oh, and Bebette’s serves beignets. Odd’s Cafe is one of the best – and they have vegan and gluten-free treats.

If you are exploring Asheville’s neighboring cities and towns, we love Black Mountain’s Dripolator and Hendersonville’s Black Bear Coffee Co.

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32. Cheer for the Asheville Tourists

For sports lovers and families, one of the most fun things to do in Asheville is to watch the Asheville Tourists play at McCormick Field.

The Asheville Tourists are a minor league baseball team. Tickets are a steal – although parking is a little funky.

Grab souvenirs, local beer, and of course, baseball food. Watch cheesy in-between-innings games, and join in for the wave. Snap a photo with Ted E. Tourist.

We couldn’t think of a better way to spend a weeknight with friends and the entire family.

33. Devour lunch at a James Beard award-winning restaurant (& more)

You already know that one of the best things to do in Asheville is to eat.

Why not pull up at a James Beard award-winning Indian restaurant like Chai Pani? Devour Indian street snacks paired with a spicy cocktail. Even Samantha Brown stopped by.

For more lunch joints around Asheville, if you love pizza and burgers, try Farm Burger, Asheville Pizza & Brewing, 828 Pizzeria, Manicomio’s, Rankin Vault, and Baby Bull.

Wicked Weed BrewPub, Baba Nahm, and Gypsy Queen Cuisine (GQC) won’t disappoint, and GQC has the best vegan and gluten-free options.

We crave Red Ginger Dimsum and Tapas for Chinese dumplings, Wild Ginger for Pho, and Itto for ramen like it’s our job – think amazing Asian cuisine.

Green Tea Sushi is one of the best sushi restaurants in Asheville, and Siam Thai and Suwana’s Thai Orchid make fantastic Thai food.

Whether or not you are a vegan or vegetarian, Laughing Seed Cafe is another gem, and we devour subs – gf pizza and grinders available – at Apollo Flame Bistro, especially after a BRP parkway hike.

12 Bones BBQ and the new S&W Market are also popular lunch spots. In fact, the Obamas ate at 12 Bones’ RAD location.

If you are craving beer and tacos, tour all all of the best taco places in Asheville including White Duck Taco and our favorite, Taco Temple.

Or, head to Haywood Common and stop next door at The Whale for the largest local, national, and international beer selection in AVL.

34. Shop at a farmer’s market

Did you know that one of the best things to do in Asheville to get to know the city better includes shopping at a farmer’s market?

When we travel out of state or abroad, we love visiting local Farmer’s Markets and specialty grocery stores.

A little foodie shopping trip is perfect to try the area’s cuisine and meet a city in a brand new way.

In Asheville, the Western North Carolina Farmer’s Market is the largest.

The other most popular Farmer’s Market is the Asheville City Market on Saturdays in downtown AVL between Woodfin Street and East Walnut St. at 52 North Market Street.

We pop by this one on our way to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.

Of course, you can head to RAD’s Uncommon Market for antiques, vintage decor, and jewelry. Others love the North Asheville Tailgate Market.

35. Tour the urban art and studios in Asheville’s River Arts District

If you are looking for top Asheville things to do 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 will find the famous Instagram silo. You might just catch Gus Cutty, Ian the Painter, or Jerry Cahill working on a masterpiece. Spy Jerkface’s Homer Simpson mural.

Explore endless urban street art across warehouse space, and drop in and out of galleries, artists’ studios, and shops.

Marquee is Asheville’s newest European-style, high-end decor and design warehouse.

Plus, RAD is home to pleb urban winery, Bottle Riot, and Wedge Brewing. Uncover amazing RAD restaurants like The Bull & Beggar, Baby Bull, Guajiro, and RosaBees.

Perk up at a local RAD coffee shop like Summit. Shop for outdoor gear at Second Gear.

Watch an indie film at Grail Moviehouse or attend the Uncommon Market. Bike the new RAD greenway.

Listen to music at the Asheville Guitar Bar at Cotton Mill Studios or Salvage Station, and pick up gorgeous wooden sculptures at Foundation Woodworks.

If you are wondering what to do in Asheville, you could easily spend an entire afternoon and evening in RAD.

36. Attend a 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, Isis Music Hall, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, The Grey Eagle Music Hall, and The Orange Peel.

We caught O.A.R. and Dispatch at Salvage Station.

37. Relax in a cozy wine bar

If you are looking for relaxing Asheville things to do with a bottle or glass of wine, our favorite wine bars include:

5 Walnut Wine Bar – Located in downtown Asheville, find an extensive list of wines in a cute rustic and pastel bar.

Bottle Riot – Situated in the River Arts District, enter a colorful wine bar with “baller bottles.” They also serve up delicious charcuterie.

