50 Things to Do in Asheville, N.C. | Asheville, NC’s Official Travel Site

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The North Carolina Arboretum, located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, off the Blue Ridge Parkway and minutes from downtown Asheville. Tour the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Watch “Unto These Hills.” Shop for local crafts, see their painted bears, attend a. A few of our favorites include Mount Mitchell (the highest point in NC), Pisgah National Forest, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, the Linn Cove.
 
 

Places to see around asheville north carolina. Things to Do in the Asheville Area

 

 

38 Best & Fun Things To Do Asheville (NC) – Attractions & Activities.

 

There are now around in the wild, and others in captivity. One of our favorite things to do in Asheville is visit the acre Western North Carolina Nature Center , which connects people with the native plants and animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their beloved wolves have been known to howl in unison when the mood strikes. Downtown Asheville has an astounding array of critically acclaimed restaurants for a square-mile mountain town with a population of less than , people.

Looking for more exotic fare? The French Broad River winds its way right through the heart of Asheville. The river is lined with lush, verdant parks that are perfect for picnics and recreation. Rafting the French Broad River is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville with kids, or a group of friends. The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been offering guided white water rafting trips here longer than anyone else. 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.

Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, the park was created in and named for lumber tycoon George Willis Pack who died just six years later. You can see everything from indie book and record stores to trendy clothing boutiques, an old-timey general store, lively brewpubs and more in a span of just a few blocks. The Linville River is situated approximately 1, feet below the ridge, so hiking Linville Gorge is most enjoyable for those who like a somewhat strenuous challenge.

In addition to bears, foxes, raccoons, hawks, and other wildlife , the area is also a haven for fly fishing in North Carolina. Anglers come here from all over the US, hoping to hook their limit of well-stocked brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Hiking down into Linville Gorge is an intense, all-day affair. One of the first national forests in the eastern United States, Pisgah National Forest encompasses more than , acres of the southern Appalachian Mountains. This gorgeous haven offers lots of things to do near Asheville NC for hiking, camping and mountain biking enthusiasts.

Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures offers half-day, full-day, multi-day, and even nighttime tours guided by locals who know the area like the back of their hand. Best of all, they can customize your Pisgah mountain bike adventure to match your style and ability, whether you prefer climbing, downhill, or single-track riding! Check out Rumbling Bald Mountain, which features 1, acres of world class technical rock climbing and around 1, boulders to conquer.

All are easily accessible by car. Stretching miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway attracts more than 15 million annual visitors a year.

The world-renowned scenic route passes through Asheville, making it easy to explore the remarkable array of majestic mountains , lush valleys, and fertile forests that surround the city. But there are loads of breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks , not to mention many noteworthy landmarks. There are also plenty of Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails to explore, many of which lead to wondrous waterfalls.

The shortest is of them all is also the most rewarding. The trek to the summit from the parking lot is moderately strenuous due to the sharp incline. The park also offers loads of camping options, a restaurant and concession stand, and an exceptional picnic area that includes 40 tables and two shelters with fireplaces. Located less than 40 miles from Asheville near Brevard NC , Blue Ridge Parkway milepost offers a chance to see two excellent attractions in one stop. Looking Glass Rock is named for the fact that it often ices over in winter, reflecting sunlight from its stony summit.

The Looking Glass Rock Trail gains 1, feet of elevation in 3. Scott Fitzgerald to Franklin Roosevelt. However, the inn and surrounding area may now be best known for the filming of Dirty Dancing. But there is much more than scenery to keep you busy, including hiking, rock climbing and nature explorations. Kids enjoy the Great Woodland Adventure, an easy trail on which Grady the Groundhog teaches about the woods and its inhabitants. Designated The State Theatre of North Carolina since , Flat Rock Playhouse has produced and provided high-quality theatre experiences for the region for decades.

Each year the Playhouse features top professionals from across the country in major productions such as Mamma Mia , West Side Story , South Pacific and more. Tens of thousands of patrons of the arts turn out annually for major musicals, engaging plays, musical concert series and a spectacular Christmas show worthy to be a tradition in any family.

Sandburg and his family moved to Connemara Farm in , a plus-acre former estate that became a working farm on which to raise Mrs. Visitors can tour the Sandburg home , visit the farm and hike on more than 5 miles of trails. The 1. Notable nearby: Visitors and locals also are drawn around the corner from Connemara to the village with its quaint shops along Little Rainbow Row, complemented by the tasty treats at Flat Rock Bakery and Hubba Hubba Smokehouse.

With two state parks and two national parks in its backyard, the charming town of Brevard is a prime gathering spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Notable nearby: Brevard also hosts a number of annual festivals and cycling events. Black Mountain invites visitors to settle in and treat the old-fashioned town as their very own front porch.

Stroll along the quiet downtown lanes and discover numerous gift shops, galleries and Appalachian-style craft stores. Expect a variety of nightly music at the local venues, where you can sample N. Gary Carter is an Asheville-based writer who covers a range of topics for magazines, online publications and blogs.

 
 

Places to see around asheville north carolina

 
 
Check out the fine art exhibits at the Asheville Art Museum , find vintage games at the Pinball Museum yes, you can play! It is strongly advised to try their craft beer as a perfect complement to meat dishes. Asheville has no shortage of beer. Henry are buried here. Wake Foot Sanctuary.