Fun Things to Do and Eat in Asheville
Are you looking for a destination that will satisfy your need for the outdoors, family fun, features artsy and unique activities, and offers amazing food, breweries, and entertainment, then Asheville is the place! With so many fun things to do and eat in Asheville, you will be hard pressed to do it all in a one week vacation.
Asheville, North Carolina, is a beautiful mountain town cradled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville offers unique art, great food, breweries, and pretty gardens. Not to mention world-famous historic attractions such as the Biltmore Estate and Thomas Wolfe Memorial.
Plus Asheville has something to enjoy for all ages and abilities. It is budget friendly, while still offering luxurious accommodations and activities. In this guide we’ll explore a multitude of fun things to do and eat in Asheville. Giving you all the relevant information to plan an amazing trip.
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Before we dive into fun things to do and eat in Asheville, let’s cover a few common questions people ask before heading to Asheville, North Carolina.
Where is Asheville located?
Asheville is located in western North Carolina. Asheville is easily accessed from Interstate 40 if you’re coming from the East (Statesville) and the West (Knoxville). For those coming from the South (Greenville/Spartanburg area), I-26 is your best bet. Finally if you’re traveling from the North you will take 19/23 out of Johnson City.
The closest airports to Asheville will be Asheville’s Regional Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and Charlotte International Airport.
Best Time to Visit?
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains makes Asheville an excellent choice for outdoor lovers and offers gorgeous landscapes year round.
There is always something going on in Asheville regardless of the season. Of course for those loving to hike and explore the mountains, the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons are best. In the winter, especially around the holidays, Asheville is decked out in beautiful lighting and decorations and there are many holiday events to enjoy.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds in Asheville, then ideally you may want to visit in the late Spring and early Fall.
Best Ways to Get Around
If you’re flying into Asheville, it would probably be best to rent a car. This will allow you the most flexibility for traveling around the city as well as visiting the mountains. Asheville does offer local bus services within the city and ride share options like Uber and Lyft are available too.
Fun Things to Do and Eat in Asheville
Let’s begin our tour with the great sites to see on your trip. You can book some great tours here.
Best Outdoor Activities
Okay all of you outdoor enthusiasts, Asheville is a perfect destination for you! Whether you love hiking and camping, enjoy nature, or just beautiful scenery, Asheville has it all. You could spend a month in Asheville and not cover all the outdoor activities available.
Hiking and Exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains
Hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains is probably the number one attraction in Asheville, North Carolina. There are an unlimited number of trails to enjoy that range in difficulty from easy to extremely challenging.
One of the things I really love about Asheville is that it is perfectly suited for every type of traveler. The Blue Ridge proves this because solo travelers, couples, families, friends, and people with disabilities can find something they will enjoy outdoors in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not to mention it is also a wonderful place for camping, and features a variety of options.
Enjoy a Scenic Drive
Maybe hiking is not your thing, and that’s okay. Why not try taking a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Not only is this a beautiful way to spend the day, it is incredibly accessibility friendly. There are numerous gorgeous overlooks located on the parkway and you can stop and enjoy epic views whenever you want.
This is also a terrific idea for those looking for the perfect photography locations in the area. Many of these overlooks feature magnificent landscape and nature photo opportunities. Thus making them also ideal spots for those Instagram worthy shots!
Go in Search of Waterfalls
North Carolina is known for being home to many beautiful waterfalls. And the Asheville area is host to many of these waterfalls due to the close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. A few worth mentioning include Catawaba Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Crabtree Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Moore Cove Falls.
Searching for waterfalls is not only a great hiking opportunity, but it is also the perfect outdoor activity for photographers and Instagrammers.
Visit A North Carolina State Park
We’ve obviously established that Asheville is near the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park, but there are some lovely state parks nearby as well. A few that come to mind include Chimney Rock State Park, DuPont National Forest, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Greater Asheville Area
The Biltmore Estate
To begin with, the Biltmore Estate is the number one tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina. Not only can you tour the largest private home in America, but you can also stroll through Biltmore’s charming Antler Village and winery. Additionally, the estate offers a self-guided tour that spans three floors and the basement of this luxurious home. These tours make you feel like a guest of George and Edith Vanderbilt. You also have access to the gardens and grounds, wine tastings, shopping, hiking, biking, and the Biltmore Gardens Railway as well.
Still owned by the Vanderbilt family today, the mansion and its spectacular gardens continue to be a tribute to George Washington Vanderbilt’s commitment to excellence. Once you visit Biltmore, you’ll enderstand why it’s always at the top for fun things to do and eat in Asheville, North Carolina.