Leo’s House Of Thirst – In West Asheville, enjoy tapas, Saturday brunch, dinner, and a sizable wine list. We love their outdoor garden patio.

Battery Park Book Exchange – This champagne bar and used bookstore is iconic in the heart of Downtown’s historic Grove Arcade.

38. Mountain bike

For adventurous things to do in Asheville, try mountain biking. We are not expert mountain bikers, by any means, but we do love hitting the trails.

Directly in Asheville, locals flock to Bent Creek Experimental Forest.  Here, find Lake Powhatan and numerous surrounding trails varying in length and difficulty.

Families teach their littles how to bike here, and the Hard Times Trail connects to The NC Arboretum.

Or, bike at Biltmore (with an annual pass, property stay, or ticket), including a fantastic trail from the Lagoon – with Biltmore House in the background – that leads visitors up to the side of the house and walled gardens.

Outside of Asheville, head to Daniel Ridge Loop, DuPont State Forest, and Tsali Recreation Area.

For a beautiful Rails-to-Trails option – and one of the best day-tripping Asheville things to do – hop on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, traveling between Rutherfordton and Forest City.

This largely flat and paved trail is perfect for families or those looking for a long ride. The trail is about 13.5 miles each way with restrooms, water fountains, and spots to dip into town.

39. Explore WNC’s Mountain Towns

If you are spending more than a weekend in AVL, one of the top Asheville things to do includes touring Western North Carolina.

Hendersonville – mentioned above quite a bit – is a “must.”

Here, enjoy even more delicious restaurants like Haus Heidelberg and Umi Sushi, coffee shops and wine bars like Black Bear and Wine Sage & Gourmet, and hopping breweries including Oklawaha.

A stop in Hendersonville pairs nicely with a hike at DuPont State Forest, wine tasting, or a morning at the apple orchards.

Then, about 25 minutes from Asheville, Black Mountain is one of our personal favorite WNC mountain towns.

Enjoy a stroll around Lake Tomahawk, dine at Cousins Cuban Cafe, order coffee from Dripolator, and buy books at Sassafras on Sutton.

Immediately North of Asheville, check out Weaverville, which is home to a dog park bar, a brewery with a TARDIS, a Bob Ross bar, and eclectic Stoney Knob Cafe.

Of course, you have Chimney Rock/Lake Lure for hiking and boating, and Maggie Valley’s motorcycle museum.

Read all of our day-tripping guides by city.

40. Eat all of the donuts

Did you know that Asheville has the best donut shops?

In the fall, don’t miss Sky Top Orchard’s made-in-front-of-you donuts. West Asheville’s Hole Doughnuts is famous for its treats.

Plus, one of the best things to do in Asheville is to attend a festival. Grab gluten-free and vegan donuts at Asheville’s VeganFest. Or, head to Black Mountain’s Dough House.

A few other donut joints include Duck Donuts, Stay Glazed Donuts, and Geraldine’s Bakery.

41. Meet a Teratophoneus Curriei

For the best things to do in Asheville for families and for your inner geologist, head to the Asheville Museum of Science.

A smaller science center, learn more about North Carolina geology and local specimen. AMOS has gemstones, dinosaur bones like the Teratophoneus Curriei – and animal installations.

Encounter hands-on exhibits and scavenger hunts, learn about the French Broad River, and dig for fossils. They even have a forest-themed playground with bears.

Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the butterfly mural. If you are wondering what to do in Asheville on a rainy day with the kids, this is it.

42. Gain an appreciation for hard cider & mead

For gluten-free things to do in Asheville, NC, head to the plethora of cideries and meaderies.

Urban Orchard and Noble are the most well-known cideries in Asheville. Botanist and Barrel and Bold Rock recently opened Downtown Asheville taprooms.

Also in and around Asheville, enjoy Mills River’s Bold Rock Cidery, Black Mountain Cidery, and Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery in Hendersonville.

Many of the local breweries and wineries serve cider on their guest taps too. In the fall, head to Jeter Mountain Farm and order a flight of their hard cider.

43. Watch a movie in a unique setting

If you are wondering what to do in Asheville on a rainy day, why not watch a movie?  But, not just any movie in any old theater…

Grail Moviehouse in Asheville’s River Arts District plays the coolest indie films.  We like to head there for an international shorts festival. Sit on cushy couches while snacking on popcorn.

Or, visit Asheville Pizza & Brewing’s Merrimon location.  Tom had to see the new Top Gun sequel, and there’s even a bar inside the theater.

Order pizza (with vegan and GF pizza options), drinks, and snacks, and sit in front of tables while watching an old-school or new movie. 

Discover more great movie theaters across Asheville.

44. Food truck hop

Many of the AVL food trucks circulate the brewery scene.

If you are looking for foodie things to do in Asheville try The Smokin’ Onion, Chop Shop’s Food Truck at Wedge at Foundation, and Guajiro for Cuban in RAD.

