Discover the best things to do in Asheville, NC that make this destination so special from locals who know the ins and outs of the city. From waterfall hiking trails and wineries to hidden gems, live music, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, our guide has something for everyone. All photos, writing, and experiences are our...
Discover the best things to do in Asheville, NC that make this destination so special from locals who know the ins and outs of the city. From waterfall hiking trails and wineries to hidden gems, live music, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, our guide has something for everyone. All photos, writing, and experiences are our own.
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It’s hard to get restless in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cheer for the Asheville Tourists, and gawk at George Vanderbilt’s library. See where Katniss found Peeta hiding in The Hunger Games and head to “District 12.” Hunt ghosts on the town’s purple bus. Play vintage pinball, and Sunday brunch on a rooftop bar. Watch a comedic version of Shakespeare in the Park surrounded by fireflies.
As Asheville residents, these are the things we love to do in our city. For a quick trip, our 36-hour itinerary might better help guide you. Be sure to plan your full Asheville adventure here. Visit our Events Calendar with festivals, and sign up for our newsletter.
Relax with 30 tons of pink salt
Tom and I love the therapeutic Asheville Salt Cave and trust me, we were skeptical at first. Now, I want to go as much as possible; it’s heavenly. Sit surrounded by 30 tons of pure pink salt and water features.
Asheville Salt Cave has a children’s quiet play session and offers services like massages, Hammam, and sound healing concerts. Reservations are required. Afterward, shop for relaxing goodies in their store – we own a salt lamp – and order a healthy bevie to enjoy on their back porch. On a clear day, spy Downtown Asheville.
Hit the hiking trails
It’s no secret that hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest is one of the best things to do in Asheville. Heck, it’s one of the reasons Tom and I moved here. We have quite a few favorite trails (many are slowly re-opening since Helene).
For the best hikes with views, head to Mount Pisgah, Fryingpan Mountain Tower, Craggy Pinnacle, Lover’s Leap, and Max Patch. For short and easy kid-friendly hikes, trek Bearwallow Mountain, Moore Cove Falls, Hooker Falls, and a part of the Laurel River Trail.
When available, consider this popular guided hiking tour with waterfalls and mountain views. Western NC also has great national and state parks like Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Chimney Rock State Park, Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, and Gorges State Park.
Watch a Grove Park Inn sunset
Watching the sunset at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn is a must. It’s also a great couples’ activity. You don’t have to stay on the property to access this gorgeous adult Disney World-like, cabin-feel luxury resort. It’s Asheville lodging at its best. I especially love sitting in a rocking chair in front of the massive stone fireplaces.
We suggest advanced sunset-hour dining reservations at their delicious on-site restaurant, Edison. In November and December, don’t miss their Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. Sip on hot chocolate, and grab gifts in their numerous shops.
Chase breathtaking waterfalls
Chase those waterfalls. Transylvania County is known as the “Land of Waterfalls” with over 200+ waterfalls spanning Western North Carolina. A few of our favorites include Linville, Catawba, Mingo, Crabtree, and Looking Glass Falls.
DuPont State Forest’s Triple Falls was a filming scene for The Hunger Games (do their 3-mile, 3-waterfall hike!). You can also head to Henry River Mill Village where they filmed District 12; it’s a unique tour that we’ve enjoyed.
If you are worried about getting lost or don’t have the right gear, consider taking a guided waterfall tour. You might also enjoy this option with a Jeep excursion.
Wine taste at the beautiful vineyards
As “Uncorked Asheville,” it’s no surprise that drinking wine is one of our top Asheville things to do. Find countless wineries and vineyards around Asheville, especially in Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA in Henderson County and the Tryon Foothills. I most love:
- Souther Williams Vineyard
- St. Paul Mountain Vineyards
- Stone Ashe Vineyards
- Mountain Brook Vineyards
- Eagle Mountain Vineyards & Winery (Travelers Rest, SC)
Gossip at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial & pay your respects at Riverside Cemetery
Thomas Wolfe is a famous Asheville writer (we have loads of great NC authors). He wrote Look Homeward, Angel, a loose retelling of his life growing up in AVL. Admittedly, the book is a little dry and long-winded, but The Thomas Wolfe Memorial tour is not. You also don’t have to be familiar with his story to enjoy this particular Asheville attraction.
I highly recommend taking a guided tour of The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, which is Julia Elizabeth Westall Wolfe’s (his mother) boarding house on Market Street. Then, drive over to Wolfe’s grave at historic Riverside Cemetery. O. Henry is also laid to rest in the gorgeous Victorian-styled cemetery. All of these stops are perfect for Asheville literary travelers like us.
If you enjoy museums and historic sites, head to the Asheville Art Museum filled with American art, or the small Asheville Museum of Science for little geologists who want to see a teratophoneus dinosaur skeleton.
