25 Best Things To Do In Asheville, NC (And Nearby!) You Must Do – Southern Trippers – Things to do in Asheville, NC:

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Open all year and just minutes from downtown Asheville. See our feature. Go to their website. Nantahala Outdoor Center offers whitewater rafting trips on the French Broad River just outside of Asheville, or just a short drive is acres of family-friendly adventure near Bryson City with over itineraries of river and land-based activities like rafting, kayaking, zip lines, ropes courses, mountain biking, hiking and more. Stroll through a variety of gardens and on peaceful woodland trails, located in Asheville adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Don’t miss their impressive bonsai garden exhibit and many special events during the year. Free parking. Downtown’s quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries and general store take you back to a more leisurely time. Each summer, Folkmoot U. On summer Friday nights, come down for the Mountain Street Dances. Soak away your stress in a private hot tub under a canopy of trees, dip into an invigorating cold plunge and relax in the cedar sauna.

After your soak, get a customized massage and a variety of treatments. Located just ten minutes from downtown Asheville. Just 22 minutes from Asheville, Navitat Canopy Adventures is a world-class eco-adventure with huge ziplines traversing a secluded acre mountain cove with 1, ft of elevation change. Fly above the treetops on zip lines up to ft high, from ft to 3, ft long and at speeds up to 65 mph! Rappel, walk suspended sky bridges and see panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The largest downtown in western North Carolina outside of Asheville is filled with historic buildings and updated streetscapes with flowers and art. Find many spots for outdoor dining and a big variety of quality shops and galleries along a six-block stretch of Main Street. Experience a unique oasis in Asheville, a salt-enriched microclimate that allows the body and mind to gain relaxation and balance. The power of salt therapy has been known for centuries. Plus, get a hot salt stone massage and other spa treatments.

Read more in our full-page feature on the Salt Cave. Take the most fun city tour ever in a bright purple bus full of laughter! Through captivating stories, comedy skits, and an enthralling musical soundscape, experience Asheville’s history, current culture, and counterculture with their minute interactive bus tours that depart from downtown. Haunted and beer tours, too! Stop by their big Tasting Room to sample 15 brews every day of the week, along with live music and many outdoor concerts.

Take a minute guided tour of the fascinating brewing and packaging process. Easy parking. One of the few museums in the country dedicated to felines. Near Dillsboro. Sample wines in the Tasting Room, included in admission to Biltmore Estate. Enjoy specialty tastings and a variety of tours. Shop for all the Biltmore wines and plenty of gift items. Located in Antler Hill Village, it’s open late every day.

Located at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park in Yancey County, this nationally recognized observatory is open to the public for degree views of the moon, planets, and stars through custom-built telescopes. Each 2-hour stargazing session offers a chance for visitors to learn more about the night sky.

This historic building houses 30 local shops, restaurants, and lifestyle services. Their Makers Market, an open air market featuring local artisans, is open daily. Grove Arcade is pet-friendly and offers free public WiFi.

Picturesque Main Street has many local shops, restaurants, galleries, brewery, museums and favorite O. Taylor toy store. This is the Land of the Waterfalls with hiking, biking and famous Sliding Rock.

Enjoy professional theatre in the heart of downtown Asheville with world-class productions in a very intimate setting only seats! They also host concerts and other events, so there’s something happening almost every weekend. Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee, NC offers a variety of ways to experience the cultural heritage and long history of the tribe. Watch “Unto These Hills. Asheville Picnic Company caters to your adventurous spirit!

The souvenir food baskets are curated with you in mind and filled with local favorites, allowing you to truly experience the taste of Asheville while on the go! Explore more with Asheville Picnic in hand! Experience a fun-filled rafting adventure with knowledgeable guides or choose a milder calmwater trip in the heart of the scenic valley near Hot Springs. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor experiences.

Half and full-day trips. This former NASA campus in Pisgah National Forest is now a fascinating space and science center open for camps, events and occasional tours. See exhibit galleries, a gem and meteorite collection, hands-on research and star gazing nights. Previously called Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute.

