Located in the western part of North Carolina, Asheville is known for its mountains and other equally attractive locations, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Biltmore Estate. Pack Square Park offers plenty of art, architecture, and relaxation.
Its mild climate, year-round activities, and fine dining make it a great place to visit or raise a family.
But, if you’re searching for a place to live in the mountains, look no further than this city.
This city is also known for its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene. One of the area’s most prominent landmarks is the Basilica of Saint Lawrence.
In addition, the nearby Biltmore Estate, owned by the estate of French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, features numerous works of art. This article covers the most exciting things to do in Asheville (NC).
Where Is Asheville, North Carolina?
The city of Asheville is the county seat of Buncombe County, and it is the largest city in North Carolina’s Western region.
According to the US Census Bureau, the population of this city grew by over 10,000 from 2010 to 94,589 in 2020. It is also the 12th-most populous city in the state.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city’s total area is approximately 45.3 square miles. Of this, 44.9 square miles are land, while the remaining 0.31 square miles are water.
The city of Asheville is approximately 99.51 miles from Charlotte and more than a hundred miles southwest of Winston-Salem.
Things To Do In Asheville (NC)
Known for its vibrant arts scene and culture, the city of Asheville is a small but vibrant community.
It has numerous attractions that you can find in various areas, such as museums, galleries, and restaurants. These are 21 exciting things to do in Asheville, North Carolina;
1. River Arts District
One of the city’s most popular attractions is the River Arts District, comprised of 22 buildings that were previously industrial sites. This area is a must-visit for art lovers and artists.
The buildings used to be industrial sites, such as a cotton mill, tannery, and railroad bridge, but are presently used as art galleries and museums.
The area’s old-fashioned atmosphere is complemented by this district’s modern works of art.
Over 200 different artists have created jobs in this area. Visiting this district is one of the best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.
Address: The Arts District is at 3 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC 28801, United States.
2. Biltmore Estate
The massive private estate, which once belonged to George Washington Vanderbilt, is regarded as one of the biggest privately-owned houses in the country.
This area is a must-visit for history lovers and individuals passionate about the Gilded Age.
Initially, the estate covered an estimate of over 125,000 acres of land. Following Vanderbilt’s passing in 1914, part of the land was sold and became the Pisgah National Forest.
The National Gallery of Art also stored valuable pieces during the Second World War. Eventually, the estate’s multiple uses started to expand.
During the 1970s, a winery was built on the property, and in the 2000s, various hotels were established.
The massive mansion known as the Biltmore Estate is one of the most lavish homes in the country.
It was finished in 1895 and featured over 250 rooms. This grand house has 43 bathrooms and 35 bedrooms.
Address: The Biltmore Estate is at 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, United States.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway
The parkway in North Carolina, which has a maximum speed of 45 mph, allows drivers to enjoy a variety of stops along the way.
These include pull-offs that encourage people to get out and explore the area.
One of the best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina, involves visiting exciting locations such as these.
Several noteworthy attractions, such as the Folk Art Center and Mount Mitchell, are also within the city. During the fall season, the Blue Ridge Parkway is very busy.
Address: The Blue Ridge Parkway is at 195 Hemphill Knob Rd., Asheville NC 28803, United States.
4. Grove Arcade
During the Second World War, the Grove Arcade was used by the US Government. The arcade was leased back to the city of Asheville in 1997.
The Grove was opened in 1929 to celebrate the city of Asheville.
It has several stores and restaurants designed to provide various options for people. The architecture of the shopping complex is also interesting.
Address: This beautiful Grove Arcade is at 1 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States.
5. Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Wolfe hated this home. He described it as a poorly-made house with a broken-down look and dirt yellow paint.
It was purchased by Wolfe’s mother when he was six years old. It’s hard to believe that it has become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
His novel “Look Homeward, Angel” was inspired by this location. The book got criticized for its depiction of the people of the city.
Paying a visit to this great American icon’s memorial is one of the most profound things to do in Asheville, North Carolina. Address:
Address: This beautiful Memorial is at 52 N Market St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States.
6. Western North Carolina Nature Center
One of the best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina, is to visit the Western North Carolina Nature Centre.
This facility is dedicated to educating the public about the various animals in the area.
The Nature Center features indoor and outdoor exhibits designed to educate visitors about different animals.
The indoor exhibits mostly reptiles, small mammals, and amphibians. On the other hand, the outdoor exhibits focus on local species such as raccoons, foxes, otters, bobcats, and turtles.
Address: This beautiful Center is at 75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28805, United States.
7. Folk Art Center
The Folk Art Center is an eclectic gallery showcasing various arts and crafts made in the Appalachian region.
It also serves as the headquarters of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. This group of artists consists of individuals from nine Southeastern states.
The facility was established in 1930 to help promote the work of local artists during the Great Depression.
Its mission is to promote the various types of work individuals from the region. This includes both contemporary and traditional mediums.
Address: The Folk Art Center is at 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, United States.
8. North Carolina Arboretum
One of the most popular attractions in the city of Asheville is the North Carolina Arboretum.
