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Top fun things to do in asheville nc55 Best Things To Do In Asheville, NC From Locals | Uncorked Asheville
They have half-day tours that are aimed at beginners ages 8 and up. There are also full-day, 8-mile, intermediate tours that tackle more challenging Class IV rapids.
This is a great river for kayaking in the off-season, when the water is high and tourist traffic on the French Broad River is relatively low. Now the area is the creative home to more than artists working in a broad variety of mediums.
Visitors looking for a weekend getaway immersed in culture will find excellent shopping opportunities in countless galleries occupying 22 former industrial buildings along a one-mile stretch of the tranquil French Broad River. Located just southeast of Asheville, the area surrounding the Green River Gorge boasts some of the most biodiverse forest in the eastern United States. But for a change of pace, try canyoneering, one of the most adrenaline-pumping things to do in Asheville.
Green River Adventures offers two options for rappelling. At 70 feet tall, the Little Bradley Waterfall is perfect for youngsters aged 12 and up and first-timers. Big Bradley Falls, at feet, is more challenging, and recommended for thrill-seekers ages 15 and up. Both tours include expert instruction and plenty of practice time. It may be a mountain town, but Asheville can still get extremely hot during the dog days of summer. But the very first Asheville brewery, Highland Brewing Company, was founded back in and remains one of the best breweries in Asheville.
Guided walking tours of the facilities— one of the best free things to do in Asheville— are available every day of the week. The original Asheville beer tour is offered 3 times a day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each lasts around 45 minutes, and include a beer tasting to celebrate the occasion.
They also offer private tours. Email [email protected] for more information. Elk once roamed these North Carolina hills by the thousands, but they were all killed off by hunters in the s. Thanks to a reintroduction program, there are now over Cataloochee Elk in the park. The Cataloochee Valley which is surrounded by picturesque foot peaks is easily the best place to see them. These massive megafauna can often be found grazing along the road into the park. But park volunteers can typically tell you where the herd was spotted last.
Putting an eco-friendly spin on typical zipline tours , Navitat Canopy Adventures speaks for the trees and encourages their guests to respect the beauty of nature. Treetop Tour participants must weigh between 90 and pounds. The Mountaintop Tour is bigger, higher and faster. It boasts one zip measuring 3, feet long and feet high, going at speeds up to 65 mph. Mountaintop Tour participants must weight between 70 and pounds. Adrenaline junkies will love The Ultimate Adventure Tour, which combines both packages for six hours of invigorating action and incredible Blue Ridge mountain views.
When it comes to free things to do in Asheville, NC, just sitting and watching the wonderfully eclectic array of people milling about in Pack Square Park was easily our favorite. Three galleries showcase all sorts of handicrafts, ranging from sculptures to woodworking, from paintings to glass, and from quilts to jewelry. 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!
Be sure to pack your hiking shoes to explore the timeworn trails dotting the mountain landscape. Trails range anywhere from easy-as-pie to whoa Nellie! Find your perfect Asheville hiking trail and get ready for some incredible views! Use our Asheville Hike Finder to easily filter by distance from downtown, trail length and difficulty level. Bike the Blue Ridge! Road or trails, there are plenty of way to challenge yourself with a bike ride in the mountains.
Asheville is home to hundreds of native and migratory species of birds. Grab your binoculars and practice your birding skills. Bonus points if you see a peregrine falcon! Venturing outdoors is like taking a mountain safari. Native wildlife includes everything from foraging bears to herds of elk. Be sure to appreciate from a distance. Go waterfall hunting. There are hundreds of beautiful waterfalls scattered throughout the region, and many are easy to access within a short walk from the car.
Dip your toes into the cool waters at the base or on a really hot day go for a swim. Just mind the slippery rocks, and never wade into the water from the top.
Stand atop the highest peaks east of the Mississippi. Mitchell is king of the Blue Ridge standing at over 6, feet in elevation.
Visit a state park. Catch a mountain trout or small mouth bass by taking part in a guided fly-fishing expedition. Already a pro? Local outfitters are a great resource to find the secret spots teeming with fish. Practice your Tarzan yell as you zip line hundreds of feet above the forest canopy. If you want to keep your outdoor adventures closer to Asheville, then try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding SUP , tubing , or boating down the French Broad River.
Explore the nature trails at the North Carolina Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens of Asheville , both of which are home to numerous indigenous species of mountain flora. Go golfing at some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the country. Our culinary mecca serves as a magnet for innovative chefs and food artisans, most of which source their ingredients from the hundreds of farms surrounding the city.
She was quite the entrepreneur of her time. Also watch a short video and tour the museum. One of the free things to do in Asheville, the Black Mountain College Museum offers contemporary and historic exhibitions, events, and research opportunities for the community. We dropped in one afternoon and toured the current art exhibitions. Small but worth a quick visit, you can budget about minutes here. Of course, kids are welcome. This area is a mini-version of Wynwood Walls in Miami, Florida. You might just catch Gus Cutty or Jerry Cahill working on a masterpiece.