Stroll through downtown shops and galleries, visit craft breweries and enjoy great restaurants. Take the Catawba Valley Wine Trail. Watch horse jumping competitions with the best riders in the country at this amazing new world-class equestrian resort south of Asheville. Free admission to many events. Find a big variety of great restaurants, hotel, spa, shopping and more. North Carolina’s only natural limestone caverns feature stalactite, stalagmite formations and an underground stream.

Guided tours. Come and enjoy the atmosphere and bounty of the mountains. The retail area features displays of high-quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey and dozens of other farm-fresh items. The market is open year-round, seven days a week. Learn pottery skills from this husband and wife team in their quaint, professional pottery studio!

In 2 hour lessons, guests will make 4 pieces, including a turn on the wheel. Choose from 8 finishing colors and have your pieces shipped to you once completed. No experience necessary! This is the novelist’s boyhood home and setting for “Look Homeward, Angel. Market Street. Hike the Appalachian Trail at Max Patch or Lover’s Leap, soak in natural hot springs, go horseback riding, raft down whitewater rapids, ski, bike, fish, camp and explore the unspoiled mountains just north of Asheville.

Of hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, we picked the most spectacular falls that are easy to find. Some can be enjoyed with a short walk or even roadside. Others require a scenic hike. See full descriptions for each, with plenty of photos!

From casual to sophisticated, there are many restaurants for all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs throughout the mountains. See our top picks for dining in Asheville. Explore the most visited national park in the country! Four entrances to the Park are within 60 miles of downtown Asheville. Some working artists have set up shop in the River Arts District.

Drive a little, walk a little to visit studios and galleries. Find an amazing variety of art and see how the artists create it. It’s just a few miles from downtown Asheville and Biltmore Estate. Be a kid again and splash around in a cool mountain swimming hole. Ride down Sliding Rock, swim under a waterfall, sun on a mountain beach or pristine lake, or spend a lazy day tubing down a river. Explore a big variety of very interesting museums and historic places in Asheville and the surrounding mountain small towns, filled with the fascinating history and culture of the Appalachian Mountains.

Many are free to visit. Fly above the trees and experience the mountains’ natural beauty from a bird’s perspective. No experience is needed. Canopy guides provide all instruction and assistance. It’s fun for all fitness levels! This tiny town of residents is perhaps best known for its hot mineral springs. Located north of Asheville at the junction of the Appalachian Trail goes right through downtown and the French Broad River.

Hike from town up to Lover’s Leap for a great view of the town. Enjoy plenty of fishing spots, whether novice or experienced. Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes and classes geared toward women. Drive the Parkway north or south from Asheville and quickly climb the Blue Ridge Mountain ridge to see breathtaking vistas.

Our mile-by-mile guide of the Parkway covers the mile section near Asheville. Along the way, plan to stop to visit the Folk Art Center or discover one of the other fun things to do along one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Relax and rejuvenate as you get pampered at a spa. From natural hot springs to world-class destination spas, there are plenty of choices.

We have been a destination for wellness for centuries. Also, find a mecca for holistic and alternative wellness. In recent years, Asheville has become a well-known destination for travelers seeking holistic and alternative wellness. Find many fun, friendly wineries for sampling local wines, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery at their vineyards. Many are located near each other – perfect for visiting several in a day.

Gem mining has been a favorite activity for visitors to the mountains of North Carolina for many years. Most gem mines in the Asheville and Franklin areas are open from spring through autumn. Also tour several gem and mineral museums.

Hike, mountain bike or horseback ride a multitude of trails to see many waterfalls and lakes on 10, acres. Plus, picnic on mountaintops and swim at Hooker Falls. Visitor center, free admission. There are numerous Biltmore tour options, included self-guided and audio tours of the house , gardens , winery, and rooftop, as well as tours just for kids.

There are also endless outdoor activities on the 8,acre estate, ranging from biking, hiking, and kayaking to falconry, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and sporting clays. The Red Wolf is one of the most critically endangered canid species in the world.

There are now around in the wild, and others in captivity. One of our favorite things to do in Asheville is visit the acre Western North Carolina Nature Center , which connects people with the native plants and animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their beloved wolves have been known to howl in unison when the mood strikes.