Zillicoah Brewing has our favorite resident food truck, Taqueria Muñoz. We always go for the tacos and burritos – and yes, they can do lactose and gluten-free.

If you want crepes and Cuban sandwiches, Cecilia’s Kitchen has a permanent spot in North Asheville and a food truck that moves around to places like New Belgium.

45. Pays your respects at Riverside Cemetery

We bet you didn’t expect to see a cemetery on an Asheville things to do list, but here we are – and we promise, it’s worth it.

Be sure to visit Riverside Cemetery – in the Historic Montford District – to pay your respects to literary greats.

Famous authors Thomas Wolfe and William Sydney Porter – O. Henry – are buried here.

Established in 1885, you’ll encounter ghost stories, tombstones for Civil War veterans, Victorian-style mausoleums, and W.O.’s famous Angels.

Grab a walking guide at the gates and stroll 3.5 miles of paved roads.

Please just remember to be respectful as this is an active cemetery. Park along the paved roads just inside the gate.

P.S. Lesser-known author, Wilma Dykeman is buried at Lewis Memorial Park. For dark tourist things to do in Asheville, NC, this is it.

46. Meander at the Botanical Gardens

Located within the UNC-Asheville campus of North Asheville, one of our favorite Asheville things to do is hang out at the Botanical Gardens. Plus, it’s free!

With 10 acres of streams, nature trails, bridges, and spots perfect for picnicking, this lesser-known gem is also a refuge for endangered wildflowers.

Pack a blanket and bring a book.

47. Celebrate the winter holidays

Just like fall, the holidays and Christmas in Asheville are pretty special.

As mentioned above, Biltmore has Candlelight Christmas Evenings, The NC Arboretum hosts Winter Lights, and Grove Park Inn showcases its annual Gingerbread Competition.

For the best things to do in Asheville in December, locals flock to the Christmas tree farms to pick and cut their trees.

Winter hiking is best around the Pisgah National Forest since parts of the BRP close.

North Carolina residents flock to the ski resorts like Cataloochee and Beech Mountain for snow tubing, snowboarding, and skiing. 

Find special Christmas home and light tours, and shop for all of your holiday gifts.

48. Visit each of Asheville’s unique neighborhoods

Did you know that AVL’s neighborhoods are very distinct and worth a visit? Each contains some of the best things to do in Asheville.

Parts of Montford are on the National Register of Historic Places. Find Riverside Cemetery, Montford Park Players, tons of Bed & Breakfasts, and gorgeous architecture.

West Asheville is pretty hipster with breweries, trendy restaurants, and a fun Dolly Parton and RuPaul mural. There is a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and you’ll find a mix of millennials and GenXers.

North Asheville is home to the Grove Park Inn, UNC-Asheville, gorgeous Charlotte Street homes, a golf course, botanical gardens, and Beaver Lake.

Find delicious restaurants like Plant, Luella’s, and Taco Temple.

Downtown is where it’s at for beer, coffee, and concerts.

As mentioned above, RAD showcases the most vibrant street art and artists’ studios. Biltmore Village has cafes and shopping.

For local things to do in Asheville, NC touring the neighborhoods truly gives you a feel for residential life. Heck, it might convince you that you want to move to Asheville – like us.

49. Get your bookworm on

There are tons of things to do in Asheville, NC for book lovers.

Start with the city’s top bookstores, including Battery Park Book Exchange, Downtown Books & News, and Malaprop’s.

Battery Park Book Exchange is a multi-level champagne book bar. Located in the historic Grove Arcade, they sell used books and have extensive wine, cocktail, and champagne selections.

Battery Park Book Exchange also hosts readings, live music, and themed events.

Another beloved AVL bookstore, Malaprop’s holds numerous author events and has a fabulous newsletter that points out new releases and notable indie reads.

Then, you could easily spend a few days touring The Hunger Games waterfalls and filming sites at DuPont, Craggy Pinnacle, and Henry River Mill Village. Don’t miss Peeta’s bakery.

Along with the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, visit the Carl Sandburg Home (in Flat Rock). He was the “Poet of the people,” after all.

For more bookish Asheville things to do, there’s Biltmore library. Or, head to Pack Memorial Library to see AVL’s history along the walls.

Pay your respects to Zelda Fitzgerald, and tip your hat to F. Scott Fitzgerald while at the Grove Park Inn. Watch Shakespeare in the Park, and stroll Riverside Cemetery.

50. Go on a mural hunt

With such a vibrant art scene, it’s no surprise that Asheville has terrific murals and urban art.

One of the best things to do in Asheville is going on a mural hunt.

To start, we recommend heading to the River Arts District around Foundation Studios.  Then, dip into West Asheville along Haywood Street.