Watch an indie film at Grail Moviehouse or attend the Uncommon Market. Bike the new RAD greenway. If you are looking for wilder things to do in Asheville, check out the LaZoom bus. How many times have you spied a purple bus tearing down the streets of Asheville full of giggling and rowdy adults?! We suggest purchasing tickets in advance. Get there early, too, as you board the bus based on your arrival order. Totally worth that ticket price at least once. Walk into a funky, kitschy bar full of eccentric tour guides and cat pillows before hopping on the drunk bus.
Zelda Fitzgerald stole my heart although she did hump a bush in the rain. Find locally crafted bevies. They even hand you a personal cooler. For the best Asheville things to do for your inner geologist, head to the Asheville Museum of Science. A smaller science learning center, learn more about North Carolina geology and local specimen. AMOS has gemstones, dinosaur bones, and animal installations.
Encounter hands-on exhibits and scavenger hunts, learn about the French Broad River, and dig for fossils. AMOS is also one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Asheville. They even have a forest-themed playground with bears. Visitors of the home can take a guided tour, walk the park, hike the grounds, or visit the bookstore.
Looking for dark tourist things to do in Asheville, NC? Head to Riverside Cemetery to pay your respects to literary greats. Henry — are buried here. Grab a walking guide at the gates and stroll 3. Grab our guide to Riverside Cemetery , and see why we think this is one of the best haunted places to visit in Asheville.
If you are looking for evening things to do in Asheville, attend a concert. We try to list a few concerts and live music on our Asheville Events Calendar. Picture quirky and comedic theater under the stars as fireflies light up the night sky. They are magical. Many of the plays are by Shakespeare, but they mix it up too. Bring or purchase boozy beverages. Theatergoers go all out with their professional picnic baskets. Rent or bring your own chairs and blankets.
While tickets are free, leave a generous donation. Performers circulate the crowd at intermission with collection baskets. Well-behaved pooches are welcome. Grab dinner at Nine Mile beforehand. Riverside Cemetery is nearby. Thinking of attending? Read more about what to expect and bring in our Shakespeare in the Park Guide. For sports lovers and families, one of the most fun things to do in Asheville is to watch the Asheville Tourists play at McCormick Field.
The Asheville Tourists are a minor league baseball team. Tickets are a steal although parking is a little funky. Grab souvenirs, local beer, and of course, baseball food. We highly recommend spending a little time in each. West Asheville is pretty hipster with breweries, trendy restaurants , and a gorgeous Dolly Parton and RuPaul mural. As mentioned above, RAD showcases the most vibrant street art. For local things to do in Asheville, NC touring the neighborhoods truly gives you a feel for residential life.
Heck, it might convince you that you want to move to Asheville — like us. There are tons of things to do in Asheville, NC for book lovers. As mentioned above, you can visit the Carl Sandburg Home, Biltmore library, and even drop into Pack Memorial Library to see history along the walls. Pay your respects to Zelda Fitzgerald who perished in the Highlands Hospital fire, and tip your hat to F.
Scott Fitzgerald while at the Grove Park Inn. BUT, if you are looking for things to do in Asheville that involve buying gifts, fun stuff you never knew you needed, and local treats, we have just the shopping list for you. Battery Park Book Exchange is a multi-level champagne book bar. Located in the historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, they sell used books and have extensive wine, cocktail, and champagne selections.
Asheville offers a ton of shopping in independent stores, boutiques, and open-air markets in all of its districts, including places like Historic Biltmore Village , the River Arts District, West Asheville, and Downtown. The Grove Arcade is architectural eye candy filled with a little yuppie love, including places like the Battery Park Book Exchange and Asheville Proper.
For a little history lesson: E. Grove, also infamous for constructing the Grove Park Inn, opened the Grove Arcade in as a retail center. During WW2, the Arcade transformed into a more covert military hub. Then, in the National Weather Records Center took over the building until the city reclaimed the space in the 90s.
Although you can spend a lifetime doing all of the things in Asheville, we quickly wanted to mention a few brief getaways. Hendersonville is about minutes away from downtown Asheville. A smaller city, find even more cafes, restaurants, shops, bookstores, and the best Hendersonville breweries. The wineries, orchards, and DuPont State Forest are all nearby.
Hendersonville also has sweet Bed and Breakfasts and museums. Uncover all of the fantastically fun things you can do in Hendersonville, NC. We also have a post showcasing our favorite Hendersonville restaurants , including German food and more BBQ.
A little under two hours away, you also might want to head over to Knoxville, Tennessee for the day. Like Asheville, Knoxville has a historic downtown filled with distilleries, breweries, bookstores, and endless fun. A little over 1. Plus, Pigeon Forge itself makes for a great day trip with its waterparks, Parrot Mountain and Gardens, the Titanic Museum, breweries, wineries, and zip-lining.
Explore the best places to stay in Asheville. A few of our top suggestions:. What are your favorite Asheville attractions and activities? Where do you head first, and what are your Asheville musts?
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