Downtown Asheville has an astounding array of critically acclaimed restaurants for a square-mile mountain town with a population of less than , people. Looking for more exotic fare? The French Broad River winds its way right through the heart of Asheville.

The river is lined with lush, verdant parks that are perfect for picnics and recreation. Rafting the French Broad River is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville with kids, or a group of friends. The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been offering guided white water rafting trips here longer than anyone else. They have half-day tours that are aimed at beginners ages 8 and up. There are also full-day, 8-mile, intermediate tours that tackle more challenging Class IV rapids.

This is a great river for kayaking in the off-season, when the water is high and tourist traffic on the French Broad River is relatively low. Now the area is the creative home to more than artists working in a broad variety of mediums. Visitors looking for a weekend getaway immersed in culture will find excellent shopping opportunities in countless galleries occupying 22 former industrial buildings along a one-mile stretch of the tranquil French Broad River. Located just southeast of Asheville, the area surrounding the Green River Gorge boasts some of the most biodiverse forest in the eastern United States.

But for a change of pace, try canyoneering, one of the most adrenaline-pumping things to do in Asheville. Green River Adventures offers two options for rappelling. At 70 feet tall, the Little Bradley Waterfall is perfect for youngsters aged 12 and up and first-timers.

Big Bradley Falls, at feet, is more challenging, and recommended for thrill-seekers ages 15 and up. Both tours include expert instruction and plenty of practice time. It may be a mountain town, but Asheville can still get extremely hot during the dog days of summer. But the very first Asheville brewery, Highland Brewing Company, was founded back in and remains one of the best breweries in Asheville. Guided walking tours of the facilities— one of the best free things to do in Asheville— are available every day of the week.

The original Asheville beer tour is offered 3 times a day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each lasts around 45 minutes, and include a beer tasting to celebrate the occasion. They also offer private tours. Email [email protected] for more information. Elk once roamed these North Carolina hills by the thousands, but they were all killed off by hunters in the s.

Thanks to a reintroduction program, there are now over Cataloochee Elk in the park. The Cataloochee Valley which is surrounded by picturesque foot peaks is easily the best place to see them. These massive megafauna can often be found grazing along the road into the park. But park volunteers can typically tell you where the herd was spotted last. Putting an eco-friendly spin on typical zipline tours , Navitat Canopy Adventures speaks for the trees and encourages their guests to respect the beauty of nature.

Treetop Tour participants must weigh between 90 and pounds. The Mountaintop Tour is bigger, higher and faster. It boasts one zip measuring 3, feet long and feet high, going at speeds up to 65 mph. Mountaintop Tour participants must weight between 70 and pounds.

Adrenaline junkies will love The Ultimate Adventure Tour, which combines both packages for six hours of invigorating action and incredible Blue Ridge mountain views. When it comes to free things to do in Asheville, NC, just sitting and watching the wonderfully eclectic array of people milling about in Pack Square Park was easily our favorite. Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, the park was created in and named for lumber tycoon George Willis Pack who died just six years later.

You can see everything from indie book and record stores to trendy clothing boutiques, an old-timey general store, lively brewpubs and more in a span of just a few blocks. The Linville River is situated approximately 1, feet below the ridge, so hiking Linville Gorge is most enjoyable for those who like a somewhat strenuous challenge.

In addition to bears, foxes, raccoons, hawks, and other wildlife , the area is also a haven for fly fishing in North Carolina. Anglers come here from all over the US, hoping to hook their limit of well-stocked brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Hiking down into Linville Gorge is an intense, all-day affair. One of the first national forests in the eastern United States, Pisgah National Forest encompasses more than , acres of the southern Appalachian Mountains.

This gorgeous haven offers lots of things to do near Asheville NC for hiking, camping and mountain biking enthusiasts. Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures offers half-day, full-day, multi-day, and even nighttime tours guided by locals who know the area like the back of their hand.

Best of all, they can customize your Pisgah mountain bike adventure to match your style and ability, whether you prefer climbing, downhill, or single-track riding! Check out Rumbling Bald Mountain, which features 1, acres of world class technical rock climbing and around 1, boulders to conquer. All are easily accessible by car. Stretching miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway attracts more than 15 million annual visitors a year.

