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 fantastic 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 a unique blend of art, great food, breweries, and picturesque gardens. Not to mention world-famous historic attractions such as the Biltmore Estate and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.
Additionally, Asheville offers something for everyone, catering to 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 a fantastic trip.
Key Takeaways
- Asheville pairs top outdoor activities with standout food and breweries, all in a compact, easy-to-explore area.
- Must-see sights include the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the River Arts District, and downtown walking tours.
- Best time to visit is spring through fall for hiking and vistas, with festive lights and events in winter.
- Dining highlights include Tupelo Honey Cafe, Buxton Hall Barbecue, Chai Pani, Cúrate, Biscuit Head, and White Duck Taco Shop.
- Getting around is easiest by rental car, with local buses and rideshares available in the city.
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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, ranging in difficulty from easy to extremely challenging.
One of the things I really love about Asheville is that it is ideally 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 an excellent place for camping, offering 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, but it is incredibly accessible. 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 renowned for its numerous stunning waterfalls. And the Asheville area is host to many of these waterfalls due to its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. A few notable ones include Catawba 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 social media enthusiasts.
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 remain a testament to George Washington Vanderbilt’s commitment to excellence. Once you visit Biltmore, you’ll understand 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 visit the Biltmore Estate. You can combine the day with a visit to Biltmore Village.
Biltmore Village
Historic Biltmore Village is a charming shopping area featuring 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 initially modeled after a small English village. The village’s look and character make it especially charming. It is located across from the main entrance to the Biltmore Estate. Fun fact about Biltmore Village is that it was initially built as a community for the employees and their families of the Biltmore Estate.
North Carolina Arboretum
No trip to Asheville would be complete without a visit to the North Carolina Arboretum. In addition, this is an excellent, 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 Arboretum also hosts many unique activities and events year-round, giving you an added bonus if you’re visiting. If you happen to visit during the Christmas holidays, the NC Arboretum 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 Center
If you are visiting Asheville with kids, this is another excellent 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 bears, 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 also boasts several historic gems.
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 Pack Memorial Library.
Asheville Art Museum
The Asheville Art Museum is a must for 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, offers a wide range of options. In fact, walking tours are a great way to get your exercise, too. Plus, they also allow you to immerse yourself in the city’s 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, the Asheville Architecture Trail showcases the exquisite buildings of the 1920s, which were miraculously saved from destruction 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 tour, a Ghost Tour, and a Christmas Tour during the holidays. The nostalgic red trolleys offer a narrated journey where you can learn about the city’s history, heritage, and architecture as well. Not to mention, you can also take some great pictures.
Basilica of Saint Lawrence
The Basilica was built in the early 1900s. 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 offers self-guided tours at various times, Monday through Thursday.
River Arts District
The River Arts District comprises 22 former industrial and historic buildings situated 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 over 200 artists in various media, including textiles, ceramics, paintings, 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? In fact, they do, and sampling points from the numerous options are a favorite among locals and tourists.
For this reason, we would like to share some 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, with its diverse array of excellent culinary offerings, has become a favorite among 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 serve scrumptious, made-from-scratch, responsibly sourced food. Indeed, 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, priced at $9, is perfect for those 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 gain a deeper understanding. You can order your biscuit with or without meat, or try some of their unique gravies. Regardless of your decisions, you will have numerous jams and butters 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 barbecue, Eastern Carolina style, cooked over wood. My personal favorite is the Eastern Carolina style, since I am from Eastern Carolina!
They also offer other options, such as delicious fried catfish, saucy chicken tenders, and a variety of sandwiches.
Chai Pani
How about some authentic Indian street food? Chai Pani offers just that, and it’s a favorite because of it! Chai Pani features chaat – crunchy, spicy, sweet, tangy, and 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 to their adjacent Chocolate Boutique. Of course, if you’re a true chocolate connoisseur, then you can plan a visit to their Chocolate Factory. They offer tours at 2 pm and 4 pm daily, and reservations can be made here.
Hole Donuts
Just imagine a donut made to order, served piping hot, for you to enjoy! Hole Doughnuts does this for each 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 fantastic trip to Asheville? If you are, then this handy link will help you find great accommodations!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fun Things to Do and Eat in Asheville
Where is Asheville, and how do I get there?
Asheville is situated in western North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can reach it via I-40 from the east or west, I-26 from the south, and 19/23 from the north. Nearby airports include Asheville Regional Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
When is the best time to visit Asheville?
Spring, summer, and fall are the best times for hiking and taking in the mountain views. Winter brings holiday lights and events across the city. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in late spring or early fall.
What are the top things to do outdoors?
Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for easy overlooks and photos, chase nearby waterfalls like Looking Glass Falls and Crabtree Falls, and visit parks like Chimney Rock and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
What should I see in and around downtown?
Plan a whole day for the Biltmore Estate and nearby Biltmore Village. In downtown, visit the Asheville Art Museum, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. Try walking tours, the Asheville Urban Trail, and the Gray Line trolley.
Where should I eat in Asheville?
For Southern comfort, go to Tupelo Honey Cafe and Biscuit Head. If you like barbecue, try Buxton Hall Barbecue. You can try some global flavors at Chai Pani for Indian street food and Cúrate for Spanish tapas. A great casual bite is White Duck Taco Shop. Finally, for those looking for sweets, try French Broad Chocolate and Hole Doughnuts.
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 posts like fun things to do and eat in Asheville, 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.
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