In Downtown Asheville, check out Triangle Park, which pays homage to the city’s most important people and moments in the Black community.

Around all of AVL, can you spot Dolly, RuPaul, Betty White, Ella the “Joan of Asheville,” Homer Simpson, and The Dude?

51. Shop until you drop

If you are wondering what to do in Asheville for shoppers, we got you!

Asheville has a plethora of independent stores, boutiques, and open-air markets in all of its districts.

The best shopping areas include Historic Biltmore Village, the River Arts District, West Asheville, and Downtown.

You’ll find everything you could ever need including old-school candy, unicorn hats, soda pop (Rocket Fizz), magnets, and books.

We love West Asheville’s Flora for plants. Downtown’s Moonlight Makers sells silly shirts and mugs. L.O.F.T. of Asheville has unique finds like cat pillows and fox planters.

52. Walk the historic Grove Arcade

The Grove Arcade is architectural eye candy filled with love.

For Asheville things to do, find places like the Battery Park Book Exchange, Baba Nahm’s, Bebette’s Coffeehouse, and Asheville Proper.

E.W. Grove, also famous for constructing the Grove Park Inn, opened the Grove Arcade in 1929 as a retail center.

Grove was all about fresh mountain air and serving up 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 military hub. Then, in 1951 the National Weather Records Center took over the building until the city reclaimed the space in the 90s.

Today, find shops and restaurants.

53. Peruse the art galleries at Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center

One of the free things to do in Asheville, the Black Mountain College Museum offers contemporary and historic exhibitions, events, and research opportunities for the community.

We dropped in one afternoon and toured the current art exhibitions. Small but worth a quick visit, you can budget about 30 minutes here.

Please consider leaving a small donation. The museum is free to enter.

54. Day trip to Knoxville, TN

A little under two hours away, we enjoy spending a day or even an overnight in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Like Asheville, Knoxville has a historic downtown filled with distilleries, breweries, bookstores, and endless fun.

The last time we went, we ice-skated in the historic square around the holidays.

Our good friend, Clayton, runs a Knoxville travel blog, KnoxRoadTripper. He shares all that there is to love about the city – and he’s full of unique tidbits and history.

55. Ride coasters at Dollywood

One of the best Asheville things to do for rollercoaster lovers is to head to Tennessee.

Our friend Justin introduced us to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, if you are Dolly-obsessed, this theme park is for you.

Find rides, southern cuisine, live shows, and everything Dolly Parton.

Plus, Pigeon Forge itself makes for a great day trip with its waterparks, Parrot Mountain and Gardens, the Titanic Museum, breweries, wineries, and zip-lining.

Where To Stay In Asheville

Explore the best places to stay in Asheville. A few of our top suggestions:

• Aloft – Downtown Asheville – Centrally located and recently renovated, enjoy a rooftop pool, a gorgeous bar, and trendy rooms.
  
• The Omni Grove Park Inn – Treat yourself to a luxury resort in North Asheville, complete with breathtaking sunsets, terrace bars and dining, and loads of Asheville history.
  
• Hampton Inn And Suites Asheville Biltmore Area – A budget-friendly but renovated hotel on busier Brevard Road that’s perfect if you wish to stay between Biltmore Estate, Downtown Asheville, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
  
• Asheville Cottages – Gorgeous 1 to 3-bedroom cottages with a private deck, housing a grill and hot tub. Find luxurious heated-floor bathrooms with rain showers, a well-stocked kitchen, and the cleanest rooms in town.
  
• Foundry Hotel – An oasis in Downtown Asheville, Foundry Hotel is a nod to AVL’s industrial history. Find famous restaurant Benne on Eagle while sleeping ensconced in charm and elegance.
  
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Westgate, NC – Located off of the highway as you enter AVL, find a sleek and clean hotel at a great price. 
  
• Black Walnut B&B Inn – Designed by Biltmore’s supervising architect, Richard Sharp-Smith, this 1899 inn is close to Downtown AVL and serves afternoon tea. Two rooms are pet-friendly.

Don’t miss out on these Asheville properties on Booking.com, too.

Save Your Favorite Asheville Things To Do For Later:

What are your favorite things to do in Asheville, NC?

We know.  We know.  Our best things to do in Asheville, NC list is massive, and every year, it keeps growing as we update our guides.

If you only have 36 hours to spend in Asheville and want to see the blockbusters, we suggest visiting Biltmore Estate, hiking the Craggies or Black Balsam on the Blue Ridge Parkway, heading to a Downtown AVL brewery and restaurant, and waterfall chasing at DuPont.

If you have more time, visit Hendersonville, Lake Junaluska, and Black Mountain.  Attend a local event, like a concert, theater show, or festival.

What are your favorite things to do in Asheville?  Do you have any questions?  Let us know in the comments.

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