The world-renowned scenic route passes through Asheville, making it easy to explore the remarkable array of majestic mountains , lush valleys, and fertile forests that surround the city. But there are loads of breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks , not to mention many noteworthy landmarks.

There are also plenty of Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails to explore, many of which lead to wondrous waterfalls. The shortest is of them all is also the most rewarding. The trek to the summit from the parking lot is moderately strenuous due to the sharp incline. The park also offers loads of camping options, a restaurant and concession stand, and an exceptional picnic area that includes 40 tables and two shelters with fireplaces.

Fun things to do near asheville north carolina – fun things to do near asheville north carolina.38 Best & Fun Things To Do Asheville (North Carolina)

It offers many great stops along the road in the form of pull-offs that encourage drivers to witness the glory of the scenery surrounding them. Hiking and biking trails onrth also littered throughout, making for easy places to stretch your legs and get some exercise in during this long drive. The Blue Ridge Parkway is busiest in the fall months thanks to the beautiful leaves as they turn orange in the neqr.

Mid-summer is also a good time thinvs try visiting tp you want a less crowded but still enriching experience. Even better, mid-summer is when a lot of asheivlle flowers can be seen dotting the parkway, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and laurels. A trip to the River Arts District is a must-do for artists and art enthusiasts. True to the free-spirited nature of Asheville, the River Arts District is made up of 22 buildings of historical or previous industrial aheville.

A cotton mill, a tannery, and all sorts of other fascinating spaces by the French Broad River fill the district with an old-fashioned atmosphere, offset by the modernity of the art found. Walking through the River Arts District will let you feast your eyes on works created by over different artists, ranging from paintings to ceramics and from photography to textiles.

Even hand-crafted jewelry and more lovely souvenirs can be found here, and you на этой странице get to meet some of the artists behind them! Local artists enjoy talking about their work but caroliha note funn studio operating hours if you want to meet them. Studio Strolls is an exciting event where a free trolley acrolina takes guests across multiple different studios, all open for the special occasion!

Looking for one of the best places to go on vacation? No trip to Asheville is complete without a stop at Biltmore Estate. It is cited as the biggest privately owned house not just fun things to do near asheville north carolina – fun things to do near asheville north carolina North Carolina, but in all of the country. The home eventually expanded its uses, with a winery being built in the s and hotels being ashevulle up in the s.

Finished init boasts an opulent French Renaissance design and a whopping rooms, including 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms. Many secret passages hidden behind trick doors are scattered about the home, some of which are available to tour.

Meanwhile, the outside consists of 8, acres of garden, with 2. Each season hosts different events, ranging from regal Christmas displays to beautiful spring blooms. Essentially, the Folk Art Center is an eclectic exhibit of all sorts caroljna arts and crafts made locally, not just from Asheville but across the Appalachian region. It was created during the Great Depression in in order to help create a market for artists and their work across norgh area — though it does have roots all the way back to the s.

The goal of the Folk Art Center is to promote handmade works that combine traditional and contemporary elements, some dating all the way back to the 19tch century. Three galleries showcase all sorts of handicrafts, ranging from sculptures to woodworking, from paintings to glass, and from quilts to jewelry. There are also demonstrations of crafts that have almost been forgotten since they were brought down from mountain tribes, such as broom-making, ro, and weaving.

The facility covers 42 acres and is dedicated to an educational mission: to teach the public about the habitats, diversity, and variation of the everyday life of mammals in Asheville and beyond. The indoor exhibits of the nature center include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and the very interesting World Underground exhibit that discusses what exists beneath the ground. The outdoor exhibits, on the other hand, are dedicated to local species, like foxes, детальнее на этой странице, raccoons, otter, and carlina endangered farm animals.

Events are hosted every now and then throughout the year, and a hiking trail spans the grounds of the center so aheville can take a nice hike and enjoy the natural atmosphere. Wolfe ashevillle of the home unflatteringly: a cheaply-made house, as he called it, with dirt yellow paint and a broken-down look.

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, housed in that former boarding house, is amazing for fans of the novel because of the accuracy with which he described each room. The Grove Arcade was one of the first indoor shopping malls in all of the country, which makes it a unique mix of historical and fun on this list of places things to in asheville nc june go in the city of Asheville. The Gray Line Trolley is an amazing way to see all the tourist attractions and activities that the city has to offer.