Soak your feet with a massage
Wake Foot Sanctuary is one of the most transcendent things to do in Asheville. Go with friends, family, or your partner. Choose from various soothing foot soaks filled with goodies to replenish and rejuvenate. I enjoy the Salty Beach Rose soak with lavender, jasmine, and rose salts paired with a hand & arm or foot massage. Order tea or wine. Make advanced reservations.
Cruise the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway
Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), WNC’s most popular attraction. Running from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, drive along this 45 mph, two-lane road.
Explore gorgeous waterfalls, hikes, and scenic overlooks. Take a relaxed and small guided BRP waterfall tour. The parkway is prettiest in October – filled with fall foliage hikes – and may close for winter weather. Be sure to check the NPS site for road and gate closures, especially post-Helene.
Discover even more gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway trails near Asheville. Be sure to stop at the seasonal and scenic Pisgah Inn for food. This is our favorite Mount Pisgah area itinerary.
Watch Shakespeare in the Park
One of our favorite free things to do in Asheville includes grabbing dinner at Nine Mile or Tall John’s and watching the Montford Park Players perform a Shakespeare play. Sometimes, they do other plays like The Little Prince. Picture quirky and comedic theater under the stars as fireflies light up the sky most Friday through Sunday evenings, May through October.
Bring or purchase boozy beverages with a picnic. We suggest taking your comfy canvas folding chairs. While tickets are free, leave a donation.
Sip craft cocktails or brunch on a rooftop bar
The poshest Asheville rooftop bars promise weekend brunch, sunsets, small plates filled with Southern favorites, and jaw-dropping views. I most enjoy:
However, you cannot go wrong with places like Capella on 9, Pillar, or Hemingway’s (Cuban food).
Tour Biltmore Estate like a passholder
Touring Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, is one of the top Asheville attractions for first-time visitors. While this is one of the pricer things to do, everyone should go at least once.
Tom and I are annual passholders for the trails, dining, Biltmore Blooms, and special exhibits – plus all of those discounts, including staycations at the Village Hotel. We take all of our visitors here.
Wine taste, walk the gardens, tour Biltmore House, hike, bike, and eat at their delicious restaurants like Cedric’s Tavern or Stable Cafe. Candlelight Christmas Evenings are magical. And yes, Biltmore is for kids too! Buy advanced tickets on Biltmore’s website.
Stay overnight at Biltmore’s gorgeous properties like the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate or The Inn On Biltmore Estate. We (and our family) stay at the Village Hotel for staycations, especially during the Passholder Appreciation months.
See Winter Lights and flowers at The NC Arboretum
We are members of The North Carolina Arboretum and most appreciate their year-round gorgeous nature, hiking, and biking trails. You will either need a membership or to pay for parking per vehicle. See Bonsais and their famous Quilt Garden. I love the NC Arboretum’s rotating special exhibits, which include anything from nature-themed LEGO displays to giant bugs.
In November and December, don’t miss The NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights event. Drink hot chocolate with vegan cookies as nature-themed holiday light displays dance to music. See more Christmas lights across WNC.
If you enjoy gardens, drop into the free Asheville Botanical Garden on the edge of the UNCA campus. This is a great spot for a quick nature walk or picnic. They also have a Visitor Center (closed in the winter) with souvenirs. Nearby, head to Beaver Lake, just one of the many pretty lakes in and near Asheville.
Devour an unforgettable or award-winning dinner
Nicknamed “Foodtopia” with James Beard award-winning restaurants, it’s no secret that eating out is one of the best things to do in Asheville. We have an entire food and drink guide by mealtime, cuisine, and neighborhood. Trust me, Tom and I are major foodies and eat out often.
A few of our top restaurants as locals include:
- Plant – Asheville’s ridiculously good vegan restaurant
- Zambra – Perfect date night restaurant and wine bar
- Posana – Dedicated GF kitchen (Celiac household here)
- Bone & Broth – North Asheville neighborhood tavern
- Nine Mile – Caribbean-inspired, allergy-friendly food
- Cúrate – James Beard & fine dining
- Neng Jr.’s – You’ll want to lick the sauce right off your plate at this Asian restaurant
Play vintage arcade games
If you are looking for something fun to do on a rainy day, play vintage arcade games behind the Historic Grove Arcade at the Asheville Pinball Museum. Find older games like Donkey Kong and Frogger, video consoles for Nintendo and Super Nintendo, and pinball machines. There’s a similar museum in Hendersonville.
Learn about critters at the WNC Nature Center*
*Temporarily closed this winter 2025 due to Helene.
For kid-friendly things to do in Asheville, meet our furry locals at the WNC Nature Center. See black bears, owls, wolves, otters, and red pandas. Find exploration stations and themed playground areas. Wide and paved walking paths are stroller-friendly. If you are a Buncombe County library card holder, reser
