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Shop for all the Biltmore wines and plenty of gift items. Located in Antler Hill Village, it’s open late every day. One of the few museums in the country dedicated to felines. Near Dillsboro. 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. North Carolina’s only natural limestone caverns feature stalactite, stalagmite formations and an underground stream. Guided tours.
Find a big variety of great restaurants, hotel, spa, shopping and more. 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.
Stroll through downtown shops and galleries, visit craft breweries and enjoy great restaurants. Take the Catawba Valley Wine Trail. 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. 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. Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views. Find much to do! Ride the train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad before you explore their downtown shops and galleries, or paddleboard down the river.
Nearby Deep Creek in the Smokies features camping, hiking, trout fishing, and the ever-popular tubing. Raft the Nantahala River. And that’s just the beginning! Take a guided tour for sightseeing, art, wildlife, history, food, beer, waterfalls, wellness and more in Asheville and western North Carolina.
See our list of favorites. Asheville offers a multitude of places to go for live music and dancing any day of the week. There are lots of options if you want to plan a few fun day trips while you are in Western North Carolina. Explore our favorite cool small towns in the NC mountains near Asheville, each with its own personality, local shops and restaurants, friendly residents, and relaxed atmosphere.
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. There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks.
We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and details. Find hikes for all skill levels in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. So many things to do – art, train excursions, heritage sites and more! 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. 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! 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! Spend a day exploring downtown, with hundreds of locally-owned shops and galleries, museums, restaurants, breweries, and pubs.
See our favorite things to do! Meander tree-lined streets, explore 40 unique shops and relax at 10 cafes and restaurants. Most businesses are housed in historic cottages and buildings. Don’t miss the fabulous New Morning Gallery. Visit a gallery to be amazed at a big variety of local art and craft, including glass, paintings, pottery and every other medium you can imagine.
Asheville and the North Carolina mountains are home to hundreds of world-class artists. Here are our favorite galleries to see their creations. 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.
Unwind at one of our favorite downtown Asheville wine bars and great places for cocktails. Find children’s museums and other hands-on learning centers in Asheville and Western NC including STEM-focused, interactive play, science museums, aquariums, and more.
Explore the most visited national park in the country! Four entrances to the Park are within 60 miles of downtown Asheville. Travel back in time with historic cabins, crafters, old logging equipment, guided tours, movies, food and shopping. Home of the first forestry school opened in in America. In Pisgah National Forest. Open mid-April through October. Experience the beauty of Biltmore House and its century-old gardens where the Vanderbilt family once strolled.
Come see why George Vanderbilt chose Asheville as the site for his famous estate. Explore Biltmore’s 8,acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard, taste award-winning wines, dine and shop.
See our extensive guide with many photos and tips. Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views. We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking.
Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. You can even learn how to kayak in the rapids or paddleboard on a lake. This state park has a wide beach with a nice pavilion with changing rooms, open for swimming May-September. Also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing and more.
With more than miles of public hiking trails, including the highest trails in the eastern United States, Burnsville has been called the Hiking Capital of Western North Carolina. Traveling with your dog? See our Pet-Friendly Guide to Asheville and the North Carolina mountains that includes lodging, hiking, Biltmore, kennels, dog parks and more.
Enjoy scenic horseback trail rides in the Asheville area with miles of trails, experienced guides and gentle horses. For the more experience riders, there are hundreds of miles to explore. 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! For a fascinating stroll through history, head to this sprawling cemetery near downtown Asheville, with 87 acres of rolling hills and flower gardens.
The cemetery dates to and holds more than 13, burials and 9, monuments. The largest national forest in North Carolina , acres , Nantahala covers much of the western tip of the state. Find a wealth of outdoor activities and plenty of scenic views, hiking trails and waterfalls. Take a “walk in the woods” in the most scenic sections of the 2,mile Appalachian Trail near Asheville, high in the North Carolina mountains.
See our favorite six-day hikes for all fitness levels. 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! Read and see more! 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 the many outdoor street festivals, art fairs and other events. Most are free, and you can find one about every weekend during the Spring, Summer and Fall in Asheville and the surrounding mountain towns.
So many options for mountain bike riders of all skill levels. Plus, bike the Blue Ridge Parkway or a greenway. Enjoy plenty of fishing spots, whether novice or experienced.
Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes and classes geared toward women. There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks. We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and details. Find hikes for all skill levels in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Bike, jog and walk the Scenic mountain beauty and a pleasant climate provide a magnificent setting for a day of golf in Asheville and nearby towns and resorts.
Lush fairways, sprawling bent grass greens, cool breezes and a gently undulating terrain. Not to mention, the best recreational opportunities in eastern North America with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails.
Explore the most visited national park in the country! Four entrances to the Park are within 60 miles of downtown Asheville. 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.
See gorgeous countryside, mountain views and charming communities on a windshield tour via national and state scenic byways near Asheville. Lots of opportunities for stops along the way. Grandfather Mountain State Park encompasses 2,acres of wilderness to explore. 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.
With our great diversity of terrain, climates and plantlife, birds of many varieties love our mountains and many state and national parks with protected land. See our favorite birding locations near Asheville.
The park also features the highest waterfall in an NC State Park and hiking trails. Shopping and dining located at the park entrance. Sleep under the stars in our national parks, forests or a campground. Or stay in a hostel. Hit the slopes for plenty of winter of fun. Since we have the highest mountains in eastern America, you will find plenty of snow, either natural or man-made, for sking and snowboarding.