Grovewood Gallery is housed in a building that was once the woodworking and weaving factory for Biltmore Industries — a name you likely remember from another one of the places to visit in the city of Asheville, Biltmore Estate. Now, Grovewood Gallery is home to crafts of all kinds from contemporary artists, both nodth to North Carolina and from caroina across the country.

More than creators have their work on display here, and there are sculpture gardens outside that promote a peaceful and calming environment. Visting other areas of North Carolina? This group of drummers gathers every week without fail — except in the winter — in Pritchard Park. While there, together, they state fair yakima hours an impressive set of impromptu jams that fill the park and the areas near it with joyful music.

They bring dunduns, djembes, congas, shekeres, and other percussion instruments to create catchy beats and flowing rhythms.

Usually, a crowd of interested audience members and excited dancers will slowly нажмите чтобы увидеть больше to join in ashevi,le the fun and entertainment.

The Pritchard Park Drum Circle is said to congregate in order to keep Asheville, North Carolina weird, which is quite a lovely thought. The tradition began with just 10 drummers in and carolinq fun things to do near asheville north carolina – fun things to do near asheville north carolina grown to showcase cultural diversity, teach classes, and entertain the public.

The Asheville Museum Of Science is a small and humble but very fun location. The most loved parts of this museum are very varied, providing lots of different experiences in one. Termed as one of the most beautiful places in the USAthe Botanical Gardens at Asheville are a delightful fun things to do near asheville north carolina – fun things to do near asheville north carolina of habitats for different species of flora.

Horticultural displays range from trees adheville flowers, including many local varieties of plants for a more personal and ashevile experience. Address: W T. Waterfall-lovers will enjoy the Pisgah Ranger District, fun things to do near asheville north carolina – fun things to do near asheville north carolina hikers may love the Grandfather Ranger District, and horseback riders will enjoy the Appalachian District, which is further out and away from the city.

Norgh your exploration of nearr natural Asheville location, you can go on guided hikes or participate in programs that change seasonally. Day-use areas are scattered throughout the forest, with amenities and options to keep the whole family busy. Trails, swimming spots, boat ramps, showers, and camping areas are all available to use and try out.

All in all, there is plenty to do — but do note that you need a camping permit if you want to set up camp here! What better way to get a taste — pun intended — of this town than through Asheville Food Tours? You will visit seven different locations, each one wisely selected, from normal eateries to food stores and to fancy restaurants.

Have you ever wanted to forage for your own food, but have been too anxious to start carollina of hygiene or safety? No Taste Like Home can give you the perfect opportunity for such activities. At No Taste Like Home, expert fun things to do near asheville north carolina – fun things to do near asheville north carolina bring you through a forest area that is truly quintessential Asheville.

As far norrth Asheville attractions go, No Taste Like Home is not very typical, but you can probably see the great appeal to it! Wacky hijinks ensue throughout tuings ride as the bus shows you what to see in the downtown portion of Asheville — edutainment at its finest!

Expect silly slapstick comedy, ridiculous costumes, and jokes throughout each ninety-minute bus ride. The big purple bus is here to make an impression and it will caroljna do just that while managing to teach you about history, too! The Craggy Gardens are a delightful spot that offers the best things to see for plant-lovers and nature enthusiasts in general, especially those who love rare plants.

More than 20 threatened or endangered flora types are grown and displayed here in these amazing Asheville, North Carolina gardens. The trees are quite unique thanks to the high winds faced in this part of Asheville, which means they only have vegetation growing on one side of them and нажмите чтобы узнать больше never get very tall. The Moog Factory is thins to the Moog synthesizer, a big brand that left a large imprint on the thinga of entertainment and music composition when it emerged in the s.

The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa is considered one of the places to visit for relaxation in Asheville, thanks to being famous not just in North Carolina but all across the nation for being one of the most highly-rated spas of its kind.

The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa has steam rooms packed with relaxing scents, contract pools to relax in, and lounges читать далее fireplaces, all provided for on a huge service menu. The design of the spa is pretty impeccable and fun, with a 6,star ceiling made with fiber optics, music that plays underground, and two waterfalls. Small wedding venues near nashville history gives the spa some added meaning, especially when you catch caroliha bits and pieces of that old history within.

