.55 Best Things To Do In Asheville, NC From Locals | Uncorked Asheville

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1. Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway · 2. Tour Biltmore Estate · 3. Wander through Downtown Asheville · 4. Visit the Western North Carolina (WNC) Nature Center · 5. Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Asheville, North Carolina ; 1: Appalachian Trail. Appalachian Trail Flickr/daveynin ; 2: Biltmore Estate. Biltmore Estate Flickr/.
 
 

– The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC

There are also demonstrations of crafts that have almost been forgotten since they were brought down from mountain tribes, such as broom-making, cabinetry, 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, turtles, raccoons, otter, and even endangered farm animals.

Events are hosted every now and then throughout the year, and a hiking trail spans the grounds of the center so you can take a nice hike and enjoy the natural atmosphere. Wolfe spoke 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 to 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 local to North Carolina and from all 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 perform 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 gather to join in on 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 has since 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 USA , the Botanical Gardens at Asheville are a delightful mix of habitats for different species of flora. Horticultural displays range from trees to flowers, including many local varieties of plants for a more personal and tailor experience.

Address: W T. Waterfall-lovers will enjoy the Pisgah Ranger District, experienced hikers may love the Grandfather Ranger District, and horseback riders will enjoy the Appalachian District, which is further out and away from the city. In your exploration of this 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 because of hygiene or safety? No Taste Like Home can give you the perfect opportunity for such activities. At No Taste Like Home, expert guides bring you through a forest area that is truly quintessential Asheville.

As far as 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 the 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 certainly 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 they never get very tall.

The Moog Factory is home to the Moog synthesizer, a big brand that left a large imprint on the world 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 by 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. This history gives the spa some added meaning, especially when you catch little bits and pieces of that old history within. Massages, foot soaks, and other relaxing services are provided to help you enjoy peace and serenity during the more hectic periods of your holiday.

Furniture in the form of plush chairs and sofas let you lounge while treatments are provided in rustic but equally opulent bowls of copper, handmade. Water 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 factories that provided unique, expertly crafted drinks special to the local area. 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. Although there are no apple orchards in Asheville proper, there are quite a few options in Hendersonville NC, which is just 25 miles south of the city.

Starting on Labor Day weekend, the farm also features family-friendly activities such as an apple cannon, cow train, and a corn maze you can try to navigate. Formally known as the Basilica of St. Inside, the basilica features elaborate stained glass windows made in Munich , statues of saints made in Italy , a marble altar from Tennessee , and a wood carving of the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle made in Spain. Walk-in visits are permitted during the hours posted on their website, and self-guided tours of the basilica are free though donations are always appreciated.

Horseback riding is a great way to immerse yourself in natural beauty Asheville has to offer, and the Biltmore Equestrian Center offers private two-hour tours.

Outdoor play areas offer all kinds of interesting and engaging natural things to do that will appeal to kids of all ages. Kids can also try their luck at finding that special rock at the gem and mining sluice for an additional fee. After exploring, take a rest and catch one of the many animal programs that let you get up close with snakes, turtles, and even otters.

Outdoor exhibits include a variety of habitats, which are home to native species like otter, turtles, endangered farm animals, raccoons, and foxes. The Appalachian Predators habitat is the park’s largest, housing a bobcat, coyotes, grey wolves, and the critically endangered red wolf. The nature center also has a hiking trail suitable for all ages, and offers special programs and events throughout the year. Walking around, touring studios, and grabbing a bite to eat are three of the best things to do in the RAD.

If you need a signature piece of art, this is the place to come. Innovative artisans from around the country descended on this area and have made it a hotbed of craftsmanship. Over artists work in various mediums including, but not limited to, metal, pottery, paint, glass, and paper.

The area hosts Studio Stroll Weekends, and a free trolley runs on certain Saturdays. Something is usually going on, so check their website for the latest news.

Bonsai Tree at the North Carolina Arboretum. The North Carolina Arboretum features over 65 acres of cultivated gardens, which are home to a diverse range of plants. The Heritage Garden will be interesting to those who want to learn more about traditional uses for plants, including medicinal and functional applications, and the Quilt Garden is maintained in homage to Appalachian quilting traditions. This acre natural escape offers outdoor activities and 10 miles of hiking trails, and the center offers guided trail walks, self-guided mobile device tours, and geocaching.

The arboretum also hosts traveling exhibits and special events. Old covered bridge in the Botanical Gardens of Asheville. For another escape in the natural world, the Botanical Gardens of Asheville are a series of immaculately tended gardens bursting with color and scent. The horticultural displays focus on local flowering plants and trees, many of which are unique to the state. The gardens are open year-round, but peak bloom seasons are generally during mid-April and mid-August.

Families will want to stop at the visitor center to pick up Investigation Passports for the kids, a fun way to engage younger ones in learning about the plants they will see. There are also classes and topic-focused walks put on throughout the year for varied ages. This non-profit organization is free and open to the public, so be sure to stop by the on-site gift shop for a memento. The Pisgah National Forest covers more than , acres and is one of the first designated national forests in the country.

Within the park, there are multiple day-use areas that offer a variety of amenities and activities, including swimming, trails, and boat ramps. Multiple camping areas are also found throughout the park. Visitors will find numerous geological landmarks including Table Rock , the Chimneys , and Linville Gorge , as well as the Forest Discovery Center located near the town of Brevard.

Other highlights include guided nature hikes and seasonal interpretive programs and activities like horseback riding, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and rock climbing. Expanding on the scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway , the National Heritage Area includes the communities and scenic byways, which add to the area’s cultural richness.

In addition to scenic drives, hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities, the area has a myriad of things to do. Within driving distance of Asheville, you’ll find farmers markets, local festivals and events, theaters, and gemstone quarries. There are also several opportunities to learn more about the history and culture of the Cherokee and other natives who first occupied the land.

During peak tourist season, there is a Cherokee Bonfire series and Cherokee Artisan shows, and in the town of Cherokee, you can find a museum dedicated to the culture, as well as the Oconaluftee Indian Village. The antebellum mansion currently functions as a history museum, restored with period furniture from the 19th century and decorative arts. The elegant brick building was once also the home for local mayors and a Civil War major.

The childhood home of the famous American author, this Victorian house is the former Old Kentucky Boarding House, once operated by Wolfe’s mother. The house is featured in several of Wolfe’s works, most notably the largely autobiographical Look Homeward, Angel. Pack Place. It is a center for Asheville’s flourishing artistic and musical pursuits. Among these attractions, you will have your pick of art, science, and performing arts.

The Asheville Museum of Art focuses on American pieces from the 20th century onwards. At the Colburn Earth Science Museum, topical and science-focused exhibits are often hands-on making them ideal and engaging for kids. And the Diana Wortham Theatre holds regular performances, spanning dance, theater, and music.

Top attractions near asheville nc.

 
15 Best Things To Do in Asheville, NC · #1. View all Photos · Blue Ridge Parkway · #2. View all Photos. Pisgah National Forest · #3. View all. Visit Asheville, NC with our guide to the top things to do in the mountains—Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, live music, waterfalls, downtown Asheville. But our favorite aspect of Asheville is the fact that it’s surrounded by wilderness, including ecotourism attractions such as Great Smoky.