17 Fun Things To Do In Asheville NC

Asheville is the largest city in western North Carolina and is known as a haven for art, folk music, and microbreweries. The city has even been named “Beer City USA” by online voters several times. Check out our list of fun and adventurous things to do in Asheville North Carolina.

1.) Hit Up Breweries

Asheville has more than 30 independent craft breweries within its vicinity. And with numerous beer festivals throughout the year, you’re sure to have your fill of hops at one or more of these gatherings! Notable events include Beer City Festival, Brewgrass Festival, Bruisin’ Ales, Funk Asheville: Harvest Fest, Pisgah Brewing Anniversary Party, Oktoberfest-Asheville, Black Mountain WinterFest, Highland Brewing Company’s Hootenanny. 2.) Cruise over to Biltmore Estate Biltmore House, the largest privately-owned house in the United States, is an attraction unto itself. Surrounded by a 250-acre park with lakes and hiking trails, you can also marvel at seasonal gardens that change with the seasons – lookout for azaleas in springtime – or visit the winery to sample some vino before visiting The Stable, a quaint shopping area adjacent to the estate.

2.) Take A Trip Through History

At Thomas Wolfe’s childhood home Whether you’ve been moved to tears by his writing or not, you should take a moment to pay your respects to North Carolina’s most famous author at his final resting place. In addition, don’t miss browsing Wolfe’s childhood home and other buildings on the property, which has been transformed into the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.

3.) Get Outdoors

Get outdoors at one of Asheville’s many scenic locations. No matter what time of year you visit, there are countless opportunities for outdoor activity. Take a dip in the historic bathhouse or hike through fields and forests to get up close with nature at Bent Creek Forest, look out over the city from atop Beaucatcher Mountain, or go on an adventure at Chimney Rock Park. 5.) Visit Biltmore Village for upscale shopping Biltmore Village is home to some great local shops like Happy Ivy Corner Mercantile (jewelry), 3 Graces (women’s clothing), and Blue Moon (knick-knacks). But if you’re looking for something more mainstream, head to the mall, where you’ll find Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, and other national retailers.

4.) Stroll Through Downtown Asheville

Stroll down Lexington Avenue for a glimpse into Asheville’s past at the historic Woolworth Walk, stop by Pack Place for an eclectic variety of offerings from children’s theater to artistic exhibits at its many galleries, or check out curio shops along Battery Park.

5.) Take Advantage of Free Entertainment

During Biltmore Village, Friday Night Flicks Free outdoor movies are shown weekly in Biltmore Village between June-August. Bring chairs and blankets to enjoy classics under the stars at this popular event.

6.) Lose Yourself Among Record Stores & Vintage Shops

In addition to home decor, boutiques also line the streets of Biltmore Village where you’ll find vintage shops like Trash and Vaudeville and less traditional stores like Grease, which sells both new and secondhand clothing.

7.) Get your caffeine fix at these spots

Jolt Coffee Co.: “You’ve got a friend in coffee,” is the motto of this quaint spot next to The Orange Peel music venue that roasts its own beans on-site using an old gas station model roaster. Tastings are available daily. Barista Parlor: With all the trappings of a hipster haven – record player in the bathroom, Edison light fixtures, bicycles hanging from the ceiling – this popular coffee house is sure to inspire nostalgia for 1920s industrial aesthetics with its antique furniture and exposed brick walls. The Market Place: If you’re looking for coffee with an eclectic twist, look no further than this rooftop café that offers up rustic views of downtown Asheville. The cuisine is primarily Mediterranean-inspired and features options like the almond milk latte to pair with your meal.

8.) For Shopaholics

Pack Square Shops Atop one of nine interconnected basements, Pack Square Shops are home to over 30 stores including Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, J Crew, Cheesecake Factory, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, L’Occitane en Provence, Louis Vuitton, GNC, and Jewelers Outlet Store.

9.) Spend A Day Exploring Biltmore Estate

A self-guided audio tour of the Biltmore Estate is available any time during regular business hours. For $66 per adult, you’ll get exclusive access to 8,000 acres of luxurious landscaping and architecture designed by George Washington Vanderbilt II in 1895.

10.) Go Antiquing Downtown Asheville

Asheville is home to over 20 antique shops that offer furniture, accessories, jewelry, lamps, mirrors, clocks, paintings, and more for sale at reasonable prices. The Antique Mall on College Street has the largest selection with over 50 stores in one place.

11.) Grab A Beer

The World’s largest brewpub, New Belgium Brewery, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013, produces seven year-round beers along with numerous seasonal brews including Fat Tire and Shift. The brewery’s flagship restaurant has 200 seats and is the largest brewpub in the world, with a capacity of serving 500 beers at once.

12.) Get Outside

Hike & camp Hike Mountains to Sea Trail, which passes through 20 counties in North Carolina and links some 50,000 acres for hikers at designated points. You can also opt to go camping and glamp (glamour + camping) with these stylish tepees available to rent at Three Barn Campground in Fairview near Asheville

13.) For The Kids

Horseback riding is offered year-round on trails including three hard-packed gravel loops — Serenity, Sweet Dreams, and Solitude — that are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Blue Ridge Stables.

14.) Get Your Adrenaline Rush

Raft, ski & ride zip-lines, and ropes courses are available for the more adventurous souls who want an extra thrill while in Asheville. Head out west to Bent Creek Ranch, which offers unguided zipping options or guided mountain biking and kayaking rentals. And don’t forget to try your luck at Westgate River Ranch, a family-friendly ranch with two golf courses where you can also go horseback riding this summer! Winter activities like tubing and skiing are still alive and kicking in Asheville — just head further west to Cataloochee or east to Sugar Mountain depending on what you’re for.

15.) For Vintage Lovers

Stop by Paxton Gate Founded in 1992, this home décor shop offers up exotic plants, fountains, and garden accents alongside retro gifts like taxidermy animals and kitschy lawn ornaments. There’s also an adjacent greenhouse that sells cacti, carnivorous plants, and other unique flora year-round.

16.) Take A Ride Down “The Flume”

Ride the historic scenic railway The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs year-round excursions along the 86-mile track between Bryson City and Dillsboro. There are also special events like themed rides for fall foliage, Santa’s journeys in December, and specialty rides like wine tastings throughout the year.

17.) Check Out One of America’s First Craft Distilleries

Located inside a circa 1805 gristmill, Catawba Island Distilling Co. was started by two friends with a passion for spirits who were looking to bring their own Kentucky bourbon north. The company now specializes in authentic family recipes for corn whiskey, moonshine, vodka, and gin that are crafted using traditional methods.

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