Ashevilel, foot soaks, and other relaxing services are provided to help you enjoy peace and serenity during the more hectic periods of вами best public schools for autism in houston texas только holiday. Furniture in the form of plush chairs and sofas let you asehville while treatments are provided in rustic but equally opulent bowls of copper, handmade.

Carolins is perfumed with delightfully calming fragrances that engage the senses without overwhelming them. Despite having only a population of 90, it has multiple beer breweries and aeheville that provided unique, expertly crafted drinks special to the local area. One brewery to stop by is Wicked Weedwhich has a delightful Funktorium taproom praised for its industrial-chic charm. It specializes in sour beers and has a gift shop where you can purchase beers by their pH level and barrel type.

Head down to the Pack Square Cultural District, which is where all the art of Asheville comes together. The intimate setting of the seat establishment and the wide variety of norfh make this a wonderful place to catch something exciting that everyone will enjoy! The Asheville Urban Trail spans 1. The tour is self-guided and takes you through five different eras in time, ranging from the very beginning of the Gilded Age to the current age, called the Age of Diversity.

It takes about two hours to complete the self-guided tour, which feels a little like a scavenger hunt in many ways. The one sculpture you must make a point to find your way to with the tour travel guide is the Flat Nfar Sculpture, named after the Flatiron building, by local artist Reed Todd. It was set up in as a bit of a joking nod to the flatiron buildings popping up in the early s.

This sculpture is a part of the Asheville Public Art Collection and is known in Neag Carolina for its unorthodox, tongue-in-cheek nature! Designed by Rafael Guastavino, gun Spanish architect who worked on the Biltmore Estate, indoo is a mark of the 20th-century prosperity that the city and its wealthiest residents enjoyed. Guastavino worked with fellow Biltmore architect Richard Sharp Smith to create what he felt the city needed: an opulent and grand Ho church.

Religious artifacts live inside, from German stained glass windows to Italian statues and even a marble frescoed high altar. Keen to explore other areas of North Carolina?

Why not check out some of the places to visit in Greensboro, NC? The reason Pink Dog Creative is one of fun things to do near asheville north carolina – fun things to do near asheville north carolina best artistic Asheville attractions is that artists here open their studios for two days every week.

It is an interactive location that is читать полностью of the most fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina. Caroolina showcases artifacts and information regarding the life and times fuh Bob Moog, or Robert Arthur Moog, who had a huge impact on the electronic music scene with his synthesizers. He would also invent concepts for the synth, like envelope generation, voltage control, pitch wheel, and modularity — all key fundamentals now!

Moog began working on his synthesizer back in and it quickly skyrocketed to popularity — especially inwhen it was used in a Grammy-winning album.

Moog passed away in and, a year later, his family established the Bob Moog Foundation to retain and pass on his legacy. Exhibits are interactive and involve multiple senses, with visualization showcases, playable exhibits, and educational info about how electricity can make sound. For unique activities and unorthodox stuff to do, check out the Asheville Mystery Museum. It is made from a caarolina of curiosities set up by Joshua P. Warren, a paranormal investigator whose name you may recognize from his fictional counterpart in The Conjuring series of horror movies.

– Fun things to do near asheville north carolina – fun things to do near asheville north carolina

For a medium-sized North Carolina mountain town with a population of under ,, there is a surprising wealth of unique things to do in Asheville NC. There are also countless critically-acclaimed restaurants , with lots of craft breweries and farm-to-table fare. Thanks to sound city planning, many of the best Asheville hotels are within walking distance of its major attractions. There are numerous Biltmore tour options, included self-guided and audio tours of the house , gardens , winery, and rooftop, as well as tours just for kids.

There are also endless outdoor activities on the 8,acre estate, ranging from biking, hiking, and kayaking to falconry, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and sporting clays.

The Red Wolf is one of the most critically endangered canid species in the world. There are now around in the wild, and others in captivity. One of our favorite things to do in Asheville is visit the acre Western North Carolina Nature Center , which connects people with the native plants and animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their beloved wolves have been known to howl in unison when the mood strikes.