Travel Tip – Plan to spend a full day of your trip to to visit the Biltmore Estate. You can combine the day with the Biltmore Village.
Biltmore Village
Historic Biltmore Village is a lovely little shopping area with numerous restaurants to enjoy. The tree-lined streets, brick sidewalks, and period architecture, such as the Cathedral of All Souls, make the area a delight to stroll and explore.
Biltmore Village was originally modeled after a small English village. The look and character make the village especially charming. It is located across from the main entrance to the Biltmore Estate. Fun fact about Biltmore Village is that it was originally built as a community for the employees and their families of the Biltmore Estate.
North Carolina Aboretum
No trip to Asheville would be complete without a visit to the North Carolina Aboretum. In addition, this is a wonderful, all inclusive activity for everyone. While exploring the grounds you will encounter lush and green gardens that will captivate you. If flowers are your thing, then you will find a colorful and large variety of floral beauty year round.
The NC Aboretum also hosts many unique activites and events year round, giving you an added bonus if you’re visiting. If you happen to visit during the Christmas holidays, the NC Aboretum features the Winter Lights. The Winter Lights is a magical display of millions of lights throughout the park that you can explore at night. This is absolutely a must if you’re traveling with children.
Western North Carolina Nature Cener
If you are visiting Asheville with kids, this is another great place to go. This 42-acre zoological park of the WNC Nature Center is home to over 60 species of animals. Some of the animals you will see include black bear, cougars and red wolves. Additionally, they not only have a variety of reptiles and amphibians, but also small mammals. There is even a cool exhibit of North American river otters and several species of aquatic turtles in their Otter Falls section. Not to mention, they have a Hellbender! What is a Hallbender you ask? It is a salamander. In fact, the eastern Hellbender is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Exploring Downtown Asheville
Let’s head to the downtown area where many of the fun things to do and eat in Asheville are located. Downtown Asheville is not only a vibrant downtown area, but it features quite a few historic gems as well.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is located in historic downtown Asheville at 52 North Market Street. The memorial is in the home of the 20th-century American literature giant Thomas Wolfe. Mr. Wolfe is best known for his novel about his beloved childhood home in Asheville, ‘Look Homeward, Angel’. The Thomas Wolfe Memorial Angel can be found in front of the Packs Memorial Library.
Asheville Art Museum
Asheville Art Museum is a must for the art lovers. The museum features a collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Additionally, you can discover the richness of Western North Carolina’s unique artistic history.
Walking Tours of Asheville
Of course, I believe walking tours are one of the best ways to experience a new city. Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty to choose from. As a matter of fact walking tours are a great way to get your exercise too. Plus, they also allow you to immerse yourself in the city culture. Free Walking Tours offers one that includes free tastings of donuts, gin, and honey from local businesses.
Another great self-guided tour is the Asheville Urban Trail. A good starting point is to begin at Pack Square in the heart of downtown. Then you can stroll on and enjoy. To complete the entire tour takes about 2 hours. You can also download a printable map to guide you. Similarly is the Asheville Architecture Trail that highlights the exquisite buildings of the 1920’s, miraculously saved by the Great Depression. Access the printable map here.
Gray Line Trolley
Asheville, North Carolina, also features a historic trolley tour. Gray Line Trolleys offers a Hop On- Hop Off tours, a Ghost Tour and a Christmas Tour during the holidays. The nostalgic red trolleys offer a narrated journey where you can learn all about the history, heritage, and architecture of the city as well. Not to mention, you can grab some great pictures too.
Basilica of Saint Lawrence
The Basilica was built in the early 1900’s. Designed by Rafael Gustavino and Richard Sharpe Smith, renowned architects of the Biltmore House. In addition to being one of Asheville’s architectural treasures, it has the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the U.S. The Basilica allows self-guided tours at a variety of times Monday through Thursday.
River Arts District
The River Arts District is made up of 22 former industrial and historic buildings near the French Broad River. This unique area keeps the art scene alive in Asheville, North Carolina. Guests can stroll around the district to meet artists and enjoy works from more than 200 artists in various mediums like textiles, ceramics, and paintings, as well as photography and jewelry. It’s also a great place to pick up a unique souvenir from your time in the city.
Tour Asheville’s Breweries
Did you know Asheville has more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the United States? As a matter of fact they do and sampling pints from the numerous options is a favorite among locals and tourists.