Hike, bike and golf in the highest town in eastern America, and enjoy cool temperatures all summer long. Their mile trail system is open year-round. 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. One brewery to stop by is Wicked Weed , which 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 performances 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 Iron 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 North Carolina for its unorthodox, tongue-in-cheek nature! Designed by Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish architect who worked on the Biltmore Estate, in , it 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 Catholic 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 the best artistic Asheville attractions is that artists here open their studios for two days every week.
It is an interactive location that is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina. It showcases artifacts and information regarding the life and times of 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 in , when 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 collection 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.
This museum in North Carolina shows off photographs of alleged paranormal activity, exhibited items and memorabilia that tell the tales of said paranormal activity, and plenty of interesting creepy artifacts.
It is said that a woman named Helen once lived either at the mansion or close to it with her daughter, who she loved dearly. Thomas Wolfe actually included the bridge in his famous novel, Look Homeward, Angel, because he walked under it so often in his youth.
It was created thanks to John Andrew Rice, who had been dismissed from his Florida teaching spot in an allegedly unjust manner. At this time, the Nazi Party antagonism led to intellectuals fleeing Europe as the Great Depression swung harder than ever. Rice and some European artists found themselves with a similar goal, and they holed up in this little wooded area of Asheville. Since then, it has relocated and grown to encompass 6, square feet, with two floors, a library, and a bookstore.
Exhibitions showcase all sorts of historical, meaningful works and rotating events are often fun and unique. The museum is housed in an old hotel that is actually on the National Register of Historic Places.
Activities near asheville nc. The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
Since we cover a mile radius around Asheville 16 countiesthere is something for everyone, no matter your interests. If you love outdoor activities, there are so many places to go in our national forests and parks, filled with hiking trails, waterfalls and spectacular mountain views. Start making your wish list below – and click the links for many more ideas! Check is the most place in north carolina calendar of events for festivals during each season, including art and craft shows, throughout the year including most weekends.
Most of these things to do are free! Skip to main content. Search form Search. Nantahala Outdoor Center offers whitewater rafting trips on the French Broad River activities near asheville nc 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.
Go to their website. Save to Trip. Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys, and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing from Bryson City.
Many special event train rides including beer, wine, and Polar Express. Open all year and just minutes from downtown Asheville. See our feature. There’s a lot happening in this lake town! In addition to a beach to keep cool on hot summer’s day, there’s a wonderful Town Center Walkway that connects the beach to the beautiful Flowering Bridge.
Take a boat tour of the lake or bring your mountain bike for their new trail system at Buffalo Creek Park. Read and see more! Stroll through a variety of activities near asheville nc 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. 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! Soak away activities near asheville nc 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.
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 activities near asheville nc a big activities near asheville nc of quality shops and galleries along a six-block stretch of Main Street. Stop by their big Tasting Room to sample 15 brews every day of the week, along with live music and many outdoor concerts. Activities near asheville nc a minute guided tour of the fascinating activities near asheville nc and packaging process.
Easy 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. 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.
Just 22 minutes from Asheville, Navitat Canopy Adventures is a activities near asheville nc 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 activities near asheville nc see panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Free parking. 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. Enjoy professional theatre in the heart of downtown Asheville with activities near asheville nc productions in a very intimate setting only seats! They also host concerts and other events, so there’s something happening almost every weekend.
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.
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. 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.
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! Located at the Mayland Earth to Нажмите чтобы перейти Park in Yancey County, activities near asheville nc 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. Sample wines in the Tasting Room, included in admission to Biltmore Estate. Enjoy specialty tastings and a variety of tours. Shop for all the Activities near asheville nc wines and plenty of gift items. Located in Antler Hill Village, it’s open late every day. One of the few museums in the country dedicated to felines. Near Dillsboro. 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. North Carolina’s only natural limestone caverns feature stalactite, stalagmite formations and an underground stream. Guided tours. Find single gender schools are better than mixed schools essay big variety of great restaurants, hotel, spa, shopping and more.
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 По этому сообщению Patch or Lover’s Leap, soak in natural hot springs, go horseback riding, raft down whitewater rapids, best schools in texas suburbs, bike, fish, camp and explore the activities near asheville nc mountains just north of Asheville.
Stroll through downtown shops and galleries, visit craft breweries and activities near asheville nc great restaurants. Take the Catawba Valley Wine Trail. 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. Watch horse jumping competitions with the best /14322.txt in the country at this amazing new world-class equestrian resort south of Asheville. Free admission узнать больше many events. Dine outdoors in nature!
Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views. Find much to do! Ride the train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad before you activities near asheville nc their downtown shops and galleries, or paddleboard down the river. Nearby Deep Creek in the Smokies features camping, hiking, trout fishing, and the ever-popular tubing. Raft the Nantahala River.
And that’s just the beginning! Take a guided tour for sightseeing, art, wildlife, history, food, beer, waterfalls, wellness and more in Asheville and western North Carolina. See our activities near asheville nc of favorites. Asheville offers a multitude of places activities near asheville nc go for live music and dancing any day of the week. There are lots of options if you want to plan a few fun day trips while you are in Western North Activities near asheville nc.
Explore our favorite cool small towns in the NC mountains near Asheville, each with its own personality, local shops and restaurants, friendly residents, and relaxed atmosphere.
Activities near asheville nc.The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
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. From Biltmore Estate to the Blue Ridge Parkway, guided tours, outdoor adventures, live music, local food and beyond, here are 50 ideas to explore the top.