Downtown Asheville has an astounding array of critically acclaimed restaurants for a square-mile mountain town with a population of less than , people. Looking for more exotic fare?

The French Broad River winds its way right through the heart of Asheville. The river is lined with lush, verdant parks that are perfect for picnics and recreation. Rafting the French Broad River is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville with kids, or a group of friends. The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been offering guided white water rafting trips here longer than anyone else.

They have half-day tours that are aimed at beginners ages 8 and up. There are also full-day, 8-mile, intermediate tours that tackle more challenging Class IV rapids. This is a great river for kayaking in the off-season, when the water is high and tourist traffic on the French Broad River is relatively low. Now the area is the creative home to more than artists working in a broad variety of mediums. Visitors looking for a weekend getaway immersed in culture will find excellent shopping opportunities in countless galleries occupying 22 former industrial buildings along a one-mile stretch of the tranquil French Broad River.

Located just southeast of Asheville, the area surrounding the Green River Gorge boasts some of the most biodiverse forest in the eastern United States.

But for a change of pace, try canyoneering, one of the most adrenaline-pumping things to do in Asheville. Green River Adventures offers two options for rappelling. At 70 feet tall, the Little Bradley Waterfall is perfect for youngsters aged 12 and up and first-timers. Big Bradley Falls, at feet, is more challenging, and recommended for thrill-seekers ages 15 and up. Both tours include expert instruction and plenty of practice time. It may be a mountain town, but Asheville can still get extremely hot during the dog days of summer.

But the very first Asheville brewery, Highland Brewing Company, was founded back in and remains one of the best breweries in Asheville.

Guided walking tours of the facilities— one of the best free things to do in Asheville— are available every day of the week. The original Asheville beer tour is offered 3 times a day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Each lasts around 45 minutes, and include a beer tasting to celebrate the occasion. They also offer private tours. Email [email protected] for more information. Elk once roamed these North Carolina hills by the thousands, but they were all killed off by hunters in the s.

Thanks to a reintroduction program, there are now over Cataloochee Elk in the park. The Cataloochee Valley which is surrounded by picturesque foot peaks is easily the best place to see them. These massive megafauna can often be found grazing along the road into the park.

But park volunteers can typically tell you where the herd was spotted last. Putting an eco-friendly spin on typical zipline tours , Navitat Canopy Adventures speaks for the trees and encourages their guests to respect the beauty of nature. Treetop Tour participants must weigh between 90 and pounds. The Mountaintop Tour is bigger, higher and faster. It boasts one zip measuring 3, feet long and feet high, going at speeds up to 65 mph.

Mountaintop Tour participants must weight between 70 and pounds. Adrenaline junkies will love The Ultimate Adventure Tour, which combines both packages for six hours of invigorating action and incredible Blue Ridge mountain views. When it comes to free things to do in Asheville, NC, just sitting and watching the wonderfully eclectic array of people milling about in Pack Square Park was easily our favorite. Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, the park was created in and named for lumber tycoon George Willis Pack who died just six years later.

You can see everything from indie book and record stores to trendy clothing boutiques, an old-timey general store, lively brewpubs and more in a span of just a few blocks. The Linville River is situated approximately 1, feet below the ridge, so hiking Linville Gorge is most enjoyable for those who like a somewhat strenuous challenge.

In addition to bears, foxes, raccoons, hawks, and other wildlife , the area is also a haven for fly fishing in North Carolina. Anglers come here from all over the US, hoping to hook their limit of well-stocked brown, brook, and rainbow trout.

Hiking down into Linville Gorge is an intense, all-day affair. One of the first national forests in the eastern United States, Pisgah National Forest encompasses more than , acres of the southern Appalachian Mountains.

This gorgeous haven offers lots of things to do near Asheville NC for hiking, camping and mountain biking enthusiasts.

Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures offers half-day, full-day, multi-day, and even nighttime tours guided by locals who know the area like the back of their hand. Best of all, they can customize your Pisgah mountain bike adventure to match your style and ability, whether you prefer climbing, downhill, or single-track riding! Check out Rumbling Bald Mountain, which features 1, acres of world class technical rock climbing and around 1, boulders to conquer. All are easily accessible by car.

