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27 Best Things to Do in Asheville, NC (+ Nearby Attractions!)

Designated The State Theatre of North Carolina since , Flat Rock Playhouse has produced and provided high-quality theatre experiences for the region for decades. Each year the Playhouse features top professionals from across the country in major productions such as Mamma Mia , West Side Story , South Pacific and more. Tens of thousands of patrons of the arts turn out annually for major musicals, engaging plays, musical concert series and a spectacular Christmas show worthy to be a tradition in any family.

Sandburg and his family moved to Connemara Farm in , a plus-acre former estate that became a working farm on which to raise Mrs. Visitors can tour the Sandburg home , visit the farm and hike on more than 5 miles of trails. The 1. Notable nearby: Visitors and locals also are drawn around the corner from Connemara to the village with its quaint shops along Little Rainbow Row, complemented by the tasty treats at Flat Rock Bakery and Hubba Hubba Smokehouse.

With two state parks and two national parks in its backyard, the charming town of Brevard is a prime gathering spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Group or private lessons are designed for beginners and experienced. Take home a souvenir of art that your create!

So many things to do - art, train excursions, heritage sites and more! Enjoy plenty of fishing spots, whether novice or experienced. Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes and classes geared toward women. 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. Enjoy many choices for great theatre, plays, music, dance and more in Asheville and nearby areas. 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 the best places to tube down a river on a hot summer day, including the French Broad River through Asheville, Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains and Green River Gorge - with rentals and shuttle services.

The park also features the highest waterfall in an NC State Park and hiking trails. Shopping and dining located at the park entrance. Asheville offers a multitude of places to go for live music and dancing any day of the week. 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.

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.

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. Unwind at one of our favorite downtown Asheville wine bars and great places for cocktails. Shop 'til you drop with a huge variety of stores, galleries and outlets in the Asheville area.

Find plenty of local, unique shops with items you won't find anywhere else. See the best areas to hit. 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. 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 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. 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! 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. Visit for many festivals and gem mining. Since the late s, tourists have flocked to this tiny railroad town of residents. Main Street has many longtime businesses, including fantastic galleries and restaurants.

A must stop is the Pace's "old time" General Store that is part museum. Since is Thompson's Store and Ward's Grill.

Learn about the Saluda Grade at the Depot. Raft and tube on the Green River. Video Tour Save to Trip. Shop 75 national and local outlets in this beautiful, new outdoor shopping village. It's located on I, just six miles from Biltmore and seven miles from downtown Asheville. It's pet-friendly, and there are many events and sales throughout the year.

This is our home, after all, and we want you to love it too! Be sure to check out our Asheville Events Calendar. This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

We update our guides frequently, but activities and events may be seasonal or change frequently. We usually write our lists a little biased: The things we love to do in Asheville involve hiking and drinking. Besides drinking beer by the river, one of the absolute best things to do in Asheville is to hike. As locals, what are our favorite treks? Pink Beds is perfect for nature lovers. Be sure to check out our master guide of the best Asheville hiking trails.

When looking for more of the best outdoor things to do in Asheville, NC, you cannot miss visiting the waterfalls. Hop on this 45 mph, two-lane road and explore all of the 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 the spring and summer, the Parkway fills in with gorgeous wildflowers and rhododendrons. The BRP is a dream for bikers and motorcyclists.

Find romantic fog, artists and birdwatchers pulled over at designated spots, and happy wildlife. Keep in mind, though, that many parts of the BRP close in the winter for ice. In the late spring, one of our favorite things to do in Asheville involves walking along the French Broad River and completing a few brisk loops in the local parks. Find a bike lane and a gorgeous walking path. Climb the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at Mount Mitchell with an elevation clocking in at feet.

You can see all of your favorite mountains from afar. Tired of generic Asheville travel itineraries? Experience Asheville like a local with our free Asheville Favorites checklist, including restaurants, breweries, and hiking.

Plus, get local updates — including events and hidden gems — straight to your inbox. Sign up here. If you love mountain biking , the Blue Ridge Mountains are your home away from home. We are not expert mountain bikers, by any means, but we do love hitting the trails. Living in Asheville, we have transformed into professional picnickers.

You can either pack a picnic for your hike or enjoy something lighter by a lake. For easy picnics, head to a winery like Stone Ashe Vineyards. Grab our full list of the best Asheville picnic spots. With 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! This holiday lights display is truly one of the best winter things to do in Asheville.

From November to January 1st, the Arboretum lights up its gardens with innovative creations, wildlife exhibits, and lights that dance to music.

Of course, you can see Bonsais, butterflies, and their famous Quilt Garden. You must pay a small parking fee to enter the grounds. Does Winter Lights sound magical? Read more about all of the best spots to catch Christmas lights in Asheville. Are you looking for things to do in Asheville where you can meet the furry Western North Carolina locals in a safe environment instead of on the trails or our front steps…?

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. After hours, stroll the grounds with a beer or cider in hand. Enjoy local eats too.

Like The North Carolina Arboretum, there is a small entrance fee. Or, become a member. One of our top weekly things to do in Asheville, we love walking the 2-mile Perimeter Trail around Beaver Lake and dip 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. 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. One of our top recommended things to do in Asheville is enjoying the three or four waterfalls at DuPont.

Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are famous. We suggest parking in the Hooker Falls Access Area. 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 minutes to nearby Hendersonville — another one of our favorite towns. Asheville sees the most visitors in the fall and around the holidays. 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? Nothing beats an Asheville autumn. Enjoy fall foliage hikes, corn mazes, apple picking, and catching those purple and pink sunsets. Our top things to do in Asheville, NC in autumn include visiting the apple orchards for cider donuts and brewery hopping for spiced and pumpkin beers. Pick a pumpkin. Trek the most beautiful fall foliage hikes , and wine taste at the vineyards with the best views.

Asheville in the fall is also a great time to drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway. In need of cooler summer things to do in Asheville, NC? Drive under one hour to Skinny Dip Falls to kiss the magical Dragon Tree on your way to this serene waterfall. Spread out along the falls and take a dip in one of its pools. You can also head over to Sliding Rock and literally slide down a foot natural boulder into the chilly waters. Sliding Rock has reopened, and Skinny Dip Falls looks a bit different — the bridge washed away and the falls have a new path.

Imagine walking along the Riverwalk in the River Arts District and suddenly spying a gaggle of floating and cackling unicorns….

Where can you get your tubing on? French Broad Outfitters and Zen Tubing are just a few. While the best things to do in Asheville, NC — to us — are all outdoors, our next go-to are those breweries. Asheville has no shortage of beer.

Below, find the best Asheville things to do that involve all of the booze: wineries, distillers, cideries, wine bars, and rooftop bars.

You cannot come to Asheville without trying as much of the local craft beer as possible. As locals, what are our favorite breweries in AVL? For something different, Bhramari and Funkatorium sours are sure to impress or weird you out.

Directly in Asheville, check out pleb urban winery in the River Arts District. Your camera, our picks Light up your Instagram with our recommended Asheville vacation photo shots of sunsets, street art, stunning mountain vistas and only-in-Asheville memories. Click, post, and share a little piece of this mountain paradise on … read more. Take a trip back in time with local historians to learn how our thriving mountain town came to be, and about … read more.

Experience them first-hand with a big variety of options. From high … read more. Fresh Works that Spark Imagination Asheville is a haven for originality. From breathtaking aerial arts to vibrant reinterpretations of Shakespeare, Asheville is driven by artistic vision and bold risk-taking. Artists push boundaries to delight … read more. Arts Attractions.