Asheville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a diverse array of activities that cater to all interests and ages. Here’s a detailed guide to help you explore the best things to do in this charming city.
Exploring Downtown Asheville
Downtown Asheville is the epicenter of the city’s creative and cultural scene. Here, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant mix of independent shops, craft breweries, and exceptional dining options.
Street Performances and Shopping: Enjoy lively street performances by talented buskers near the Grove Arcade and Pack Square. The area is also perfect for shopping, with chic boutiques and eclectic markets offering unique indie wares, wearable art, local designs, and vintage styles[1].
Guided Tours: Learn about Asheville’s history through irreverent tours on the big purple LaZoom bus or more traditional hop-on-hop-off trolley tours. For a self-guided experience, explore the Urban Trail, the Black Cultural Heritage Trail, the Asheville Architecture Trail, or the South Slope Mural Trail[1].
Literary and Artistic Delights: Visit legendary independent bookstores like Malaprops or the Battery Park Book Exchange, where you can enjoy books with a side of bubbly. Art enthusiasts can find perfect pieces at downtown art galleries, craft fairs, or the open-air market at Grove Arcade[1].
Rooftop Views and Nightlife: Climb to the top of Asheville’s tallest buildings to enjoy panoramic views from rooftop hangouts. Don’t miss the Friday night drum circle, a long-standing tradition, or explore the city’s darker side with a Haunted Asheville tour[1].
The River Arts District
The River Arts District (RAD) is a creative hub along the French Broad River, featuring former industrial warehouses transformed into hundreds of working artist studios.
Artist Studios and Galleries: Spend an afternoon strolling through the studios, watching live exhibits, and perusing numerous galleries to find handcrafted art pieces. The area is also home to some of Asheville’s most popular restaurants and breweries[1].
Interactive Programs: Engage in interactive programs that allow you to get hands-on with art, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
Outdoor Adventures
Asheville is surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Hiking and Biking: Choose from a variety of hiking trails that lead to mountaintops or favorite waterfalls. Enjoy mountain biking along secluded backcountry trails or take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see native wildflowers and visit Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River[2][5].
Water Activities: Experience fishing in cool mountain streams, kayaking along the French Broad River, or paddleboarding in the serene waters. For thrill-seekers, options include ziplining and winter sports like skiing nearby[2][5].
Nature and Wildlife: Asheville is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country, making it perfect for birding and wildlife watching. Explore beautifully manicured gardens or take advantage of local guides for enhanced hiking and horseback riding experiences[5].
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Asheville is rich in cultural and historical attractions that offer a deep dive into its unique heritage.
Museums: Visit the Asheville Art Museum for fine art exhibits, the Pinball Museum to play vintage games, or the antique car museum for a nostalgic experience. The Moog Music Factory and the new Moogseum are must-visits for electronic music enthusiasts[1].
Historical Sites: Explore the childhood home of literary legend Thomas Wolfe, immortalized in his novel Look Homeward Angel[1].
Music Venues: Catch live music at iconic venues like The Orange Peel and Grey Eagle, or enjoy classical performances by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra[1].
Events and Exhibitions
Asheville is always buzzing with events and exhibitions that showcase its vibrant arts and culture scene.
Art Exhibitions: Check out various art exhibitions around the city, such as the Chihuly exhibit at Biltmore Estate, the Bill Viola exhibition at the Asheville Art Museum, or the Ginny Ruffner’s Reforestation of the Imagination Exhibition[4].
Live Music and Shows: Asheville hosts a plethora of live music events, pop-up markets, and other cultural activities that make every weekend unique[4].
Senior-Friendly Activities
For seniors and those over 50, Asheville offers a range of activities that are both enjoyable and accessible.
Guided Walking Tours: Opt for tip-based sightseeing walking tours, guided brewery walking tours, or historic music scene walking tours. There are also privately guided full-day hikes and sunset hikes available[3].
Unique Tours: Consider the Gem Mining and Goat Farm Walking Tour in Hendersonville or the Asheville Coffee Tours for a more relaxed experience[3].
Most Important Facts About Things to Do in Asheville
Diverse Downtown: Downtown Asheville is known for its vibrant city center with independent shops, craft breweries, and exceptional dining options, along with lively street performances and unique shopping experiences[1].
River Arts District: The River Arts District is a hub for artistic expression, featuring hundreds of working artist studios, galleries, and interactive art programs[1].
Outdoor Adventures: Asheville offers extensive outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and ziplining, set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains[2][5].
Cultural Attractions: The city is home to numerous museums, historical sites like Thomas Wolfe’s childhood home, and iconic music venues[1].
Events and Exhibitions: Asheville hosts a variety of art exhibitions, live music events, and cultural activities throughout the year[4].
Senior-Friendly Activities: There are several guided walking tours and unique activities designed to be accessible and enjoyable for seniors and those over 50[3].