Stretching miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway attracts more than 15 million annual visitors a year. The world-renowned scenic route passes through Asheville, making it easy to explore the remarkable array of majestic mountains , lush valleys, and fertile forests that surround the city.

But there are loads of breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks , not to mention many noteworthy landmarks. There are also plenty of Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails to explore, many of which lead to wondrous waterfalls.

The shortest is of them all is also the most rewarding. The trek to the summit from the parking lot is moderately strenuous due to the sharp incline. The park also offers loads of camping options, a restaurant and concession stand, and an exceptional picnic area that includes 40 tables and two shelters with fireplaces.

Located less than 40 miles from Asheville near Brevard NC , Blue Ridge Parkway milepost offers a chance to see two excellent attractions in one stop. Looking Glass Rock is named for the fact that it often ices over in winter, reflecting sunlight from its stony summit.

The Looking Glass Rock Trail gains 1, feet of elevation in 3. So you could reach the summit and be back to your car in hours. Devoted to education, research, conservation, and garden demonstrations, the Arboretum offers an array of activities, including various educational programs, tours, and events. There are 7 main garden areas. The Heritage Garden features plants used in medicinal herbs and crafts; the Quilt Garden features Appalachian-style floral designs; and the Plants of Promise Garden demonstrates landscaping design with flora and stone.

The town of 14, people is beloved for its climate, gorgeous scenery, rich history, and many parks. In an effort to help Appalachian women who wove traditional quilts, she founded the Allanstand Craft Shop around They opened the Folk Art Center in , with three galleries, a library, an auditorium, and the historic Allanstand Craft Shop. Properly known as the Botanical Gardens at Asheville , the tranquil nature sanctuary is located on the grounds of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, but operates as an independent non-profit.

It was established in on abandoned timberland that had been badly eroded. Today there are more than species of native plants found in the garden, which has a gurgling creek running through it as well as some great spots for a picnic. We saw tons of North Carolina wildflowers and flowering trees during our visit, including trillium, flame azaleas, and Eastern redbuds. It was another one of our favorite free things to do in Asheville NC. Thomas Wolfe Memorial is the boyhood home of the legendary author.

Tom, who lived there for 10 years before enrolling at UNC, adapted colorful stories of his family, friends, and boarders into the fictionalized novel. Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost , less than 7 miles from Downtown Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the history of the route.

There are themed exhibits on everything from Blue Ridge flora and fauna to Cherokee history , traditional Appalachian culture, and the construction of the Parkway which lasted from to The Visitor Center features a foot, interactive digital map of the Parkway, as well as an award-winning minute film that offers an excellent overview of the history and nature that make the BRP so special.

It ultimately connects to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail , which stretches 1, miles from the North Carolina mountains to its coast. One of our favorite memories from our latest trip to Asheville was a magnificent picnic we shared while watching the sunset at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center. Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost Note that it can get quite windy and cold up there, with an elevation of approximately 5, feet. So this excellent Asheville attraction brought back loads of nostalgic arcade memories.

They also offer adult beverages such as beer some from local breweries , as well as snacks and sodas. As we search for a Blue Ridge Mountain town to call home, Weaverville NC would be at the top of our list if real estate prices were not a factor. Located 8 miles from downtown Asheville, Weaverville population 4, feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the burgeoning metropolis. There are lots of fun things to do in Weaverville NC, including an array of downtown parks, great restaurants , historical museums , and cultural attractions.

From weekly drum circles in Pritchard Park to decades of killer concerts at the Orange Peel, Asheville is known as one of the hippest music towns in the Blue Ridge region.

The Moog Store and Moogseum both offer great opportunities to learn more about this iconic inventor and his enduring influence on the evolution of popular music. The Moog Store is offering small group sessions by appt only that include a brief history of Moog Music, demos of historically significant instruments, and more. Located on a picturesque acre plot of land in Leicester NC about 17 miles from Downtown Asheville , this fourth-generation family farm started focusing on growing grapes back in They have more than 6 acres of grapes planted now, and plan to gradually expand it 10 acres.

You can also purchase their small-batch wines online.