For this reason, we want to share the ways to enjoy Asheville’s distinct brews. To begin with, you can take a self-guided walking tour from the Appalachian Ale Trail. Alternatively, you can pedal your way around with Amazing Pubcycle. Of course, the best option may be to let someone else do the driving altogether with Asheville Brewery Tours.
Downloadable Map of the Top Things to See in Asheville
Best Places to Eat in Asheville
Next, we’ll explore some great places to eat in Asheville, North Carolina. Of course, eating is one of the top things to do in Asheville. The city of Asheville and its host of wonderful culinary offerings, has made it a favorite of food lovers. If you prefer, you can find some terrific food & drink tours here.
Tupelo Honey Cafe
Of course, North Carolina is known for good old-fashioned home cooking, and Tupelo Honey Cafe has created a perfect experience. They have scrumptious made from scratch, responsibly sourced food. Certainly, you will love their homemade biscuits that literally melt in your mouth. If you’ve never tried fried green tomatoes, then you must try theirs. In fact, they have something for everyone, including sandwiches, fried chicken, farm-fresh vegetable plates, and pancakes! My personal favorite is the Tupelo Shrimp & Grits.
Farm Burger
With locations in Downtown and South Asheville, Farm Burger is a great place to have a great burger. They are committed to using 100% grass-fed beef with no antibiotics or hormones. Additionally, their menu is seasonal and sourced from local farms. The Farm Burger lunch special for $9 is perfect if you’re on a budget.
Biscuit Head
Biscuit Head is an Asheville favorite and their motto is “Put Some South in Your Mouth”. If you’re not familiar with the popularity of biscuits, this place will help you understand. You can order your biscuit with meat or without, or try some of their unique gravies. Regardless of your decisions, you will have numerous jams and butter to choose from at the bar after ordering.
Button Hall Barbecue
If you’re looking to try authentic North Carolina cuisine, then you must try some Carolina barbecue. Buxton Hall Barbecue offers traditional whole-hog bbq, Eastern Carolina style, cooked over wood. My personal favorite is the Eastern Carolina style, since I am from Eastern Carolina!
They do offer other options like delicious fried catfish, saucy chicken tenders, and sandwiches.
Chai Pani
How about some authentic Indian street food? Chai Pani offers just that and is a favorite because of it! Chai Pani features chaat – crunchy, spicy, sweet, tangy, brightly flavored Indian street snacks, as well as thalis – traditional family meals.
Cúrate
If you’re in the mood for some Spanish Tapas, then Cúrate (pronounced COO-rah-tay) is the place for you. Cúrate celebrates authentic Spanish cuisine and includes an all-Spanish wine list. They do get busy, so be prepared to make a reservation in advance.
White Duck Taco Shop
As you can see there are many options to choose from in Asheville, North Carolina for good food. At White Duck Taco the menu is simple, just great street tacos. You also have the option of a few sides, dessert and drinks. Their menu is seasonal and subject to change.
French Broad Chocolate
At French Broad Chocolate you can relax and enjoy a lovely dessert in their lounge. Or you can grab some goodies or gifts to go at their adjacent Chocolate Boutique. Of course if you’re a true chocolate connoisseur, then you can plan a visit to their Chocolate Factory. They offers tours at 2 pm and 4 pm daily and you can make a reservation here.
Hole Donuts
Just imagine a donut made to order and served piping hot for you to enjoy! Hole Doughnuts does this for each and every customer. They only offer four flavors, but there is never a shortage of folks waiting to have one.
Downloadable Map of Best Places to Eat in Asheville
Are you ready to plan your amazing trip to Asheville? If you are, then this handy link will help you find great accommodations!
Final Thoughts on Fun Things to Do and Eat in Asheville
In conclusion, I do hope you found this post on Fun Things to Do and Eat in Asheville enjoyable. Asheville truly has something for everyone and no matter when you decide to visit, there will be plenty of exciting activities to keep you busy. If there is anything I missed, please leave a comment below. I would love to connect and make this post even better for my readers.
Additionally, if you’re ready to plan that road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, check out these great deals here.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for more post like fun things to do and eat in Asheville, then you may enjoy some of my other posts on North Carolina. Such as Awesome Outdoor Activities at W. Kerr Scott Dam and Blue Ridge Photo Inspo from Wilkesboro to Linville Falls.
By the way, I am constantly working to make the blog better. I want to make sure the content I provide is informative and fun! Therefore, please leave a comment or contact me on my Let’s Connect page.
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