This public garden features over 400 acres of land and is a perfect spot for sightseeing. It’s also an excellent way to spend a day in the area.
The gardens at the North Carolina Arboretum provide different themed gardens to the public. If you’re planning on visiting the facility, you’ll be able to explore the gardens themselves.
Address: The North Carolina Arboretum is at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, United States.
9. Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa
The Wake Foot Spa & Sanctuary is in the Grove Shopping Arcade. This is a great way to get away from it all and relax. It’s also one of the best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.
The Wake Foot Spa & Sanctuary staff members provide various services designed to help people get away from it all. These include foot soaks, massage, and other relaxing treatments.
Address: This beautiful attraction is at 1 Page Ave #115, Asheville, NC 28801, United States.
10. The Moog Factory
Located in the heart of Asheville is the factory where the famous synthesizer known as the Moog was made.
This facility offers a unique perspective on the process of creating such an instrument.
During a guided tour, you’ll be able to learn about the various steps involved in creating the synthesizer. You’ll also be able to try one of the instruments made using the factory.
Address: The Moog Factory is at 160 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States.
11. Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
One of the most popular places in the city of Asheville is the Omni Grove Park Inn Spa. This facility has been known for its various services and as one of the best spas in the country.
During the Cold War, the US Supreme Court used the Omni Grove Park Inn Spa as a relocation facility.
Address: This beautiful spa is at 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, United States.
12. Craggy Gardens
The gardens at Asheville’s the Blue Ridge Mountains are known as the Craggy Gardens.
This facility features over 20 endangered and threatened flora species that are grown and displayed here. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers and plant-lover alike.
Address: The Craggy Gardens is at 364 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Black Mountain, NC 28711, United States.
13. LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours
LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours provides a fun way to explore the city of Asheville.
During the ride, the driver and his passengers will be having a blast as they show you what’s in the city’s downtown area.
Address: The tour company is at 76 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States.
14. No Taste Like Home
At No Taste Like Home, you’ll be guided through a forest area known as quintessential Asheville.
During this tour, you’ll be able to collect your food. Afterward, you’ll try cooking with the items that you’ve gathered. Indeed, it is also another fun thing to do in Asheville, North Carolina.
15. Asheville Food Tours
This is the best way to explore the various food-related areas of interest in the city of Asheville.
During this tour, you’ll be able to visit seven different locations. Each location is carefully selected to ensure that you’ll be able to find something that you’re craving.
16. Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest has over 500,000 acres of land and is full of sights, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
It’s also known for its beautiful locations and the glory of its natural beauty.
Address: The Pisgah National Forest is at 1600 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, United States.
17. Botanical Gardens at Asheville
One of the most popular attractions in the city of Asheville is the botanical gardens.
This facility features various habitats for different kinds of flora. It’s a great place to spend time relaxing and experiencing the vibrant colors and scents of the gardens.
The gardens are owned and operated by a non-profit organization and display various flora types.
These gardens are entirely free to enter. It is one of the best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.
Address: The Botanical Gardens at Asheville is at 151 W T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, NC 28804, United States.
18. Asheville Museum of Science
Another popular attraction in the city of Asheville is the museum known as the Museum of Science.
This facility contains interactive exhibits that will provide various educational experiences for the whole family.
Various exhibits design provide different educational experiences. One of these is the Hurricane Simulator, which simulates the worst effects of a hurricane.
Another is the T-Rex exhibit, which allows visitors to interact with a life-sized replica of a T-rex skeleton.
Address: This attractive museum is at 43 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States.
19. Pritchard Park Drum Circle
If you’re thinking of something to do in Asheville on a Friday night, you should check out the Drum Circle in the Park. This group of drummers meets every week in the Park.
They play various percussion instruments, such as the Duncan, shekeres, and djembes. They create a variety of rhythmic and uplifting music.
20. Grovewood Gallery
The Grovewood Gallery is in a building that used to be a weaving and woodworking factory for the city of Asheville, and it’s a name that you might recognize from another popular area of the city, the Biltmore Estate.
This gallery features the works of over 500 artists. It also has sculpture gardens designed to provide a tranquil environment.
Address: The Grovewood Gallery is at 111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804, United States.
21. Gray Line Trolley
The Gray Line is a great way to explore the various activities and attractions in the city of Asheville.
The guides on this tour are very enthusiastic and can provide a variety of interesting facts about the city.
Address: The Gray Line Trolley is at 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States.
Best Time To Visit Asheville, North Carolina
The best time to visit the city of Asheville is during the spring and autumn season.
During this period, the temperatures are usually between the 50s and 70s. This allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful weather and the blooms of the plants.
Cost Of Visiting Asheville, North Carolina
The average estimated cost of a seven-day trip to the city of Asheville is around $1,865 for a single traveler.
A couple can expect to spend approximately $3,350, while a family of four can expect to pay about $6,279.
There are a variety of accommodations in the city, and most vacation rental homes will cost around $180 to $500 per night.
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